DavidKennerVerified account

Today, ISIS has far greater assets in its possession, far more affiliates across the globe, and can exploit the weakened states in Syria and Iraq, which are rife with black markets. It’s really easy to imagine how history repeats itself. (6/6)

In early 2009, AQI was making ~$1 million in Nineveh province alone through these tactics. Those funds fueled its rapid expansion from its weakest point in early 2012 to rampage across Mosul in summer 2014. (5/6)

It smuggled oil. It skimmed construction contracts in Mosul, with the complicity of Iraqi officials. It behaved like a Mafia, shaking down cell phone companies, most famously Asiacell, promising not to blow up its towers if it paid protection money. (4/6)

In researching this piece, I was blown away by how much stronger ISIS is right now than previous low points in its power. Take ~2008-2012, when AQI had been crushed following a Sunni backlash and the US “surge.” We know a lot about how it raised money then: (3/6)

If you’re interested in ISIS finance you must follow @HowardJShatz. He has been researching this issue since the days of AQI and his help was invaluable for this article. (2/6)

The article goes on to say that I went to Gulenist schools and met these military officers there. That is also not true. As for the article's claim that I learned to speak Turkish in Gulenist schools - I don't speak Turkish, as anyone who has listened to me try can attest.