NATO and the Rise of ISIS

This assignment examines NATO's role in confronting the Islamic State (ISIS). It delves into NATO's strategies for combating ISIS, including military operations, intelligence sharing, and capacity building. The analysis will assess NATO's successes and failures in addressing the ISIS threat, considering factors like regional instability, political complexities, and resource limitations. The assignment encourages critical evaluation of NATO's contributions to counter-terrorism efforts and its impact on global security.

PhD Proposal
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Project title ......................................................................................................................................3
Overview .........................................................................................................................................3
Key research questions ..................................................................................................................3
Relevant literature ...........................................................................................................................3
METHODOLOGY .........................................................................................................................5
Research design...........................................................................................................................5
Research approach.......................................................................................................................6
Data collection.............................................................................................................................6
Data analysis................................................................................................................................6
Ethical issues................................................................................................................................7
Research limitations.....................................................................................................................7
Outcomes.........................................................................................................................................7
Timescale.........................................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9
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PROJECT TITLE
The project title for this current research proposal is Exploration of ISIS, US NATO war
agenda: the beginning of the end for IS.
OVERVIEW
The present research proposed is being conducted on exploration of ISIS, US NATO was
agenda by keeping into mind the growth of Islam in America. It is because currently war are
taking place very frequently and creating conflicts among different countries on the basis of
religion system. Especially, situations of Iraq is dangerous which proves to be ineffective for
people living there. The main reason behind this research is to understand the scenario of Islamic
State. Further, in the current study, growth of Islam in America will be explored along with
causes for the same.
The present study will be helpful for researchers or students who are doing their thesis. It
is because this report will explore detailed knowledge regarding issues that are faced by different
people in the world. It enable countries to assess strategic situation of Islamic States and their
contribution in killing Muslims. Thus, the current research is important for those who are
connected with the field of literature review and who are studying in colleges. It will provide in-
depth information related to funds and weapons that are available with Islamic States. Apart
from this, the study will uncover common issues that are taking place at global level due to ISIS.
In addition, the main purpose of current report is to provide information regarding war deception
and corruption so that public can also be aware of it (Saltman and Winter, 2014).
KEY RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The research questions for selected proposal will be prepared as follows that helps to
conduct research activities accordingly-
 What is the role of NATO, Iraq and Syria in context to the growth of Islam in America?
 What is the nature, aspiration and strategic situation of the IS?
 Why they are attacking Muslims?
 Who provides funds and weapons to them?
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RELEVANT LITERATURE
ISIS is the Islamic militant group who are presently known as Islamic State. It was
previously known as Al-Qaeda in Iraq whose main aim was to impose Shari'ah law.
Furthermore, McCabe (2008) stated that Libyan revolution was the first foreign intervention of
Obama. This revolution was an extension of the Arab Spring and involvement of NATO.
However, leaders of Libyan rebels accepted that their fighters included Al-Qaeda linked jihadists
who fought against allied troops in Iraq (Origins of ISIS aka Islamic State, 2016).
According to Chesley and et. al., (2013) the growth of Islam in America cannot be
ignored as it is the third largest faith followed in United States after Judaism and Christianity. As
per the estimation of 2016 approximately 3.3 million Muslims are living in US who came from
other areas. Further, Brzezinski (2009) reported that there are mainly African Americans who are
native born American Muslim and many of these people adopted Islam since a long time. The
main reason behind the growth of Islam in America is conversion to Islam among people of large
urban areas. However, they do not follow the rules and regulations followed by US. For
example, Muslims in US oppose same sex marriages and also do not allow their families for
abortion. It depicts that they are highly devoted to their families in order to ensure their own
growth.
According to Webber (2009) Islamic states (IS) depends on vicegerency of Allah and
also their principles rely on Quran and Sunnah. Under this, all people are dedicated towards their
religion and put efforts for the supremacy of the word of Allah. However, all other things are
second priority for them (IS). Similarly, policies and regulations are implemented in the light of
Islamic law (CIA sends teams to Libya, 2011). These all rules and regulations are followed in all
perspective such as political, economical and social and military.
Goldgeier (2010) stated that ISIS strategy mainly focuses upon three geographical rings
where the first one is in Levant, the second one is Middle East and North Africa. Further, the
third geographic ring is in Europe, Asia and the United States. Further, the main goal of Islamic
State is to defend people who live in Syria and Iraq and to expand operations of the state for the
purpose of religion. Furthermore, Ringsmose (2010) reported that IS also want to recruit people
at global level so that accordingly strategies are formulated. It facilitates to protect rights of
individual living in Iraq and promoting Islam among Muslims. Furthermore, Vargas-Hernández,
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Noruzi and Sariolghalam (2010) asserted that ISIS is continuously attacking on different states in
order to fulfill their purpose. However, US government is formulating effective strategy to
counter the Islamic State. In this regard, IS was tarted by US direct with airstrikes. Here, Rehman
and Breau (2007) stated that the local forces worked in Iraq and Syria with support of US-led
coalition air campaign. On the other hand, new aspirations of IS could be major part of its
competition with Al-Qaeda. Further, leader of Al-Qaeda was warned against indiscriminate
bombings where innocents Muslims might be killed.
