ISIS insurgency in Iraq and Syria

Federal Issues

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Executive powers Barack Obama: Vetoed legislation • Executive clemency and presidential pardons
Foreign affairs Congressional investigation of CENTCOM’s intelligence reports on the Islamic State • Iran nuclear agreement: An overview • Bowe Bergdahl exchange • ISIS insurgency in Iraq and Syria • Terrorist attack on U.S. mission in Benghazi, 2012
Economy The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal: An overview • The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership
Natural resources Keystone XL Pipeline political timeline
Healthcare Obamacare overview • Obamacare lawsuits
Immigration President Obama's Immigration Accountability Executive Actions
Abortion Republican effort to defund Planned Parenthood, 2015

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## Contents

* 1 Background
* 1.1 Civilian death toll
* 2 Timeline
* 2.1 Legal authority for air strikes
* 2.2 Coalition members
* 2.3 ISIS cash flow cutoff
* 2.4 Costs
* 2.5 Possible ramifications
* 2.5.1 Three nations
* 2.5.2 Involvement in Syria
* 2.5.3 DOJ local counterterrorism program
* 2.6 Congress approves funding to arm and train Syrian rebels
* 2.6.1 Visa waiver program
* 2.6.2 Syrian bombing permission
* 2.6.3 Congressional approval of air strikes
* 2.6.3.1 Strikes in Syria
* 2.6.4 Citizenship and passport rejections
* 3 Recent news
* 4 See also
* 5 Footnotes

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The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), also known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), is a Sunni offshoot of al-Qaeda. One of the goal's of the terrorist organization is to create a new Islamic state, free of the leadership of the region's Shiite governments.[1] After ISIS took control of large portions of both Iraq and Syria, the United States, under orders from President Barack Obama (D) first ordered support troops be sent to Iraq in order to help coordinate defenses around Baghdad and secure American locations in the region. The first bombing raid in Iraq by the U.S. began on August 8, 2014, and international coalition air strikes expanded to cover Syria on September 23, 2014. The administration and Congress also agreed to allocate additional funding to train Syrian rebels to prevent American and coalition troops from having to engage in combat.

In an effort to dissuade western countries from getting involved, ISIS members released public videos of three beheadings, including two Americans, James Foley and Steven Sotloff. The third was David Haines, a British aid worker.

## Background[edit]

Following the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq, the Iraqi security forces were not well-trained or well-equipped to fight ISIS, which had grown in power due to their actions in the civil war in neighboring Syria. In 2012, former spokesman for the U.S. military in Iraq Major General Jeffrey Buchanan said, "[I]f the Iraqi security forces are not able to put pressure on them, they could regenerate." ISIS' recruiting methods were made easier due to Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's use of power in suppressing Sunni dissent and taking political prisoners.[2] In 2014, following a period of poor relations with ISIS, al-Qaeda disowned the group after more than a decade of cooperation.[3]

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi took control of the group in 2010. Baghdadi spent four years in a U.S. insurgent prison from 2005 to 2009 for his ties to al-Qaeda, creating valuable connections with fellow prisoners before joining and then leading ISIS. When he first took control of the group, it was operated in a way similar to organized crime syndicates, staying spread out and layered, to stay protected. However, over time ISIS grew into a larger operation which took control of large territories. By taking and holding territory, ISIS was able to increase their manpower, capture military bases that provided them with weaponry, and take money from captured banks. ISIS was also able to obtain money through wealthy donors throughout the region.[2]

The goal of ISIS was to create an Islamic state for Sunni Muslims where Sharia law could be enforced, uniting parts of Iraq and Syria where the Sunni minorities live. The Soufan Group, a political risk consultant firm, stated, "ISIS has become indisputably the most effective and ruthless terrorist organization in the world."[2]

### Civilian death toll[edit]

The United Nations estimated that between January 1, 2014, and June 30, 2014, more than 5,500 civilians were killed and more than 11,000 were injured in the ISIS offensive. In 2013, 7,800 civilians were killed in the conflict. Another 1.2 million Iraqis were forced from their homes at the time of the report. The report also examined the "systematic and egregious violations" of international law and war crimes including sexual violence, kidnappings, murders, and attacks on religious worship locations.[4]

## Timeline[edit]

See also: ISIS insurgency timeline

The following is a basic timeline of events throughout the ISIS insurgency in Iraq and Syria, including events in two countries as well as American responses to those events. For a complete explanation of events, visit the ISIS insurgency timeline page.

