What is the difference between ISIS and Al-Qaeda?

Here's a look at five critical differences between al Qaeda and the new threat of ISIS. Structure. ISIS is fighting more like a conventional army than al Qaeda ever did. It has seized territory and declared a caliphate in northern Syria and Iraq. read more

The Obama administration is targeting the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) under the same authority it is using to target al Qaeda, arguing that the ISIS is an “associated force” of al Qaeda since ISIS used to be al Qaeda in Iraq. read more

The dispute between the Islamic State and Al Qaeda is more than just a fight for power within the jihadist movement. The two organizations differ on the main enemies, strategies, tactics, and other fundamental concerns. As a result, the threat they pose to the United States differs as well. read more

The stark contrast between Al Qaeda's large scale, dramatic attacks and ISIS' slow territorial conquest also reflects the differences between the two organizations' ultimate goals: Whereas Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda viewed global jihad as more of a long game, ISIS wants a Muslim state, and it wants it now. read more