The Syrian Democratic Forces, a rebel collective that has fought alongside western special forces to retake ISIS-held territory in Syria, is detaining thousands of ISIS fighters. But they have a problem: few nations want to repatriate those fighters for trial.
So, the SDF are calling on the international community to establish a tribunal that would put detained ISIS fighters on trial.
Here’s a better idea: the international community should support the Iraqi government in putting those ISIS fighters on trial. This would solve two problems at once.
First off, it would negate the need for ISIS fighters to be sent home. Very few nations want to accept that responsibility. They view ISIS fighters as traitors, and they have legitimate concerns that repatriation would result in new terrorist attacks on their soil. It’s also hypocritical for the Trump administration to call on nations to repatriate their citizens in ISIS, while simultaneously refusing to do the same thing.
In contrast, trying ISIS fighters in Iraq would be popular with that government. Especially if Iraq was compensated for the cost of detaining ISIS fighters. The measure of public anger in Iraq against ISIS offers Iraqi political leaders great incentive here. Indeed, Iraq has already prosecuted some ISIS fighters detained on Syrian soil. Baghdad’s reaction to this proposal would likely be positive. Yes, ISIS fighters wouldn’t have a particularly pleasant experience in the Iraqi justice system. But international input could help improve protections for basic due process rights. And anything more than basic is something more than ISIS deserves.
The extended benefit here would be American action that earns favor in Iraq. The Iraqi government is an important U.S. partner that has recently been burned by inopportune Trump commentary. The consolidation of that relationship is crucial in countering Iranian influence, supporting Iraqi multi-sectarian politics, and thus preventing ISIS’ re-emergence.
Send ISIS detainees to Iraq.
