EgyptFeatures/Interviews

IS in six questions and answers

In just a few months, IS has turned from a terrorist group into a mini state in Syria and Iraq. Here are a few answers to help understand the group's background and motivation.
 
1: How did it start?
 
The group started in 2013 under the name Islamic State in both Syria and Iraq. 
 
 
2: Who is the leader?
 
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, a man in his forties, declared himself a caliph on his social network site. He succeeded Abu Omar al-Baghdadi who was assassinated by the American forces in 2010.
 
 
3: What is the objective?
 
The group aims to form a caliphate that applies the laws of the Islamic Sharia.
 
 
4: How did it become famous?
 
The group rose to fame on the Internet. It has evaded all attempts to close down its accounts on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook. 
 
 
5: How does it fight?
 
It has garnered support from militants throughout many Arab, European and Asian countries. It funds its wars from the oil wells seized in Iraq.
 
 
 
6: Does it threaten Egypt?
 
The Ansar bait al-Maqdis group that has carried out terrorist operations in Sinai has paid allegiance to IS, but Egyptian security services say it is under control. 
 
 
 
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
 
 

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