ISIS’ Threat against Europe

The growth of radicalism in the Middle East has concerned Europe regarding the future of its societies, meaning that Europe is concerned about the return of its citizens who are members of terrorist groups, especially ISIS. What will Europe’s approach be with regard to terrorism, and ISIS in particular?

In order to respond to this question, we must go back and review the matters which have happened in the Middle East. The crisis which was created in Syria and the presence of forces against Bashar Assad prepared the ground for Europe to fight against a government which was not desirable for them. This was the first stage. The second stage was that the crisis came out of the control of the Europeans. This was caused by the emergence of radical forces like ISIS. Many European countries believed that they could take the crisis in Syria to a new phase with the downfall of the present government in less than a year. But this did not happen. One of the most important reasons behind the failure of the West was the presence of the frontrunner forces of the region including the Islamic Republic of Iran which, through their support of the Bashar Assad government, did not allow Syria to be captured by the terrorists. Last year, the European countries had made plans for the government in exile for Syria but now this issue is no longer pursued. The third stage is the emergence of ISIS. The emergence of this radical group was considered as a threatening bell for Europe. This issue should be studied from two aspects. The Europeans assumed that that ISIS could fight against those governments in the Middle East which are not desirable for them. But after a while they could not control these radical forces and they became a threat for western countries, especially since many of the citizens of these countries who have roots in the Middle East or the Balkans like Bosnia and Herzegovina had become members of ISIS. They are citizens of Europe and their citizenships could not be cancelled. Although their ancestors may have been born in other regions, but these people are born and raised in European countries. For example, a few days ago, three British sisters and their children joined ISIS. This issue has created a big threat for Europe. If the members of this group are suppressed in the shortest period of time and 10% of these forces return to their original countries and 1% of them join the terrorist groups in Europe, then this continent will be faced with insecurity. Creating insecurity in Europe is very easy. It is enough to put a bomb in a metro station. This issue has seriously concerned Europe.

What plan will Europe pursue?

ISIS and terrorism in the Middle East have become a major problem for Europe. Of course this problem is different for different European countries. Certainly this problem would be more serious for Britain, France and Netherlands than for Italy and Spain because it is related to the number of their citizens who have joined ISIS. More people in Britain and France have become members of ISIS. It could, perhaps, be said that Europe has two different approaches with regard to these forces. On one hand, it is faced with some ISIS members who would one day return to their countries and, on the other, it has supported these radical groups in the Middle East. Although Europe’s support has been indirect and direct support is given by Saudi oil dollars and the opening of Turkey’s borders on Syria, those groups of Europeans which intend to join ISIS must have gone to Turkey first and then to Syria. Therefore, the financial and spiritual support of Turkey and Saudi Arabia and the roots of cooperation in Europe have led to the expanded activities of terrorist forces in Syria and Iraq. A look at the positions taken by France and Saudi Arabia with regard to Iran’s nuclear program shows that they have similar positions. Although they claim to fight against ISIS, France has not taken any measures in practice. About 5-6% of French Muslims support ISIS. This threat is very well-felt in France. There is now a paradox between the governments and the people and their interpretation of ISIS. I believe that in the near future, the issue of terrorism in the Middle East will become a major problem for European countries. But what is the solution? The solution is different for each country. Recently, a young man in Austria killed and wounded some people. This act had a personal cause and was not a terrorist act. But immediately some radical European forces related it to the Islamic radical groups. Due to the campaigns of the politicians, the hatred against the Muslims in Europe has grown. I believe that Europe will first attempt to reduce Islamophobia. Then it will try to identify its forces in Iraq and Syria and prevent the dispatch of these forces to this region. Right now, a country like Libya has become the bank of terrorist groups after the downfall of Qaddafi. All radical forces in North Africa are supported in Libya and then sent to other regions of Africa and Europe. Boko Haram is an example of these forces. All these issues are related to each other; ISIS in Syria, Boko Haram in Africa, the collapse of the government in Libya, insecurity in the Sinai Desert … European countries pursue certain policies due to their colonialist background. In fact, they do not have similar policies with regard to ISIS. As soon as the European countries realize the threat of ISIS, they will find solutions to fight against it. The important point is that the European countries have understood that in the short and mid-term, ISIS and forces similar to it will be a great threat for Europe.

Considering its soft power approach, the European Union usually prefers to resolve international problems and crises through diplomacy and negotiations. But it seems that it is now faced with a problem which needs a review in its approach. Will the European Union really review its approach?

It seems that the EU has started to think about this matter. Although France, Germany and Britain have realized this threat, Europe is now faced with more important issues. The crisis in Greece has become a big challenge for Europe. Therefore, Europe has not yet reached a stage in which it could pursue a soft approach or any other solution in dealing with the radical forces. It is certain that after Europe is able to resolve some of its present problems, it will decide about its approach towards ISIS and terrorism. On the other hand, unfortunately in some European countries the rightist groups are coming to power. Although their number is not high, they have been able to enter parliaments. The presence of rightist forces in Britain, Germany and France is considerable. Thus, right now Europe’s approach towards radical forces is not the major issue and each country attempts to find its own solution.