Dynamics of the Salafi-Takfiri movements in Iraq (from the occupation of Iraq until 2017)

The Ba’ath regime collapsed by invading Iraq by the US forces in 2003. Overthrowing the Ba’ath regime and the end of the Sunni minority’s dominance, various political parties and political groups were formed while simultaneously increasing the role of the Shiites and the Kurds, and the activities of these groups increased sharply in the political arena. These parties include different ethnic groups and sects in Iraq, with different Islamic, secular, nationalist, Salafi, and Takfiri tendencies. The reason is the importance of Iraq, on the one hand, due to it is becoming the main focus of the growth of extreme Salafists, and on the other hand, the formation of the Islamic State of Iraq group, known as ISIS, which has become the strongest since 2010, the terrorist group has been in the Middle East and has seriously threatened the security of the region. The distinguishing feature of this group is the use of the Takfir’s weapon against its enemies. Thus, this group provides the ideological weapons and easily convinces its forces to kill other followers of other religions.

America, Iraq, Islamic state of Iraq and the Levant, security, terrorism