Write 700 words at least to answer this question: Emergence of al-Qaida and ISIS in Iraq
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. See document for all instruction
Introduction
The emergence of al-Qaida and later ISIS in Iraq was a result of a complex interplay of historical, political, and socio-economic factors. Understanding the reasons for their emergence is crucial to addressing the root causes of terrorism and extremism in the region. This essay aims to assess the reasons for the emergence of al-Qaida and ISIS in Iraq in order of importance and provide an in-depth analysis of each factor.
Historical Background
Iraq has a rich history dating back to the Mesopotamian era. However, its modern history is characterized by colonialism, dictatorship, and war. The country gained independence from Britain in 1932 and was ruled by a monarchy until the 1950s when a series of coups and counter-coups led to the rise of Saddam Hussein, who ruled Iraq from 1979 to 2003. During his rule, Iraq was characterized by political oppression, human rights violations, and wars with Iran and Kuwait. The 1991 Gulf War, in which Iraq was defeated by a US-led coalition, further weakened the country’s economy and infrastructure.
Emergence of al-Qaida in Iraq
The emergence of al-Qaida in Iraq (AQI) can be traced back to the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. The invasion was justified by claims that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), which later turned out to be false. The invasion led to the collapse of Saddam Hussein’s regime and the disbanding of the Iraqi army, which created a security vacuum in the country. AQI, led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, an extremist from Jordan, exploited this vacuum and began carrying out attacks against……..
