| Description |
1 online resource (41 pages) |
| Contents |
Contents Introduction 6 Numbers 9 The Threat 14 Returnees 18 Women and Children 22 The Response 26 Contributors 37 About The Soufan Center 39 About The Global Strategy Network |
| Summary |
Key Findings. As the so-called Islamic State (IS) loses territorial control of its caliphate, there is little doubt that the group or something similar will survive the worldwide campaign against it so long as the conditions that promoted its growth remain. Its appeal will outlast its demise, and while it will be hard to assess the specific threat posed by foreign fighters and returnees, they will present a challenge to many countries for years to come. Despite the overall increase in Foreign Fighters since The Soufan Group's last report in December 2015, the flow of fighters came to a virtual standstill as the Islamic State began to lose its territory in both Syria and Iraq and states implemented better measures to prevent travel. However, from 2015, there was a marked rise in the number of foreign women and children traveling to or, in the case of children, being born in the Islamic State. While returning Foreign Fighters have not as yet added significantly to the threat of terrorism around the world, the number of attacks inspired or directed by the Islamic State continues to rise. All returnees, whatever their reason for going home, will continue to pose some degree of risk. There are now at least 5,600 citizens or residents from 33 countries who have returned home. Added to the unknown numbers from other countries, this represents a huge challenge for security and law enforcement entities. States have not found a way to address the problem of returnees. Most are imprisoned, or disappear from view. There will be a need for more research and information sharing to develop effective strategies to assess and address the threat. Returnee women and children represent a particular problem for States, as they struggle to understand how best to reintegrate these populations. Proper mental health and social support mechanisms will be especially relevant in the case of children |
| Notes |
The Soufan Center and the Global Strategy Network |
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"October 2017." |
| Subject |
Foreign fighters
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Civil war -- Syria
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Civil war.
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Politics and government.
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| SUBJECT |
Syria -- Politics and government. http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh98006215
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| Subject |
Syria.
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| Form |
Electronic book
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| Author |
Barrett, Richard Martin Donne
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NSDS, NATO Strategic Directions South
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Soufan Center
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