Explaining the differences between Al-Qaeda and ISIS in West Asia and its reflection on the national security of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD in International Relations, University Lecturer, Faculty of Humanities, Ilam Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ilam, Iran.

2 Master of International Relations, Faculty of Humanities, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.

Abstract

One of the most important threats against the national security of any country during different periods have been terrorist groups that polarize society and disrupt national security with their monopolistic and ideological actions to fight against national identity. In West Asia, every problem and crisis forces not only the countries of the region, but also the international system to react. In recent years, ISIS and al-Qaeda, which are the biggest terrorist organizations in history, their differences have affected not only West Asia but also the international system, especially the Islamic Republic of Iran, which is under the threat of these takfiri groups because of its Shiite identity. The purpose of this research is to explain the differences between Al-Qaeda and ISIS in West Asia and its reflection on the national security of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The main question is, what are the similarities and differences between the two Takfiri groups, Al-Qaeda and ISIS, and what effect do they have on the national security of the Islamic Republic of Iran? In response to the main question, the hypothesis of the research is based on the fact that: while similarities in Salafism and acts of violence and differences in operational areas, they have created opportunities and challenges for the national security of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The research method in this study is descriptive-analytical.

Keywords

National Security
Volume 15, spring
June 2025
Pages 123-150

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History

  • Receive Date: 27 June 2023
  • Revise Date: 02 March 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 March 2024

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