ANKARA
Many Western countries support the idea of backing the YPG/PKK in Syria but Turkish officials reject aiding a terror group to beat another, ISIS/Daesh.
A recent report released by the Turkish National Police Academy warned that countries of origin might face serious security challenges once foreign fighters in Syria return home.
The YPG is the Syrian offshoot of the PKK terror group that has the blood of tens of thousands of Turkish citizens on its hands.
But warnings by Ankara have fallen on deaf ears and the YPG continues to recruit more and more foreign fighters.
The report written by academics Murat Tinas and Ahmet Demirden cautioned the international community against the possible tragic outcomes of the return of these foreign fighters.
Anti-racist demonstrations in the US following the death of an unarmed Black man George Floyd under police custody in the US in May, and related violent incidents could serve as a wake-up call for Western countries as citizens of some of them went to Syria to fight for the YPG, including affiliates of Antifa, a far-left group with sympathizers across the globe.
US President Donald Trump said on May 31 that Antifa would be designated a terror group after he accused it of inciting protesters who fueled violent confrontations between police and demonstrators.
Whether the presidents argument is true or not, there is an overt fact: Affiliates of far-left and right organizations have a presence in the Syrian conflict and they might pose a serious threat to national security systems once they return home with combat experience and traumatic disorders.
The 54-page report -- titled Foreign Terrorist Fighters in PKK/YPG in Syria: Violent Extremism Backfires -- shed light on how foreign fighters recruited by the terror group could cause significant backlash when they return home.
It said Trump's statement might sound like something new to Western audience but Middle East observers are not alien to the possible threat growing out of the return of foreign fighters.
According to the report, the PKK and its affiliates in Syria have recruited many individuals of far-left organizations, including Antifa groups operating in European countries along with the US, Canada and Australia.
"Some Antifa adherents have ideological similarities to the PKK and its offshoots in Syria -- PYD, YPG and YPJ. Since the rise of terrorist organization Daesh [ISIS] in Syria, there have been reports that many far-leftists including Antifa elements joined the YPG as foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs). Especially under the protection of the international coalition assisting the YPG on the pretext of fighting Daesh, these FTFs received significant training and combat experience in the conflict zone," it stated.
When the flow of FTFs was reversed and they became returnees in their home countries, the risk they pose also became more visible.
Regardless of their ideology or the groups they join, they can plan, direct or conduct terrorist attacks, create new terrorist organizations, radicalize and recruit new terrorists, according the report.
Potential to cause mass casualties due to actual combat experience
FTFs gain first-person combat experience and might witness a killing or themselves kill others amid clashes, according to the report.
And they may suffer severe traumatic conditions that pave the way for further radicalization in their cause, constituting a great risk for native countries.
Their numbers, combat experience and the offences that they commit in the war zone all remain mostly unknown; and therefore unmonitored.
In this regard, the potential risk that they pose to their countries of origin upon their return requires considerable attention, the report stated.
"The threat perception related to returnees is very high. Indeed, the involvement of returnees in terrorist attacks in their home countries is interestingly limited in numbers, yet even a small number of returnees have the potential to cause mass casualties because they have actual combat experience," it added.
One might assume the YPG/PKK terror group appeals only to far-leftist militants given the fact its ideology revolves around radical left perspective.
But the report argues that it is far from the truth as the YPG/PKK also recruits militants with far-right ideology by using persecution of Christians and other minorities by the Daesh/ISIS terror group as a pretext.
They utilize different narratives based on their ideologies, for instance, far-left terror groups create anti-fascist narratives whereas far-right groups craft anti-communist narratives, the report noted, adding the two groups could build unexpected allegiances and exploit the same tragic public event to promote their narratives, referring to the death of Floyd as a possible example.
The authors argued the foreign fighters presence in Syria did not just come out of the blue as international media outlets and states glorified the YPG/PKK fight against Daesh/ISIS, while ignoring the fact that its branch in Turkey is an internationally recognized terror organization.
Also, the PKK terror group can freely have a presence on social media and appeal to foreigners for further recruitment while depicting itself as freedom fighters in an attempt to justify their acts of terrorism.
"Another important factor for foreigners in the YPG is the glorification of YPG militancy in international media.
The act of volunteering with the YPG was not only perceived as harmless in international media but also framed as an act of bravery for various political reasons," it added.
The PKK has been prosecuting a terror campaign in Turkey for more than three decades and is responsible for the killing of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.
It is designated a terror group by Turkey, the US and EU, however, the global community apparently does not adopt the same attitude toward the YPG which enjoyed support from the international coalition during the Syrian civil war.
The YPG/PKK today controls vast swathes of territories in northern Syria and controls a significant amount of oil fields.
