Failed Tick Recognition and the Rise of ISIS in Iraq

What is important these days in the Middle East is the continuation of conflict. The existing literature in the Middle East studies is pretty much engaged with the issue of beginning and protraction of conflict. Despite of some hopes for more attention to issue of development in the 21th century, American invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003 heralded another round of conflicts in the region. Among the many countries facing crisis, Iraq has been very much outstanding at least from 2003. Why is Iraq so much enmeshed in crisis and conflict? To find an answer, this article tries to utilize a four dimensional tick recognition model in order to examine the rise of ISIS in Iraq.  Historical narratives, self-realizations, ontological security and hubristic identity are considered as four dimensions related to recognition which may help explain the situation in Iraq. Our main argument is that failing tick recognition in these four dimensions in Iraq has led to the rise of violent groups in this country.