Profiling the Islamic StateHow did ISIS become such a powerful force? What are its goals and characteristics? What are the best options for containing and defeating the group? In this Brookings Doha Center Analysis Paper, Charles Lister traces IS’s roots from Jordan to Afghanistan, and finally to Iraq and Syria. He describes its evolution from a small terrorist group into a bureaucratic organization that currently controls thousands of square miles and is attempting to govern millions of people. Lister assesses the group’s capabilities, explains its various tactics, and identifies its likely trajectory. (December 1, 2014)