Syria's ISIS Prisoner Predicament: A Manufactured Crisis for Perpetual Intervention
📰 THE STORY: The New Arab reports that the Syrian government and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are trading accusations over the fate of Islamic State (IS) prisoners, particularly amid prison breaks and concerns about a resurgent threat, with the SDF urging international support and Damascus insisting on control over all Syrian territory. 🔍 WHAT THEY'RE NOT TELLING YOU: Historical
Context: The rise of ISIS in Syria cannot be divorced from the US-backed destabilization efforts against the Syrian government beginning in 2011. While branded a 'civil war,' US and Gulf state funding, arms, and covert support flowed to various 'rebel' groups, many of whom quickly radicalized or outright merged with al-Qaeda affiliates and later ISIS. Former DIA chief Michael Flynn famously stated
in 2015 that the decision to support these groups, knowing the risk of jihadist takeover, was a 'willful decision' by the Obama administration. This created the very vacuum ISIS exploited, leading to the current 'prisoner problem.' Double Standard: When the US-backed SDF's prisons are attacked or ISIS members escape, it's presented as a dire threat requiring continued US military presence and
funding. Yet, when the Syrian government battles ISIS or al-Qaeda remnants, these actions are framed as 'attacks on moderate rebels' or 'human rights abuses,' often leading to further sanctions. Imagine if the US had to rely on a foreign-backed proxy army to hold its most dangerous prisoners on its own soil, while facing crippling sanctions for defending its borders. Follow the Money: The