Hidden Battlefields: Rehabilitating ISIS Affiliates and Building a Democratic Culture in Their Former Territories

Global media have closely followed the dire humanitarian and security conditions in Hol Camp, branding it a ‘ticking time-bomb’ from which ISIS will be able to rise anew. Less is known about the attempts that are being made by the AANES to fight ISIS on the battlefield of ideology inside the prisons and camps, and to promote long-term reconciliation with those parts of society who were most likely to support ISIS. This report offers an overview of how the enduring legacy and impact of ISIS’ rule and ideology is being handled in NES. Despite harsh material conditions, several organizations related to the AANES are attempting to address this crisis by offering education programs, discussion sessions and other activities to former ISIS affiliates, while the SDC and AANES’ own program of justice reform is also intended to break the cycle of violence and retribution which led to ISIS’ rise.

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