The Iraqi Insurgency: Understanding the Complexities of Post-ISIS Conflict

In December 2017, a significant shift occurred in the political landscape of Iraq as the Islamic State (ISIL), having lost its territorial hold to the government during the devastating civil war, transitioned into an insurgency. This transformation was facilitated by two key actors – the White Flags and the Iraqi Ba'ath Party.

The roots of this crisis can be traced back to 2003 when US-led forces toppled Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq, leading to a power vacuum that ISIL capitalized upon. The group expanded its influence across vast swaths of territory, establishing itself as one of the most feared terrorist organizations worldwide.

However, following years of intense military pressure from coalition forces and Iraqi government troops, combined with internal divisions within its ranks, ISIL began to disintegrate. By December 2017, it had lost control over almost all the territories under its control in Iraq and Syria.

The remaining strength of ISIL was estimated to be around 17,000 fighters who regrouped with other militant groups operating across Iraq's Sunni-majority regions. These include the White Flags, an umbrella organization formed by former members of the Iraqi army and security forces who had defected to join either ISIS or other extremist outfits.

The combined strength of these various factions now stood at over 100,000 fighters – a force capable enough to pose significant challenges to both local authorities and coalition forces still operating in Iraq. Their primary aim was to destabilize the fragile peace that had been established across much as well as roll back gains made by Baghdad since IS’s fall from power.

In order for this goal to be achieved, ISIL along with its allies would need strategic support from within Iraqi society itself – something which they were keenly aware of given their past successes in garnering widespread popular backing among Sunni Iraqis who felt marginalized under the rule of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's Shia-dominated government.

In October 2013, WikiLeaks disclosed classified US military documents that provided insight into ongoing operations against ISIS and other insurgent groups operating across Iraq. The leak exposed deep divisions within both Iraqi society itself as well as among various factions fighting for control over the country’s future – information which would prove crucial in understanding the complexities of post-ISIS conflict.

The disclosure also highlighted concerns about hundreds of former members of the Sunni Awakening Councils potentially switching allegiance back to either ISIL or al-Qaeda. These councilors had played a vital role during the height of the insurgency by providing critical intelligence that helped coalition forces eliminate key targets within both ISIS and other extremist outfits operating across Iraq's volatile regions.

In conclusion, understanding the complexities surrounding the Iraqi Insurgency requires an in-depth analysis of historical context combined with current political dynamics. The situation remains fluid as various factions vie for power while seeking to exploit existing divisions within society – making it essential for all parties involved to engage constructively towards building a more stable and peaceful future for Iraq.

Sources:

1. 'Iraqi Insurgency' - Wikipedia

2. 'WikiLeaks Releases Classified US Docs on Iraq War' - Al Jazeera English

Iraqi insurgency