The Role of United States of America in The Emergence and Strengthening of The Islamic State of Iraq and Al Sham

The contemporary terrorist organizations mostly motivated by religious understanding and one of the best representatives of this new terror environment is undoubtedly The Islamic State of Iraq and al Sham (ISIS). The United States, which was one of the countries most affected by this wave of terror, has played an important role in emergence and development of ISIS knowingly or unknowingly. In this context The United States has supported the mujahedeen, who had jihadist understanding, against Soviet forces. And this action helped the formation of the contemporary jihadist groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS. The steps, taken by the United States, in the direction of fulfilling gap due to the overthrown of Saddam by featuring Shiites instead of Sunnites in political life of Iraq facilitated for jihadists, who fled from Afghanistan following to intervene by United States, to gain support and land in Iraq by exploiting sectarian divergence in the country. In addition, the jails established by the United States following the occupation have been transformed into both ideological training area and the source of militant for jihadist organizations. In this context, it can be said that the United States has played a role in emergence and gaining strength of ISIS, which is considered to be one of the most dangerous terrorist organizations of today.