The Financial Capacity of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
Abstract
In the Middle East, a region experiencing no shortage of violent extremist organizations (VEO), ISIL's dominance is unparalleled and extremely unique. Contributing to their exceptionality was their robust financial capacity and emergence as the wealthiest VEO within months of taking control of large swaths of territory in both Iraq and Syria. Multiple factors explain their sudden wealth; however, the critical expertise of former Baathists members intertwined within ISIL's leadership linked the group to the revenue streams within multiple illicit networks including the oil smuggling network and enabled the group to quickly generate large amounts of financial support. Under the Baathists control, these revenue streams increased the group's governance, appeal, and growth. As a result, ISIL's financial capacity must be dealt with when examining how to counter the group's effectiveness and appeal. Because ISIL emerged from an alliance of former Baathists and Salafi-Jihadists, a significant reduction in their financial capacity combined with significant military pressure is likely to introduce chaotic effects and destabilize their powerful grip within the region.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 30, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1175979
Entities
People
- Daniel R. Myers
Organizations
- Marine Corps University