Written by: Asad Ghorzang
The internal conflicts within ISIS are not confined to tactical and strategic disagreements but extend to fundamental issues concerning leadership, financial resources, the treatment of women, ideological differences, and regional authority. These disputes have substantially weakened the organization, fostering an atmosphere of mistrust and division among its members.
Below are some critical aspects of the internal discord within ISIS.
1. Leadership Disputes
Disagreements regarding leadership have been a recurring issue within ISIS. Following the death of the founder, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, in 2019, the appointment of a successor led to significant internal contention. Some factions have expressed dissatisfaction with the new leadership, alleging that it deviates from the group’s original ideological foundations.
2. Disagreements on Tactics and Combat Strategies
Disputes have arisen over the group’s military strategies. Certain members argue that the killing of innocent civilians contradicts the group’s stated ideology and advocate for a less aggressive approach to gain broader public support. However, more hardline leaders insist on maintaining extreme measures, exacerbating the division within the group.
3. Financial Resource Disputes
ISIS obtains funds from various sources, and the distribution of these funds is a major point of contention. Some factions feel their rights are not respected in the distribution, which has intensified internal divisions.
4. Control Over Power and Authority
The central leadership tries to maintain control over power and authority in each region, restricting local leaders to enforce its directives and orders. However, some local leaders see this as an obstacle to their authority, showing disregard or opposition to the central leadership.
5. Disputes Over Distribution of Women
Some regional commanders wish to distribute captured women independently of the central leadership, while the central leadership seeks full control over this. In some cases, commanders exploit the distribution for personal gain.
6. Ownership of Women and Distribution for Domestic Life
Within ISIS, women are viewed as spoils of war and are awarded to certain commanders for services and sacrifices in combat. Disputes arise when some commanders prefer to allocate women only to their close associates, while others demand equal shares.
7. Ideological Reaction to the Use of Attractive Boys
Some hardline ISIS members deem the utilization of attractive boys as un-Islamic, criticizing the group’s ideology. They assert that such boys ought to be enlisted solely for domestic duties, rather than for combat or propaganda objectives. However, most ISIS members justify keeping and using these boys for various purposes. diverse purposes.
These disputes are significant issues within ISIS, deeply affecting its overall strength and the relationships among its regional branches.
