15,000-plus for Fighting: The Return of the Foreign Fighters

In light of unprecedented numbers joining the conflict in Syria and Iraq, Dr Michael P Noonan discusses the phenomenon of foreign fighters, asking why it is that this conflict has attracted so many; what the returnees might mean for the West; and what can be done to prevent this trend. Among the possible prevention measures, he refers to the Hayat family counselling programme, led by Ahmad Mansour and Daniel Koehler in Berlin, whom he encountered while participating in an EFD briefing in September. He explains how this alternative, passive approach to de-radicalisation might prove more effective than mainstream tactics, and mentions that the programme might be able to reach individuals who would typically not appear on the radar of law enforcement or intelligence communities.

This article can be read here.