World Peace

What’s the update on the U.S. Syria air strikes?

GoogleAI Mode: “On December 19, 2025, the United States military launched a large-scale retaliatory mission, dubbed Operation Hawkeye Strike, against ISIS targets in Syria. 

Key Details of the Strikes

Targeting: U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) struck more than 70 ISIS targets at multiple locations across central Syria, including the Badiya desert and provinces like Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and Homs.

Military Assets: The operation involved F-15E Strike Eagles, A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft, Apache helicopters, and HIMARS rocket systems. Over 100 precision munitions were used to destroy ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites.

International Support: The Jordanian Armed Forces directly supported the mission with fighter aircraft.

Casualties: Early reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicate at least five ISIS members were killed in Deir ez-Zor, including a leader of a drone-operating cell. 

Context and Retaliation

The strikes were ordered by President Trump as “direct vengeance” for a December 13 attack in Palmyra that killed two U.S. Army soldiers (Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard) and an American civilian interpreter. 

Geopolitical Situation

Syrian Government Support: The new Syrian government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa following the 2024 collapse of the Assad regime, officially supported the strikes and called for continued international cooperation to combat ISIS.

Diplomatic Actions: Just before the strikes, the U.S. repealed the final batch of economic sanctions on Syria, signaling a strengthening relationship with the nascent Al-Sharaa administration.

U.S. Presence: There are currently about 1,000 U.S. troops remaining in Syria.”

How many countries are directly participating in the air strikes?

GoogleAI Mode: “Two countries are directly participating in the recent U.S. air strikes in Syria: the United States and Jordan. 

The Jordanian Armed Forces confirmed that their air force “participated in precise airstrikes” targeting ISIS positions in southern Syria as part of the joint operation with the U.S.. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) also stated that “U.S. and Jordanian forces struck more than 70 targets” using over 100 precision munitions in the December 19, 2025 mission (Operation Hawkeye Strike).” 

Why is Jordan involved?

GoogleAI Mode: “Jordan is involved in the December 2025 air strikes (Operation Hawkeye Strike) due to critical national security concerns and its role in the global coalition against ISIS.

Key Reasons for Jordan’s Participation:

Preventing Border Destabilization: The Jordanian military stated the strikes aimed to prevent extremist groups from using southern Syria as a “launching pad” to threaten neighboring countries.

Combating ISIS Resurgence: Jordan acted specifically to address reports of ISIS regrouping and rebuilding its capabilities in areas adjacent to its border.

Regional Security: As a member of a 90-country global coalition, Jordan seeks to ensure regional stability by preventing the re-establishment of a permanent ISIS foothold.

Tri-Border Vulnerability: The tri-border area connecting Jordan, Syria, and Iraq is a historical hub for ISIS movement. Jordan’s participation is a proactive measure to secure this sensitive zone.

Defense Partnership: Jordan maintains a close military alliance with the United States, hosting nearly 4,000 U.S. troops for counterterrorism operations in the region. 

The Jordanian Armed Forces deployed F-16 fighter jets to carry out these precision strikes in coordination with U.S. forces.”

What are the long-term U.S. Syria strategy goals?

GoogleAI Mode: “The long-term U.S. strategy goals in Syria focus on achieving lasting stability and security through a combination of counterterrorism efforts, diplomatic engagement with the new government, and reconstruction support. 

Primary Objectives

Enduring Defeat of ISIS and Al-Qa’ida: The paramount military goal is to prevent a resurgence of ISIS by advising, assisting, and enabling partner forces (such as the Syrian Democratic Forces and the new Syrian government’s forces) to independently maintain security. The recent Operation Hawkeye Strike is part of this ongoing effort to eliminate terrorist safe havens.

A Unified, Stable Syria: The U.S. aims for a unified and stable Syria that is governed through a Syrian-led political solution, contributes to regional stability, and no longer serves as a base for terrorist organizations.

Limiting Malign Influence: A core objective is to counter and limit the influence of actors deemed hostile to U.S. interests, particularly Iran and Russia, which were key supporters of the former Assad regime. 

Diplomatic and Economic Goals

Political Solution and Accountability: The U.S. seeks to advance an inclusive political resolution to the conflict in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. This includes promoting accountability and justice for human rights atrocities committed during the civil war.

Sanctions Relief and Economic Recovery: With the fall of the Assad regime, the U.S. has lifted most broad economic sanctions to encourage investment, prevent economic collapse, and ease humanitarian pressures. This aims to facilitate the country’s reconstruction and recovery, with U.S. firms already beginning to assist in the energy sector.

Strengthening Partnership: The U.S. is working to foster a strong working relationship with President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s new government, encouraging it to assume responsibility for critical issues like managing ISIS detention centers and ensuring border security. 

Broader Humanitarian Goals

Humanitarian Access and Assistance: The U.S. is committed to increasing access to humanitarian aid and continuing stabilization programs.