ISIS insurgency timeline

Date | Event
June 10, 2014 | ISIS took control of Mosul, Iraq.[5]
June 14, 2014 | The U.S. Department of Defense ordered an aircraft carrier to the Persian Gulf.[6]
June 16, 2014 | Two hundred and seventy-five military personnel were moved to the American embassy in Baghdad to protect it.[7]
June 19, 2014 | Three hundred U.S. military advisers were ordered to Iraq in order to help Iraqi forces improve intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.[8]
June 24, 2014 | President Obama briefed all 100 senators on the situation between Iraq, Syria, and ISIS.[9]
June 28, 2014 | United States unmanned drones were deployed above Baghdad to protect U.S. service members and for reconnaissance.[10]
June 30, 2014 | Another 300 U.S. military advisers were ordered to Baghdad.[11]
July 25, 2014 | The U.S. House passed legislation blocking the president from sending ground troops to Iraq without congressional approval by a vote of 370-40.[12]
August 7, 2014 | The U.S. carried out a humanitarian mission to provide needed supplies to over 40,000 Yazidi people trapped in the Sinjar Mountains by ISIS forces. The same day, President Barack Obama authorized the U.S. to carry out air strikes on ISIS targets surrounding the Sinjar Mountains in hopes of creating a way for the Yazidi people to escape ISIS.[13]
August 11, 2014 | Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki was ousted by the president of Iraq on August 11, 2014, a move that brought support from Obama and other heads of state around the world. Haider al-Abadi, of the same political party as Maliki, was nominated to replace Maliki.[14]
August 12, 2014 | President Obama ordered 130 more military advisers to Iraq to manage the humanitarian efforts of the U.S. government.[15]
August 14, 2014 | The combination of United States air strikes and Kurdish forces allowed the Yazidis to escape the Sinjar Mountains.[16]
August 15, 2014 | Prime Minister Maliki agreed to step down.[17]
August 17, 2014 | Air strikes were ordered on ISIS forces surrounding the Mosul Dam.[18]
August 19, 2014 | ISIS released a video portraying the beheading of American photojournalist James Wright Foley.[19]
August 21, 2014 | U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder launched a criminal investigation into the execution of James Foley by ISIS members.[20]
August 26, 2014 | The U.S. military began expanding its mission when President Obama approved unmanned surveillance drone flights over Syria in preparation of possible air strikes against ISIS in the country.[21]
August 30, 2014 | The U.S. and a coalition of European countries provided humanitarian aid drops into the city of Amirli, about 100 miles north of Baghdad, which had been under siege by ISIS forces for nearly two months. The help was requested by the Iraqi government.[22]
September 2, 2014 | ISIS released a video showing the death of American journalist Steven Sotloff.[23]
September 8, 2014 | A new cabinet was established in Iraq under Prime Minister al-Abadi, which allowed the government to move forward in establishing plans against ISIS.[24]
September 10, 2014 | President Obama announced the administration's plan to form a coalition to fight ISIS, as well as a plan to arm and train Syrian rebels fighting against the terrorist group.[25]
September 13, 2014 | ISIS released a video showing the beheading of British aid worker David Haines.[26]
September 19, 2014 | President Obama signed into law congressional authorization for the U.S. military to arm and train Syrian rebels in order to fight ISIS.[27]
September 21, 2014 | ISIS released 46 Turkish hostages captured during the takeover of Mosul.[28]
September 21, 2014 | About 70,000 Kurds fled border towns in Syria to Turkey to escape ISIS advances.[29]
September 23, 2014 | United States and coalition forces attacked ISIS targets in Syria with missile strikes for the first time.[30]

#### Legal authority for air strikes[edit]

On September 12, 2014, it was reported that the Obama administration believed both the 2001 authorization of force against those responsible for the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, and the subsequent 2002 authorization for the war in Iraq were enough to avoid the hurdle posed by the War Powers Act. Under the War Powers Act, any military actions not approved by Congress within 60 days, must halt at the close of that period. The Iraq resolution, in particular, provided statutory authority for air strikes. A senior administration official explained, "The president may rely on the 2001 A.U.M.F. as statutory authority for the military airstrike operations he is directing. As we have explained, the 2002 Iraq A.U.M.F. would serve as an alternative statutory authority basis on which the president may rely for military action in Iraq. Even so, our position on the 2002 A.U.M.F. hasn’t changed and we’d like to see it repealed."[31]

