‘What Happens When Islamic State’s Foreign Fighters Return?What Happens When Islamic State’s Foreign Fighters Return?’ by Bloomberg

Cam Simpson present the threat posed to Western security by returning foreign fighters.

Foreign Fighters

‘European foreign fighters in Syria: dynamics and responses’ by Lorenzo Vidino

The number of European jihadists currently fighting in Syria surpasses that of any comparable past mobilisation. Authorities throughout the continent fear that some returnees from the conflict, having become further radicalised and having acquired technical skills, might carry out attacks in Europe.

Syria

 

‘The Islamic State: From al-Qaeda Affiliate to Caliphate’ by Ahmed Hashim

This article, by Ahmed Hashim, shows the trajectory the group we know today as IS had from an al-Qaeda affiliate, to a separatist group labelled the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), until in June 2014 it officially declared itself the Islamic State (IS).

Caliphate Origins

‘Why Foreign Fighters Face Few Real Travel Restrictions’ by Council on Foreign Relations

What happens when these people want to return to their home countries? Policy discussions among Western countries have been insufficient to address the foreign fighter problem, given that their citizens are now at the center of an increasingly deadly conflict.

Returnee Fighters

‘What is Hiding Behind Islamic State’ by Chatham House

Islamic State is in fact such a barn or tin roof under which are hiding a complex set of forces; they would be illegal if they tried to consolidate their power over a territory but they will have to be recognised once the roof is removed.

ISIS Laws

 

Satellites track heritage loss across Syria and Iraq

Andrew Lawler argues that archaeologists have largely been distant and anguished bystanders to the wave of ruin afflicting ancient sites in Syria and northern Iraq.

Syria

‘The Violence of ISIS’ by Liebert

Neer Thomas and O’Toole Mary Ellen approach ISIS from a behavioural perspective.

Behavioral

‘Britain, Turkey Work ‘Closely’ to Stop Foreign Fighters’ by AFP News Agency

Britain and Turkey are working “as closely as possible” to stop foreign fighters joining Islamic State insurgents in Iraq and Syria, according to British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Britain’s Reaction

‘ISIS – “Islamic” Extremism?’ by Ahlulbayt TV

Is Islam a religion of war or peace? Mojtaba Ali investigates extremism and ISIS. What threats do they pose to the world?

ISIS Extremism

 

 

 

‘Counterrorism Won’t Work Against ISIS’ by Audrey Cronin

In this video, Audrey Cronin, argues that ISIS is a structure more like a state so using counterterrorism or counterinsurgency strategies against them is ill-advised.

Anti-Counterrorism Approach