Despite the numerous groups battling ISIS, there has been arguably minimal organized support from Western governments, who are most equipped, militarily speaking. Nonetheless, alongside the flow of individuals from Western nations to fight for ISIS, there has been a smaller flow of individuals from Western nations fighting against ISIS. Many of these individuals have little affiliation with the Middle East. Some have military training, some do not.
Meanwhile, in the closing days of February, Ashley Johnston, an Australian, died fighting ISIS. He is believed to be the first Westerner to die fighting with the numerous groups battling ISIS. Seemingly immediately after his death, Australia made it a crime to be Australian and exist in Mosul, with few exceptions. Although the law has good intentions, it almost feels like a stopgap measure. What does it accomplish? How will it be proven that you were in Mosul? Will it really prevent Australians who want to be there from being there?
Perhaps some thought should be given not necessarily as to how the government can directly support or oppose individual efforts, but how to stop the movement overall - how to defeat ISIS entirely.
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