RETURN OF FOREIGN TERRORIST FIGHTERS AND THEIR FAMILIES TO EUROPE AS A POTENTIAL SECURITY PROBLEM

Abstract

Purpose: This paper examines the return of foreign terrorist fighters and their families from Syria to Europe, that is, their countries of origin. For several years now, dozens of thousands of terrorists have resided with their families in camps (such as Al Hol and Al Roj) previously controlled by the Kurdish forces, with the financial and logistical help of the US. After the fall of the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad and the arrival of Donald Trump as the head of the United States, the attitude towards this phenomenon changed. There is an intention to disband the camps and return the terrorists with their families to their countries of origin. The fundamental research question is: Are the European countries ready for their return?

Design/Methods/Approach: Using the content analysis of the existing deradicalization and disengagement programs, the author examines to what extent Europe is prepared for the return of these people. Further, relevant studies were also used, with a special reference to the Western Balkans. The author also used in-depth interviews to collect relevant data.

Findings: The conclusion is that the return of terrorists and their families represents a serious security risk and a threat to European countries. Even though a vast number of programs with the participation of multi-sectoral teams (social workers, political scientists, psychologists, psychiatrists, criminologists, and the security sector, etc.) were created, Europe will be able to speak of the success of deradicalization only after conducting an evaluation, and this takes time. One of the biggest challenges in the return process can be a disbalance between human rights and security measures.

Originality/Value: The importance of this paper is to identify all potential security problems posed by the return of terrorists (and their families, children, and women) from the battlefield. In addition, the author's intention is to point out certain advantages and disadvantages of modern deradicalization programs through existing examples.