Muslim Brotherhood
IslamistThe progenitor of modern political Islam, founded in Egypt in 1928. Pursues Sharia-based governance through institutional infiltration and lobbying networks spanning Europe, North Africa, and North America.
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Founded 1928 · Global Networks
The progenitor of modern political Islam, founded in Egypt in 1928. Pursues Sharia-based governance through institutional infiltration and lobbying networks spanning Europe, North Africa, and North America.
Emerged 2014 · Iraq / Syria / Global
Established a self-declared caliphate across Iraq and Syria in 2014, committing genocide against Yazidis and Christians and orchestrating attacks across three continents. Territorial defeat in 2019 did not end the group — active affiliates continue operating across West Africa, the Sahel, and Southeast Asia.
Founded 1987 · Gaza / Levant
Muslim Brotherhood offshoot governing the Gaza Strip since 2007, designated a terrorist organization by the US, EU, and UK. Responsible for the October 7, 2023 massacre — the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust.
Founded 1982 · Lebanon / Regional
Iran's primary regional proxy, founded in Lebanon in 1982. Maintains a larger arsenal than most national armies and has carried out attacks in Argentina, Bulgaria, and across the Middle East.
Founded 1988 · Global Network
Orchestrated the September 11, 2001 attacks and dozens of mass-casualty bombings worldwide. Operates through regional affiliates — AQIM, AQAP, and Al-Shabaab — and continues to inspire lone-wolf attacks globally.
Emerged 1994 · Afghanistan / Pakistan
Retook Afghanistan in 2021 and now enforce one of the world's most repressive regimes — banning women from education, executing dissidents, and harbouring Al-Qaeda. Afghanistan once again serves as a global jihadist sanctuary.
Founded 2002 · West Africa
Operating across Nigeria and the Lake Chad basin, responsible for tens of thousands of deaths and the 2014 abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok. Its ISIS-aligned splinter faction ISWAP now poses an equal or greater threat.
Emerged 2006 · Horn of Africa
Al-Qaeda affiliate controlling large parts of rural Somalia. Responsible for the Westgate Mall attack (Kenya, 2013) and Garissa University massacre (2015). Imposes strict Sharia and funds operations through civilian taxation and extortion.
Emerged 1990s · Yemen / Red Sea
Iran-backed militia controlling northern Yemen, launching missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Red Sea shipping. Their official slogan calls for death to America and Israel.
Islamic Republic · Since 1979
The world's foremost state sponsor of terrorism — funding and directing Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and Shia militias across Iraq and Syria. Pursues a nuclear programme in violation of international agreements.
Gulf State · Doha Networks
Finances Islamist movements globally through its sovereign wealth fund and Al Jazeera media network. Hosts senior Hamas leadership in Doha and funds Muslim Brotherhood-linked institutions across Europe and North America.
Under Erdoğan · NATO Member
Under Erdoğan, Turkey backs Muslim Brotherhood-aligned governments, facilitates jihadist transit into Syria and Iraq, and hosts Hamas military leadership — while conducting military operations against Kurdish populations.
ISI Networks · South Asia
Pakistan's ISI has a documented history of sheltering jihadist groups as foreign policy instruments — harbouring Osama bin Laden, the Taliban, and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Its nuclear arsenal compounds the long-term security threat.
Post-Assad Transition · Levant
Assad's collapse in December 2024 ended Ba'athist rule, but the post-Assad authority is led by HTS — itself a designated terrorist organization. The fate of Alawite, Druze, Christian, and Kurdish minorities remains deeply uncertain.
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