Foreign Fighters Petition Syria’s New Islamist Government for Citizenship

Foreign Fighters Petition Syria’s New Islamist Government for Citizenship
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Foreign fighters who joined Syria’s civil war from abroad have formally petitioned the country’s new Islamist-led government to grant them Syrian citizenship, Reuters reported. These fighters, alongside aid workers and journalists who supported the rebel cause, claim they have earned this right after helping to overthrow former leader Bashar al-Assad.

The petition, submitted to Syria’s interior ministry, argues that citizenship would allow them to settle, own property, and travel freely. It was spearheaded by Bilal Abdul Kareem, a U.S. comedian-turned-war journalist, representing thousands of foreigners from over a dozen countries including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Western nations such as the UK, France, and the U.S.

However, granting citizenship to foreign fighters is controversial. Many Syrians fear these fighters prioritize pan-Islamic goals over national loyalty and associate them with extremist violence, especially against minority groups like Alawites and Druze. Meanwhile, some countries refuse to repatriate their nationals, leaving many fighters stateless or at risk of harsh punishments.

The Syrian presidency holds final authority on citizenship decisions, though no public approvals have been announced. The new government seeks international support for rebuilding but faces challenges balancing internal concerns with the demands of foreign fighters.