Furthermore, Miller, (2010) asserted that NATO the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
is intergovernmental military alliance. This alliance work for mutual defense in response to
attack from external parties. Further, Yost (2009) stated that US provides fund and weapons for
arming and training of militant groups in Syria. For example, ISIS and US jointly did unfair
work in Washington by weakening Assad. Accordingly, focus was laid on Ukraine and Russia so
that both the parties can get have advantage in long term (NATO’s agenda hardly changed since
Yugoslavia bombing, 2016).
In addition to this, Fahmy and Kim (2008) asserted that strategies of Al-Qaeda is not
good for Muslims as well as they are killing them. Here, most of the terrorists of Iraq includes
Sunni Muslims who want others (Shia) to convert themselves in Sunni. It assists them to get
more power and enhance their operations across the world. This way, Lister, (2014) reported that
Islamic State is being feared and successful caliphate in history (Kagan, Kagan and Lewis,
2016). It is because IS focused on taking over Arab states and controlling over the same with
their own way. Owing to this, the real threat of IS is for Muslims of Middle East where Iraq
targeted. In this case, Shia Muslims oppose Sunni (a category of Muslims living in Iraq) then this
circumstances bring conflicts among both of them. It is because IS wants all Muslims to become
Sunni. It is because the main aim of ISIS is to create integrated Islamic territory for enforcing
their extremist’s beliefs. Hence, accordingly, it aims to include several cities across northern
Syria and Iraq (Habeck and et. al., 2016).
METHODOLOGY
Research design
In current study, the researcher can focus on exploratory design in order to have an
effective exploration of ISIS, US NATO war agenda: the beginning of the end for IS. With an
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assistance of exploratory investigation the researcher can easily determine the effective selection
of data collection method (Howell, 2013). It is most appropriate for the current study because the
problem within subject has not been clearly defined. In the support of this, it can be said that
exploratory design is beneficial to investigate the problems associated with the beginning of the
end for IS. It is also advantageous to have an effective exploration of ISIS, US NATO war
agenda.
Research approach
Approach is considered as a scheme that facilitates researcher in decision making process
of any particular research. In current investigation the researcher can focus on deductive
approach as it is advantageous to take decisions in regard to tools and techniques that needed to
be incorporated in research. With an improved focus on deductive study, the investigator can
easily accomplish goals and investigate the specific factors that relates to ISIS, US NATO and
their war agenda (Bruce, 2009). This approach is also suitable for current study because it
provides review and hypothesis from the investigation of existing theory.
Data collection
The current research is of qualitative aspect so considering on this factor, the data
collection process also needs to be in qualitative nature. There are two major forms of data
collection which are classified as primary and secondary (Franklin, 2012). In order to have
effective data collection the researcher can focus on various secondary sources that provides
proper exploration of ISIS, US NATO war agenda. Number of books, journals, online sources
can be accessed by researcher to collect information in context to diverse factors that relates with
ISIS, US NATO and their war agenda.
Data analysis
In order to accomplish the current investigation, it is significant for researcher to identify
the nature of study as it facilitates in decision making process that relates with tools and
techniques of investigation. It has been spotted that there are two different kinds of research
types which can be classified as qualitative and quantitative (Bhattacharyya, 2009). Moreover,
qualitative research is most suitable for current research as it provides theoretical discussion on
the subject which is beneficial to attain optimistic results.
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Other than this, thematic approach of data analysis is also advantageous for the current
investigation as it provides better assistance to qualitative nature. This also reflects that the use of
thematic approach is beneficial for effective accomplishment of qualitative research.
Ethical issues
As per the structured study, it can be said that researcher needs to ensure about diverse
ethical issues that can impact the outcome of investigation. In the support of this, it can be said
that the current study is effectively focusing on secondary sources, so the researcher needs to
ensure that the learning is consisted of proper citation. It facilitates in maintaining ethical
standards within work so that proper outcomes can be attained (Saunders, 2003). Other than this,
issues regarding plagiarism is also needed to be consider in order to accomplish current research
in most ethical manner. At this juncture, authenticate sources of information will be used and
proper citation will be done for the same. It helps researcher can easily have effective
exploration of ISIS, US NATO war agenda.
Research limitations
Current study have some limitations which may influence the effectiveness of overall
outcome. It is crucial to complete the study in limited time due to long procedure of primary and
secondary data collection. In this respect, it can be stated that the limited time period for
conduction of research can be its limitation (Johnson and Christensen, 2008).
OUTCOMES
The present study will bring valid outcomes by providing new information of neglected
areas. It will uncover the support provided by US to associations like Iraq, Syria and Al-Qaeda.
