This map indicates the various groups controlling parts of Syna and Iraq at the time The Cultural Landscape was published. The situation has changed According to the US State Department briefing of December 21, 2017, in what way had the situation changed at that point?

Question

(1 point)

Answer 1

As of the US State Department briefing on December 21, 2017, the situation in Syria and Iraq had seen significant changes, particularly regarding the territorial control of various groups. Key points include:

1. Defeat of ISIS: By late 2017, the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) had lost a substantial amount of territory in both Iraq and Syria, marking a critical shift in the balance of power. In Iraq, ISIS had been pushed out of major cities such as Mosul, which had been a stronghold.

2. Stabilization Efforts: Efforts were being made to stabilize regions that were previously under ISIS control, with increased focus on rebuilding infrastructure and fostering local governance.

3. Shifts in Control: Various groups, including Iraqi government forces, Kurdish forces, and Syrian Democratic Forces, were gaining ground against ISIS, leading to a more complex landscape of control with multiple players involved.

These points indicate a shift from a scenario where ISIS was a dominant force to a situation where they were significantly weakened and facing territorial losses.