Global Inaction on ISIS Detainees Threatens to Reignite Terror We Defeated

The United States has delivered a masterclass in dismantling evil. Under President Trump’s leadership, the Islamic State’s so-called caliphate crumbled in 2019, its dreams of a terrorist empire reduced to rubble. Now, the Department of Defense is doubling down on that victory, consolidating U.S. forces in Syria to fewer than a thousand troops under Operation Inherent Resolve. This isn’t a retreat; it’s a recalibration to keep ISIS on its knees.

The move reflects a clear-eyed strategy: degrade the enemy, empower allies, and stay ready to strike. For years, America’s relentless air campaigns and ground partnerships have gutted ISIS’s ability to recruit, plan, or breathe freely. Yet, the threat lingers, not just in Syria’s deserts but across the globe. The Pentagon’s latest decision signals unwavering commitment to crushing terrorism while adapting to a shifting battlefield.

Precision air strikes have been the backbone of America’s success. Since 2014, U.S. Central Command has obliterated ISIS’s finances, leadership, and logistics, saving cities like Kobani and Baghdad from falling into terrorist hands. In 2024 alone, dozens of strikes shredded ISIS training camps and safehouses, with zero civilian casualties reported in major operations. These are not random bombings; they’re surgical, intelligence-driven blows that keep the enemy scattered and weak.

On the ground, the Syrian Democratic Forces, our Kurdish-led partners, have proven their mettle. With U.S. training and support, they’ve secured prisons, disrupted plots, and held the line against chaos. The Global Coalition, spanning over 80 nations, amplifies this effort with equipment, intelligence, and moral weight. Critics who call for a full withdrawal ignore the reality: these partnerships have slashed ISIS’s attack frequency by 80% since Assad’s fall last year.

Yet, challenges persist. Turkey’s objections to Kurdish forces create friction, and the new Syrian government’s fragility demands careful navigation. America’s role is to lead, not coddle. By maintaining a lean presence and empowering local fighters, we ensure ISIS stays buried while sidestepping the quagmire of nation-building.

One glaring issue undermines our gains: the world’s refusal to deal with ISIS-linked detainees. Over 46,000 people, including 23,000 foreigners, languish in northeast Syria’s camps and prisons. Many are children, vulnerable to radicalization in squalid conditions. The U.S. has begged nations to repatriate their citizens, but too many governments drag their feet, citing security fears or political backlash.

This inaction is reckless. Iraq has repatriated over 7,500 people, showing rehabilitation is possible. Some European courts have even ruled against governments for abandoning their nationals. Leaving these detainees to fester risks prison breaks and new waves of terror. The Pentagon rightly calls for global responsibility, but the international community’s dithering only emboldens our enemies.

Some voices, often cloaked in academic jargon or diplomatic platitudes, argue America should abandon Syria entirely. They claim the job is done, the threat overstated. History begs to differ. When U.S. forces partially withdrew in 2019, ISIS attacks spiked, and Turkish incursions destabilized the region. Today, with over 2,500 active ISIS fighters still lurking, a full exit would be like leaving the door unlocked for a burglar.

The numbers don’t lie: ISIS attacks tripled in 2024 before plummeting after Assad’s collapse. That drop proves our strategy works, but it’s fragile. Experts warn that without U.S. support, ISIS could regroup within a year, exploiting Syria’s weak interim government. Our presence, however small, is the glue holding this coalition together, ensuring intelligence flows and strikes hit their mark.

The Pentagon’s consolidation is a testament to American resolve. By streamlining our footprint, we preserve flexibility to counter new threats, from Iranian proxies to emerging terror groups. Israel, a key ally, relies on our presence to check Iran’s ambitions. Even Russia’s waning influence in Syria underscores the need for America to fill the void, not cede ground.

This isn’t about endless wars; it’s about finishing the job. President Trump’s peace-through-strength doctrine demands we stay vigilant, not complacent. Our enemies don’t rest, and neither can we.

America’s fight against ISIS is a blueprint for defeating terror: relentless force, smart alliances, and global accountability. But the work isn’t done. Nations must step up to repatriate their citizens, and our coalition must hold firm against any resurgence. The U.S. will lead, as always, but victory requires collective will.

Let’s not squander this triumph. ISIS is down, but not out. With a leaner, laser-focused presence, America can ensure terrorism finds no foothold, in Syria or beyond. The world is watching, and we will not falter.