Repatriation and Camp Management: The strategy includes efforts to facilitate the repatriation of foreign nationals from displacement camps (like Al Hol and Roj) to their home countries and the return of displaced Syrians to their communities, aiming to close the camps by the end of 2025.”

What military roles do partner forces play in the anti-ISIS mission with the U.S?

GoogleAI Mode: “Partner forces play a crucial role in the U.S. anti-ISIS mission in Syria, primarily undertaking ground operations and providing air support while U.S. forces focus on advising, assistance, and enabling capabilities. The primary partners are the Jordanian Armed Forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). 

Jordanian Armed Forces

Jordan’s role largely involves direct military support in coordinated coalition actions:

Airstrikes: The Jordanian Air Force participates in precise, coordinated airstrikes against ISIS positions in southern Syria to secure its border region and prevent extremist activities from spreading.

Regional Security: Participation is aimed at ensuring regional stability by preventing ISIS from using southern Syria as a “launching pad” to threaten neighboring countries, including Jordan itself. 

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Syrian Government Forces

The SDF has historically been the U.S.’s primary ground partner, a role that is evolving as the SDF negotiates integration with the new Syrian government’s national army. 

Ground Operations: SDF and new Syrian government forces conduct the majority of ground operations, including partnered patrols, searching for and clearing weapons caches, and engaging ISIS fighters in direct combat.

Counter-IED Tactics: Partner forces receive specialized U.S. training on essential skills such as counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) tactics for force protection.

Detention and Security: They are responsible for managing ISIS detention facilities and displacement camps (such as Al Hol and Roj), which hold thousands of captured ISIS fighters and their families. U.S. forces assist with security and support in these volatile areas.

Intelligence Gathering: During operations, partner forces collect intelligence (such as electronics and documents) which is then used to identify and refine targets for subsequent U.S. and coalition airstrikes.

Local Governance: The SDF, through the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, provides security and essential services to the liberated areas, which is crucial for long-term stability and preventing an ISIS resurgence.”

What role does Turkey play in Syria’s stability?

GoogleAI Mode: “Turkey plays a significant and complex role in Syria’s stability, primarily as a key backer of the new Syrian government and as a dominant military and economic power in northern Syria. Its main objectives are to secure its border, prevent Kurdish autonomy, and facilitate the return of Syrian refugees. 

Political and Diplomatic Influence

Main Backer of New Government: Following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, Turkey became one of the main external supporters of the new transitional government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa (the former leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham or HTS).

Political Integration: Turkey has used its influence to encourage the integration of its proxy forces, the Syrian National Army (SNA), into the new national Syrian army. Turkish officials have been involved in negotiations for the integration of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as well, a process they view as “inevitable”.

International Engagement: Ankara has actively sought support from Gulf states, the U.S., and European powers to help stabilize the new Syrian administration and garner international legitimacy, while working to limit Iranian influence. 

Military Role and Security Concerns

Military Presence in the North: Turkey maintains a significant military presence in northern Syria, where it has established a buffer zone and conducted multiple military operations since 2016.

Anti-Kurdish Operations: A primary security goal for Turkey is to prevent the creation of a contiguous autonomous Kurdish region along its border. Since late 2024, Turkish and SNA forces have launched offensives against the SDF in an effort to push them back and capture strategic areas like the Tishreen Dam and the city of Manbij.

Counter-Terrorism Alignment: While Turkey, the U.S., and the UN still officially designate HTS as a terrorist organization, Turkey has worked with al-Sharaa’s government on counter-terrorism, targeting both ISIS and the Kurdish-linked PKK/YPG groups, which Ankara also considers terrorist organizations. 

Economic and Humanitarian Contribution

Reconstruction and Investment: Turkey is poised to be a major economic investor and has pledged expertise for the reconstruction of Syria’s war-torn infrastructure. Turkish firms are involved in large-scale projects, including a $4 billion deal for the Damascus International Airport and a $7 billion power generation deal.

Refugee Returns: Economic stability is linked to Turkey’s goal of facilitating the “safe and voluntary” return of the approximately 3 million Syrian refugees currently hosted in Turkey.

Humanitarian Aid/Trade: Turkey controls vital border crossings, which are crucial for channeling humanitarian aid and enabling cross-border trade into northern Syria, providing essential support to millions of displaced Syrians.”

How many countries are engaged in ground combat with ISIS?

GoogleAI Mode: “As of December 2025, there are four main countries and one semi-autonomous entity directly engaged in ground combat or ground-based security operations against ISIS in Syria and Iraq. 

While the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS includes 88 members, only a few maintain active ground forces for direct combat or “advise, assist, and enable” missions. 

Countries with Active Ground Engagement:

United States: Maintains approximately 1,000 troops in Syria (primarily in the northeast and at Al-Tanf) and a larger presence in Iraq. U.S. personnel conduct joint ground patrols, raids, and weapon cache destructions alongside local partners.

