Declassified: Untold Stories of American Spies Season 1 Episode 3 Zarqawi: Father of ISIS

In Declassified: Untold Stories of American Spies season 1 episode 3, titled "Zarqawi: Father of ISIS," viewers delve into the life of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a man who is often credited with being the founder of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The episode takes viewers back to Zarqawi's early days in Jordan, where he was born and raised. It explores the early events that shaped his worldview and how he eventually became involved in extremist groups.

As the episode progresses, viewers see how Zarqawi's passion for jihad leads him to travel to Afghanistan in the 1980s to fight against the Soviet Union. There, he meets al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and begins to form connections within the jihadist community that would ultimately lead to his rise to power.

The episode also examines how Zarqawi's early activities landed him in prison in Jordan, where he was eventually released under a general amnesty in 1999. Upon his release, Zarqawi traveled to Afghanistan once again, this time to train with al-Qaeda and hone his skills as a terrorist.

The episode goes on to explore the events of September 11, 2001, and how they impacted Zarqawi's trajectory. It looks at his activities in Iraq following the fall of Saddam Hussein, including his formation of the Al Qaeda in Iraq group and his leadership of a brutal campaign of violence against American and Iraqi targets.

Throughout the episode, viewers are presented with insights from intelligence officials and analysts, as well as individuals who have had direct experiences with Zarqawi and his followers. These accounts paint a picture of a dangerous and ambitious man who was willing to go to great lengths to achieve his goals.

Overall, "Zarqawi: Father of ISIS" is a gripping and informative episode that sheds light on one of the most influential and controversial figures in the world of modern terrorism. It provides a nuanced and detailed picture of how Zarqawi's life and actions contributed to the rise of ISIS and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.