Episode 331 - What to do with the 'ISIS kids'? Artwork

Canadian Intelligence Eh

Everywhere you look these days terrorism and violent extremism dominate the headlines. Whether you follow what is happening in Afghanistan or Iraq, or in the West writ large, we are inundated with news of attacks by groups and individuals fighting for a 'cause'.In a world of multiple voices and opinions it can be very hard to know where to turn. One choice is to look to those who actually worked in counterterrorism in the national security world. In these half-hour podcasts 30-year Canadian intelligence veteran Phil Gurski is joined by a fascinating array of individuals with something meaningful to say about these issues as they provide insight into what they mean and what we need to do about them.

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Canadian Intelligence Eh

Episode 331 - What to do with the 'ISIS kids'?

May 25, 2026 • Phil Gurski

0:00 | 28:45

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Adults who choose freely to join terrorist groups such as ISIS have made dumb decisions and these decisions have led to serious consequences. One of those consequences is subsequent arrest and incarceration for what they did and I imagine most people have no issue with treating these terrorists harshly. In many cases, however, ISIS moms and dads brought children with them to the so-called 'Caliphate' and exposed them to brutal sights and events (beheadings, slavery, sexual exploitation, etc.). These kids did not decide to join ISIS and even if some are 'radicalised' they need separate treatment (away from their terrorist parents perhaps?). But what should be done and where? I speak again with an Australian specialist in this matter.