Publication

This paper discusses the potential consequences of ISIS and its allies seizing large portions of Iraq. With large tracts of land, millions of Sunni Arabs, and petro-carbon wealth all nominally under its control, ISIS is now in a position to support itself financially, alter the geopolitical configuration of the Middle East, and increase the odds of all-out Sunni-Shia warfare across the region. After contemplating these issues, the note closes by considering the impact they might have on US credibility, the global economy, Russia and Europe.