How European Businesses and Governments Fund Terror in Syria

By Scott Morgan

What is it with Western European Governments actually undercutting their own position by supporting Jihadists in Syria? It's not only Governments we should watch but Business as well.

In late June 2018, the French Cement Company LeFarge was indicted for reportedly paying ISIS to ensure the safety of a plant in Jalabiya, Syria, and ensure that remained in operation when other multinationals fled Syria during the Civil War. This incident created quite a stir in some circles as it appeared to answer a question about how Daesh was able to raise funds.

On the 10th of September 2018, the Dutch Newspaper The Telegraph reported that the Dutch Government had provided non-lethal Military Aid to Jihadist Groups in Syria. This aid amounted to 70,000,000 Euros and was delivered in the form of Uniforms, Vehicles and other material. This aid started to be delivered in 2015.

The question of motive quickly comes to mind to determine why the Dutch Government decided that this was the proper course of action. Was there a legitimate business interest that need protection from unsavory elements? Media reports from early this year suggested that the Government was divided about allowing the family of Jihadist Fighters return to the Netherlands from the battlefields of Syria. Could this have been an internal quid pro quo to maintain order within the coalition Government?

To the casual observer it will appear that this action has been undercutting efforts to defeat Daesh in Syria. 

At a time when Western European Governments have been critical of the Trump Administration and some of its policy the smell of hypocrisy most likely will not go unnoticed here in Washington.

Syria has presented itself as a conflict where traditional allies split and support opposing sides in the conflict. Turkey has proven to be the best example of this. Now that the Dutch have provided Material support for Jihadist Elements in Syria, it may bring scrutiny to the Coalition as it rules the Netherlands for another three years. Could this event turn the Netherlands into Sweden? We saw the results of that General Election within the last 24 hours. Fringe Parties on both sides of the Political Spectrum gained votes at the expense of the more entrenched and experienced establishment parties.

As the conflict appears to be approaching its endgame with the proposed assault on Idlib it can be expected to have more stories like this emerge regarding how the Jihadists were supported by various Governments. Sometimes it will be by accident other times it may an attempt at a sting operation…. But this will most likely not be the final word regarding Jihadist Groups being supported by Western Governments.

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