By Emma Calvert, Staff writer
ISIS, Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, is a terrorist organization that has taken over parts of Syria and Iraq. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, now called by his followers, Al-Khalifah Ibrahim, is the leader of ISIS. ISIS’s goal is to establish an Islamic state across Sunni areas in both Iraq and Syria, which is ruled with Shariah law. Shariah law as a legal system is very strict and conservative, especially on women. Compared to al Qaeda, ISIS has a lot more money and funding going into the terrorist program.
President Obama decided to launch war in Iraq to fight the extremist group. He did this without going through congressional approval, which is allowed because of President Bush’s Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002. President Obama’s decision has caused controversy across the U.S. But, the majority of U.S. citizens want the U.S. to take action and defeat the extremist group.
Recently, the U.S. has made an alliance with France, Australia, and 13 Arab countries including Syria and Iraq to end the terrorist group. The U.S. is launching an air strike on the terrorist group in Baghdad. Iraq and its allies, are fighting for control of Baghdad. ISIS is being very aggressive despite international airstrikes. As a result, Iraqi militants are taking a more defensive approach, but are still confident in their abilities to defeat ISIS and regain control of Baghdad.
ISIS continues to make advances on Syrian territory and is nearing Turkey’s border, but Turkey is hesitant on entering the ground war. Turkey does not want to get involved, even when they see bordering cities like Kobani, becoming captured by ISIS soldiers. Huge protests are now happening across Turkey–either for or against involvement in the war.