Detailed Report on the Recent Impact of the ISIS Organization on Middle Eastern and International Security

Introduction: The New Face of a Global Threat

By 2026, although the "Islamic State" (ISIS) no longer exists as a large-scale territorial "state" as it did in 2014, its impact on global security has entered a more complex and dangerous phase. Following the collapse of the "caliphate" structure in Syria and Iraq, the organization has adopted a new strategy that is decentralized, networked, and reliant on regional branches. Today, this organization is not limited to the Middle East but has formed a threat network extending to Africa, Central Asia, and even Europe. For the Muslim Ummah, the actions of this organization are not merely a security issue; they have become a major tragedy that strikes at the peaceful image of Islam and provides a pretext for foreign powers to interfere in the sovereignty of Muslim nations.

Khorasan Province (ISIS-K): A Threat Spreading to Central Asia and Beyond

In recent years, "Khorasan Province" (ISIS-K) has emerged as the most active and dangerous branch of ISIS. Based in Afghanistan, this group not only opposes the Taliban government but also carries out bloody attacks against neighboring countries and international targets.

The bombing in the city of Kerman, Iran, in early 2024, which claimed nearly 100 lives [Al Jazeera], and the terrorist attack on a concert hall in Moscow in March of the same year, which killed more than 140 people [Reuters], demonstrated the strength of the organization's cross-border operational capabilities. By 2025 and 2026, ISIS-K has strengthened its propaganda machine, attracting dissatisfied youth in Central Asian republics and posing a serious threat to regional stability. This situation is leading regional states to tighten security measures and allowing Russia and China to increase their political-military influence in the region.

The African Continent: A Potential Center for a New "Caliphate"

Under pressure in the Middle East, ISIS has shifted its strategic center of gravity to Africa, particularly the Sahel region. Political instability and military coups in countries such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have created an ideal sanctuary for the organization.

Groups such as the "Islamic State West Africa Province" (ISWAP) and the "Islamic State in the Greater Sahara" (ISGS) are controlling vast territories by exploiting conflicts between local tribes [International Crisis Group]. This situation has not only destroyed the social fabric of Muslim societies in Africa but has also caused millions of people to become refugees. As Western countries, particularly France, withdraw from the region, these extremist organizations are attempting to fill the security vacuum, further intensifying concerns for the future of Muslims on the African continent.

Iraq and Syria: Sleeper Cells and the Issue of Camps

In Iraq and Syria, although ISIS cannot openly control territory, its sleeper cells remain active. Particularly in the desert regions of Syria and the Hamrin Mountains of Iraq, members of the organization frequently organize attacks.

One of the most serious issues is the Al-Hol camp in northern Syria. Tens of thousands of family members and children of ISIS members live in this camp under appalling conditions [Human Rights Watch]. These camps are at risk of becoming "ideological factories" for raising a new generation of the organization's fighters. The international community's neglect, especially that of Western countries in repatriating their citizens, is deepening this human tragedy. For the Muslim world, the fate of these children and their potential radicalization represents a source of new conflict in the future.

The Damage Inflicted by ISIS on the Image of the Ummah

The greatest damage caused by ISIS is not limited to physical destruction. The organization has exploited sacred Islamic concepts, including "Caliphate," "Jihad," and "Sharia," for its own political ends, fueling Islamophobia on a global scale.

Their actions have provided a "ready-made excuse" for right-wing politicians in the West to pursue anti-Muslim policies. At the same time, the organization aims to fracture the internal unity of the Islamic world by inciting sectarian conflicts, particularly between Sunnis and Shiites. While true Islamic values promote peace, justice, and mercy toward humanity, the brutality of ISIS has tarnished these values in the eyes of many.

International Politics and Geopolitical Games

Many political analysts believe that the existence of ISIS has become a tool for some major powers to justify their military presence in the Middle East and Africa. Military operations conducted in the name of fighting terrorism often end with interference in the internal affairs of Muslim countries and the control of natural resources.

For example, the threat of ISIS is often cited as the primary reason for maintaining control over oil fields in eastern Syria and keeping military bases in the region. This situation hinders the right of Muslim nations to self-determination and makes it difficult to establish long-term peace in the region.

Conclusion: The Responsibility and Future of the Ummah

In conclusion, by 2026, ISIS remains a radical force threatening international security, but it is Muslims who suffer the greatest harm. Countering this threat is not possible through military means alone. Muslim societies must internally strengthen their scientific and ideological lines of defense, convey the correct creed of Islam to the youth, and stand together against any form of extremism.

At the same time, the international community must focus on addressing the root causes of terrorism, such as political injustice, poverty, and external pressures. Only by treating this "cancer" within itself can the Muslim Ummah restore its true place and peace. The future will be built not with extremism, but with reason, wisdom, and Islamic justice.