Some members of Congress said that the president did not have the authority to carry out the missile strikes. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) said, "People have some legitimate questions. We ought to ask the questions before we get involved, rather than, you know, once we're in the middle of something." In July 2014, McGovern introduced a resolution that prevented the president from deploying or maintaining U.S. forces “in a sustained combat role in Iraq without specific statutory authorization for such use.” The resolution passed by a vote of 370-40.[32]

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) said, “If this Congress is not careful, it will be as guilty as previous Congresses – which go all the way back to the '60's and the Gulf of Tonkin resolution – in giving away our constitutional authority to the White House. It's not about the president, it is about the precedent.” The following members of Congress also supported a vote: Reps. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Elizabeth Esty (D-Conn.), John Garamendi (D-Calif.), Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) and Jim McDermott (D-Wash.). [32]

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) did not support a vote, explaining, "Hopefully, we don't have to go beyond what the president is doing now [and] we don't need that vote. But we stand ready to have that discussion."[32]

#### Coalition members[edit]

On September 10, 2014, the Saudi Arabian government agreed to host Syrian rebels in order to train and equip them for the fight against ISIS. President Obama asked Congress for $500 million to fund the training and equipment. A senior administration official stated, "We certainly are challenging members of Congress to put aside their partisan affiliations and give the president the authority he needs."[33]

The administration chose retired Marine General John Allen to lead and coordinate the coalition forces fighting ISIS. He was previously the top American commander in Afghanistan, and he served in Iraq prior to that. When asked about ISIS in an August 2014 interview, Allen said, "What we’re facing in northern Iraq is only partly a crisis about Iraq. It is about the region and potentially the world as we know it."[34]

On September 15, 2014, the Obama administration announced that there would be no military coordination with Iran in regard to the coalition's plan to destroy ISIS. A State Department official explained, "I am not going to outline every diplomatic discussion. But we are not and will not coordinate militarily. We will be continuing those talks on the nuclear issue later this week in New York. There may be another opportunity on the margins in the future to discuss Iraq." Iranian Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei spoke out against the coalition, stating, "American officials' comments on forming an anti-Islamic State (alliance) are blank, hollow and self-serving, and contradictions in their behaviours and statements attest to this fact."[35]

* On September 13, 2014, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott agreed to provide aircraft and military advisers to the effort, but he stated that no ground forces would be provided.[36]

* Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi pledged to continue fighting ISIS and halt indiscriminate bombings of areas held by the group in an effort to regain the trust of Sunni Muslims who were previously alienated from the government.[37]

#### ISIS cash flow cutoff[edit]

On September 13, 2014, The New York Times reported that the Obama administration was attempting to cut off the flow of cash to ISIS by talking with the Turkish government. ISIS, one of the most well-funded terrorist groups in history, established a system of sending Iraqi oil across the border to Turkey where the oil was sold on the black market. Turkish government officials said that they could not openly be involved in the fight against ISIS because the group held 49 Turkish diplomats hostage in Iraq. The government also turned down the opportunity to sign a resolution in Saudi Arabia condemning ISIS under the same pretext. A senior adviser for the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) commented on the difficult situation posed by Turkey's lack of action, stating, "Turkey in many ways is a wild card in this coalition equation. It’s a great disappointment: There is a real danger that the effort to degrade and destroy ISIS is at risk. You have a major NATO ally, and it is not clear they are willing and able to cut off flows of funds, fighters and support to ISIS." The Obama administration did not rule out bombing the oil shipments while they were on the way to Turkey.[38]

Estimates on the amount of oil produced by Iraqi wells ranged from 25,000 to 40,000 barrels per day, which could have resulted in as much as $2 million in return on the black market. In addition to the oil smuggling, ISIS imposed taxes on businesses in their territories between 10 and 20 percent of their daily profits, which was estimated to be worth as much as $1 million per day.[38] A September 11, 2014, estimate by the Central Intelligence Agency placed between 20,000 and 31,500 members of ISIS in Iraq and Syria. The numbers were higher than the previous estimate of 10,000, with the group's successes in the two countries helping recruitment.[39]

