RT America -- March 5, 2015

Origins of ISIS – Special Coverage

In a special report, RT America examines the origins, power and expansion of the terrorist group known as the Islamic State (IS, formerly known as ISIS). RT’s Ben Swann delves into the roots of the organization while Ameera David explains how the group amasses the millions of dollars it requires to operate. Finally, Manuel Rapalo explores how the Iraqi army fell apart despite benefiting from billions of dollars of US money – and military hardware – meant to ensure security.

How ISIS managed to take down the US-backed Iraqi military

After the fall of Saddam Hussein, it appeared that the Iraqi military would be able to withstand any force, especially considering that the country had been given billions of dollars in both political and military support. But in a shocking turn of events, the moment that the Islamic State made their presence felt, the army immediately folded to the terrorist group. RT’s Manuel Rapalo has more on how the army fell apart and left a power vacuum for ISIS.