This article is based on fieldwork conducted in Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Albania. It explains and compares women’s motivations and expectations that fueled them to travel to Syria or Iraq, and their feelings and aspirations after return. It also provides insights into their lives in the ‘Islamic State’ and explores their sentiments toward the ‘caliphate’ after returning to their home countries— something that can affect their reintegration. An analysis of the results reveals that women returnees can be divided into three groups: 1) those who expressed strong opinions against ISIS; 2) those who expressed disappointment with ISIS but remain supportive of a caliphate and of a ‘pure Islamic State’; and 3) those who remain highly committed to ISIS. The level of disillusionment and self-deradicalization realized by these women before their return to the region can be used to explore their willingness and ability to support deradicalization programs or to serve as counter-narrators against Da'esh propaganda after their return. However disillusionment did not necessarily result in disassociation from the cause and underlying beliefs, which means that disengagement must be differentiated from deradicalization. This indicates that a careful evaluation and risk assessment of women returnees is essential to determine whether they pose any threat and to make sure they receive the most appropriate support to facilitate their resocialization and reintegration.
2021