### Costs[edit]

Starting on June 15, 2014, military operations in Iraq cost an average of $7.5 million per day, according to an August 29, 2014, report by the Pentagon press secretary. The spokesperson commented on the $562 million price tag on the operation to that point, saying, "As our [operational tempo] and our activities have intensified, so, too, has the cost. It changes every day."[40]

### Possible ramifications[edit]

#### Three nations[edit]

Kurdish defenders of northern Iraq believed the country was on track to split back into three territories, as it was prior to the British uniting the territories into modern day Iraq. One colonel, defending the makeshift border, stated, "When the British set up this country in the 1920s they didn't do a good job. Before they were three provinces – Baghdad, Mosul and Basra. I think it will be three provinces again. History will go back to its original format." The Kurdish forces attempted to claim the territory where their people, as well as Christians, Yazidis, Turkmens and Arabs, lived, along with oil-rich locations in the area. On July 11, 2014, they announced their withdrawal from the Iraqi government, choosing instead to attempt to defend their own borders from the ISIS threat.[41]

#### Involvement in Syria[edit]

Because ISIS was making advances in both Iraq and Syria, the Obama administration did not rule out air strikes in Syria in an effort to rid the Middle East of ISIS. Surveillance flights began on August 26, 2014, over Syria to get a grasp on the group's pressure in the country. While bombings of ISIS locations in Syria would potentially help Syrian Prime Minister Bashar al-Assad in his regime's civil war, administration officials were quick to point out that no alliances would be made. White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said, "We are not interested in trying to help the Assad regime." British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond reiterated Earnest's statement, explaining, "We may very well find that we are fighting, on some occasions, the same people that [Assad] is but that doesn't make us his ally. It would not be practical, sensible or helpful to even think about going down that route."[21]

Assad's foreign minister warned the United States about unauthorized air strikes, claiming, "Any strike which is not coordinated will be considered as aggression." President Obama met with Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey on August 25, 2014, to discuss the possibilities of expanding the air strikes into Syria. Dempsey said, "Can they be defeated without addressing that part of their organisation which resides in Syria? The answer is no. That will have to be addressed on both sides of what is essentially at this point a nonexistent border."[21] The Free Syrian Army also warned the United States against conducting air strikes. They said that the air strikes would do too little and only agitate ISIS. A spokesperson explained, "Airstrikes against ISIS inside Syria will not be helpful. Airstrikes will not get rid of ISIS. Airstrikes are like just tickling ISIS."[42]

As of August 25, 2014, ISIS had taken over three Syrian military bases, including an air base. ISIS also held the entire province of Raqqa, which borders Turkey.[43]

On September 10, 2014, President Obama announced permission for the bombing of ISIS locations in Syria. According to the New York Times, on September 13, 2014, Obama said that if American fighter planes were fired upon by the Assad regime, the United States would proceed to bomb all of Syria's ground-to-air missile defense systems, and Assad would possibly be forced out of his leadership position.[25][44]

#### DOJ local counterterrorism program[edit]

On a September 15, 2014, Attorney General Eric Holder announced that the U.S. Department of Justice was teaming up with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the White House, and the National Counterterrorism Center to form a program that would provide local religious and civic leaders the ability to provide information about religious extremists who were possibly involved in terrorist activities. Holder said, "We have established processes for detecting American extremists who attempt to join terror groups abroad. And we have engaged in extensive outreach to communities here in the U.S. — so we can work with them to identify threats before they emerge, to disrupt homegrown terrorists, and to apprehend would-be violent extremists."[45]

While the number of Americans fighting alongside ISIS was unknown as of September 15, 2014, two were confirmed dead from air strikes in Iraq, with total estimates ranging from 12 to 100.[45]

### Congress approves funding to arm and train Syrian rebels[edit]

On September 15, 2014, House Republicans announced that a stopgap funding bill would include funding to train and arm Syrian rebel forces. The bill, produced by the House Armed Services Committee, focused on tracking the number of trainees and weapons, how well the trainees performed on the battlefield, and whether the trainees had terrorist ties. Whether or not they had terrorist ties would not have excluded a person from being trained because it would make it more difficult to recruit trainees. It also laid out the type of equipment that would be provided to the rebels. An aide commented on the arms, stating that the U.S. was providing them for the purpose of being "effective on the ground but not equipping them to be a long-term threat to the U.S. and its allies."[46]

