Originally posted by the Voice of America.
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Albanian IS Repatriation From Syria Will Be Long Journey, Experts Say

Ezel Sahinkaya

   The recent repatriation of an Islamic State (IS) woman and four
   children from the Kurdish-controlled al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria
   is being applauded as an important step by Albania to deal with its
   citizens abroad who have been affiliated with the terror group.

   Some observers say they are expecting a long journey ahead for the
   country as it addresses the rehabilitation of IS families and their
   reentry into society.

   "Although modest in size, this transfer signals Albania's shift toward
   a proactive approach for the repatriation of its citizens, especially
   children and women," Adrian Shtuni, a Washington-based security and
   radicalization expert, told VOA.

   Roughly 13,500 foreign women and children are among about 70,000 IS
   families held by the Kurdish-led, U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces
   (SDF) in northeastern Syria, according to a report in April by the
   Crisis Group. Researchers in Albania say at least 70 members of the
   group hold Albanian citizenship.

   Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said last week that he was in Beirut
   to bring home from Syria a 41-year-old woman, Floresha Rasha; her three
   children -- Amar, Emel and Hatixhe Rasha; and another minor, Endri
   Dumani. The five Albanians were evacuated from the al-Hol camp in a
   process mediated by the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.

   Mark Ghraib, Albania's honorary consul in Beirut, said the Albanians
   had been given medical checkups and provided with proper care.
   Authorities have not disclosed many details about the health of the
   evacuees but said Floresha Rasha uses a wheelchair because of "severe
   injuries" and will need immediate surgery upon her arrival in Tirana.

   Floresha Rasha will face investigation to determine if she was involved
   in any terrorist attacks during her seven years in Syria, according to
   the Albanian Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution. The four children,
   however, do not have any criminal liability under Albanian law because
   of their age.

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