The Islamic State: How Its Leadership Is Organized

Summary

The Islamic State (IS) governs vast territories in Syria and Iraq, with an estimated 8 million people living under its rule. At the helm is Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who serves as the self-declared caliph. The organization operates with a complex bureaucratic structure, including deputies, governors, and councils responsible for military, legal, financial, and media affairs. Key decisions are made at the Emirate level, while various councils manage daily operations. Despite being unrecognized by any country, IS functions as a pseudo-state with a firm grip on its acquired regions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Islamic State (ISIS) controls thousands of square miles, with around 8 million Syrians and Iraqis living under its rule.
• 😀 Approximately 100,000 individuals swear allegiance to the Islamic State, though no other country recognizes it as a legitimate state.
• 😀 The Islamic State operates like a government with a bureaucratic hierarchy, led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who functions similarly to a commander-in-chief.
• 😀 The exact chain of command within the Islamic State is not publicly outlined, but experts have mapped out its leadership structure.
• 😀 Abu Ali al-Anbari is in charge of Syria, and Abu Muslim al-Maani oversees Iraq. Both were former generals under Saddam Hussein.
• 😀 The three top leaders—al-Baghdadi and his two deputies—are referred to collectively as 'Al Imara,' which makes key strategic and policy decisions for ISIS.
• 😀 Below the top leadership, there are 12 governors who oversee the Islamic State's 12 provinces. Nine councils report to the deputies and manage various aspects of governance.
• 😀 The Leadership Council is responsible for making laws and handling important decisions, though these require approval from al-Baghdadi.
• 😀 The Shura Council provides advice on religious and military matters and is composed of nine members well-versed in Islamic law.
• 😀 Specialized councils handle different functions: Military (defense), Legal (family disputes and punishments), Security (internal policing), Intelligence (gathering enemy information), Financial (handling revenue), Fighters Assistance (supporting foreign jihadists), and Media (public relations, executions, and social media).

Q & A

Who is at the top of the Islamic State's leadership hierarchy?

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is at the top of the Islamic State's leadership, functioning similarly to a commander-in-chief.

How many people live under the Islamic State's control in Syria and Iraq?

Approximately 8 million Syrians and Iraqis live in territory controlled by the Islamic State.

What are the names and roles of al-Baghdadi's top deputies?

Al-Baghdadi has two top deputies: Abu Ali al-Anbari, responsible for Syria, and Abu Muslim al-Almani, responsible for Iraq. Both were former generals under Saddam Hussein.

What is the collective term used for al-Baghdadi and his top deputies?

They are collectively referred to as Al-Imara.

What is the role of the Leadership Council in the Islamic State?

The Leadership Council makes laws and handles important decisions, which are subject to approval by al-Baghdadi. Members theoretically have the right to depose the caliph.

What functions does the Shura Council serve?

The Shura Council advises the Leadership Council on religious and military matters and is composed of nine people versed in Islamic law.

Which council is responsible for military operations and defense?

The Military Council manages fighting and defense of the Islamic State's territory, overseeing more than 25,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.

How does the Legal Council contribute to the Islamic State's governance?

The Legal Council handles family disputes, religious infractions, recruitment of followers, and decisions on punishments, often including executions.

What is the role of the Financial Council?

The Financial Council functions as the treasury of the Islamic State, managing oil and weapons sales, as well as overseas cash estimated in the millions of dollars.

How does the Media Council operate within the Islamic State?

The Media Council issues official pronouncements, manages social media and communications, and coordinates with the Legal Council on publicity surrounding executions.

What does the Fighters Assistance Council do?

The Fighters Assistance Council supports foreign jihadists by providing housing and helping smuggle fighters into and out of Iraq and Syria.

How is the Islamic State structured in terms of provinces?

There are 12 governors who manage the Islamic State's 12 provinces and report to al-Baghdadi's deputies.