The legislation required Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to provide 15 days notice prior to the start of the program and give Congress full reports every 90 days. Because the bill was a stopgap funding bill, the funding provided by it was set to end on either December 11, 2014, or when the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act was passed. White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest commented on the administration's push to get Congress to pass the bill, stating, "We’ve seen public statements from Democrats and Republicans in senior positions both in the House and the Senate indicate that they support giving the administration the necessary authority to ramp up our assistance to the Syrian opposition by training and equipping them. So we’re gratified by that show of bipartisan public support for this urgent priority."[46][47]

On September 17, 2014, the amendment to the stopgap continuing resolution to arm and train Syrian rebels passed in the House by a vote of 273-156. While the majorities of both parties voted in support of the bill's passage, 85 Democrats and 71 Republicans voted against the measure. On September 18, 2014, it passed the Senate by a vote of 78-22. The following senators voted against the bill:[48][49][50]

Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.)

Mark Begich (D-Alaska)

Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio)

Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.)

Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.)

Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.)

Ed Markey (D-Mass.)

Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)

Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.)

John Barrasso (R-Wyo.)

Tom Coburn (R-Okla.)

Mike Crapo (R-Idaho)

Ted Cruz (R-Texas)

Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.)

Dean Heller (R-Nev.)

Mike Lee (R-Utah)

Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)

Rand Paul (R-Ky.)

Jim Risch (R-Idaho)

Pat Roberts (R-Kan.)

Jeff Sessions (R-Aal.)

Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)

#### Visa waiver program[edit]

Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Texas) questioned whether members of ISIS could come to the U.S. by using western passports. He said, "The biggest fear is that there are 10,000 to 12,000 foreign fighters that have joined ISIS and various estimates but many of them have Western passports. They're either American or they're Western European passports. So they can come here to the United States homeland without a visa. And they can bring ... what they've learned about bomb-making and about assassinations with them here at home."[51] The visa waiver program, run by the U.S. Department of State, was designed to draw high-spending foreigners to the United States for visits. Responding to Thornberry's concerns, White House deputy national security advisor Ben Rhodes, claimed, "For Americans in the homeland, I think what we'd say is we monitor very closely whether or not [ISIS] will seek to develop plots that are aimed at the West, aimed at beyond this geographic area where they have been operating."[52]

A bill introduced by Reps. Joe Heck (R-Nev.) and Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) proposed expanding the visa waiver program, which covered visitors from more than 36 countries, to include more South American countries, European countries, and Israel. They wrote in a February 2014 op-ed, "Each overseas visitor spends an average of nearly $4,500 per trip to the U.S., adding nearly $130 billion to the economy in 2012. One American job is created for every 33 international visitors—meaning over one million domestic jobs were supported by inbound travel in 2012. [The Visa Waiver Program] expansion itself has a proven, immediate and marked economic benefit; in the year after the program was expanded to South Korea, spending in the U.S. by visitors from that affluent country more than tripled, according to a forthcoming study from the U.S. Travel Association."[52]

#### Syrian bombing permission[edit]

Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) announced on September 2, 2014, that he would propose a piece of legislation allowing President Obama permission to begin bombing key ISIS locations in Syria. Nelson's proposal was the first aimed at permitting the administration to use air strikes in Syria. Nelson commented on the proposal, stating, "This will ensure there’s no question that the president has the legal authority he needs to use airstrikes in Syria. We must go after ISIS right away because the U.S. is the only one that can put together a coalition to stop this group that’s intent on barbaric cruelty."[53]

Rep. Frank Wolf (R-Va.) introduced a proposal on September 3, 2014, that would authorize the president's use of force against ISIS, as well as any other extremist terrorist groups in an effort to stop ISIS. Wolf said, "This resolution would provide clear authority for the president and our military, working with coalition partners, to go after these terrorists, whether in Syria, Iraq or elsewhere. We cannot continue operating on outdated authorities passed 13 years ago; it is time for this Congress to vote."[54] Wolf also announced that he would propose legislation repealing the War Powers Resolution, replacing it with a requirement that the president only consult with Congress before taking military action requiring more than seven days. It would also require Congress to pass an approval resolution within 30 days.[55]

