11
the West, can be attributed to ISIS’ global reach and influence. Reportedly, American fears
of terrorism as of December 2015 are as high as such fears following 9/11
, which is
undoubtedly attributable to ISIS’s uncanny psychological appeal. This characteristic of ISIS,
therefore, cannot be understated. Children are by no means immune to this aspect of
recruitment. Most notably, ISIS offers young people a new identity, a sense of belonging,
and a different set of values and beliefs, meaning a Salafist-jihadist interpretation of
Islam.
In an interview with CNN, a former child fighter in ISIS that goes by the name Yasir
explained how being a part of ISIS made him feel proud, strong, and filled with a sense of
purpose.
At young ages, especially during the teenage years, children are in search of an
identity, purpose, and a self-esteem boost, making them even more susceptible to ISIS
recruiters. Groups like ISIS provide answers that children are looking for, whether
concerning their faith, belonging, or purpose.
Children in worn-torn areas like Syria and
Iraq are also more susceptible targets, not only because ISIS has served as an outlet for
Syrian and Iraqi frustration and grievances, but because ISIS provides a sense of order in an
otherwise chaotic and order-less world.
Especially in Iraq and Syria today, children’s lives
are lacking in the structures that give meaning to social and cultural life, namely the home,
school system, health systems, and religious institutions.
Because ISIS operates as a
pseudo-state, they aid in providing welfare, education, and religious services to the people
living in areas under its control. ISIS therefore offers a restoration (albeit an incomplete
one) of these systems, and is better suited to provide the needed structure and order in a
child’s life. In addition, ISIS receives and takes care of children who suffer from congenital
malformation. Though this strategy appeals to their desire for a better standard of living
and a more promising future, it additionally appeals to a recruit’s sense of identity and
Martin, Jonathan and Dalia Sussman. “Fear of Terrorism Lifts Donald Trump in New York Times/CBS Poll.”
The New York Times. December 10, 2015.
Ganor, Boaz (2015). “Four Questions on ISIS: A “Trend” Analysis of the Islamic State.” Perspectives on
Terrorism 9, no 3.
Damon, Arwa. "Child Fighter Tormented by ISIS." CNN. November 13, 2014.
DCSF (2008). Learning Together to Be Safe: A Toolkit to Help Schools Contribute to the Prevention of Violent
Extremism. Annesley: Department for Children, Schools, and Families Publications.
Gray, David H., and Tom Owen III Matchin (2008). "Children: The New Face of Terrorism." International
NGO Journal 3, no 6: 108-14.
UNICEF (2009). Machel Study 10-Year Strategic Review: Children and Conflict in a Changing World. New
York, NY: Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and
United Nations Children's Fund.