The recent, violent attacks in Iraq (most recently in the cities of Mosul and Tikrit) have been led by Sunni militants belonging to the “jihadist” group “Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant” (known as ISIS or ISIL). Although the U.S. said five years ago that the al-Qaeda splinter group was near defeat, ISIS is responsible for near-daily bombings in Baghdad and controls huge territories in western and northern Iraq, and even Syria. The group is considered among the most dangerous and cash-rich militant groups in the world.

Disillusioned Iraqi troops have been unable to restore order, and a wary U.S. weighs its options for limited military intervention. Discuss with students background information on the crisis, as well as the global implications of the violence.

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