#### Congressional approval of air strikes[edit]

Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle disagreed about the need to pass congressional approval of the administration's air strikes in Iraq, as well as any future strikes on ISIS. Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) each stated on September 8, 2014, that gaining congressional approval was not necessary for the actions taken by President Barack Obama. Levin said, "I think the president has an abundant amount of authority to conduct operations. It would be good to have Congress on board. I don’t think the War Powers Act is constitutional. If Congress doesn’t like what he’s doing, we can always cut the money off." Some senators, including Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and Rand Paul (D-Ky.), disagreed and continued to push for a vote. Paul argued, "It would show a disregard for the Constitution and for the history of our country."[56]

Congressional leadership did not want to take quick action, bringing a vote to the floor, with one republican aide stating, "We want to wait and see what he’s going to say to the four leaders and what he’s going to say to the nation,” a GOP aide said. “How he lays out his strategy will determine how our guys and members of Congress respond.[57] Reid backed up that sentiment, saying, "Tomorrow the president is addressing the nation. That doesn’t happen very often. On Thursday afternoon we’re having a briefing here from the administration on what’s going on in the Middle East. I’m going to wait and get the facts before I jump off into something that you read on the Internet someplace."[58]

While some members in tighter re-election campaigns were wary of a vote prior to November elections, Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) came out strongly in favor of the vote, even going so far as threatening to use a procedural workaround if House Majority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) did not put a vote on the calendar. McGovern defended his threat, explaining, "We have boots on the ground, even though everybody says we don't want any boots on the ground. We're doing more than just protecting U.S. personnel on the ground. And when I read the newspapers, we're talking about a multi-year commitment. So there's a role for Congress in this, and we need to make sure that we don't … shirk our constitutional responsibility. And I think most people feel that way."[59]

##### Strikes in Syria[edit]

The first air strikes on Syrian soil began September 23, 2014, in the Raqqa province, an ISIS stronghold. Department of Defense officials announced that 14 strikes were made in the region by a coalition of Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. While ISIS forces in Raqqa were the main target of the initial strikes, a secondary target was the Khorasan group, "a network of seasoned al-Qaida veterans" seeking to plot against Western interests.[60]

The same day the strikes began, Turkey offered its support to the coalition in providing logistical or military support. The country previously could not engage in the anti-ISIS effort because ISIS held 46 political captives from the country, but the captives were freed September 20, 2014, allowing Turkey to assist the coalition. The action allowed the U.S. to make use of Turkey's air base near Syria. Additionally, Turkey announced that they would try to stop the funding of ISIS by tightening border security that previously allowed ISIS to trade oil on the black market on Turkish soil.[61]

#### Citizenship and passport rejections[edit]

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Reps. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) and Ted Poe (R-Texas) all proposed bills aimed at revoking the passports and/or citizenship of anyone connected with ISIS or any other foreign terrorist organizations. Cruz introduced his bill on September 8, 2014, while Poe and Bachmann introduced their bill's to the House the following day. Bachmann said of her proposal, "Those who have joined a foreign terrorist organization have taken up arms against the United States and our very way of life. By turning against their country, their passports should be revoked and if they’re naturalized citizens, they should lose their citizenship."[62]

## Recent news[edit]

The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms ISIS insurgency in Iraq and Syria. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.

ISIS insurgency in Iraq and Syria - Google News

## See also[edit]

* ISIS insurgency timeline
* ISIS insurgency public comments
* Barack Obama
* Joe Biden
* U.S. Department of Defense
* Chuck Hagel
* U.S. Department of State
* John Kerry
* U.S. Department of Homeland Security
* Jeh Johnson

