Written by: Farhad Forotan
The group known as ISIS is an extremist and violent organization that emerged from the heart of the crises and instability in the Middle East. Initially emerging in Iraq, it swiftly expanded and captured vast territories by exploiting the weaknesses of the central government, political divisions, and religious and ethnic conflicts.
However, its ambitions were not confined to Iraq. The group promptly expanded its activities to Syria and subsequently to other regions, notably Afghanistan and Central Asia.
The emergence of ISIS in Afghanistan further complicated the situation. During the republican government and its foreign allies, ISIS attempted to establish a foothold by taking advantage of the poor security conditions, internal challenges, and regional tensions. Using brutal tactics such as suicide bombings, mass killings, and acts of terror, ISIS sought to prove its presence but ultimately met with failure.
With the return of the Islamic Emirate to power, ISIS weakened instead of advancing. Any attempt by ISIS to resurface was swiftly crushed, and all its plans were foiled. As a result, ISIS was compelled to retreat to neighboring countries, occasionally carrying out destructive activities solely to appease its supporters.
The rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria was one of the major security and social challenges of the modern world. Initially, the group gained strength in Iraq by exploiting political, religious, and social vacuums, and later attempted to extend its influence into Afghanistan with the help of covert intelligence forces.
However, ISIS underestimated the stark differences between the factors that facilitated its rise in Iraq and those present in Afghanistan, where it faced significant defeat. Here, we highlight and compare key distinctions between the two nations:
1. Distinctions in Central Governments
In Iraq, the lack of a robust central government was the primary factor behind ISIS’s rise. Following the fall of the Ba’ath regime and the removal of Saddam Hussein, Iraq’s government became extremely fragile. Intense political disputes among factions and widespread corruption created a conducive environment for ISIS to infiltrate various regions easily.
The weakness of the Iraqi government was so evident that in 2014, when ISIS captured Mosul, government forces failed to mount any serious resistance.
Conversely, subsequent to the collapse of Afghanistan’s previous government and the return of the Islamic Emirate to power, a strong central government was established. This government steered the country toward unity amidst various crises and eliminated all its enemies, including ISIS. The Islamic Emirate, drawing on its long experience in guerrilla warfare, demonstrated the ability to maintain control over different regions and avoided internal fragmentation.
2. Differences in Ethnic and Ideological Structures
In Iraq, deep divisions between Shia and Sunni communities, particularly after the U.S. invasion, led to Sunni discontent. ISIS exploited this dissatisfaction by positioning itself as the defender of Sunnis.
In contrast, Afghanistan lacks such religious divides. The majority of the population is Sunni Muslim, and minority groups are granted religious freedoms. Afghanistan’s social structure is based on Islamic brotherhood, which has prevented ISIS from gaining significant influence.
3. Access to Financial Resources
ISIS acquired significant financial resources in Iraq by controlling oil fields. Iraq is one of the world’s major oil-producing nations, and ISIS generated substantial revenue through the illegal sale of oil from captured areas, such as Mosul and Kirkuk, between 2014 and 2016.
In Afghanistan, however, ISIS found no such major financial resources. The lack of funding became one of the group’s biggest challenges in the country.
4. Differences in Media and Propaganda Power
In Iraq, ISIS successfully attracted international supporters through professional propaganda campaigns. The group produced high-quality media content and films to portray its strength and appeal.
In Afghanistan, although some media outlets promoted ISIS, the group’s media reach was severely limited.
In conclusion, ISIS’s strength in Iraq stemmed from the nation’s political and social circumstances. Nonetheless, these circumstances diverge significantly in Afghanistan. The hostility of the Islamic Emirate toward ISIS, the absence of religious divides, and the group’s financial limitations have impeded its influence in Afghanistan.
