The Legacy of ISIS and the Struggle in Rojava: At the Crossroads of Terrorism and Politics

The autonomous Kurdish region of Rojava, in northeastern Syria, finds itself at a precarious crossroads. While it played a pivotal role in defeating ISIS, the region is now haunted by the remnants of that violent legacy. The continued existence of ISIS ideology, compounded by the presence of thousands of imprisoned ISIS fighters, has left Rojava grappling with the long-term consequences of a conflict that reshaped the Middle East.

The ISIS Legacy: A Ticking Time Bomb

Rojava, which declared its autonomy during the Syrian Civil War, was instrumental in the fight against ISIS. The Kurdish forces, particularly the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), led successful campaigns to reclaim vast swaths of territory previously held by ISIS. Despite these victories, the ideology of ISIS—rooted in extremism, violence, and death—has not disappeared from the region.

One of the most pressing concerns is Al-Hol Camp, home to the families of ISIS fighters. The camp, the largest of its kind in the region, has earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous places in the world. Thousands of children, born into ISIS families, are growing up in an environment where radical ideologies are ingrained. These children, in a sense, represent the next generation of fighters, making Al-Hol a potential breeding ground for future extremism.

The Prison Dilemma: Holding ISIS Fighters

The defeat of ISIS on the battlefield did not end the threat it poses to Rojava. Approximately 12,000 ISIS prisoners remain in Kurdish-run prisons. These facilities, established in makeshift buildings like former schools, struggle to maintain control as the threat of radicalization within them persists. Human rights organizations have likened these prisons to a new Guantanamo, where conditions are dire, and the future of the prisoners remains uncertain.

Most of these prisoners are foreign nationals who came to Syria to join the Islamic State. The SDF, which oversees the prisons, has voiced frustration at the lack of international support for the prisoners' repatriation. Countries, particularly in Europe, have been reluctant to take responsibility for their citizens who joined ISIS, leaving them stranded in the Kurdish-run facilities. Meanwhile, the conditions in these prisons continue to deteriorate, with overcrowding, lack of resources, and constant attempts to escape.

Many of the prisoners are radicalized young men, some of whom were child soldiers, indoctrinated by older fighters. These individuals, often referred to as "Cubs of the Caliphate," are particularly dangerous, as their training and extreme beliefs make them highly susceptible to further radicalization. This presents a significant challenge for the Kurdish authorities, who are trying to secure these prisons while facing limited resources.

Political Tensions and International Abandonment

The fight against ISIS in Rojava has not been without its political and regional challenges. The Kurdish region is not officially recognized by Syria, nor by any other state. The Turkish government, in particular, views Rojava with suspicion, considering the Kurdish militias there to be allies of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which Turkey classifies as a terrorist organization. This has led to repeated Turkish military offensives in the region, further complicating the already volatile situation.

The Turkish government fears that the Kurdish autonomy in Syria could inspire similar movements within its own borders. As a result, Turkey has attempted to undermine the Kurdish forces in Rojava, while also accusing them of harboring terrorists. Meanwhile, the Kurdish population in Rojava, who has long been oppressed and denied rights by the Syrian regime, seeks to maintain their autonomy and self-rule despite the external threats.

The Role of the International Community

The situation in Rojava is further exacerbated by the international community's indifference to the Kurdish plight. Western countries, particularly European states, have been hesitant to repatriate ISIS fighters, leaving them in Kurdish custody without the necessary resources to manage such a large and dangerous population. Some countries, like Austria, have been accused of hoping that by leaving these prisoners in Syria, they will somehow disappear from the global stage.

There is also a growing call for an international tribunal to hold ISIS fighters accountable for their actions. The Kurds, who bear the burden of holding and guarding these prisoners, argue that international support is necessary to ensure justice is served and to prevent the continued spread of ISIS ideology.

A Fragile Future

The future of Rojava remains uncertain. While the region has made significant strides in establishing a degree of autonomy and defeating ISIS militarily, the ideological battle is far from over. The threat of extremism persists, fueled by the conditions in the camps and prisons, and by the continued political and military pressure from external forces, particularly Turkey.

The Kurdish forces in Rojava are determined to continue their fight for autonomy, but they face overwhelming challenges. The lack of international support, combined with the complex political dynamics in the region, leaves the future of the region—and its role in the broader fight against terrorism—unclear.

As Rojava continues to navigate these turbulent waters, the international community must confront the legacy of ISIS and the responsibility it has in addressing the long-term consequences of the group’s rise and fall. The children of ISIS, the prisoners of war, and the future of the Kurdish autonomy are all at stake. The world cannot afford to ignore the ticking time bomb that still exists in northeastern Syria.