Syria: The new transitional government’s forces, specifically units from the Ministry of Interior, are actively engaged in joint ground operations with the U.S. to clear ISIS cells and weapon caches.

Iraq: Iraqi security forces, including the Counter-Terrorism Service, lead independent and coalition-supported ground maneuvers in Iraq’s mountains and deserts to eliminate ISIS remnants.

Turkey: Conducts ground operations and maintains military positions in northern Syria. Turkey focuses on both anti-ISIS missions and operations against Kurdish groups. 

Partner Forces (Non-State):

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF): Remains the primary ground force in northeastern Syria, managing ISIS detention facilities and conducting near-daily counter-ISIS raids with U.S. support. 

Other Coalition Contributions:

While 20 countries contribute a combined total of roughly 3,800 troops to the broader Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR): 

Most of these personnel serve in advisory, training, logistical, or headquarters roles rather than direct frontline ground combat.

One coalition member from a non-U.S. nation was killed during a ground engagement in Iraq in early 2025, confirming that multinational personnel are still present in active combat zones.”

What are the key challenges facing Syria’s new government?

GoogleAI Mode: “One year after the collapse of the Assad regime (December 2024), President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s transitional government faces profound security, political, and economic challenges.

1. Security and Terrorism

ISIS Resurgence: ISIS has exploited the power vacuum to regroup in central and eastern Syria, launching over 100 attacks in 2025 alone.

Militia Integration: The government is struggling to professionalize its new army, which primarily consists of former rebel groups and Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters who often lack discipline.

Sectarian Violence: Outbreaks of violence between majority Sunni and minority Alawite or Druze communities have killed over 3,400 people since the transition began. 

2. Political Inclusion

Kurdish Autonomy: Negotiations to integrate the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the national army have stalled. The SDF remains in control of resource-rich northeastern Syria.

Minority Skepticism: Groups like the Druze in Suweida and Alawites on the coast remain hostile toward the central government, fearing it will replicate the authoritarianism of the past.

Transitional Governance: The government has been criticized for failing to enshrine protections for minorities in the interim constitution and for delaying parliamentary elections indefinitely. 

3. Economic and Infrastructure Crisis

Reconstruction Costs: The World Bank estimates the bill for rebuilding Syria at approximately $216 billion, with some Syrian officials suggesting it could exceed $1 trillion.

Humanitarian Strain: Nearly 16.5 million people (70% of the population) require humanitarian aid. Despite the lifting of major U.S. sanctions in late 2025, investment remains low due to ongoing instability.

Basic Services: Two-thirds of water treatment plants and half of all pumping stations are non-functional, leaving over 14 million people without safe water. 

4. Refugee and Displacement Pressures

Mass Returnees: Since late 2024, approximately 1.2 million refugees have returned from neighboring countries and 2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned home, placing immense pressure on already crippled local services.

Housing and Land Disputes: Many returnees find their homes destroyed or occupied, leading to widespread property rights disputes that the government has yet to resolve.”

What specific conditions did the US attach to sanctions relief for Syria?

GoogleAI Mode: “In 2025, the United States transitioned from conditional waivers to a permanent repeal of major sanctions on Syria. While early relief in mid-2025 was based on the new government’s behavior, the final December 2025 repeal replaced direct preconditions with strict snapback triggers and reporting requirements. 

Key Conditions and Snapback Triggers

The U.S. Congress and the Trump Administration established several benchmarks that Syria must meet to prevent the re-imposition of sanctions: 

Counterterrorism Cooperation: Syria must actively combat ISIS and other extremist groups. President Trump has specifically tied continued relief to Syria’s success in preventing these groups from using its territory as a safe haven.

Protection of Minorities: The government is required to ensure the safety and religious freedoms of ethnic and religious minorities (such as Alawites, Druze, and Christians). It must also prosecute those responsible for sectarian violence.

Regional Non-Aggression: Syria must refrain from “unilateral, unprovoked military action” against its neighbors, with specific emphasis on Israel.

Accountability for Americans: Continued progress is expected in assisting with the recovery of U.S. citizens disappeared during the Assad era, including journalist Austin Tice.

Removal of Foreign Fighters: Syria must distance itself from and exclude foreign terrorist fighters and Iranian-backed proxies from official government roles. 

Permanent vs. Executive Sanctions

Caesar Act Repeal: As of December 19, 2025, the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act was permanently repealed as part of the annual U.S. defense spending bill.

Executive Orders: Most broad economic sanctions—including those on the Central Bank of Syria and the energy sector—were revoked by executive order on July 1, 2025.

Residual Sanctions: Sanctions remain active against over 100 specific individuals and entities linked to the former Assad regime, human rights abuses, chemical weapons proliferation, and captagon drug trafficking.

