Al Qaeda - backed militants have taken control of cities in northern Iraq . Islamic State of Iraq and Syria ( ISIS ) seeks to impose a strict Islamist regime . There are a number of smaller towns in northern Syria which -- activists and residents have told us -- are controlled entirely by ISIS : The Al Qaeda expansion poses tough dilemma for U.S. and its European allies .
Al Qaeda - backed militants have taken control of cities in northern Iraq . Islamic State of Iraq and Syria ( ISIS ) seeks to impose a strict Islamist regime . The Al Qaeda expansion poses tough dilemma for U.S. and its European allies .