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I Choose Compassion: Reflections on ISIS Brides
The cases of U.K.’s Shamima Begum and U.S.’ Hoda Muthana is the story of two young girls who radicalized online and in Western countries, who then escaped to join a death cult and become ISIS brides.
I’ve been closely following the story for the last week, including gathering the respected collective views and analysis of peers. I understand the decision of Western states to revoke citizenship and deny re-entry. I understand the hatred, contempt and the distance citizens of Western states want to put between themselves and ISIS brides.
I’ve heard the testimony of both young women and recognize there is still a severe disassociation between their behavior and their understanding of their behavior. I don’t think they grasp the severity of what they have done. I don’t know if their requests to “return home” are based on circumstances or any morsel of sincere remorse. I don’t know because I’m not psychic and can’t look into the human heart and assume I know what drives it.
All week, between the cracks of my day-to-day life, I explored the labyrinth of my own heart to see — to listen. Reality is a kaleidoscope and each lens gave me a different answer.
The first lens is the view of the collective. Many in the West rally, “These are not our values, and you do not belong here.” This is echoed…