Reporting: The Secretary of State must provide periodic reports to Congress on Syria’s progress regarding these conditions to ensure the repeal remains in line with U.S. national security interests.”

What is going on with the ISIS families? Are innocent civilians, from ISIS or not, involved?

GoogleAI Mode: “The situation regarding ISIS-affiliated families remains one of the most complex humanitarian and security challenges in post-Assad Syria. As of December 2025, tens of thousands of individuals, primarily women and children, remain in a state of indefinite detention under dire conditions.

Status of ISIS Families in 2025

Population and Demographics: Approximately 30,000 to 38,000 people remain in the Al-Hol and Roj camps in northeast Syria. Roughly 60% are children, many under the age of 12, who have no memory of life outside the camps.

Repatriation Efforts: There is a renewed international push to empty the camps by the end of 2025. Iraq has led this effort, repatriating over 25,000 nationals in the past year. The Kurdish-led authorities (SDF) and the new Syrian government reached an agreement in March 2025 to facilitate the return of displaced Syrians to their home villages.

Conditions: International bodies describe the camps as “inhuman and degrading”. Residents face extreme weather, food insecurity, and lack of healthcare. There are also reports of “active ISIS cells” and widespread violence within the camps, which are viewed as potential “incubators of radicalization”. 

Involvement of Innocent Civilians

The term “ISIS families” covers a broad spectrum of individuals, making the distinction of “innocence” difficult to define legally and socially:

Victims and Escapees: Many families in the camps actually fled ISIS crimes in 2014 or were coerced into following the group.

Children: Thousands of children were born into the “caliphate” or brought there by parents. They are largely viewed by humanitarian organizations as victims of the conflict who require specialized rehabilitation and reintegration.

Non-Combatant Women: While some women remain devoted to ISIS ideology, others have expressed total disillusionment and a desire for a “normal life”. However, some countries are reluctant to repatriate them because it is difficult to prove whether they actively participated in ISIS atrocities or were subordinate to male relatives.

Casualties in Air Strikes: In the recent U.S. air strikes (Operation Hawkeye Strike), military officials claimed targets were strictly limited to ISIS operational sites and infrastructure. While the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the deaths of five ISIS members, there have been no confirmed reports of mass civilian casualties from these specific December 19, 2025 strikes.”

What are the implications of continuing the air strikes with nearly 40,000 likely innocent women and children present in the area?

GoogleAI Mode: “The presence of nearly 40,000 women and children in camps like Al-Hol and Roj creates severe ethical, legal, and strategic dilemmas for the U.S.-led coalition. While current air strikes (such as those on December 19, 2025) are aimed at remote desert hideouts and weapons depots, the proximity of ISIS operations to these civilian-dense camps carries significant implications.

1. Risk of Civilian Casualties (Collateral Damage)

While the U.S. uses precision munitions to minimize non-combatant deaths, the high density of women and children near operational zones increases the risk of accidental casualties. Any strike resulting in civilian deaths, especially children, would likely:

Damage International Legitimacy: Undermine the moral authority of the U.S. mission and the new Syrian government.

Violate International Law: Face scrutiny under the Geneva Conventions regarding the principles of “proportionality” and “distinction.”

2. Radicalization and Recruitment (“The Incubator Effect”)

The camps are often described by security experts as “ticking time bombs.”

Grievance Narratives: Continuing air strikes in the vicinity can be used by ISIS recruiters within the camps to frame the U.S. as an aggressor against Muslim women and children, potentially radicalizing a new generation.

Hardening Ideology: For the 60% of the camp population who are children, growing up in a high-conflict environment where air strikes are a constant presence can normalize violence and hinder future reintegration efforts.

3. Humanitarian and Psychological Impact

Psychological Trauma: Persistent aerial activity and the sound of strikes cause deep psychological distress and PTSD in children who have already survived years of war.

Disruption of Aid: Military operations can lead to the closure of supply routes or the withdrawal of NGOs, cutting off food, water, and medical care to the innocent majority in the camps.

4. Strategic “Human Shield” Dilemma

ISIS has a history of intentionally placing military assets near civilian infrastructure or camps to deter strikes.

Operational Constraint: The presence of thousands of innocents limits the U.S. military’s ability to strike certain high-value targets, potentially allowing ISIS leaders to use the camps as a “safe haven” for planning.

Escalation Risks: If ISIS cells within the camps launch attacks (such as riots or suicide bombings) in response to nearby strikes, it forces the U.S. and SDF into direct combat in civilian-dense areas, where the risk of mass casualties is highest.

5. Pressure for Repatriation

The presence of these families complicates the “military-only” solution. The U.S. strategy for 2025 emphasizes that the only long-term way to protect these civilians and mitigate security risks is through repatriation.

By continuing strikes while these camps remain full, the U.S. faces increasing pressure from human rights groups to accelerate the return of foreign nationals to their home countries and the reintegration of Syrians into their communities.

