Among thousands fleeing the crumbling dream of an Islamic State group “caliphate” in eastern Syria are alleged jihadists but also survivors of some of their worst atrocities.

A beautician arranges products for sale at an aestethic clinic in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul on October 30, 2018.For three years, Mosul’s women were covered in black from head to toe and its men had to keep their beards long. Salons were shut, and plastic surgery considered a crime.

Iraqi youth and elders browse a book display at a festival titled “I am Iraqi.. I read” at a park in Mossul in the first event of its kind after the city was retaken from IS militants (source: Rudaw English; Twitter)

Music is back in Mosul, as are books and paintings. With Islamic State gone, locals are enjoying their newfound freedom and embracing culture. Will it last? Judit Neurink reports from Mosul

German-born Mekhennet has focused her investigative career on diving into militant Islamist networks. She spoke to Sabine Kieselbach about her job’s dangers and why it is important to speak to jihadists.

A model presents a creation by designer Lynn Siregar from her brand Weddingku Gallery during Tokyo Modest Fashion Show, Muslim fashion show, at Halal Expo Japan in Tokyo, Japan, November 22, 2016.

Reports from Iraq suggest that as many as five Japanese are among those detained after the fall of an “Islamic State” stronghold near Mosul. Why did they leave safe and peaceful Japan to live in a war zone?

Laura Passoni was a single mother in a vulnerable state when an IS recruiter sold her a bill of goods about life with the Islamic State. Since her escape, she has dedicated her life to discouraging young people from falling into the same trap.

© Reuters/Hannibal

Anyone who wants to say something on International Women’s Day this year has to say something about what happened on New Year’s Eve in Cologne, Germany. The massive sexual assaults on women in front of Cologne central station – and also in other German and European cities – were reported in various international media. And it is abominable! In Germany this topic is now almost only discussed in the context of “foreigners and women” or “Islam males and their image of women” and “what this means for Germany.” These are of course very important and worthy of debate in the light of the gigantic wave of refugees currently arriving in Germany.