• Research
  • Emissary
  • About
  • Experts
Carnegie Global logoCarnegie lettermark logo
DemocracyIran
  • Donate
{
  "authors": [
    "Mario Abou Zeid",
    "Mamoun Abu-Nowar",
    "James Denselow"
  ],
  "type": "legacyinthemedia",
  "centerAffiliationAll": "",
  "centers": [
    "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
    "Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center"
  ],
  "collections": [],
  "englishNewsletterAll": "",
  "nonEnglishNewsletterAll": "",
  "primaryCenter": "Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center",
  "programAffiliation": "",
  "programs": [],
  "projects": [],
  "regions": [
    "Gulf",
    "Iraq",
    "Middle East"
  ],
  "topics": [
    "Political Reform",
    "Security"
  ]
}

Source: Getty

In The Media
Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center

ISIL's Tactics in Iraq

Recent major territorial gains by the self-proclaimed Islamic State are making many players very nervous.

Link Copied
By Mario Abou Zeid, Mamoun Abu-Nowar, James Denselow
Published on May 20, 2015

Source: Al Jazeera inside story

The capture of Ramadi by fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group is being seen as a significant setback for the government.

Ramadi is the capital of the vast desert province of Anbar, where ISIL is seeking to consolidate its gains.

Iraqi government leaders are pledging to recapture Ramadi with the help of Shia units.

But how? And what is ISIL’s military strategy?

This broadcast originally appeared on Al Jazeera Inside Story.

About the Authors

Mario Abou Zeid

Former Research Analyst, Middle East Center

Abou Zeid was a research analyst at the Carnegie Middle East Center, where his work focuses on political developments in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Iran.

Mamoun Abu-Nowar

James Denselow

Authors

Mario Abou Zeid
Former Research Analyst, Middle East Center
Mario Abou Zeid
Mamoun Abu-Nowar
James Denselow
Political ReformSecurityGulfIraqMiddle East

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

More Work from Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

  • exterior of a building with explosion damage
    Commentary
    Emissary
    What We Know About Drone Use in the Iran War

    Two experts discuss how drone technology is shaping yet another conflict and what the United States can learn from Ukraine.

      Steve Feldstein, Dara Massicot

  • Forbidden City on a cloudy day
    Commentary
    Emissary
    Beijing Doesn’t Think Like Washington—and the Iran Conflict Shows Why

    Arguing that Chinese policy is hung on alliances—with imputations of obligation—misses the point. 

      Evan A. Feigenbaum

  • Commentary
    Diwan
    Axis of Resistance or Suicide?

    As Iran defends its interests in the region and its regime’s survival, it may push Hezbollah into the abyss.

      Michael Young

  • Commentary
    Carnegie Politika
    How Far Can Russian Arms Help Iran?

    Arms supplies from Russia to Iran will not only continue, but could grow significantly if Russia gets the opportunity.

      Nikita Smagin

  • Front of a damaged apartment building
    Commentary
    Emissary
    Is a Conflict-Ending Solution Even Possible in Ukraine?

    On the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Carnegie experts discuss the war’s impacts and what might come next.

      • +1

      Eric Ciaramella, Aaron David Miller, Alexandra Prokopenko, …

Get more news and analysis from
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Carnegie global logo, stacked
1779 Massachusetts Avenue NWWashington, DC, 20036-2103Phone: 202 483 7600Fax: 202 483 1840
  • Research
  • Emissary
  • About
  • Experts
  • Donate
  • Programs
  • Events
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts
  • Contact
  • Annual Reports
  • Careers
  • Privacy
  • For Media
  • Government Resources
Get more news and analysis from
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
© 2026 Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. All rights reserved.