Is ISIL on the verge of becoming a regional threat once again? | Syria’s war news

When US President Donald Trump declared the defeat of ISIL (ISIS) during his first term, many of the group’s fighters and their families were holed up in northeastern Syria.

They remained in prisons and camps until dramatic changes occurred on the ground in recent weeks.

The U.S. has moved more than 5,700 suspected ISIL fighters from Syria to Iraq over fears that detainees will escape.

This has raised serious concerns from human rights groups, who warn that detainees are now at risk of torture and unfair trials.

So, why did Washington decide to transfer those prisoners? And is this move motivated by a lack of confidence in the new Syrian government?

Presenter: James Bays

Guest:

Zeidon Alkinani – Independent researcher on identity politics in Iraq and the Middle East

Colin Clark – Executive Director of The Soufan Center, a global intelligence and security consultancy

Sarah Sunbar – Middle East and North Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch