Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj, a partner in LUGARIT, has issued a stark warning about the potential resurgence of ISIS due to deteriorating conditions in Syria. In an interview with Johannes Kotkavirta of Finland's Ilta-Sanomat newspaper, Mr. Hallaj highlighted how a new power vacuum could emerge, mirroring the circumstances that led to the birth of the ISIS caliphate.

Mr. Hallaj stressed that despite ISIS losing territorial control, the group remains highly active in the region. He criticized the coalition fighting against ISIS for overly focusing on military defeat while neglecting necessary humanitarian and developmental aid, largely due to political disagreements.

Mr. Hallaj, who recently spoke to the Finnish parliament's foreign affairs committee, pointed out the dire economic situation in Syria, warning of escalating malnutrition and the potential for famine. Such conditions could weaken the Syrian regime's control, possibly leading to the country's collapse and a consequent resurgence of ISIS.

A particularly concerning situation exists in the al-Holi camp in northeastern Syria, where thousands of former ISIS members and their children are living in deteriorating conditions. The camp, run by Kurdish self-government, is a breeding ground for ISIS ideology, with Mr. Hallaj noting the risk of radicalization, especially among children.

European countries face a dilemma with their citizens in these camps. Some nations have considered revoking citizenships to avoid repatriation responsibilities, a move Mr. Hallaj criticizes as potentially leading to the de facto recognition of ISIS as a state.

Mr. Hallaj also discussed the ambitions of the Kurds and the Assad regime for recognition, both using the foreign detainees for their own ends. He emphasized the need for a political solution, comparing the current situation to a dysfunctional aircraft where internal conflicts overshadow essential maintenance. Mr. Hallaj concluded by underscoring Finland's potential role in mediating and contributing to Syria's development beyond financial aid.