The Rise of the Islamic State is a prevalent and resilient phenomenon that has developed over the years, despite efforts from various governments and organizations to curb its growth. Founded by Osama bin Laden in 1988, the group has evolved from its origins as a moderate political movement to an extreme and violent terrorist organization. Its primary goal has always been to establish an Islamic caliphate, a transnational Islamic state based on the principles of Sharia law.
Origins of the Group
The group was born out of the mujahedeen’s resistance against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan in the 1980s. In the 1990s, its anti-Western sentiments further fueled its extremist ideology. The group’s leader, Osama bin Laden, was known for his strong anti-western views, which were thought to be a major factor in the eventual rise of the group.
The group initially focused on operating in various countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Syria. However, in 2006, it rebranded itself as Islamic State (IS) and shifted its focus to Iraq and Syria, where it gained a substantial following. From there, it expanded to other countries, including Libya, Tunisia, and Egypt.
After gaining popularity, the group launched a series of attacks in various regions, earning it notoriety worldwide. The attacks included the 9/11 attacks in the United States, the London bombings in 2005, and the Paris attacks in 2015.
The War Against the Group
In response to the rising threat posed by IS, various nations joined forces to.