Overview
Extremist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS continue to be active globally, with affiliates still highly active. Since ISIS declared a so-called Caliphate in 2014, there have been numerous attacks in Europe and North America. This course will examine the genesis of ISIS from remnants of al-Qaeda in Iraq to Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, solidifying as “Islamic State.” We will look at the dynamics in the region that gave rise to these organizations and the ISIS blitzkrieg throughout parts of Iraq and Syria with al-Qaeda groups fighting back. Participants will also be exposed to the phenomenon of Westerners who joined the group and what became of them. Finally, participants will be introduced to counter-extremism messaging generated worldwide and discuss the response of traditional Sunni Islam to the Khawarij ideology. To understand the correct counter-narrative to refute it, participants will examine commentary from renowned Islamic scholars Muhammad Al Yaqoubi, Abdulhakim Murad, and Hamza Yusuf.