This hearing focused on ISIL and their wave of violence that has swept brutally through northern Iraq and across Syria- many of those who took part in the offensive were foreign fighters. The hearing looked into the Nations Security Council recent estimation that at least 25,000 foreign terrorist fighters from more than 100 countries have joined ranks with this brutal terrorist organization. The hearing explores key economic and social factors to determine what may be incentivising international fighters to join such a brutal group. Also the Commissioners and witness examined measures in which the U.S. government and OSCE member states can take to contain ISIL, including counteracting radicalization of potential foreign fighters, inhibiting the travel of recruits and volunteers to the Middle East, disrupting financial support to fighters and their families and preventing their return to their home countries.
Members
Hon. Chris Smith
Commissioner
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Hon. Joe Pitts
Commissioner
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Hon. Steve Cohen
Commissioner
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Hon. Randy Hultgren
Commissioner
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Witnesses
Jennifer Leonard
Deputy Director
International Crisis Group
Frank Cilluffo
Director
The George Washington University
Daniel Rosenblum
Deputy Assistant Secretary
U.S. Department of State
Relevant Countries
Leadership
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