The Persistent Threat from the Islamic State and al-Qaeda: The View from the UN

Despite its territorial defeat, the Islamic State still poses a threat in Syria, Iraq, and beyond. Since March 2019, when the last portion of the caliphate fell, the group has claimed responsibility for nearly 1,000 attacks in Iraq alone, and its financial reserves are now estimated at up to $300 million. Al-Qaeda remains resilient as well, albeit with lesser financial strength and social media appeal.
To discuss the latest trends surrounding both groups, the Institute hosted Edmund Fitton-Brown, coordinator of the UN Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team concerning the Islamic State, al-Qaeda, and the Taliban. A former British diplomat, Fitton-Brown appeared in advance of the publication of his monitoring team's twenty-fifth semiannual report in early February.
The UN team tracks and reports on implementation of Chapter VII sanctions against UN-designated groups and affiliated individuals in support of the 1267 Committee and, within the UN, is responsible for assessing the global threat from these groups. Previously, Mr. Fitton-Brown served as British ambassador to Yemen and regional counselor for the Arabian Peninsula, among other postings in Riyadh, Cairo, Kuwait, and other locales.