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.

A woman wearing niqab walks past a police woman in Berlin, Germany.

Children’s life decisions are often difficult for parents to bear and even more difficult to understand — especially when the children radicalize themselves. DW met an affected German mother.

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.

Silav from Northern Iraq came to Greece with her husband – and a child they found on their way and adopted as their own

They have fled from wars, persecution and sexual abuse – and have a strong will to move on. DW talked to women in several refugee centers in Greece about their hopes for the future and their adventurous journey.

Mediha felt like the “Islamic State” had stripped her of her identity

While the “Islamic State” (IS) has lost most of its cities in Iraq and Syria, thousands of Yazidis it kidnapped are still missing. Activists say some are being hidden within IS families. Judit Neurink reports from Irbil.