Press Statement

Hadi al-Bahra

President of the Syrian Coalition

October 31, 2014

We are concerned over reports that extremist militants from around the world are joining ISIS. The recent UN Security Council report appearing in the Guardian cites that foreign jihadists are flocking into Syria and Iraq on “an unprecedented scale.”

Dictatorships, like the Assad regime, are a breeding ground for alienation and radicalization and if we are to see an extremist-free region, a comprehensive strategy is needed, whereby a transition to democracy in Syria takes place. Only an inclusive representative government in Syria will make it possible to repress ISIS, contain the growth of radical ideology, and ultimately destroy the group.

It is important not to overlook the fact that there is a growing sense of alienation among the Free Syrian Army forces in Syria. Engaging these forces will be vital if the air campaign against ISIS is to achieve sustainable gains.