ISIS RECRUITMENT OF CHILDREN IN SYRIA

A Cultural Aspect is defined as a set of beliefs, values, and behaviors of a group of people in regards to social learning and how these aspects relate to health issues within a country or region (Hogan).

 

One of the key factors in every culture is that of religion and how the religious beliefs of a group of people shape the culture within a country or region. Some religions, such as Islam, are so widespread that they end up shaping entire countries. Syria is one such country that is shaped by Islam, although, more recently the radical ideals of the extremist group ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), have managed to twist the religious and cultural views of many Syrians.

 

A huge issue that comes into play in Syria is that of ISIS recruiting children into its militia. One argument for reasons why children are joining ISIS, as well as why ISIS' recruiting children campaign has been so successful, is due to ISIS’ appeal to Islamic persons within Syria (as well as the world). This appeal is not just to the children but also to their parents. “ISIS encourages mothers to sacrifice their sons for the Caliphate” (Sinkewich). This idealism by ISIS goes even further to be seen as an obligation to Islam that the boys join the Caliphate, and even a rite of passage that young Syrian boys must go through to become men (Biggs). One of the main distinctions between ISIS and other groups that have used child soldiers is that the young boys joining the ranks of ISIS may be encouraged or even mandated by the children’s parents to join the group. In addition, the Cubs of the Caliphate are seen as martyrs for their actions fighting for ISIS, the same as the adult men fighting with them (Sinkewich). The boys are truly treated as men by ISIS and told that they “will be martyrs… and will earn paradise and virgins” (Biggs).

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The Video at the bottom of the page is from an Interview with a Syrian Child Soldier who managed to escape ISIS. The video touches on some of the aspects and reasons as to how ISIS is recruiting children.

 

From left to right, the images below demonstrate some important parts of the culture in Syria. The first picture depicts a group of young boys (Cubs of the Caliphate) studying the Koran in one of ISIS' training camps. The middle image depicts a Syrian soldier guarding one of Syria's heritage sites. The last picture depicts a group of Syrian women in the traditional Hijab that is worn by Muslim women, this image also represents the primary religion in Syria, Islam.    

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