International Forum On ISIS meets in Rojava, issues 11 recommendations

At the invitation of Rojava Center for Strategic Studies (NRLS), the International Forum on ISIS: Dimensions, Challenges and Confrontation Strategies was held in the city of Amuda in North and East Syria (Rojava) the weekend of July 7-9. The forum was attended by more than 200 individuals, including former Virginia Rep. Tom Garrett and American Enterprise Institute scholar Michael Rubin, as well as politicians, researchers, academics and representatives of civil society institutions from multiple countries. Over the course of three days, the participants discussed various aspects of ISIS terrorism, including political, military, security, cultural, religious, economic, and social issues, as well as and human rights, the issue of women and persecution of women. At the conclusion of the conference, the participants endorsed a statement with 11 recommendations, including the need for international cooperation in prosecuting ISIS members, recognition by the United Nations that the Yezidi community has suffered a genocide and deserves security protection, and international recognition that the Self-Administration of North and East Syria is providing a democratic foundation that will assure the rights of women and minorities and that deserves a place in any discussions of the future of Syria. To read the 3-page document, click here.