Is Islamic State bouncing back in Iraq?
Kurdish official says the group is now ‘like al-Qa’eda on steroids’

Islamic State is re-organising in Iraq, says the BBC, two years after losing the last of its territory in the country.
Kurdish and Western intelligence officials say that the IS fighters are “getting stronger again” and Isis attacks are increasing.
Lahur Talabany, a leading Kurdish counter-terrorism official, described the group as “like al-Qa’eda on steroids”.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
He added: “They have better techniques, better tactics and a lot more money at their disposal. They are able to buy vehicles, weapons, food supplies and equipment. Technologically they're more savvy. It's more difficult to flush them out.”
Talabany, who fled to London from the regime of Saddam Hussein, said: “We see the activities are increasing now, and we think the rebuilding phase is over.”
He adds that they are based in mountains and have a new modus operandi. He says the group no longer wants to control any territory to avoid being a target. Instead the fighters have gone underground, in Iraq’s Hamrin Mountains.
“This is the hub for Isis [Islamic State group] right now,” said Talabany. “It's a long range of mountains, and very difficult for the Iraqi army to control. There are a lot of hide-outs and caves.”
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
He says that unrest in the Iraqi capital is “Heaven or Christmas come early for Isis” as it exploits a sense of alienation among Sunni Muslims.
At its peak, in 2014-15, IS controlled around half the territory of both Syria and Iraq and ruled over as many as eight million people. However, earlier this year, The Observer reported that what remains of the caliphate declared by its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, “amounts to one or two besieged villages in southeastern Syria”.
There have been previous premature declarations of victory over the group. Military leaders in Syria, Iraq and Russia claimed a decisive victory over Islamic State last year, but western officials said the declaration is premature and analysts warned that further insurgencies are likely.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
-
September 1 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Monday’s political cartoons include Labor Day picnic, branding strategy, and more
-
What is Tony Blair's plan for Gaza?
Today's Big Question Former PM has reportedly been putting together a post-war strategy 'for the past several months'
-
When does autumn begin?
The Explainer The UK is experiencing a 'false autumn', as climate change shifts seasonal weather patterns
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American cities
Under the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctions
The Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?
today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024
-
What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come
-
Dozens dead in Kashmir as terrorists target tourists
Speed Read Visitors were taking pictures and riding ponies in a popular mountain town when assailants open fired, killing at least 26
-
Why Russia removed the Taliban's terrorist designation
The Explainer Russia had designated the Taliban as a terrorist group over 20 years ago
-
Inside the Israel-Turkey geopolitical dance across Syria
THE EXPLAINER As Syria struggles in the wake of the Assad regime's collapse, its neighbors are carefully coordinating to avoid potential military confrontations
-
'Like a sound from hell': Serbia and sonic weapons
The Explainer Half a million people sign petition alleging Serbian police used an illegal 'sound cannon' to disrupt anti-government protests