This event will discuss the resort to violence and violent extremism in Northeast Syria based on a new study entitled “Preventing the Re-emergence of violent extremism in Northeast Syria.” This report was produced as a joint collaboration by the National Agenda for the Future of Syria Programme (NAFS) at UN ESCWA and the Center on International Cooperation at New York University.

Every factor that previously allowed for the rise of armed extremist groups and the eventual takeover by the so-called Islamic State (IS) remain unaddressed and, in some cases, more prevalent than before. This begs the following questions:  What are the prevailing vulnerabilities that contribute to the threat of IS and other extremist groups regaining a foothold in the Northeast? Is a return to violence the default for seeking to bring about change or improvement? If so, what can be done by actors at the local, national, and international level to prevent such a resurgence of violence or violent extremism in NE Syria?

Speakers include:

• Hanny Megally, Senior Fellow, Center on International Cooperation, New York University
• Jasmine El-Gamal, Consultant and MENA Political Analyst.
• Jalal Alhamad, Human Rights Specialist, Justice for Life Organization
• Haid Haid, Senior Consulting Research Fellow, Chatham House

Organisers: National Agenda for the Future of Syria Programme (NAFS) at UN ESCWA and Center on International Cooperation (CIC) at New York University. Find this event as part of the Brussels V Conference Side Events.