What does Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's death mean for ISIS?

What does Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's Death Mean For ISIS?

Who was Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and what does his death mean for ISIS?

Well, obviously, he was the world's number one most wanted terrorist. The self-declared head of the Islamic State, the caliph, the head of the caliphate that at one time ruled over some 10 million people. His death is an enormous blow to ISIS as he was the spiritual leader and the strategic leader. They will find another leader. ISIS is not going away. But this is a major win for the fight against terrorism and ISIS and a major win for the Trump administration.

Is this the biggest win of Trump's presidency?

You could certainly argue that it is. Something akin to President Obama announcing the death of Osama bin Laden. But ISIS will continue. Problems in northern Syria likely to continue as we pull troops out of there. So, it remains to be seen how long lived this victory is for President Trump and it changes nothing about impeachment or the rest of the problems facing this presidency. But it was a major, big win for the White House.

More from GZERO Media

- YouTube

Following a terrorist attack in Kashmir last spring, India and Pakistan, both nuclear powers, exchanged military strikes in an alarming escalation. Former Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Khar joins Ian Bremmer on GZERO World to discuss Pakistan’s perspective in the simmering conflict.

- YouTube

A military confrontation between India and Pakistan in May nearly pushed the two nuclear-armed countries to the brink of war. On Ian Explains, Ian Bremmer breaks down the complicated history of the India-Pakistan conflict, one of the most contentious and bitter rivalries in the world.

A combination picture shows Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting with Arkhangelsk Region Governor Alexander Tsybulsky in Severodvinsk, Arkhangelsk region, Russia July 24, 2025.
REUTERS/Leah Millis

In negotiations, the most desperate party rarely gets the best terms. As Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin meet in Alaska today to discuss ending the Ukraine War, their diverging timelines may shape what deals emerge – if any.