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ Politico, "What is happening in Iraq and why?" June 12, 2014
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 CNN, "ISIS: The first terror group to build an Islamic state?" June 12, 2014
3. ↑ Russia Today, "All you need to know about ISIS and what is happening in Iraq," June 20, 2014
4. ↑ The Guardian, "Iraqi civilian death toll passes 5,500 in wake of Isis offensive," July 18, 2014
5. ↑ The Guardian, "Isis insurgents seize control of Iraqi city of Mosul," June 10, 2014
6. ↑ Politico, "Chuck Hagel orders U.S. aircraft carrier to Persian Gulf," June 14, 2014
7. ↑ Politico, "Up to 275 U.S. military personnel headed to Iraq," June 16, 2014
8. ↑ USA Today, "Obama plans to send up to 300 military advisers to Iraq," June 19, 2014
9. ↑ Politico, "Senators invited to Iraq briefing," June 24, 2014
10. ↑ The Guardian, "US flying armed drones in Iraq," June 28, 2014
11. ↑ CBS News, "300 more U.S. troops headed to Iraq," June 30, 2014
12. ↑ The Guardian, "House votes to block president from sending US troops to fight in Iraq," July 25, 2014
13. ↑ ABC News, "US Carries Out More Airstrikes Against ISIS in Iraq," August 8, 2014
14. ↑ The Telegraph, "Tanks on Baghdad's streets, but Iraqi prime minister Nouri al-Maliki finally ousted," August 11, 2014
15. ↑ The Hill, "Obama orders more than 100 advisers to Iraq," August 12, 2014
16. ↑ Time, "U.S. Says That Insurgents’ Siege of Iraqi Mountain Has Ended," August 14, 2014
17. ↑ Al Jazeera, "Maliki gives up Iraq PM job to rival," August 15, 2014
18. ↑ Politico, "White House broadens Iraq air mission," August 17, 2014
19. ↑ The Guardian, "Islamic State militants claim to have killed US journalist James Foley," August 20, 2014
20. ↑ The Hill, "DOJ investigating ISIS killing of Foley," August 21, 2014
21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 The Guardian, "US launches reconnaissance flights over Syria," August 26, 2014
22. ↑ Politico, "U.S. military launches airstrikes, drops humanitarian aid to help beleaguered city in Iraq," August 30, 2014
23. ↑ CBS DC, "New ISIS Video Purports To Show Beheading Of Another US Journalist," September 2, 2014
24. ↑ The Guardian, "Iraqi government names new cabinet as Islamic State advance," September 8, 2014
25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 CNN, "Obama escalates ISIS campaign in Iraq, broadens it to war-ravaged Syria," September 10, 2014
26. ↑ Daily Mail Online, "'We will hunt down the killers of this British hero': Cameron vows to bring Jihadi John to justice after he beheads David Haines and threatens that second British aid worker will be next," September 13, 2014
27. ↑ CBS News, "Obama signs bill to arm and train Syrian rebels," September 19, 2014
28. ↑ Al Jazeera, "ISIL released Turks held hostage in Iraq," September 21, 2014
29. ↑ Al Jazeera, "Thousands of Syrian Kurds flee ISIL," September 21, 2014
30. ↑ Al Jazeera, "US and allies strike ISIL targets in Syria," September 23, 2014
31. ↑ New York Times, "Obama Sees Iraq Resolution as a Legal Basis for Airstrikes, Official Says," September 12, 2014
32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 The Hill, "Liberals press Pelosi, Obama for vote on Syrian air strikes," September 14, 2014
33. ↑ Politico, "Saudis offer to host Syrian opposition training," September 10, 2014
34. ↑ New York Times, "Retired Gen. John R. Allen in Line to Lead Effort vs. ISIS," September 11, 2014
35. ↑ New York Times, "U.S. Rules Out Military Coordination With Iran," September 15, 2014
36. ↑ New York Times, "Kerry Scours Mideast for Aid in ISIS Fight," September 13, 2014
37. ↑ The Guardian, "Who are America's regional allies in the fight against Isis?" September 15, 2014
38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 New York Times, "Struggling to Starve ISIS of Oil Revenue, U.S. Seeks Assistance From Turkey," September 13, 2014
39. ↑ Associated Press, "CIA: Islamic State Group Has Up To 31,500 Fighters," September 11, 2014
40. ↑ Politico, "DOD: Iraq effort cost more than $560 million," August 29, 2014
41. ↑ The Guardian, "Kurds on Iraq's new faultline feel destiny beckoning," July 11, 2014
42. ↑ The Hill, "Syrian rebels warn Obama against airstrikes," August 25, 2014
43. ↑ The Hill, "ISIS captures key Syrian air base," August 25, 2014
44. ↑ New York Times, "Paths to War, Then and Now, Haunt Obama," September 13, 2014
45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 The Hill, "Justice asks local leaders to help identify US ISIS recruits," September 15, 2014
46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 The Hill, "Republicans to limit Obama's aid to moderate Syrian rebel forces," September 15, 2014
47. ↑ The Hill, "White House steps up pressure on Congress to arm Syria rebels," September 15, 2014
48. ↑ The Hill, "85 Democrats buck Obama in ISIS vote," September 17, 2014
49. ↑ The Hill, "House approves Obama request for Syria in broad bipartisan vote," September 17, 2014
50. ↑ The Hill, "Nine Senate Dems vote 'no' on Syria," September 18, 2014
51. ↑ The Hill, "Fears mount of ISIS infiltrating America," August 24, 2014
52. ↑ 52.0 52.1 The Hill, "Fears mount of ISIS infiltrating America," August 24, 2014
53. ↑ Politico, "Bill Nelson to offer ISIL legislation," September 2, 2014
54. ↑ The Hill, "House GOP bill would authorize use of military force against ISIS," September 3, 2014
55. ↑ United States House of Representatives, "Frank Wolf H.R.," accessed September 4, 2014
56. ↑ The Hill, "ISIS vote divides Senate," September 8, 2014
57. ↑ The Hill, "Leadership hoping to avoid vote on ISIS," September 9, 2014
58. ↑ The Hill, "Reid won’t ‘rush’ ISIS vote in Senate," September 9, 2014
59. ↑ The Hill, "House Dem eyes strategy to force ISIS vote," September 9, 2014
60. ↑ The Guardian, "US confirms 14 air strikes against Isis in Syria," September 23, 2014
61. ↑ The Guardian, "Turkey ready to aid US air strikes against Isis jihadis in Syria," September 23, 2014
62. ↑ The Hill, "GOP bills would revoke passports for people involved with ISIS," September 9, 2014

