The Gulf and Iraq Wars

The recent unprecedented rise of a terrorist organization to a position of political and geographical power has had a staggering impact on the people of the region under their control and a profound influence on international relations between the major world powers. Explore the rise of ISIS through the unfolding of the Iraq War. Follow their spread to Syria through the initiative of General Petraeus to co-ordinate the forces of the US Army and the Sunni Awakening to destroy the AQI. Witness their return in force to Iraq and their re-conquest of Sunni cities and territory. Learn of the subsequent response by the Iranian backed Shia dominated government and military forces of Iraq to drive ISIS from the country, and the resulting widespread destruction of Iraqi cities and displacement of their populations. The definitive great tragedy of the 21st Century, the rise of ISIS threatens the destabilisation of the fragile Middle Eastern balance of power and to escalate the world powers into a potentially greater and far more destructive conflict.