In summary, while air strikes are a tactical tool to suppress ISIS, the presence of nearly 40,000 innocents makes the mission a “hybrid” challenge where military success can easily be overshadowed by humanitarian catastrophe.”

Given the nearly 40,000 likely innocent civilians present in the area, what are the solutions to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe while dealing with ISIS?

GoogleAI Mode: “Preventing a humanitarian catastrophe while addressing the threat of ISIS in 2025 requires a shift from strictly military responses to a multi-faceted stabilization strategy. International bodies and the U.S. government identify the following primary solutions:

1. Accelerated Repatriation (The “Only Durable Solution”) 

The U.S. State Department and the UN emphasize that the only long-term solution to emptying the Al-Hol and Roj camps is the repatriation of residents to their home countries. 

Joint Repatriation Cell: U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) established a dedicated cell in late 2025 to coordinate the return of displaced persons to their home countries.

National Responsibility: Nations are being pressured to take responsibility for their own citizens, including prosecuting adults where appropriate and providing rehabilitation for children.

Progress in 2025: Iraq has led the way, repatriating over 25,000 nationals in the past year. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the UN have set a goal to complete most returns and repatriations by the end of 2025. 

2. Targeted Rehabilitation and Reintegration

For the approximately 60% of camp residents who are children, military action is viewed as a risk rather than a solution. 

Treating Children as Victims: The UN advocates for treating children primarily as victims of conflict rather than threats, prioritizing their transfer to third countries or home nations for rehabilitation.

Specialized Programming: Investment is being funneled into psychosocial support, case management, and legal aid to ensure that those who return can successfully reintegrate into society without further radicalization. 

3. Transitioning to Sovereign Responsibility

With the fall of the Assad regime, the U.S. is pushing for the new Syrian government to assume direct responsibility for security and detention. 

Government-SDF Cooperation: The new transitional government is working with the SDF and the UN to facilitate the voluntary return of Syrian families to their hometowns in Homs, Deir ez-Zor, and Aleppo.

Assumption of Control: President Trump has urged Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to eventually assume full responsibility for ISIS detention centers and displacement camps in the northeast. 

4. Mitigating Military Harm

To prevent a “human catastrophe” during active counter-ISIS operations:

Distinction and Proportionality: U.S. military guidelines for 2025 emphasize the use of precision, low-yield munitions and extensive intelligence (ISR) to verify that no civilians are present at strike locations.

Tactical Patience: Commanders are instructed to exercise “tactical patience”—waiting to mount an attack if a threat is not imminent—to ensure civilian environments are fully understood before engaging. 

5. Urgent Humanitarian Aid

As long as the camps remain open, they require massive international support to prevent life-threatening gaps in service. 

Basic Necessities: Funding is focused on immediate winterization, water treatment, and food security for the 30,000+ people still in the camps.

Undermining Extremism: Providing adequate aid is considered a security measure, as squalid conditions are used by ISIS as “incubators of radicalization” for recruitment.”

Explain: “addressing the threat of ISIS in 2025 requires a shift from strictly military responses”

GoogleAI Mode: “In 2025, the U.S. and its partners have increasingly emphasized that military strikes alone are a “temporary fix” for a problem rooted in social and political collapse. Addressing the ISIS threat now requires a shift toward stabilization because the group has transitioned from a territorial “caliphate” to a dispersed, ideological insurgency that thrives on governance vacuums. 

This shift involves several non-military pillars designed to prevent ISIS from regrouping: 

1. Filling the “Governance Vacuum”

ISIS exploits areas where the state is weak to position itself as an alternative provider of order. 

Strengthening Local Authorities: A key 2025 goal is helping President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s new government establish a functional police force and judiciary. Without effective local governance, military gains are quickly lost once troops rotate out.

Integrating Rival Factions: Stability requires integrating former rebel groups and the Kurdish-led SDF into a unified national security structure to prevent infighting that ISIS can exploit. 

2. Economic Reconstruction as a Security Tool

Poverty and lack of opportunity are primary drivers for ISIS recruitment. 

Infrastructure Investment: By lifting sanctions in late 2025, the U.S. aims to trigger a “reconstruction boom.” Rebuilding power grids, water systems, and schools provides a viable alternative to the “war economy” that sustains extremist groups.

Dismantling Financial Networks: The strategy includes a massive effort to disrupt ISIS’s diversified income streams, such as extortion and digital currency transfers, which cannot be stopped by air strikes alone. 

3. Solving the “Detention Crisis”

The nearly 40,000 women and children in camps like Al-Hol are considered a “ticking time bomb”. 

Repatriation and Rehabilitation: The 2025 shift prioritizes returning these individuals to their home countries. Experts argue that keeping them in squalid conditions serves as a permanent recruitment tool for ISIS.

