Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has called on the European Union to share security and financial responsibilities for Islamic State (IS) detainees, emphasizing that Iraq cannot bear the burden alone. The appeal, made during a January 24 phone call with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, underscores growing regional tensions as IS-linked prison breaks in Syria threaten stability.
Call for Shared Responsibility
Hussein stressed that addressing the detainee crisis requires collective action from all involved nations. The discussion highlighted concerns over recent escapes from Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) prisons and the need to sustain a ceasefire in Syria’s Hasakah province. Both sides agreed on the importance of EU support for dialogue between the SDF and Syrian interim government.
Regional Security Challenges
The talks also covered Iraq’s diplomatic efforts, including Hussein’s recent visit to Iran, and broader EU relations amid what the minister described as a “tense and dangerous” regional climate. Kallas acknowledged Iraq’s cooperation in accepting 150 IS detainees transferred from Syria this month—a pilot phase of a plan to relocate up to 7,000 individuals to Iraqi facilities.
Detainee Transfers and Repatriation Calls
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani separately urged EU members this week to repatriate their nationals detained for IS links, reinforcing Baghdad’s stance that global stakeholders must contribute to long-term solutions. The moves come as security analysts warn of resurgent militant threats if detainee management remains underfunded and politically fragmented.
