The Secret History of ISIS

The radical group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria is considered one of the greatest terrorist threats of modern times, yet its origins remain shrouded in mystery. The Secret History of ISIS investigates how a small band of extremists established what became the world’s most feared terror group. The documentary begins with the Bush administration, reviewing the United States’ invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, and traces the wars, killings, and terrorist attacks that have followed since.

One of the film’s most striking arguments is that the American government, under two presidents, bears partial responsibility for the growth of ISIS. It highlights how many key policymakers were warned about the rise of extremism, yet failed to take action. A compelling mix of interviews with government officials, terrorist propaganda footage, and recently released documents is used to question the government’s ineffective response during the early years of ISIS.