How a dispute over European ISIS members split a ruling coalition
Despite the many risks of inaction, European governments are reluctant to repatriate ISIS supporters due to fear of the political consequences
Syria / Iraq / Lebanon
EU support for Lebanon: If not now, when?
The Lebanese desire for change is not going to go away. The EU should place itself at the heart of smoothing this transition.
Open letter: Call for a managed return of ISIS foreign fighters
A number of ECFR Council Members urge European governments to immediately begin a programme of managed repatriation of ISIS foreign fighters in Syria
4 ways Europeans should respond to the Lebanon and Iraq protests
Europeans can help the Lebanese and Iraqi people achieve their reform goals. Here’s how.
Managed chaos: Russia’s deal with Turkey on northern Syria
Russia is now in charge of a multi-front war. It will need to manage relations between multiple local actors very carefully.
Leverage, for now: Turkey’s deal with Russia on northern Syria
Erdogan's government views the deal as a testament to its ability to act independently of Washington even in areas where there is a US military presence
Clumsy but useful? The German defence minister’s initiative for northern Syria
The widely dismissed proposal can still serve a valuable purpose if it relaunches a debate on how Europe can act with long-overdue relevance in Syria
Lebanon protests: A now-or-never moment?
The demonstrations in Lebanon are unprecedented in scale. But European governments remain wary.
Another fine mess: Syria after the US exit
Turkey’s invasion means Europeans can no longer be bystanders to Syria. They must now take three urgent steps.
European foreign fighters in Syria: The cost of inaction
Repatriation remains the most effective way for EU member states to assess each case, prosecute jihadists where necessary, and interrogate returnees to learn more about ISIS methods and plans