The Iraqi and Syrian Civil Wars morph into the Islamic State War of Independence, as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria changes its name to simply the “Islamic State.” Also, Salafi Jihadists proclaim Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, as Caliph (a political and religious successor to the prophet Muhammad), and “leader for Moslems [Sunni and non-Sunni alike] everywhere.”
[added 12/13/2022]
Subsequent Events:
ISIS Fast Facts – CNN.com
www.cnn.com/2014/08/08/world/isis-fast-facts/index.html
Syria profile – Timeline – BBC News – BBC.com
www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-14703995
Isis rebels declare ‘Islamic state’ in Iraq and Syria – BBC News
www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28082962