Read more here:
Antifa, YPG/PKK ties threaten national peace in West - Anadolu Agency
- NOT REAL NEWS: A look at what didn't happen this week - The Advocate [Last Updated On: July 11th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 11th, 2020]
- Is antifa the leftist radical group we think it is? - SC Times [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2020]
- President Trump in 2020 spews echoes of George Wallace in 1968 - Chicago Sun-Times [Last Updated On: July 13th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 13th, 2020]
- FBI monitors threats against Seattle-area protests - KUOW News and Information [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2020]
- Investigating the funding mechanisms behind ANTIFA | Columns - Port Lavaca Wave [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2020]
- Readers Write: Fact checking the fact checker - Blog - The Island Now [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2020]
- NOT REAL NEWS: A look at what didn't happen this week - Alton Telegraph [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2020]
- Fact-checking the weeks lies, misinformation - Pocono Record [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2020]
- Letter to the Editor: There are aspects of life weighted against Blacks - Delaware State News - Delaware State News [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2020]
- Investigating the funding mechanisms behind ANTIFA - Port Lavaca Wave [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2020]
- Fact-checking the weeks lies, misinformation - Waynesboro Record Herald [Last Updated On: July 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 16th, 2020]
- Letters to the editor - News - The Ottawa Herald [Last Updated On: July 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 16th, 2020]
- Fact-checking the weeks lies, misinformation - Echo Pilot [Last Updated On: July 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 16th, 2020]
- NOT REAL NEWS: A look at what didn't happen this week - Minneapolis Star Tribune [Last Updated On: July 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 16th, 2020]
- Letter to the editor: 'Left-wing' labels misused - TribLIVE [Last Updated On: July 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 16th, 2020]
- Chaotic protests prompt soul-searching in Portland, Oregon - The Associated Press [Last Updated On: July 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 16th, 2020]
- No, we're not all antifa now. But we should be. - The Montgomery Herald [Last Updated On: July 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 16th, 2020]
- Letters to the editor - News - Leavenworth Times [Last Updated On: July 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 16th, 2020]
- Meet the Youth Liberation Front behind a militant marathon of Portland protests - Herald-Mail Media [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2020]
- Letters to the editor - News - The Kansan - Newton, KS - Newton, KS - Newton Kansan [Last Updated On: July 19th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 19th, 2020]
- Matthew in the Middle: Mask it or casket - Eureka Times-Standard [Last Updated On: July 19th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 19th, 2020]
- Antifa: What you need to know about the left-wing movement [Last Updated On: July 19th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 19th, 2020]
- Readers Write: Enabling the death and exploitation of illegal border crossers is not compassionate - Opinions - The Island Now [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2020]
- Loveland man who allegedly held 2 salesmen at gunpoint to appear in court Thursday - Loveland Reporter-Herald [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- The police have long been a reliable source for some. But its time to reexamine that trust - Seattle Times [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Think About It: Intimidation prospective - Sequim Gazette [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Lars Thoughts Who Needs ANTIFA To Destroy Portland? Ted Wheeler Is Doing A Good Job All On His Own - 550 KTSA [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- From Antifa to Mothers in Helmets, Diverse Elements Fuel Portland Protests - The New York Times [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Leaked Documents Show Police Knew Far-Right Extremists Were the Real Threat at Protests, Not Antifa - The Intercept [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Fact check: Metal bar hanging from Scottish overpass is not part of an antifa plot - Reuters [Last Updated On: July 22nd, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 22nd, 2020]
- Portland Black Cop Describes the Racism of BLM and ANTIFA in Fascinating Interview - The Jewish Voice [Last Updated On: July 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 24th, 2020]
- Theres idiocy on all sides in the law and order road show | Jonah Goldberg - News-Herald.com [Last Updated On: July 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 26th, 2020]
- Amy Siskind calls for the doxxing of federal agents and their families - The Post Millennial [Last Updated On: July 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 26th, 2020]
- WATCH: Group of Karens form human shield to protect their Antifa kids from police - The Post Millennial [Last Updated On: July 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 26th, 2020]
- OPINION EXCHANGE | There's idiocy on all sides in the 'law and order' roadshow - Minneapolis Star Tribune [Last Updated On: July 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 26th, 2020]
- Portland protests have no goal except violence and anarchy - New York Post [Last Updated On: July 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 26th, 2020]
- Letter: Barr: Antifa has role in protests | Letters To The Editor - Gloucester Daily Times [Last Updated On: July 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 26th, 2020]
- Trump sends in the feds when mayors let Antifa riots fester, what did they think would happen? - RT [Last Updated On: July 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 26th, 2020]
- Federal officer assaulted by Antifa while making arrest during Portland riot - The Post Millennial [Last Updated On: July 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 26th, 2020]
- SOFREP cartoon of the month - SOFREP [Last Updated On: July 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 26th, 2020]
