Also known by varying names such as the " Islamic State " or the " Islamic State of Iraq and Syria " ( ISIS ) , ISIL has an international reputation for brutality and violence , their actions including beheadings and floggings as well as bans on all kinds of perceived un-Islamic behaviors . A campaign of genocide against the Yazidis and set of massacres done in the wake of militant victories have also brought the group widespread condemnation . Muslim religious leaders such as Egypt 's grand mufti have condemned the organization , arguing that its actions go against Islam , and leaders both within ( such as Iraqi Kurdistan President Masoud Barzani ) and outside ( such as U.S. President Barack Obama ) the Arab world have vowed to destroy the militants
campaign of genocide against the Yazidis
Genocide of Yazidis by ISIL
Response of Saudi Arabia to ISIL