What Does ISIS Want?

We now know about the origins of ISIS, but what exactly are its goals? What does it hope to accomplish? The short answer to that question is to establish a caliphate. But upon further analysis, it is more complex than that.

How big of  threat is ISIS to the United States? Is this something that should be a priority for US military or is this more of a regional threat that should be handled by countries in the Middle East?

Source: http://www.statista.com/chart/3231/americans-view-isis-as-their-greatest-threat/

Read the following articles to find out more about what ISIS is trying to accomplish and how they are going about it. Are they a threat to Americans? After reading several of the articles and watching the video below (use your earbuds), create two lists: ISIS Goals & ISIS Tactics. Also, assess the threat ISIS poses to the United States. On a scale of 1-10, how worried should we be?

Beheading Video Sends Brutal Message to America: What Does ISIS Want?

ISIS Goals and Possible Future Gains

How Serious a Threat is ISIS?

ISIS Wants to Establish a Caliphate

ISIS Goals and Tactics (video)

What ISIS Really Wants

ISIS & Kidnapping: Should Countries Pay Ransom for Kidnapped Hostages

One of the ways that ISIS funds its operations is through kidnappings and ransoms, primarily from western countries. However, not all countries, including the United States, negotiate with the terrorists and refuse to pay ransom for the hostages. ISIS has executed those hostages and publicized their deaths (often by beheading), through social media.





Should countries accede to terrorists' ransom demands, or allow innocent people to be killed, often in gruesome and public ways?


The Fate of 23 Hostages

Should Nations Just Pay ISIS Ransom?

Why Countries Should Think About Paying Ransoms

Should the US Pay Ransom for ISIS Hostages

Paying Ransoms, Europe Bankrolls Terrorism

After reading the above articles and watching the videos, write an editorial arguing either for or against countries paying ransom for hostages. Include specific reasons for your position.

Standard--Integration of Knowledge and Ideas:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.7
Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, as well as in words) in order to address a question or solve a problem.

ISIS and the Obama Administration Response

The Frontline video presented a critical look at the rise of ISIS and the Obama administration's handling of the situation. Several former administration officials and national security experts question the lack of military assistance and continued support of Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki in 2014.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think the rise of ISIS in Syria and Iraq could have been slowed by a faster and stronger military response by the United States? Why did the Obama administration wait to intervene?

2. How did the U.S. support for Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki contribute to the problems in Iraq?

3. Should the U.S. supply Syrian rebel fighters in their fight against ISIS and the Syrian government? What danger is there in providing them with weapons?


Yesterday, President Obama formally requested an Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) from Congress to help combat ISIS. In addition to the resolution, here is the letter he sent Congress explaining his request.

The White House web page offers an overview of the President's proposal and rationale for the request: The AUMF against ISIL: What You Need to Know

The Origins of ISIS

A year ago, very few people in the United States knew about or were talking about ISIS. Today, they dominate the news and most Americans are aware of their actions in Syria and Iraq. However, many of us wonder where did they come from? Who started ISIS? How did it grow so quickly?

The roots of ISIS: Read the following article and this article about the origins of ISIS. As you read, define/note how each of the following are involved in the formation of ISIS.

1. Abu Musab al-Zarqawi
2. The 2003 invasion of Iraq
3. AQI
4. the "Awakening"
5. Prime Minister Maliki & the Shiite-Sunni conflict
6. US Withdrawal from Iraq
7. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi
8. Syrian Civil War
9. Mosul

ISIS

Our next area of focus is on the Middle East, specifically ISIS and their activity in Syria and Iraq.

To begin, I would like you to share what you know (or think you know) about ISIS and the current conflict as well as what questions you have about them. Please record your answers and questions using this link.


Ten Things You Need to Know About ISIS




The Rise of ISIS