Write 700 Words At Least To Answer This Question

Write 700 Words At Least To Answer This Questionwhat Were The Reasons

Write 700 Words At Least To Answer This Question: what were the reasons for the emergence of al-Qaida and then ISIS in Iraq? Try to assess them in order of importance and explain. Use a minimum of 4 sources. Chicago style, using endnotes and properly formatted.

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Paper For Above instruction

The emergence of al-Qaida and subsequently ISIS in Iraq represents a complex confluence of political, social, religious, and geopolitical factors that coalesced over decades to create the fertile ground for these extremist groups’ rise. Understanding these causes requires an examination of the historical context, regional dynamics, and international influences that played pivotal roles. In this essay, I argue that the primary reasons for their emergence include the legacy of authoritarian rule and oppressive governance, the destabilization following the 2003 Iraq invasion, regional sectarian tensions, and the geopolitical manipulations by larger powers. These factors, in order of importance, created a volatile environment that facilitated the rise of these jihadist movements.

First and foremost, Iraq’s political landscape under Saddam Hussein’s dictatorship fostered an environment of repression and sectarian division. Saddam’s regime, characterized by brutal authoritarianism, marginalized certain sects and ethnic groups, particularly the Shia majority, which he perceived as threats to his Sunni-dominated government. This repression fostered deep-seated grievances among Shia populations, which later became exploited by extremist groups seeking to mobilize sectarian identities. The suppression also limited political avenues for Shia groups, pushing parts of the population towards radicalism and underground militancy, creating a pool of potential recruits for al-Qaida and later ISIS.^1

The 2003 invasion of Iraq by the United States significantly destabilized the country’s fragile political order. The overthrow of Saddam Hussein resulted in power vacuums, fragmentation of state institutions, and the collapse of order, which extremist groups swiftly exploited. The disbanding of the Iraqi army and the de-Baathification policies left many Sunni Iraqis unemployed and alienated from the new political order, exacerbating feelings of marginalization and resentment. These Sunni disenfranchised groups became fertile ground for insurgency, giving rise to al-Qaida in Iraq (AQI), which capitalized on the chaos and disenchantment to grow its ranks.^2 The chaos of post-invasion Iraq created a vacuum that jihadist groups filled, gaining territorial control and establishing a governance framework that was enforced through violence and terror.³

Regional sectarian tensions, especially between Sunni and Shia populations, further deepened the conditions conducive to extremism. Iran’s support of Shia militias and the narrative of defending Shia interests across Iraq and broader the Middle East played a significant role. These sectarian dynamics were manipulated by groups like ISIS, which sought to position itself as the leader of Sunni Muslims and as a bulwark against Shia influence, particularly Iranian influence. The sectarian violence, fueled by foreign interventions and regional rivalries, entrenched divisions that made coexistence difficult and provided groups like ISIS with a rallying cry rooted in sectarian identity and defense.^4

Geopolitical interests also contributed substantially to the rise of these groups. Major powers, including the United States and Iran, pursued strategic interests in Iraq that often marginalized local populations and fueled instability. U.S. policies aimed at establishing democracy inadvertently created power struggles and overlooked the sectarian and ethnic fault lines, which groups like ISIS exploited to their advantage. Meanwhile, Iran’s support for Shia militias and influence in Iraqi politics cemented sectarian divides and provided regional backing for Shia factions, thus deepening the sectarian and political fragmentation required for ISIS to flourish.^5

In conclusion, the primary reasons for the emergence of al-Qaida and ISIS in Iraq are rooted in the country’s history of repression, the chaos incited by the 2003 invasion, sectarian divisions exacerbated by regional and international influences, and geopolitical interests that destabilized the region. These factors interacted dynamically, creating an environment where extremist ideologies could take root and thrive. The rise of these groups reflects broader issues of governance, foreign interference, and sectarianism that continue to challenge stability in Iraq and the broader Middle East.

List of Sources

1. Gelvin, James L. The New Middle East: What Everyone Needs to Know. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014.
2. Johnsen, Gregory D. "The Rise of ISIS." Great Decisions, 2016.
3. Chulov, Martin. "ISIS: The Inside Story." The Guardian, December 11, 2014.
4. Hussain, Murtaza. "How Iran Won the U.S. War in Iraq." The Intercept, 2016.
5. Filkins, Dexter. "Did George W. Bush Create ISIS?" The New Yorker, May 2015.