ISIS and ISIL are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinction between the two groups. ISIS stands for the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, while ISIL stands for the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. The Levant includes Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Cyprus, and Southern Turkey. While both groups share the same goal of creating an Islamic caliphate, ISIL has been more successful in consolidating power and establishing a physical territory. Additionally, ISIL is known for its brutality, while ISIS has been more willing to engage in negotiations with other factions.
What is ISIS?
ISIS is a terrorist group that has its origins in Iraq. The group’s goal is to establish an Islamic state, or caliphate, in the Levant region, which includes Syria, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon. ISIS has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks across the globe, including the 2015 Paris attacks and the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting. The group has been widely condemned by the international community. In 2018, ISIS was defeated in its final stronghold in Syria. However, the group continues to pose a threat to global security.
What is ISIL?
- ISIL, also known as the Islamic State, is a terrorist group that emerged from the remnants of al-Qaeda in Iraq. ISIL is a Sunni militant group that follows an extreme interpretation of Islam.
- ISIL’s stated aim is to establish a caliphate, or Islamic state, in the Levant region, which includes Syria, Jordan, Israel, and Lebanon. ISIL has carried out numerous terrorist attacks in the name of Islam, including mass shootings, hostage-taking, and suicide bombings.
- ISIL has also been responsible for Ethnic cleansing and human rights abuses against minorities in areas under its control. In 2015, ISIL claimed responsibility for the Charlie Hebdo massacre in Paris. In 2016, ISIL was blamed for the Orlando nightclub shooting. ISIL has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations and numerous other countries.
Difference between ISIS and ISIL
ISIS and ISIL are both terrorist organizations that operate in the Middle East. ISIS is an acronym for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, while ISIL is an acronym for the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between them. ISIS refers specifically to the terrorist organization’s operations in Iraq and Syria, while ISIL includes operations in Iraq, Syria, and other parts of the Levant (such as Lebanon, Jordan, and Israel). In short, ISIS is a subset of ISIL. However, both ISIS and ISIL engage in terrorist activities and pose a threat to global security.
Conclusion
The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) is an offshoot of the terrorist group known as Al Qaeda in Iraq. Unlike ISIS, ISIL has focused its efforts on taking over territory in Syria and Iraq, rather than targeting civilians or Western interests. Despite their differences, both groups share a common goal – to create an Islamic caliphate across the Middle East.
