U.S. Strikes in Syria After Deadly Attack: Targeted Push Against ISIS

The **United States** is a federal republic and a global superpower, playing a leading role in economics, military strength, technology, and governance. It is a nation of approximately 348 million people as of 2025, characterized by its diverse population and dynamic economy[8][6]. Founded in 1776 following independence from British rule, the U.S. rapidly evolved into a major world power, especially after World War II, when its technological and economic investments solidified its global dominance[4]. Today, it remains the world’s preeminent military power, with 76% of Americans recognizing this status, while about half view it as the leading economic power globally, though China is seen as a rising competitor[2][3]. The U.S. government operates through a complex system that manages federal finances, taxation, social welfare programs, and trade policies. Recent legislative changes, such as the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act, have shaped the tax landscape to influence economic growth, labor markets, and federal revenue[1]. Despite challenges like rising federal deficits projected to reach 6.9% of GDP by 2027, consumer spending remains resilient, and business investment is expected to grow steadily in 2025[5]. In governance, the U.S. is rated "Free" with a score of 84/100 by Freedom House, though concerns about democratic erosion and partisan conflicts persist[6]. Public trust and satisfaction with government services fluctuate, reflecting ongoing debates about policy effectiveness and institutional competence[7]. Technologically, the U.S. maintains a critical edge, underpinning its economic and geopolitical power. Experts warn, however, that technological dominance is not guaranteed indefinitely, emphasizing the need for adaptive policies and international cooperation to sustain leadership in innovation and global affairs[4]. Overall, the United States remains a pivotal force in global business, technology, and politics, balancing historic strengths with contemporary challenges in

**The Islamic State (IS), also known as ISIS or Da'esh, is a transnational Salafi-jihadist terrorist network that evolved from al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) after the 2003 U.S. invasion, aiming to establish a global caliphate through violence, insurgency, and digital propaganda.**[2][3][5] Originating under Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in 2004, IS broke from al-Qaeda in 2013, rebranded as ISIS, and peaked in 2014–2015 by seizing vast territories in Iraq and Syria—roughly the size of Britain—governing 12 million people with a $1 billion+ budget, 30,000+ fighters, and brutal Shari'a enforcement, including the Yazidi genocide.[2][5] It declared a worldwide caliphate under Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, drawing 50,000+ recruits from 100+ nations via sophisticated governance blending guerrilla tactics and state-like operations.[3][5] **Key "achievements" from IS's perspective include high-profile attacks like the 2015 Paris assaults and 2024 IS-Khorasan (ISK) strikes in Iran and Russia, which killed thousands and amplified its deadliest-in-the-world status, causing 1,805 deaths in 2024 alone across 22 countries.**[1][4] Affiliates like ISK (Afghanistan/Pakistan-focused, ~2,000 fighters) and West Africa Province expanded its reach, using ambushes, IEDs, kidnappings, and lone-wolf inspirations.[3][4][6] By 2019, U.S.-led coalitions dismantled its caliphate, killing ~60,000 fighters and reducing core forces to 1,500–3,000 in Iraq/Syria hideouts, with 8,800–13,100 globally.[1][2][3