Research on
the Islamic State, Syria, and Iraq
by Aymenn Jawad al-Tamimi
various publications
August 1-August 31, 2015
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Aymenn Jawad al-Tamimi, a Middle East
Forum research fellow, writes extensively about the Islamic State (also
known as ISIS) and other armed groups in Syria and Iraq. As his writings
and translations tend to be too detailed for a general readership, we periodically
compile links and summaries for those wishing to learn about the
groundbreaking work of this prolific researcher.
For more general interest writings by
Jawad al-Tamimi, click here.
Articles
The
Evolution in Islamic State Administration: The Documentary Evidence
(Aug. 5)
Perspectives on Terrorism
An in-depth study of how IS administrative institutions evolved over the
course of its rise. Until 2014, IS functioned more like a mafia
organization than a state, according to Jawad al-Tamimi. While the first
"real signs of proto-governance" began to emerge with
consolidation of control over Raqqa and other Syrian areas in mid-2013,
ISIS began to cultivate a consistent system of administration in its areas
of control in Syria and Iraq in 2014. Today, in contrast to other rebel
groups in Syria and Iraq, it has a "a diverse range of bureaucratic
departments."
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Sheikh
Yusuf Jerbo (left) and Nayef al-Aqil (right), leaders of the Dir'
al-Watan militia, meet with Druze youth.
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The
New Druze Militia Factions of Suwayda Province (Aug. 8)
Syria Comment
An overview of several new Druze militia factions that have emerged
recently. In contrast to previous militias with generic branding (e.g.
Jaysh al-Muwahhideen) and affiliation with the pro-regime Popular
Committees, these new formations are focused around particular
personalities. They include Dir' al-Watan (The Homeland Shield), founded by
Sheikh Yusuf Jerbo and commanded by retired Druze military officers; Rijal
al-Karama (Men of Dignity), headed by Sheikh Abu Fahd Waheed al-Bal'ous
(who, notable early in the civil war for "fiery rhetoric that seemed
to imply overthrowing the regime," now advocates "greater
autonomy" and refusing "conscription in far-away fights.");
and Bayraq Al Nu'aim (Banner of Nu'aim, a reference to Nidal Mu'adha
Nu'aim, a Druze Syrian Army brigadier general killed in July 2013).
America Should Aim to
Contain, not Destroy, ISIS (Aug. 12)
The Huffington Post
Jawad al-Tamimi argues that the U.S. train-and-equip program for Syrian
rebels has been a failure, and that U.S.-led coalition airstrikes have
produced mixed results. There are, he concludes, "no viable
solutions" to the Islamic State problem.
Liwa
al-Sayyida Ruqayya: Recruiting the Shi'a of Damascus (Aug. 12)
Syria Comment
The author examines Liwa al-Sayyida Ruqayya (Sayyida Ruqayya Brigade), a
new Shi'a militia named after the shrine of Sayyida Ruqayya, a daughter of
Imam Hussein who was taken captive at the Battle of Karbala and died in
captivity in Damascus. Though closely linked to the Iranian-backed Iraqi
Shi'a militia Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada' that has operated in Syria since
2013, it is noted for its recruitment of native Syrian Shi'a from Damascus
and its environs. The author examines numerous posters and graphics
displaying Liwa al-Sayyida Ruqayya martyrs and finds that many have been
previously claimed as martyrs by other pro-regime groups, which
"attests to the common phenomenon of overlap among Shi'a militia
formations."
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An
advertisement of services for Umm al-Mu'mineen A'isha Hospital, Syria's
Aleppo province
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Critical
Analysis of the Islamic State's Health Department (Aug. 27)
Jihadology
The author draws some conclusions from an overview of various IS documents
and public statements as to the vitality of its health system. Although IS
has succeeded in persuading/coercing many medical personnel to stay at
their posts, brain drain remains a problem judging from the ultimatums it
has issued threatening to confiscate the property of those who have fled
and do not return. Some IS fatwas suggest that it is short of female
medical personnel (needed to enforce strict gender segregation at health
facilities). The group's efforts to enforce price controls on medical
provisions suggest that material shortages remain a problem. The author
notes that ideology has "contributed to impediments to treatment of
patients," as in IS's ban on use of medical supplies of Iranian
origin.
Archives
Jabhat
al-Nusra Service Documents (Aug. 10)
A continually updated collection of documents pertaining to the Public Administration
for Services of Syria's al-Qaeda affiliate, Jabhat al-Nusra (similar to the
archives of Islamic
State administrative documents, and Jabhat
al-Nusra judicial documents).
Translations
"We
Have Risen, We Have Risen"- New IS Nasheed (Aug. 11)
Translation of lengthy IS musical chant (nasheed). Excerpt: "We
have cut throats, we have broken sheathes/We have healed chests, we have
made victory of good fortunes."
"This
Path and These Banners"- IS Nasheed (Aug. 23)
Translation of a short musical chant (nasheed) from a video showcasing
various Iraqi tribes in Ninawa province pledging allegiance to IS. Notable
for its dual focus on Damascus and Baghdad.
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Unseen Islamic State Administrative Documents (Aug. 24)
Jihadology
An extraordinary collection of IS administrative documents, mostly
mundane and local (notices, flyers, work orders, etc.), obtained from a
pro-IS "businessman" in Syria's Aleppo province.
"We
Will Move Forth to Excellence"- New IS Nasheed (Aug. 31)
Translation of a short musical chant (nasheed) produced by IS's Ajnad
Media Foundation. Excerpt: "Be not gentle, be not disdainful: be lofty
like the mountains/Destroy them, ruin them, and smash the head of
error."
Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi is a
research fellow at Middle East Forum's Jihad Intel project.
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