The takeover of northern and northwest Iraq by the ISIS organization (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria), following its seizure of northeastern Syria, is further evidence of the growing strength of al-Qaeda and its affiliates as they advance towards establishment of a regional Islamic caliphate. It represents another stage in the takeover by radical jihadists exploiting the weaknesses of the central governments of weak or failing states. Seizing large territorial tracts, ISIS has gained control of infrastructures, weapons arsenals, energy sources, and bank funds, while at the same time mercilessly slaughtering members of other armies, ethnic groups, and tribes. Against this background, it draws encouragement from its cumulative achievements and the impotence displayed by the international community.

The Disappearance of Borders

The desire to do away with the borders established by the colonial powers in the Sykes-Picot agreement represents the opposition in principle by ISIS to the existence of nation states and its hope to establish a sharia-based Islamic caliphate. For its part, Iran wants to establish a Shiite crescent, which would also transcend national borders. This clash of interests makes the Sunni-Shiite conflict the most significant and lethal vector in the region, as in the early days of Islam.

The Sunni attack has resulted in the disappearance of the Syrian-Iraqi border; Hizbollah’s involvement in Syria, backed by massive aid from Iran, has all but erased the Syrian-Lebanese border. The victory in Iraq has provided a tailwind for ISIS forces in Syria and strengthened their hold on the country’s eastern sector. Captured US weapons, especially anti-tank missiles and armored vehicles, are being moved to Syria. Despite the division of ISIS forces, it is only a matter of time before the organization gears up for an attack on southern Syria and the capital city of Damascus.

Iran’s involvement in Iraq is liable to result in the blurring of the border between central Iraq and southern Iran. Both extremist camps believe that their vision will prevail only if borders are erased and the region is reconfigured as a single political and religious entity.

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