Dozens of foreigners have joined the People’s Protection Units since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war to fight against the Islamic State (IS). Since early 2015, the Iraq-based Christian military organization Dwekh Nawsha (Self-Sacrificers in Aramaic) has become an alternative destination for such fighters. Despite the enthusiasm surrounding their cause and heavy media attention, Dwekh Nawsha’s Western volunteers only recently began participating in combat roles in the battle against IS. This was the result of monthslong petitioning of the authorities in Iraqi Kurdistan.

“It was a lot of work to be allowed on the front,” said Louis, who did not want his full name used for security reasons. A former US Marine and Afghanistan War veteran, Louis has been with Dwekh Nawsha for six months.

He attributes the delay to “politics.” “I had to meet with many government officials — so did all of us [foreign volunteers in Dwekh Nawsha],” said Louis.

Louis claims that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in northern Iraq was the reason for the holdup. “[They were] worried about a Westerner getting hurt.” In the end, he said, “I convinced them I’m a greater aid than liability.”