Preventing Radicalization: Stabilization efforts focus on psychosocial support for the 60% of the camp population who are children, aiming to break the cycle of generational violence. 

4. Countering the “Digital Caliphate”

Since ISIS no longer holds a physical capital (like Raqqa), it has migrated its command structure to digital domains. 

Ideological Counter-Offensive: 2025 strategies include aggressive efforts to dismantle ISIS’s online propaganda and messaging, which inspires “lone wolf” attacks globally. Military strikes on physical targets cannot reach these decentralized digital networks. 

In short, while air strikes “buy time,” only successful governance and economic recovery can permanently remove the “oxygen” that allows ISIS to survive.”

Is Syria the only country with an ISIS problem?

GoogleAI Mode: “No, Syria is not the only country with an ISIS problem. While Syria and neighboring Iraq remain core areas of activity, the threat from the Islamic State has become decentralized and geographically dispersed, with significant activity across Africa and Asia in 2025. 

Countries with Significant ISIS Activity in 2025 

ISIS has established formal affiliates (known as “provinces” or wilayats) or has a strong presence in numerous other nations: 

Iraq
Country in the Middle East

Iraq: ISIS has been largely contained, but approximately 2,500 active fighters continue to operate as an insurgency across Iraq and Syria, attempting to restore operational capacity in desert regions and targeting local authorities.

Afghanistan
Country

Afghanistan/ Pakistan: The affiliate ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) has emerged as a major transnational threat. It conducts frequent, high-casualty attacks within South and Central Asia and has demonstrated the capacity to launch external plots in countries like Russia, Iran, and potentially Europe and the U.S..

Africa
Continent

This continent is currently the most active region for ISIS, which exploits weak governance and regional instability.

Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali (West Africa Province): The West Africa Province (ISWAP) and the Sahel Province (ISSP) are highly active, controlling some territory in the Sahel region and leading in the number of claimed attacks globally.

Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique (Central Africa Province): Affiliates here continue to conduct brutal attacks on civilians and security forces, managing to hold territory in some areas despite counter-terrorism efforts.

Somalia: ISIS-Somalia has doubled in size recently and is considered a key financial hub for the entire organization globally. 

Global Scope

ISIS has expanded operations to over 22 countries and continues to inspire “lone wolf” attacks or support plots in Europe, Asia, and North America. The threat is no longer defined by territorial control in a single region but by a persistent, adaptive global network.”

Considering a shift from “buy time” air strikes, what are the solutions to dealing with ISIS globally while preventing a humanitarian catastrophe in 22 countries?

GoogleAI Mode: “In 2025, the global strategy for addressing ISIS across 22 countries has shifted toward a “whole-of-society” approach. This doctrine prioritizes stabilizing the environments where ISIS recruits over purely military “kinetic” actions, which are increasingly seen as counterproductive if not paired with civilian solutions. 

1. The “Repatriation First” Policy

The most urgent solution to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe is emptying detention camps like Al-Hol and Roj, which hold nearly 40,000 people. 

National Repatriation: The UN and Global Coalition are pressuring member states to facilitate the “safe, voluntary, and dignified” return of their nationals. Iraq has led this in 2025 by returning nearly 7,000 additional nationals for rehabilitation.

Victim-Centered Approach: Children are being legally and socially prioritized as victims of conflict rather than combatants, ensuring they receive psychosocial support (MHPSS) upon return. 

2. Civilian Capacity Building in “Permissive” Regions

Since ISIS is expanding most rapidly in sub-Saharan Africa and Central Asia, the strategy has pivoted to strengthening local law enforcement rather than deploying Western ground troops. 

Sub-Saharan Africa: The U.S. pledged $130 million in 2025 to enhance civilian counterterrorism capacity in the region, focusing on border security and law enforcement partnerships in West Africa.

South and Central Asia: Efforts are focused on tracking the “spillover” of ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) through increased intelligence sharing with regional partners like Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. 

3. Financial and Digital Disruption

To prevent a “humanitarian catastrophe” caused by ISIS taxing local populations or diverting aid, the Counter-ISIS Finance Group (CIFG) is targeting modern funding methods. 

Virtual Asset Regulation: In 2025, the Coalition is working to close legal loopholes in Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) and cryptocurrency platforms, which ISIS-K uses for international transfers.

Cognitive Defense: A new pillar of security focuses on “semantic terrain”—countering generative AI-enhanced propaganda used by ISIS to recruit younger demographics online. 

4. Integration of Humanitarian and Stabilization Aid

The Global Coalition now integrates humanitarian spending directly into its counter-terrorism oversight to undermine extremist recruitment. 

Conflict-Sensitive Aid: Programs for 2025–2026, such as the Syrian Arab Republic Crisis Response Plan, focus on providing basic needs (WASH, shelter, and cash-for-work) specifically to “crisis-affected communities” where ISIS previously capitalized on neglect.