- Antifa-led riots clash with 'Trump's feds' in Portland here's why the media is STILL defending Antifa - TheBlaze [Last Updated On: July 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 26th, 2020]
- Leftists claim Portland police set their own building ablazebut Antifa proudly admitted to the crime - The Post Millennial [Last Updated On: July 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 26th, 2020]
- The FBI has not linked teachers to antifa - PolitiFact [Last Updated On: July 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 26th, 2020]
- Antifa is a threat to the American way - The Star Beacon [Last Updated On: July 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 26th, 2020]
- Theres idiocy on all sides in law and order road show - Boston Herald [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2020]
- Crowds launch fireworks at brewery, draw guns on drivers as riots spread from Portland to smaller Oregon city - Fox News [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2020]
- Ana Tijoux's Antifa Dance is just what the revolution called for - AL DIA News [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2020]
- Waiting for the Counterrevolution - National Review [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2020]
- Fact check: FBI did not state that being a teacher was the most common occupation among Antifa members - Reuters [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2020]
- Antifa is 'very real' and 'very dangerous,' Rep. Jordan says, reacting to Rep. Nadler's claim the movement ... - Fox News [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2020]
- Police chief believes Antifa, Boogaloo boys were at Richmond riot - wtkr.com [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2020]
- Minnesota Attorney General in favour of using law to shutter businesses, but not to help victims of rape - The Post Millennial [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2020]
- Time to defund the defunders | TheHill - The Hill [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2020]
- Has Antifa finally Arrived in the Jewish State? - The Jewish Press - JewishPress.com [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2020]
- These are not fireworks: Antifa accused of throwing real explosives at feds in apparent major escalation in Portland - RT [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2020]
- Before Portland, Trump's Shock Troops Went After Border Activists - The Intercept [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2020]
- OPINION: Rachel Brougham I went to an antifa meeting and this is what I learned - Petoskey News-Review [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2020]
- Letter to the editor: BLM, antifa treasonous radicals - TribLIVE [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2020]
- Police chief believes Antifa, Boogaloo boys were at Richmond riot - wtvr.com [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2020]
- Cruz calls hearing on antifa and political violence as Dems denounce Trumps show of force against - The Dallas Morning News [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2020]
- Anti-fascists linked to zero murders in the US in 25 years - The Guardian [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2020]
- LETTERS: On deaths of officers; Protect the food; Thoughts on Antifa; Group critiqued - Monitor [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2020]
- James Woods Goes After Jerry Nadler For 'Antifa Is A Myth' Comments - The Union Journal [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2020]
- Who is Andy Ngo? From photographer at a used car dealership to one of America's most polarizing media figures - MEAWW [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2020]
- Dem Senator walks out of Ted Cruz's Antifa hearing: 'I don't think you listen' - Fox News [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2020]
- Left-wing journalist alerts Antifa to Andy Ngo's location, then they try to blind him with lasers - The Post Millennial [Last Updated On: August 5th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 5th, 2020]
- Cruz's antifa hearing erupts in sniping as Democrats accuse him of giving Trump cover for abusive tactics - Newsbug.info [Last Updated On: August 5th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 5th, 2020]
- Communist ISIS Antifa: Homeland Security's Confused Pursuit of Pro-Kurdish Americans - The National Interest [Last Updated On: August 5th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 5th, 2020]
- Cruzs antifa hearing erupts in sniping as Dems accuse him of giving Trump cover for abusive tactics - The Dallas Morning News [Last Updated On: August 5th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 5th, 2020]
- Antifa Is Mostly Made Up Of Privileged White Dudes [Last Updated On: August 5th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 5th, 2020]
- What or Who is Antifa? [Last Updated On: August 5th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 5th, 2020]
- ANTIFA.COM | Join Us & Take Action Now [Last Updated On: August 5th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 5th, 2020]
- Democrats refuse to condemn Antifa in domestic terrorism hearing, Andy Ngo says - Fox News [Last Updated On: August 5th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 5th, 2020]
- Anti-Trump messages, BLM and Antifa references spray-painted in Lansing - WLNS [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2020]
- Trump badly miscalculated in Portland and even he knows it - The Guardian [Last Updated On: August 7th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 7th, 2020]
- Right-wing extremists kill 329 people since 1994, antifa have killed none - Business Insider - Business Insider [Last Updated On: August 7th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 7th, 2020]
- They Held a Hearing So Ted Cruz Could Say 'Antifa' a Bunch on C-SPAN - Esquire.com [Last Updated On: August 7th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 7th, 2020]
- Page A4 | E-Edition | thetandd.com - The Times and Democrat [Last Updated On: August 7th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 7th, 2020]
- They Held a Hearing So Ted Cruz Could Say 'Antifa' a Bunch on C-SPAN - Esquire [Last Updated On: August 7th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 7th, 2020]
- Tough Guy Antifa Bomber Arrested After His Trump-Loving Grandma Turns Him In - The Union Journal [Last Updated On: August 7th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 7th, 2020]