Fall 2022 - 60710 - PA 682GA - Policy Research Project on Global Policy Issues

This Policy Research Project (PRP) will investigate the humanitarian crisis connected to forced migration and the resurgence of ISIL threat posed by the ongoing problems associated with al-Hol (al-Hawl) refugee camp located on the outskirts of al-Hawl, Syria, near the border with Iraq. This camp houses not only a number of refugees, predating the war with ISIL, but also not includes a section of the camp for ISIL members and their families. This confluence of an international counterterrorism concern and the humanitarian crisis in the camp will be the focus of the PRP designed to identify policies for the U.S. to lead a global solution to an international emergency. The rise of ISIL and its move to take over territory in Syria and Iraq brought to light the growing complexity of counterterrorism policies when dealing with a sophisticated and highly motivated terrorist group. The subsequent coalition efforts to break ISIL’s strangle-hold on parts of Syria and Iraq reduced its territorial holdings but left in its wake large numbers of forced migrants fleeing the violence and the families of ISIL commanders, some of whom were killed or captured in operations. The combination of displaced persons in the camp not associated with ISIL and the presence of ISIL members and their families on the camp created a potent amalgamation of dangers in al-Hol. The international community recognizes the unfolding humanitarian disaster at the same time many Western countries have stripped citizenship from the members of ISIL and their families, effectively making them stateless persons. Addressing the issue of al-Hol refugee camp challenges the students with examining the humanitarian crisis from the perspective of the human toll, the impact of the complex crisis on international state relationships, and the dangers of the resurgence of ISIL. Through selected readings, class discussions, and interactions with expert guest, students will work through some of the foundational issues of forced migration, the rise of ISIL, the process of terrorist radicalization, and issues of connected to deradicalization to examine the policy concerns surrounding al-Hol in terms of humanitarian and counterterrorism concerns. Students will review official investigative reports, published interviews, and policy papers along with conducting interviews with current and previous officials linked to U.S. foreign and counterterrorism policy as well as United Nations experts to highlight gaps or areas in which policies pursued by the U.S. can be adjusted. The final phase of the PRP will focus on writing up the interviews, weaving in policy ideas/failures, and drafting/editing the final report that will include policy recommendations on both the humanitarian and counterterrorism issues. The final report will be published and presented to audiences in the executive and legislative branches.