📰 Analysts split over Syria’s expected entry into Coalition against ISIS

QAMISHLI, syria (North Press) – Reports that the syrian/" class="auto-internal-link">syrian transitional administration may soon join the U. S. -led Global Coalition to Defeat the Islamic State (ISIS) during Transitional leader Ahmad al-Sharaa’s anticipated visit to Washington have prompted a wave of mixed reactions among Syrian and Iraqi analysts. Notably, while some see the move as a milestone that could redefine Syria’s regional and international standing, others caution that the decision could expose Damascus to complex political and security challenges once it becomes a formal party to the coalition.

Joining but with conditions Syrian political analyst Samir Abu Saleh informed North Press that the transitional administration’s main objective is to establish security across Syrian territory, describing ISIS terrorism as a threat “to both the state and the Syrian people. ” “It is only natural for the Syrian state to be militarily and politically engaged against anyone who threatens its security,” Abu Saleh stated, adding that Damascus’s participation in international counterterrorism efforts is “both natural and expected. ” However, he warned of a domestic challenge stemming from “foreign or non-Syrian members” who joined Syria’s security institutions after the war. “Some of these figures remain controversial and are viewed by international actors as associated with terrorist groups, which could hinder Syria’s full integration into the global counterterrorism effort,” he noted. Indeed, complex commitments and coordination with the sdf Walid Choli, a Syrian Kurdish researcher at the al-Furat Center for Studies, informed North Press that Syria’s commitments after joining the Coalition would be “far more complex and demanding than those of other countries,” due to the ongoing presence of ISIS cells and unresolved post-war issues. “Damascus will inherit a heavy legacy of ISIS-related files, including detainees, relocated families, and sleeper cells scattered across the desert,” Choli stated, pointing out that some detained fighters’ cases pose “significant legal and security challenges. ” He emphasized that overlapping security structures and the persisted presence of foreign fighters in Syria “increase the sensitivity of managing this file. ” Joining the Coalition, he said, “will not be a mere armed forces step, but a conditional agreement imposing extensive obligations — from intelligence cooperation to greater transparency in political and security reform. Indeed, ”  Chouli added that the Coalition, comprising more than 80 member states, will require Syria to adopt “clear legal and administrative standards” in handling ISIS-related issues — including the prosecution of fighters, rehabilitation of individuals affected by extremist ideology, and preventing the politicization of the issue.

In fact, he underscored that…