France has rejected President Trump’s demand that it repatriates hundreds of Islamic State fighters from Syria en masse, saying it will only take back militants on a “case-by-case” basis. Trump tweeted Saturday night saying: “The United States is asking Britain, France, Germany and other European allies to take back over 800 ISIS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial. The Caliphate is ready to fall. The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them.” But the French justice minister said Monday that the country won't be following Trump's commands. “There is a new geo-political context, with the U.S. withdrawal. For the time being we are not changing our policy,” said Nicole Belloubet, adding: “At this stage France is not responding to (Trump’s) demands.” French government policy has been to refuse to take back fighters and their wives. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces are believed to be holding around 150 French citizens in northern Syria.
