Report: ISIS' return threatens Syria

The American magazine "Foreign Affairs" published an extensive report on the Syrian scene after the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in late 2024, warning of a strong return of ISIS and the repercussions of the US withdrawal on the future of stability in Syria and the region.

The report indicated that Syria, currently led by Hayet Tahrir al-Sham, faces profound security, political, and economic challenges amid escalating sectarian violence and repeated Israeli strikes.

It also noted that ISIS has exploited the chaos to reorganize its ranks, carrying out attacks targeting religious minorities and government centers, among them blasting a church in Damascus that resulted in killing dozens.

The magazine confirmed that the capabilities of ISIS mercenaries have become more accurate  and complex, claiming responsibility for approximately 294 attacks in a single year, compared to only 121 in 2023. This escalation, according to the report, threatens the stability in Syria and recalls the period of its widespread expansion in 2014.

Regarding the US withdrawal, the Foreign Affairs Magazine believes that the departure of forces will weaken the international coalition's ability to confront ISIS and undermine the efforts of the Syrian Democratic Forces to deter ISIS mercenaries. It warned that Washington's absence could open the door to a widespread ISIS resurgence, threatening the security of the entire region.

Foreign Affairs explained that ISIS activity escalated significantly last spring. In March, following sectarian violence incidents in the coast region, ISIS launched a series of attacks against the Syrian Democratic Forces. In May, it carried out further attacks following the Sweida incidents.

The magazine concluded by pointing out that "Syria's future remains contingent on the new government's ability to assert its authority and on the United States' decision to maintain a limited presence to support stability and prevent ISIS from returning with a vengeance."

J.J