 shocked the world by sweeping across Iraq and Syria.){kind=link}
ISIS Reign of Terror in the Middle East
In 2014, the terror group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) shocked the world by sweeping across Iraq and Syria. This group, unlike many other terror organizations, had big ambitions. ISIS wanted to establish a caliphate — a government based on its strict interpretation of Islamic law — and eliminate anyone who didn’t agree with its beliefs. The group’s rule was marked by horrific acts of violence, including murder, rape, and genocide.
One of the darkest moments in ISIS’s reign came with its genocidal attacks on the Yazidi people in Iraq. ISIS killed at least 5,000 Yazidis and kidnapped tens of thousands, forcing them to convert to their extremist version of Islam. For a time, ISIS controlled large portions of eastern Syria and northern Iraq, including the major Iraqi city of Mosul. By late 2014, the frontline against ISIS was dangerously close to Baghdad.
How the U.S.-Led Coalition Turned the Tide
As ISIS grew more powerful and spread its terror, the world began to take action. A coalition of nations, led by the United States, formed the Defeat-ISIS coalition. This group of countries worked together in a new and effective way to confront the global threat posed by ISIS. Through coordinated military actions, intelligence sharing, and training of local forces, the coalition gradually chipped away at ISIS’s territory.
Today, ISIS no longer controls any significant land. The group’s dream of a caliphate has been crushed. This is largely thanks to the coalition’s efforts. However, according to Alan Matney, the Department of Defense’s coordinator for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, the fight is not over. The ideology that ISIS promoted still exists, and the coalition must stay alert.
Adapting to a Changing Threat
Matney explained that while ISIS no longer holds territory, it is far from defeated. “If we’ve learned anything over the last 10 years,” Matney said, “it’s that this threat does not go away — it changes and adapts.” The coalition has adapted as well, shifting its focus from military operations to intelligence sharing and training.
Over time, the coalition has evolved its strategy to keep up with ISIS’s changing tactics. Matney pointed out that terrorist groups like ISIS constantly assess their strengths and weaknesses. They try to find new ways to exploit vulnerabilities, which is why the coalition must stay one step ahead. “We do the same,” Matney said. “We assess our strengths and adjust our strategies accordingly.”
The Importance of the Global Coalition
By spreading the burden across multiple nations, the coalition has been able to maintain its fight against ISIS without exhausting its resources. This collaboration between countries has made it possible to keep the fight going, even as ISIS attempts to regroup.
While the focus has shifted away from large military operations, the coalition continues to play a crucial role in intelligence sharing. This information helps member countries track ISIS’s movements and prevent future attacks. The coalition also provides counterterrorism training to partner nations, helping them develop the skills needed to defend themselves against threats like ISIS.
Iraq and Syria: Key Partners in the ISIS Fight
In Iraq, the coalition works closely with Iraqi security forces, who have become highly skilled in counterterrorism operations. Matney praised Iraq’s progress, calling them “incredibly skilled” and strong partners in the fight against ISIS. The coalition also supports local forces in Syria, who have developed impressive capabilities over the years.
Thanks to the coalition’s support, ISIS has had a much harder time operating in Iraq and Syria. The group’s ability to launch large-scale attacks in these countries has been severely weakened. However, ISIS has not disappeared. Instead, it has shifted its focus to other regions, including West Africa, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Southeast Asia.
ISIS New Strategy: Operating in the Shadows
With its territorial ambitions crushed, ISIS has returned to being a shadowy terrorist organization. Matney explained that this makes ISIS harder to target with military force. Instead, the coalition must use new approaches, such as intelligence and cooperation with local forces, to counter the group. “It’s kind of seeping back into places where they are hard to find,” Matney said.
The coalition’s flexibility and adaptability have been crucial in dealing with this changing threat. With 87 partner nations, the coalition can draw on a wide range of strengths to confront ISIS in different regions. Matney noted that while the United States may no longer have a strong presence in some places, like Afghanistan or West Africa, other coalition partners can step in to fill the gap.
A New Model for Global Cooperation
One of the unique aspects of the Defeat-ISIS coalition is its structure. The coalition does not function by consensus, in contrast to other international institutions like the United Nations or NATO. This means that every member country gets a say, but no single country can veto decisions.
This allows the coalition to be more nimble and flexible. Matney explained that while some countries may choose not to participate in certain operations, others are willing to step up. “There will be nine or 15 or 20 partners who will be part of it,” he said. “That’s really been powerful.”
This model of cooperation has become an example for other multinational efforts. Matney pointed to the Ukraine Defense Contact Group as a recent example of a similar approach. While this model may not work for every situation, it has proven effective in the fight against ISIS.
Looking Forward: The Future of the Coalition
While ISIS has been pushed back, the threat is far from over. Matney emphasized the need for the coalition to remain vigilant. The group’s ideology persists, and ISIS continues to look for new ways to spread its influence. By working together, the coalition can continue to prevent the group from regaining its former strength.
The coalition has already achieved significant success, but its work is not done. With continued intelligence sharing, training, and cooperation, the Defeat-ISIS’s coalition stands ready to face whatever challenges come next.
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