Lindsey Graham: Turkish Attack on Kurds in Syria Could Unleash ISIS Threat Globally
By Kardo Roj
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has warned that a Turkish military operation targeting Kurdish forces in northeast Syria could lead to the escape of thousands of ISIS fighters from detention facilities, creating what he called a “nightmare for the world.”
Graham, speaking Sunday on NBC News’ Meet the Press, emphasized the grave security risks posed by potential Turkish aggression against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a key U.S. ally in the fight against ISIS. He highlighted the critical role the SDF has played in dismantling the ISIS caliphate and the consequences of jeopardizing their stability.
“There are 50,000 ISIS fighters under the control of Kurdish allies of the United States in northeastern Syria,” Graham stated. “It is in our national security interest they do not break out of jail and reestablish the caliphate.”
Global Stakes
Graham, a Republican from South Carolina and vocal advocate for a strong U.S. role in Middle Eastern affairs, explained the broader ramifications of an ISIS resurgence.
“For five years, [ISIS] reigned terror in America, all over Europe, slaughtering people,” he said. “ISIS fighters are killing machines. They want to purify Islam. They want to take down the king of Jordan, the king of Saudi Arabia. They want to replace the UAE with a theocracy.”
He warned that a power vacuum in northeastern Syria could allow ISIS to regain a foothold, undermining regional stability and threatening global security.
“You don’t want these people in charge of the Mideast. They want to drive us out of the Mideast, and they want to destroy our friends in Israel,” Graham added.
Turkey’s Role and Concerns
While acknowledging Turkey’s concerns about elements within the Kurdish groups, Graham urged a balanced approach to prevent catastrophic outcomes.
“Turkey has legitimate concerns about some of these Kurdish elements,” Graham noted. However, he stressed that a Turkish assault on Kurdish forces would be disastrous.
“If Turkey attacks the Kurds and these ISIS fighters break out of jail, it’s a nightmare for us. It’s a nightmare for Syria. It’s a nightmare for the world. That cannot happen.”
He called for the establishment of a demilitarized zone to ease tensions between Turkey and the Kurdish forces, ensuring that ISIS prisoners remain secured and the fragile stability in northeast Syria is preserved.
American National Interest
The senator framed his argument as a matter of U.S. national security, drawing attention to the critical role the SDF has played in combating ISIS on behalf of the United States.
“It is in our national security interest that we help the Kurds who destroyed the caliphate on our behalf,” Graham said. He reiterated that allowing ISIS detainees to escape could lead to a resurgence of terrorism not only in the region but also in Europe and the U.S.
Graham’s remarks come amid increasing tensions between Turkey and the SDF, with Ankara threatening military action against what it considers Kurdish militants tied to the PKK.
Call for Action
In his interview, Graham appealed to the incoming administration and international allies to prioritize stability in Syria and prevent an ISIS resurgence. His comments echo growing concerns among policymakers about the repercussions of diminished U.S. involvement in the region.
The senator concluded, “I do not want ISIS to break out of jail. Turkey is putting pressure on the Kurds in northeastern Syria. We need a demilitarized zone.”
As regional and global powers weigh their next moves in Syria, Graham’s warnings underscore the high stakes involved in balancing alliances, addressing security threats, and ensuring that the hard-fought gains against ISIS are not undone.