"The United States will degrade and ultimately destroy the terrorist group known as ISIL", declares President Obama. The rebranding of ISIS as 'ISIL' by the USA denotes the expansion of the extremist group beyond Iraq and into the Levant, as well as its expanding power, peril, and prowess. Yet ISIL owes its strength to countries who gave support when it benefited them to do so. For example, Turkey provided the bulk of ISIL's funds, logistics, training and arms in the fight against Assad. Despite brutal beheadings of journalists and aid workers, the group has attracted over 12,000 militants. As Professor Anthony James Hall describes, "Now of course, Islamic State is not Islamic, and is not the state". An informative and revealing profile of the world's wealthiest and most feared terrorist organisation.

Islamic State is a real and growing threat. But how and why are they so successful? This comprehensive report explores the formation of the group and the process by which it has been funded, armed and equipped.