DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The Islamic State militant group that has taken over large parts of Syria and Iraq and declared a self-styled caliphate poses one of the most significant threats to stability in the Middle East in years. But what danger does it immediately pose? Here are some questions and answers about the Islamic State group: DOES THE ISLAMIC STATE GROUP RUN A DE FACTO COUNTRY? The Islamic State group holds roughly a third of Iraq and Syria, including several strategically important cities like Fallujah and Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria.