Iraq Explained -- ISIS, Syria and War

Summary

The video discusses the chaotic aftermath of the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, which led to sectarian violence between Sunni and Shia factions. It explores the rise of ISIS, fueled by Iraq's power vacuum, sectarian oppression, and foreign interventions. The script highlights the brutal tactics of ISIS, the instability in Iraq, and the complex regional dynamics involving Saudi Arabia, Iran, and other players. It emphasizes how the failure to include all factions in Iraq's rebuilding process led to a cycle of violence, with the international community now contemplating cooperation to combat ISIS.

Takeaways

• 😀 The U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, based on allegations of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, led to long-term instability.
• 😀 The U.S. did not have a clear plan for post-invasion Iraq, leading to sectarian violence between the Sunni and Shia populations.
• 😀 Saddam Hussein, a Sunni dictator, was ousted, and the Shia majority began oppressing Sunnis, fueling resentment and uprisings.
• 😀 The U.S. invasion inadvertently created the conditions for terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda to gain a foothold in Iraq.
• 😀 Iraq became a breeding ground for terrorism, with Sunni rebel forces and local military groups fighting against U.S. troops and the Iraqi government.
• 😀 The conflict in Iraq grew into a bloody civil war by 2006, and the population became divided along religious lines.
• 😀 Sunni and Shia Islam are two main branches of Islam, and their hardliners are often hostile toward one another, with Saudi Arabia and Iran supporting opposing factions.
• 😀 ISIS, originally the Islamic State in Iraq (ISI), grew stronger and more radical, eventually expanding into Syria during the Arab Spring of 2010.
• 😀 ISIS' brutality shocked even other extremist groups, as it enacted extreme violence, including massacres, beheadings, and strict religious laws in areas it controlled.
• 😀 By 2014, ISIS had captured large parts of Iraq, including Mosul, becoming the richest terrorist group in the world and further destabilizing the region.
• 😀 The Iraqi government, led by the Shia prime minister, faced corruption, ineffectiveness, and a lack of loyalty from the army, leading to ISIS' rapid territorial gains.

Q & A

Why did the US invade Iraq in 2003?

The US invaded Iraq in 2003 based on allegations that the country had connections to terrorism and was developing weapons of mass destruction.

What happened after the US invasion of Iraq?

After the invasion, the US quickly toppled Saddam Hussein's regime but lacked a clear plan for governing Iraq. This power vacuum allowed sectarian tensions between the Sunni and Shia populations to rise, eventually leading to a civil war.

What role did Saddam Hussein play in the conflict in Iraq?

Saddam Hussein was a brutal dictator who belonged to the Sunni minority and oppressed the Shia majority in Iraq. His regime was overthrown after the US invasion, but the sectarian conflict between Sunnis and Shias escalated after his removal.

How did sectarian divisions affect Iraq after the US invasion?

After the US invasion, the Shia majority took control and began oppressing the Sunni minority, leading to a Sunni rebel uprising. This sectarian violence contributed to the rise of terrorist groups like al-Qaeda in Iraq and the eventual formation of ISIS.

What was the consequence of the US invasion on terrorism?

The US invasion, while aimed at eliminating terrorism, inadvertently created the conditions for the rise of ISIS. Iraq became a training ground for terrorist groups, and ISIS was able to gain power and control over large parts of Iraq and Syria.

What are the main differences between Sunni and Shia Islam?

Sunni Islam makes up about 80% of the Muslim world, while Shia Islam comprises about 20%. The two branches have deep theological and historical differences, and their hard-liners often have hostile relations with each other.

How did ISIS gain strength during the Syrian Civil War?

ISIS, originally the Islamic State in Iraq (ISI), expanded during the Syrian Civil War by taking advantage of the chaos. They fought against other rebel groups and gained control over parts of both Iraq and Syria, building a brutal and strict Islamic state.

What were some of the brutal tactics employed by ISIS?

ISIS became infamous for its extreme violence, including massacres, suicide bombings, executions, hostage-taking, and beheadings. Their actions shocked even other radical groups like al-Qaeda and Saudi-backed militants.

What was the situation in Iraq after the US withdrawal?

After the US withdrawal, the Shia-led government of Iraq, under Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, became corrupt and discriminatory towards the Sunnis. The Iraqi army struggled with loyalty, leading to the collapse of its forces and the rise of ISIS.

Why did ISIS become so wealthy and powerful?

ISIS became extremely wealthy after capturing large amounts of money from Iraqi banks, particularly in Mosul. This made them the richest terrorist organization in the world, which allowed them to fund their operations and expand their territory.