Breaking news has been surrounding ISIS recently. Many students know the name, but are confused about the implications. The Beacon breaks down everything you need to know about ISIS and the U.S. government’s involvement.

What is ISIS?

ISIS stands for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. They are a terrorist group that has gained significant power this year in the Middle East.

Is it different from ISIL?

ISIS is also referred to as ISIL, which stands for the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, the region also known as the eastern Mediterranean. The two titles are interchangeable.

Where did they come from?

ISIS is a former branch of Al Qaeda that broke off and is no longer supported by the terrorist group.

Why did Al Qaeda sever ties with ISIS?

Al Qaeda claimed that ISIS was ruining the name and image of the organization. ISIS used the split to their own advantage, saying that it proved they were a force to be reckoned with.

What have they done so far?

They have taken over multiple northern and western cities in Iraq, as well as multiple northern and eastern cities in Syria. In other highly populated areas where ISIS is not under complete control, like Iraq’s capital city Baghdad, attacks are routinely carried about by the group.

ISIS has also executed several Western journalists, including U.S. journalists James Foley and Steve Sotloff. Both executions were shown in graphic videos distributed on the internet in the past month.

What is their goal?

The ultimate goal of the group is to create a large Islamic state in the Middle East that would spread to different parts of the world (refer to the name, Islamic State.) The Islamic state would also be of the Sunni sect of Islam, as opposed to the Shiite sect. The two sects have seen conflict for centuries, and is one of the roots of the goals of ISIS.

How is the American government intervening?

So far, President Obama has ordered precise airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq in hopes to weaken and ultimately defeat ISIS. While the future of the U.S.’s involvement in Iraq and Syria is still unclear, Obama is determined to eliminate the threat that is ISIS.

What are the implications of the US involvement?

There are all sorts of speculation on what getting involved with ISIS could mean. Some say that U.S. airstrikes alone could help to end ISIS, while others think that involvement could plunge the U.S. into another war. There is no likely outcome at this point in time.