Iraq

7 profiled groups with documented operations in Iraq — 2 Extreme-band, 0 High-band, 5 Moderate or below. Presence here describes documented operations, not a judgement about Iraq or its communities; many listed groups also operate elsewhere.

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Islam

ISIS / 'Islamic State' ideology (recruitment networks)

Salafist-jihadist ideology and recruitment network of the so-called 'Islamic State'. Documented patterns of extreme indoctrination, sexual slavery, mass execution, and total information control. Listed as a terrorist organisation by virtually all governments.

Islam

Soldiers of Heaven / Jund as-Samaa (historical)

Iraqi Shia messianic movement led by Dia Abdul-Zahra Kadim, who claimed Mahdist status. The group armed and fortified a camp near Najaf and, per Iraqi and coalition accounts, planned an attack on Ashura clergy in 2007; the resulting battle killed the leader and scores of members. Remnant cells staged follow-on attacks in 2008 before the movement dissipated.

Other

Yazidi Religion (mainstream)

Ancient indigenous religion of the Yazidi people, primarily in northern Iraq. Closed-membership: no conversion in or out, strict endogamy. Subject of 2014+ ISIS genocide recognised by UN and multiple national governments.

Other

Mandaeans (Sabian-Mandaeans)

Surviving ancient Gnostic monotheist tradition centred on John the Baptist as the chief prophet. ~60–70k adherents historically rooted in southern Iraq and Khuzestan, Iran; now largely diaspora after post-2003 violence.

Islam

Mainstream Shia Islam (Twelver)

Mainstream Twelver Shia Islam (Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain) is a low-CLCI reference point with rich scholarly and devotional tradition. The marja' al-taqlid system creates structured religious authority but adherence is voluntary.

Christian

Assyrian Church of the East

Distinct Eastern Christian tradition holding Nestorian christology. Patriarchate moved from Iraq to Erbil; HQ now in Erbil and Chicago.

Islam

Qadiriyya Sufi Order (mainstream)

Oldest major Sufi tariqa, founded by Abdul Qadir Gilani (Baghdad, 12th c.). Tens of millions of adherents globally. Mainstream low-control reference point.

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Complete list of 7 group profiles