GUEST COLUMN
FOREIGN FIGHTERS
by Zara Rabinovitch
Editor, Migration Information Source
source@migrationpolicy.org
Sept 30, 2014--Last week the UN Security Council unanimously approved a U.S.-backed resolution to
strengthen controls against the flow of foreign fighters traveling to and returning from the conflicts in the
Middle East. President Obama, addressing the Security Council meeting he convened, estimated that there
are more than 15,000 foreign fighters from more than 80 nations participating in the Syrian conflict.
The resolution requires UN Member States to adopt new laws and regulations to suppress the recruitment of
individuals to terrorist organizations such as Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), prevent the entry and
transit of individuals linked to terrorism, and target funding for terrorist groups.
Senior European Union officials have warned that a major attack in Europe is inevitable as ISIS fighters
return home. Meanwhile, the 28-member body is struggling to develop consistent measures to address the
movement of these individuals, and concern exists that European fighters may enter the United States under
the Visa Waiver Program, which allows visa-free travel for nationals of certain countries.
The Canadian government has moved to penalize its estimated 130 nationals fighting abroad by revoking
the passports of foreign fighters as well as for individuals still in Canada planning to travel to Syria; a similar
measure is being considered by the United Kingdom. The Canadian plan has stoked controversy amidst the
secretive decision-making process determining who is a national security threat. The Harper government
has also threatened to revoke the citizenshipof dual citizens convicted in Canada or abroad of major crimes
including terrorism, allowed under a law passed earlier this year. Australia has sought a different approach—
establishing 'no-go zones' where it is a crime to travel to certain regions.
While Western media have largely focused on the estimated 2,000 to 3,000 foreign fighters in Syria from the
West, the majority traveled to join the conflict from neighboring Arab countries. Approximately 3,000
Tunisians are thought to be in Syria, the largest national group, followed by Saudi Arabians (2,500), and
Moroccans (1,500).
Turkey has been identified as the major transit country for foreign fighters traveling both ways. Turkey's
long, porous border with Syria has enabled not just a "jihadi highway," but a humanitarian corridor. Over the
last week, more than 130,000 Syrian refugees have crossed into Turkey, fleeing the advance of ISIS
militants.
As the United States builds an international coalition to suppress terrorist recruitment channels and fight
ISIS, it remains to be seen what policies will prove the most effective at deterring the international
movements of foreign fighters heading to or returning from the battlefield.
by Zara Rabinovitch
Editor, Migration Information Source
source@migrationpolicy.org
Sept 30, 2014--Last week the UN Security Council unanimously approved a U.S.-backed resolution to
strengthen controls against the flow of foreign fighters traveling to and returning from the conflicts in the
Middle East. President Obama, addressing the Security Council meeting he convened, estimated that there
are more than 15,000 foreign fighters from more than 80 nations participating in the Syrian conflict.
The resolution requires UN Member States to adopt new laws and regulations to suppress the recruitment of
individuals to terrorist organizations such as Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), prevent the entry and
transit of individuals linked to terrorism, and target funding for terrorist groups.
Senior European Union officials have warned that a major attack in Europe is inevitable as ISIS fighters
return home. Meanwhile, the 28-member body is struggling to develop consistent measures to address the
movement of these individuals, and concern exists that European fighters may enter the United States under
the Visa Waiver Program, which allows visa-free travel for nationals of certain countries.
The Canadian government has moved to penalize its estimated 130 nationals fighting abroad by revoking
the passports of foreign fighters as well as for individuals still in Canada planning to travel to Syria; a similar
measure is being considered by the United Kingdom. The Canadian plan has stoked controversy amidst the
secretive decision-making process determining who is a national security threat. The Harper government
has also threatened to revoke the citizenshipof dual citizens convicted in Canada or abroad of major crimes
including terrorism, allowed under a law passed earlier this year. Australia has sought a different approach—
establishing 'no-go zones' where it is a crime to travel to certain regions.
While Western media have largely focused on the estimated 2,000 to 3,000 foreign fighters in Syria from the
West, the majority traveled to join the conflict from neighboring Arab countries. Approximately 3,000
Tunisians are thought to be in Syria, the largest national group, followed by Saudi Arabians (2,500), and
Moroccans (1,500).
Turkey has been identified as the major transit country for foreign fighters traveling both ways. Turkey's
long, porous border with Syria has enabled not just a "jihadi highway," but a humanitarian corridor. Over the
last week, more than 130,000 Syrian refugees have crossed into Turkey, fleeing the advance of ISIS
militants.
As the United States builds an international coalition to suppress terrorist recruitment channels and fight
ISIS, it remains to be seen what policies will prove the most effective at deterring the international
movements of foreign fighters heading to or returning from the battlefield.
