In June 2014, ISIS launched an offensive in Iraq, capturing key cities like Fallujah and Tikrit, while Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s government failed to respond effectively, leading to chaos. Maliki’s anti-Sunni policies and inaction during the crisis allowed ISIS to thrive, culminating in the massacre of thousands at Camp Speicher. Religious cleric Ali al-Sistani’s fatwa mobilized Iraqi defenses, but Maliki’s mismanagement had squandered military resources. As ISIS advanced, Kurdish leaders debated strategies to combat the threat, leading to significant humanitarian crises, particularly among the Yazidi population.