Addressing Economic Vulnerability: In regions like the Levant, stabilizing local economies through sanctions relief (e.g., the 2025 repeal of the Caesar Act) is intended to provide alternatives to the “insurgency economy”. 

5. Transitioning to Sovereign Security

In Iraq and Syria, the “solution” involves a phased withdrawal of Coalition forces to be replaced by sovereign national armies. 

Iraq Transition: In late 2024, a timeline was established to end the Coalition’s military mission in Iraq by September 2025.

Syria Transition: Coalition operations from Iraq into Syria are scheduled to conclude by September 2026, with local forces (like the new Syrian government and SDF) assuming the primary ground combat role.”

What should the world know about Syria?

GoogleAI Mode: “Syria is currently at a historic and fragile crossroads. Following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, the country is navigating a complex transitional period marked by significant diplomatic breakthroughs and persistent humanitarian challenges. 

1. Political Transition & Global Relations

New Leadership: Syria is governed by an interim administration led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former rebel commander who has moved toward a more pragmatic, technocratic governance style.

U.S. Rapprochement: In November 2025, President al-Sharaa met with President Trump at the White House, marking the first visit of a Syrian head of state to the U.S. since 1946.

Sanctions Repeal: On December 19, 2025, President Trump signed a law permanently repealing the Caesar Act sanctions, intended to clear the way for international investment and reconstruction.

Coalition Membership: Syria has officially joined the U.S.-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, signaling a major shift in its international alignment. 

2. Security Situation

Ongoing Counterterrorism: Despite the fall of the old regime, ISIS remains a threat as an underground insurgency. In December 2025, the U.S. launched Operation Hawkeye Strike, hitting over 70 ISIS targets in central Syria.

Regional Tensions: Israeli military activity continues in southern Syria, including incursions into the Quneitra area and the establishment of new checkpoints.

Internal Fractures: High tensions remain between the central government and the Kurdish-led northeast (SDF), as well as minority groups like the Druze in Suweida, where violent clashes have occurred in late 2025. 

3. Humanitarian Crisis

Universal Poverty: Approximately 90% of Syrians live in poverty, and the country ranks as one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.

Scale of Need: As of December 2025, roughly 16.5 million people (7 out of 10 Syrians) require humanitarian aid.

Return of Refugees: Over 1.3 million refugees have returned from neighboring countries like Turkey and Jordan since the transition began, placing immense pressure on damaged infrastructure.

Broken Infrastructure: Essential services such as water and healthcare are operating at only 40–50% of their pre-conflict capacity. Around 14 million people lack access to safe water. 

4. Human Rights and Accountability

New Abuses: While the civil war has largely subsided, human rights monitors report ongoing extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and sectarian violence, particularly targeting Alawite and other minority communities.

Assad-Era Legacy: The whereabouts of over 100,000 people who went missing under the previous regime remain unknown, and international bodies continue to call for urgent clarification on their fate.”

What happened to the over 100,000 missing people? Where are they?

GoogleAI Mode: “One year after the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024, the search for Syria’s missing has transitioned from a desperate rush toward prisons to a grim and painstaking forensic process. While roughly 30,000 detainees were freed in the immediate aftermath of the regime’s fall, the fate of more than 100,000 to 150,000 others—and by some estimates as many as 300,000—remains unresolved. 

The Search for Truth in 2025

Discovery of Mass Graves: Families and researchers have identified at least 66 potential mass grave sites across the country. One major site near Najha, on the outskirts of Damascus, is believed to contain thousands of bodies of those executed or killed under torture. Another site north of Damascus is estimated to hold at least 100,000 bodies in total.

Presumed Dead: Human rights organizations, including the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR), have cautioned that the vast majority of those still missing are “almost certainly dead,” likely having died from torture or extrajudicial execution in detention centers like the notorious Sednaya Prison.

Empty Prisons: In the days following the 2024 collapse, families scoured secret underground cells and even tore up floors of detention centers, but many of these rumors of hidden survivors proved false. 

Institutional and Legal Progress

National Commissions: The new Syrian government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, established the National Commission for Missing Persons and the National Commission for Transitional Justice in May 2025.

UN Involvement: The Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic (IIMP), led by Karla Quintana, became fully operational in early 2025. It is working to build a national database and is coordinating with forensic experts to eventually verify mass graves and conduct DNA testing.

Challenges: The process is hindered by a lack of funding, volatile security in regions like Suweida, and the loss of evidence; many documents were trampled or destroyed during the chaotic opening of prisons in late 2024. 

Ongoing Disappearances

New Cases: Disturbingly, the UN reported that nearly 100 people have been abducted or disappeared since the beginning of 2025, even under the new transitional government, highlighting the ongoing fragile security situation. 

Syrian families continue to post photos of their missing loved ones on shopfronts and walls across Damascus, seeking any information that might lead to closure. For many, the “heartache of victory” is the realization that their loved ones likely did not survive the 13-year conflict.”

