This CREST report highlights the underlying issues that contribute to an environment where Islamist violence can thrive and threaten stability.

This report covers key questions concerning Iraq, Iran, Jordan, and Syria, and highlights the underlying issues that contribute to an environment where Islamist violence can thrive and threaten stability in these regions. It also includes a discussion of Ayman as-Zawahiri and how al-Qaeda has responded to the Islamic State group.

The report is split into the following chapters:

  • Iran and Shi‘ism – Michael Axworthy
  • Iraq – Charles Tripp
  • Jordan – Joas Wagemakers
  • Ayman al-Zawahiri and al-Qaeda – Donald Holbrook
  • Comments from a roundtable discussion

The report also contains a question-and-answer section at the end of each chapter which gives further detail into the issues surrounding these topics.