ISIS and The Middle East

ISIS is a terror group that has dominated Iraq and Syria since June 2014. The presence of ISIS in these countries has led to, violent attacks on innocent Iraq and Syrian residents. In August 2014, ISIS attacked Yazidis who lived in Sinjar mountain in Iraq.

ISIS attacks has caused a lot of pain to family and friends of the victims of the terror attacks. The number of internally displaced and refugees has also risen drastically. ISIS has disrupted peace in Iraq and Syria by killing many soldiers who protect their people. In 2010, ISIS attacked the American army and Iraq government troops. This led to the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq in 2011. When soldiers are killed, residents are left with no option but to protect themselves. This puts their life at stake because they are not armed to fight the violent terrorist. The spread of ISIS in Syria and Iraq has led to serious economic consequences. The labor force has decreased because most young people are killed and the rest become refugees. Foreigners living in the two countries are not spared. American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff were beheaded by ISIS in August and September respectively.

This lead to loss of productivity in industries. ISIS attacks have led to infrastructure destruction which results to a decline in inter-regional trade. The demand of land in Syria and Iraq has dropped down significantly because of many refugees leaving the country. Moreover, ISIS attacks have disrupted international trade. European countries interested in investing in the Middle East have left due disruption of peace in those countries.

Spread of ISIS in Iraq and Syria has led to violation of basic human rights. Citizens in Iraq have no access to shelter and food especially in the areas under ISIS control.There are many social effects that result from ISIS attacks. Children become orphans, women are widowed and the family unit is disrupted. Children who grow up in an environment dominated by war, tend to be violent. Neighborhoods are disrupted and relationships are broken. In addition, there is loss of cultural heritage when refugees move to Lebanon and Turkey. Children do not go to school and education levels have dropped significantly.