Frontline Season 33 Episode 2
Frontline
Season 33

Ep 2. The Rise of ISIS

  • TV-NR
  • October 28, 2014
  • 53 min

In season 33 episode 2 of Frontline, titled "The Rise of ISIS," the documentary takes viewers on a journey into the origins of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The episode explores how the group gained ground and emerged as a powerful and brutal force that used terror tactics to control and intimidate people, gain support, and establish a self-proclaimed caliphate.

The episode starts by diving into the roots of ISIS and its connection to al-Qaeda. It goes back to the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 and how its aftermath created a power vacuum that allowed extremist groups to thrive. The documentary shows how former members of Saddam Hussein's regime, who were Sunni Arabs, became disenfranchised after the invasion and were pushed into the arms of al-Qaeda. The episode highlights the role of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a Jordanian militant who formed al-Qaeda in Iraq and used brutal tactics to gain control of the Sunni population.

The episode also explores how the U.S. military, under the leadership of General David Petraeus, launched a successful counterinsurgency campaign that weakened al-Qaeda in Iraq and turned the tide of the war. However, it also shows how the gains made during the campaign were lost due to political instability in Iraq and the aggressive policies of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Al-Maliki, who was a Shia Muslim, excluded Sunnis from the government and security forces, leading to widespread resentment and protests.

The episode then shifts to events in Syria, where the civil war that erupted in 2011 provided a fertile ground for extremist groups to flourish. The documentary shows how ISIS was able to gain territory and followers in Syria, due in part to the weakness of the moderate opposition and the support of wealthy donors in the Gulf. The episode also examines the role of social media in ISIS's recruitment and propaganda efforts, which helped the group to attract a global following.

The documentary highlights the brutality of life under ISIS, with its strict enforcement of Islamic law, public executions, and forced conversions. It also explores the Iraqi government's response to the rise of ISIS, including the formation of militias and the involvement of Iranian-backed Shia militias. The episode shows how the actions of these militias, as well as the U.S. and coalition airstrikes, have added to the sectarian tension in Iraq and contributed to further instability.

Overall, "The Rise of ISIS" provides a comprehensive look at the complex factors that led to the emergence of one of the most feared and brutal terrorist organizations in modern times. The documentary uses archival footage, expert analysis, and interviews with former U.S. officials and ISIS fighters to offer viewers a deep understanding of the group's origins, ideology, and tactics. Through this episode, Frontline aims to shed light on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its impact on the world.

Description
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Frontline, Season 33 Episode 2, is available to watch free on PBS and stream on PBS. You can also stream, download, buy, rent Frontline on demand at Google Play online.
  • First Aired
    October 28, 2014
  • Content Rating
    TV-NR
  • Runtime
    53 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    0.0  (0)