Further, new insight into an existing debate will also be provided with reasons IS killing
Muslims. Therefore, outcome of the present study will highlight the neglected areas through
which IS will be getting motivation so that meaningful outcomes can be generated for existing
debate.
TIMESCALE
Activity/Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Drafting of the research proposal
Exploration and understanding of the literature
Decision regarding research objectives
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Designing of research approach
Drafting of research methodology
Writing of literature review
Gathering of data from secondary sources
Interpretation of collected secondary data
Assessment of the information
Finalizing other supportive chapters
Writing of findings chapter
Submission to tutor and awaiting feedback
Revising the final draft
Printing and binding
Submit
According to the given Gantt chart all research activities will be completed in given time
span. With an assistance of time frame, the path of further study will get cleared which is
beneficial to meet the research objectives in an appropriate manner. Decisions regarding study
objectives also need to be accomplished in given time period as it provides effective outcome
from the investigation. After that, literature review also need to be consider in order to gain
theoretical idea about the subject matter. It is effective in gaining better understanding and
exploration of ISIS, US NATO and their war agenda. Proper interpretation and designing of
other supportive chapters are also essential to attain optimistic outcomes. Moreover, feedback
process is significant to consider, as it helps in overcoming various issues associated with in the
study so that researcher can revise overall draft in an appropriate manner.
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REFERENCES
Journals and books
Bhattacharyya, K. D., 2009. Research Methodology. Excel Books India.
Bruce L., B., 2009. Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences. Seventh Edition.
Boston MA: Pearson Education Inc.
Brzezinski, Z., 2009. An agenda for NATO. Foreign Affairs. 88(5). pp.2-20.
Chesley, S.R. And et. al., 2013. The ISIS mission concept: an impactor for surface and interior
science.
Fahmy, S. and Kim, D., 2008. Picturing the Iraq War Constructing the Image of War in the
British and US Press. International Communication Gazette. 70(6). pp.443-462.
Feldman, N., 2008. The fall and rise of the Islamic state. 23 (3). Princeton: Princeton University
Press.
Franklin, M. I., 2012. Understanding Research: Coping with the Quantitative-Qualitative
Divide. London and New York: Routledge.
Goldgeier, J. M., 2010. Not whether but when: The US decision to enlarge NATO. Brookings
Institution Press.
Howell, K. E., 2013. Introduction to the Philosophy of Methodology. London: Sage
Publications.
Johnson, B., and Christensen, L., 2008. Educational research: Quantitative, qualitative, and
mixed approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Lister, C., 2014. Profiling the Islamic State. Brookings Doha Center Analysis Paper. (13). pp.17.
McCabe, E.A., 2008. An examination of the Isis cult with preliminary exploration into New
Testament studies. University Press of America.
Miller, B., 2010. Explaining changes in US grand strategy: 9/11, the rise of offensive liberalism,
and the war in Iraq. Security Studies. 19(1). pp.26-65.
Rehman, J. and Breau, S. eds., 2007. Religion, human rights and international law: a critical
examination of Islamic state practices. BRILL.
Ringsmose, J., 2010. NATO burden-sharing redux: continuity and change after the Cold War.
Contemporary Security Policy. 31(2). pp.319-338.
Saltman, E. and Winter, C., 2014. Islamic State: The Changing Face of Modern Jihadism.
London: Quilliam.
Saunders, M., 2003. Research Methods for Business Students. Pearson Education.
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Vargas-Hernández, J.G., Noruzi, M.R. and Sariolghalam, N., 2010. An exploration of the affects
of islamic culture on entrepreneurial behaviors in muslim countries. Asian Social
Science. 6(5). p.120.
Webber, M., 2009. NATO: The United States, transformation and the war in Afghanistan. The
British Journal of Politics & International Relations. 11(1). pp.46-63.
Yost, D.S., 2009. Assurance and US extended deterrence in NATO. International Affairs, 85(4),
pp.755-780.
Online
CIA sends teams to Libya. 2011. [Online]. Available through: <http://news.yahoo.com/cia-
sends-teams-libya-us-considers-rebel-aid-20110331-065759-284.html>. [Accessed on 2nd
February 2016].
Habeck, M. and et. al., 2016. A global strategy for combating al Qaeda and the Islamic State.
[Online]. Available through: <https://www.aei.org/publication/a-global-strategy-for-
combating-al-qaeda-and-the-islamic-state/>. [Accessed on 2nd February 2016].
Kagan, K., Kagan, F. W. and Lewis, J. D., 2016. [Online]. Available through:
<http://www.understandingwar.org/report/strategy-defeat-islamic-state>. [Accessed on 2nd
February 2016].
NATO’s agenda hardly changed since Yugoslavia bombing. 2016. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.rt.com/op-edge/185328-nato-agenda-yugoslavia-bombing/>. [Accessed on 2nd
February 2016].
Origins of ISIS aka Islamic State. 2016. [Online]. Available through:
<http://www.wanttoknow.info/war/isis-islamic-state-origins>. [Accessed on 2nd February
2016].
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