The first campaign history of Operation Inherent Resolve, the West's military effort against Islamic State.

On the 29th of June 2014 ISIS declared the establishment of a caliphate stretching across territories in Iraq and Syria. In response, Operation Inherent Resolve, a US-led 77 nation coalition, was launched to respond to the threat of Islamic State. The West's War Against Islamic State offers the first history of Operation Inherent Resolve and the West's war against ISIS, from its inception in 2014 to the fall of Raqqa in 2017. Andrew Mumford offers a comprehensive analysis and assessment of the military campaign deployed against ISIS in Syria and Iraq by examining the West's strategic objectives as well as the conflicting interests of rival powers, namely Russia, Iran and Turkey. By examining individual operational components of this military engagement such as drone usage, cyber warfare, special forces operations and sponsorship of guerrilla forces, this book offers a unique insight into the nature of modern warfare.

"Mumford’s book is an engaging analysis of OIR, examining both its successes and limitations in achieving its mission of combating – later enhanced to “destroying” – IS in Syria and Iraq. ... The book is recommended for interested general readers as well as scholars and policymakers and will make a good addition to undergraduate courses." - The Muslim World Book Review

"Andrew Mumford provides an early, comprehensive yet concise operational analysis of the US led political and military effort to roll back Islamic State after its sudden emergence with the capture of Mosul in June 2014." - Asian Affairs