Women, Yihad and their Controversial Return to Europe A Legal Perspective

Abstract

Daesh’s military campaigns in Syria and Iraq resulted in economic and military gains and, in parallel, prompted thousands of sympathizers to travel to territory under its control and integrate into the organization’s operations. Women were also included in this phenomenon, often relocating with the intention of entering marriage with mujahedin, and subsequently forming families as part of a broader strategy to populate the territory. Almost five years on, and thanks to the intervention of the international coalition, Daesh has lost all its controlled territory. As a result, many relocated European woman are seeking a return to their home countries. This situation naturally carries with it many controversies, not least legal ones. In response to the situation, many nations have decided to refuse entry to these women, even to strip them of their nationality. But is this the correct alternative according to the law?