ISIS' declaration of Islamic State may justify external interference - Analyst

The jihadist Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, ISIS' declaration of a new Islamic state might give outsiders a reason to interfere in both countries.

“The fear of ISIS in both Syria and Iraq will justify Iran's interference in the country, even by their adversary, the United States, in both countries,” said Modern Islamic issues political analyst Dr Maszlee Malik from the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM).

The Sunni militant group, that went on a killing rampage on Shia Muslims for the past three weeks, announced itself as a new Islamist caliphate on Sunday and demanded allegiance from Muslims worldwide.

Iranian leaders pledged it will defend Iraq if necessary by using the same methods it deployed against forces in Syria, reported The Telegraph.

“I am not sure whether these people (ISIS) are aware of what they are doing. But, should there be continuous instability in the region, it will bring good news and stability for Israel. The emergence of this 'new state' will allow Iran to go deeper in Iraq, and to remain in Syria to support Bashar al-Assad,” added Mazlee.

“As usual, in any war, as it continues, it will always bring sunny days to the arm suppliers, whoever they may be.”

In addition, he said, the United States have yet to put much weight in countering ISIS despite the group's drastic expansion in the northern Iraqi provinces, unlike what the US previously did to Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan.

ISIS initially emerged as al-Qaeda branch under the leadership of Jordanian jihadist, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, after the invasion of Iraq by the US in 2003.

This group was not only known for their aggressive attacks and suicide bombings on US armies; they have also expanded their target to Shia and Sunni Muslims who do not support their cause.

When the Syrian revolt began, ISIS made their way in and attacked Bashar's al-Assad’s armies, but without associating themselves to the Syrian fighters, Free Syrian Army (FSA).

However, due to their harsh and stern ideology, ISIS started attacking FSA and excommunicated with them.

ISIS then began to depart themselves from other al-Qaeda fighters and declared themselves as 'Islamic State of Iraq and Syria' (ISIS) or 'Islamic State of Iqar and Levant' (ISIL).

The declaration by ISIS of an Islamic caliphate, with ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi as caliph, is a move seen as a direct challenge to Al-Qaeda and its affiliates.

ISIS currently controls large swathes of Syrian and Iraqi territory, extending from Al-Bab city in the Aleppo region to the Diyala governorate in eastern Iraq.