Rethinking (Re)Integration: The Return of Syrian Women to Northeast Syria

Abstract

This article examines the (re)integration of Syrian women previously detained in Al-Hol camp into small towns in Northeast Syria. It interrogates the feasibility of (re)integration in a context of continuing political violence and widespread material insecurity, questioning the extent to which (re)integration is a conceptually relevant tool to address the challenges women with perceived IS affiliations face as they seek to move forwards with their lives. It argues that existing reintegration work in Deir Ezzor, driven by a framework of countering violent extremism, masks the complex realities of both those who have left detention, and long-term residents in communities.

Keywords 

• Gender
• reintegration
• return
• Northeast Syria
• Islamic State
• Al-Hol camp