The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) Seizing Large Regions
ISIS is a Sunni and Jihadist extremist rebel group in Iraq and Syria. The United Nations along with the European Union, the UK, the U.S., Australia, Canada, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, the UAE and Israel have all declared ISIS as a terrorist organization. The group’s actions have been criticized worldwide. ISIS originated as Al-Qaeda, changing the name to ISIS in April 2013. They have long posed a threat, but in 2008 they gained significant attention due to their methods of killing, including suicide attacks on civilians and holding prisoners hostage. They are also known for posting videos of their be-headings onto the Internet. This year the militant group expanded its territory, taking control over nine Syrian provinces, Egypt, and Libya, waging war with all of the governments in the region. The Wall Street Journal estimates the size of the areas under ISIS’ control amount to “an area the size of Belgium.”