Considering the problem of ISIS globally, what would happen if Islamic States or Muslim majority countries with significant ISIS presence implemented Quran 2:256 and the essential international laws?

GoogleAI Mode: “Implementing Quran 2:256 (“There is no compulsion in religion”) alongside established international laws would directly challenge the core ideological and legal foundations of ISIS. Such a shift in Muslim-majority countries could dismantle ISIS’s primary recruitment narratives, undermine its claims of Islamic legitimacy, and foster more stable, inclusive societies. 

1. Undermining ISIS’s Ideological Legitimacy 

Refuting Radical Interpretations: ISIS selectively uses Quranic verses to justify violence, such as declaring other Muslims as apostates (takfir) or forcibly imposing their version of Sharia. Implementing Quran 2:256 would provide a powerful, authoritative religious counter-narrative that emphasizes the voluntary nature of belief.

Restoring Core Islamic Values: Scholars argue that true Islamic law is built on four values: wisdom, justice, mercy, and the common good. A governance model based on these values directly contradicts ISIS’s use of genocide, murder, and oppression to achieve its political ends. 

2. Strategic Disruption of Recruitment

Removing Grievance Narratives: ISIS recruits often exploit vulnerabilities related to discrimination, injustice, and alienation. Adhering to international human rights laws—which guarantee freedom of belief and religious practice—would address these grievances, reducing the “oxygen” ISIS needs to recruit.

Protecting Minorities and Dissenters: ISIS targets religious minorities and Muslims who disagree with its definitions of faith. Implementing Quranic principles of non-compulsion alongside international protections (like the ICCPR) would legally shield these vulnerable groups from persecution. 

3. Impacts on Regional Stability and Governance

Countering “Humane Governance”: ISIS sometimes gains local support by claiming to offer a more “legitimate” and effective legal system in areas plagued by corruption. States that implement humane, rights-based governance can erase this legacy by offering true stability, accountability, and rule of law.

Fostering Global Cooperation: Aligning national laws with essential international humanitarian laws (IHL)—such as the protection of civilians and the humane treatment of prisoners—allows Muslim-majority countries to work more effectively within the global order to combat transnational terrorism. 

4. Societal and Economic Benefits

Increased Social Cohesion: Moving away from exclusionary “apostasy” laws toward a model of religious freedom can reduce sectarian strife and promote gender and social inclusion.

Economic Development: Religious freedom has been shown to improve human capital by welcoming skilled workers of diverse backgrounds, thereby fostering more sustainable national economies.”

How many Islamic based extremist groups exist? What would happen to all of the them if Qur’an 2:256 and the essential international laws were implemented?

GoogleAI Mode: “As of 2025, while the number of active Islamic extremist groups fluctuates as they splinter and regroup, intelligence and research organizations track dozens of significant transnational organizations and over 100 localized entities.

1. Current Landscape of Groups (2025)

Major Global Actors: The most prominent groups remain ISIS (active in 22 countries), Al-Qaeda and its regional branches, Al-Shabaab (Somalia), and Jamaat Nusrat Al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) in the Sahel.

Fastest Growing: Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has emerged as the fastest-growing terrorist group in early 2025, seeing a 90% increase in attributed deaths.

Designated Organizations: The U.S. State Department maintains a list of over 70 Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), the majority of which are Islamic extremist groups. In 2025, new designations included several Iran-aligned militias in Iraq.

Delisted/Transformed: Some groups, like Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), were removed from terrorist lists in 2025 following shifts in their political and military status during the Syrian transition. 

2. Impact of Implementing Quran 2:256 and International Law

The full implementation of Quran 2:256 (“There is no compulsion in religion”) alongside international human rights laws would fundamentally dismantle the ideological and legal justifications used by these groups. 

Erosion of Ideological Legitimacy: Islamic extremist groups rely on a doctrine of takfir (declaring other Muslims apostates) and forced imposition of their version of Sharia. Adherence to “no compulsion” would invalidate their primary tool for controlling populations and justifying violence against dissenters.

Elimination of Recruitment Narratives: Many groups exploit state repression and religious restrictions to recruit. Protecting religious freedom—a core international law—would remove these grievances, significantly reducing the “oxygen” needed for recruitment.

Protection of Victims: International law emphasizes the protection of civilians and religious minorities. If implemented, the 80–90% of terrorism victims who are Muslim would gain legal and physical protections that extremist groups currently ignore.

De-radicalization: Comprehensive approaches that combine religious counter-narratives (based on Quranic verses about mercy and justice) with economic and psychological strategies are proven to be more effective than military force alone.

Global Solidarity: Adhering to universal laws on the humane treatment of prisoners and non-combatants would force states and societies to resolve conflicts through justice and diplomacy rather than the cycles of “direct vengeance” that extremist groups capitalize on.”