v • e

U.S. Executive Branch

Elected offices|

President Donald Trump • Vice President J.D. Vance • Donald Trump presidential administration (second term)

Executive Office of the President|

White House Press Secretary • Trump White House staff (second term) • Department of Government Efficiency • Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs • Office of Management and Budget

Executive departments|

Department of Defense • Department of State • Department of Homeland Security • Department of Justice • Department of Commerce • Department of Education • Department of the Treasury • Department of Agriculture • Department of Energy • Department of Labor • Department of Transportation • Department of the Interior • Department of Health and Human Services • Department of Veterans Affairs • Department of Housing and Urban Development

Cabinet-level agencies|

Environmental Protection Agency • Office of Management and Budget • U.S. Mission to the United Nations • Council of Economic Advisors • Small Business Administration • White House Chief of Staff • Central Intelligence Agency

Department of Agriculture|

Forest Service

Department of Defense|

Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) • National Security Agency

Department of Education|

Institute of Education Sciences • National Center for Education Statistics

Department of Energy|

Energy Information Administration

Department of Health and Human Services|

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality • Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention • Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services • Food and Drug Administration

Department of Homeland Security|

Citizenship and Immigration Services • Customs and Border Protection • Immigration and Customs Enforcement • Transportation Security Administration

Department of the Interior|

Bureau of Land Management • Fish and Wildlife Service • Geological Survey • National Park Service

Department of Justice|

Federal Bureau of Investigation • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives • Drug Enforcement Administration

Department of Labor|

Occupational Safety and Health Administration • Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs • Office of Foreign Labor Certification

Department of the Treasury|

Federal Insurance Office • Financial Stability Oversight Council • Internal Revenue Service • Office of Financial Research

Department of Veterans Affairs|

Board of Veterans' Appeals (VA)

Independent agencies|

Administrative Conference of the United States • Agency for Global Media • Chemical Safety Board • Commodity Futures Trading Commission • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau • Consumer Product Safety Commission • Corporation for National Community Service • Corporation for Public Broadcasting • Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board • Equal Employment Opportunity Commission • Export-Import Bank of the United States • Farm Credit Administration • Federal Communications Commission • Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation • Federal Election Commission • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission • Federal Housing Finance Agency • Federal Labor Relations Authority • Federal Maritime Commission • Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission • Federal Reserve System • Federal Trade Commission • General Services Administration • Government Accountability Office • Interstate Commerce Commission • Merit Systems Protection Board • National Credit Union Administration • National Labor Relations Board • Office of Personnel Management • Securities and Exchange Commission • Securities Investor Protection Corporation • Social Security Administration • United States Postal Service

Dissolved agencies|

Civil Service Commission • National Recovery Administration • Steamboat Inspection Service

Glossary|

Appointment confirmation process • United States Constitution • Electoral College • Impeachment of federal officials