Abstract

The aggressive movement of Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) indicates its’ success as the most powerful ultra-radical group in last decades. This phenomenon clearly shows that the radical groups take benefits of Islamic States conflict in Middle East. Ranges of debates emerged to discuss that the background of the Islamic States conflict was mostly due to their radical ideology. This study however stresses that the development of ISIS movement in Iraq and Syria was at least based on two significant factors; the competition between Sunni-Shia in Iraq (sectarian) and the economic background. These factors emerged from the strong contextual Iraq and Syria local conflict and its’ consequences. Moreover, the development of support for ISIS from other countries was a result of the extremists groups have been growing rapidly. The attacks movement is reported further grows by taking the opportunities of global pandemic paused counterterrorism activities. This study thus suggests that the comprehensive strategies and actions from all stakeholders are the key to overcome the global threat of ISIS.

Key words: ISIS, Middle East, Pandemic