Answer:
ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) was able to gain control of territory in Iraq and Syria for a number of complex reasons.
Step-by-step explanation:
Some of the key factors that contributed to their success include:
Political instability: Iraq and Syria were both facing significant political instability at the time when ISIS emerged. In Iraq, the government was struggling to maintain control over the country following the US-led invasion and the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime. In Syria, the civil war had created a power vacuum that allowed ISIS to gain a foothold.
Sectarian tensions: Both Iraq and Syria have significant sectarian tensions between different religious and ethnic groups. ISIS was able to exploit these tensions to recruit fighters and gain support from Sunni Muslims who felt marginalized by the Shia-dominated governments in both countries.
Military weakness: The Iraqi and Syrian armies were both weakened by years of conflict and were unable to effectively counter the well-trained and well-funded ISIS forces.
External support: ISIS received support from a variety of external sources, including wealthy donors, sympathetic governments, and foreign fighters from around the world.
Taken together, these factors allowed ISIS to gain control of significant portions of territory in Iraq and Syria. The situation in these areas is complex and ongoing, with various factions vying for power and influence. It underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of political instability, sectarian tensions, and conflict in order to prevent extremist groups like ISIS from gaining a foothold.