The relentless march of the 'Islamic State'

Renowned for its savagery, the "Islamic State" has stunned the world with its military successes in the past two months, taking over huge swathes of territory on either side of the Iraqi-Syrian border.

Since the group began making a name for itself, DW has been answering questions about its origins as well as the implications for those living in the area and further afield.

DW RECOMMENDS

Iraqi refugees face 'catastrophic' conditions

The situation is dire for the 200,000 Yazidis fleeing the violence of Islamic State fighters in northern Iraq. Members of the persecuted religious minority say they even feel abandoned by Kurdish peshmerga fighters. (10.08.2014)

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

Germany debates arms shipments for Kurdish fighters

Germany's Foreign Office has nearly doubled ist emergency humanitarian aid for refugees in northern Iraq. Kurdish fighters, however, are above all asking for weapons - a controversial demand. (12.08.2014)

Returning jihadists pose a threat to Germany

A Salafist from Saxony, now based in Syria, has called for attacks on Germany. Authorities are alarmed as more and more supporters of the jihadist "Islamic State" plan their return to Europe. (08.08.2014)

ISIS gains don't make Assad a Western ally

Bashar Assad is now seen as less of a threat than the ISIS militants in the Syrian civil war. But experts warn attempting to make an ally of the regime in Damascus is not in the West's interest. (16.07.2014)

ISIS, oil and war

ISIS militants are selling oil from their conquered territories, further fueling tensions in the region. This has caused uncertainty on the world market, but could also lead to a drop in global oil prices. (05.07.2014)

Islamist terror groups in Africa and Middle East

War in Iraq, abductions in Nigeria, armed attacks in Somalia - DW takes a look at eight radical terrorist groups like ISIS, Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab wreaking havoc in North Africa and the Middle East. (26.06.2014)

Germany's conservatives call for crackdown on homegrown jihadists

Germany's conservatives are calling for a crackdown on homegrown Islamists seeking to join the "jihad" in Syria. But can a democratic state prevent its citizens for participating in jihad? (24.06.2014)

BACKGROUND

Evolution of the 'Islamic State'

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), now simply the "Islamic State," continues to advance in northern Iraq, prompting US airstrikes against the Sunni extremist group. DW looks at the group's origins and goals. (08.08.2014)

ISIS threatening to redraw Mideast borders

ISIS now controls wide swaths of Iraq and Syria. Its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, seems out to establish an Islamic empire. Are the borders in the Middle East about to be redrawn? (28.07.2014)

Kurds struggle to unify against ISIS

Experts say the Kurds in Iraq and Syria might fight a successful campaign against ISIS. But cooperation between the two groups seems unlikely. (18.07.2014)

ISIS' caliphate dream could be thwarted

Islamist terror group ISIS has announced the formation of a transnational Islamic state stretching beyond Iraq's borders. But the different political leanings within the group could get in the way of realizing this goal. (01.07.2014)

Sykes-Picot drew Middle East's arbitrary borders

ISIS militants in Iraq want to erase borders in the Middle East and create a regional caliphate. Their model is the Ottoman Empire - a historical imposition in its own right. (25.06.2014)

Fearing ISIS, Iraqi Christians flee

Christians in Iraq urgently call for help as they are increasingly caught in the crossfire. Many have fled from the advancing Sunni insurgent group - and experts say change for the better is not in sight. (23.06.2014)

Who finances ISIS?

In the aftermath of its conquest of Mosul, the jihadi organization ISIS has been recognized as the richest terrorist organization in the world. Where does its money come from? (19.06.2014) 

Weak Iraqi army no match for ISIS insurgents

The government in Baghdad has hundreds of thousands of soldiers and armed police under its command. But a raft of deep structural problems is crippling the Iraqi army's ability to fight ISIS militants. (14.06.2014)

COMMENTARY

Opinion: Mideast must change mindset

The change needed to bring about a new, democratic Middle East can only come from within, says DW's Naser Schruf. It's the only way to effectively counter terrorist groups like the "Islamic State." (12.08.2014)

Opinion: Who will stop the "Islamic State?"

Jihadists have brought large parts of Iraq under their control and provoked a mass exodus. One of the few ways to fight them could be following the Sunni example, writes DW's Rainer Sollich. (04.08.2014)