Sami Sheebo, a prominent leader of the Yazidi community in Australia, has voiced deep concerns over the potential return of Australia’s so-called ISIS brides. After spending seven years in Syrian camps, Sheebo remains skeptical that these women have renounced the extremist ideology they once embraced. His fears are rooted in personal tragedy; Sheebo fled Iraq after ISIS fighters devastated his village in 2014, leaving behind mass graves and a legacy of horror.
“My community is very concerned that if returned, the IS-related families might attack them again,” Sheebo states. “They work and build as a group. On a Friday, they gather, talking, trying to get people to join them. From a small group, they become a big group. Others will join them and they control a whole suburb. They will be a danger to Australian society.”
Community Fears and Political Debate
Youel Zaya and Ismail Ismail, who escaped the violence in Syria, share Sheebo’s apprehensions. Their Assyrian Christian village was overrun by ISIS, leading to the destruction of churches and the forced conversion or expulsion of its residents. “These children are raised there, and they’ve been raised with this ISIS, so what are they thinking? What’s in their minds? We really don’t know,” Zaya remarks, reflecting on the children of IS-associated women.
These fears resonate within a broader political debate. On one side, advocates argue for the repatriation of these women and children, claiming they were coerced or misled by their husbands. On the other, opponents insist that these individuals pose a significant threat and should be denied the right to return to Australia.
Complexities of Repatriation
The issue of repatriating ISIS brides raises numerous questions. How did these individuals reach Syria, and what roles did they play in the so-called caliphate? Did they commit crimes, and have they genuinely renounced IS’s ideology? If repatriated, are there effective programs to reintegrate and deradicalize them?
Josh Roose, an associate professor at Deakin University and an expert on violent extremism, is skeptical of claims that these women were merely victims. “From the early days of IS in 2014, it was clear its ideology was violent,” Roose explains. “It was also wildly attractive to some,” drawing in a significant number of Australians.
“200 or 300 Australians were attracted by this narrative, one of the largest cohorts proportionate to population in the world.”
Roose notes that some Western women were actively involved in recruiting and enforcing IS laws. Yet, little is known about the activities of those seeking to return now. Analyst Rodger Shanahan has highlighted specific cases, such as Hodan Abby, who expressed a desire to “raise lions who will be thorns in the hearts of their enemies.”
Government and Security Considerations
The Australian government and security agencies face a complex challenge. As of now, neither the government nor the Australian Federal Police has disclosed potential criminal charges against these women. A temporary exclusion order has been issued, but details remain undisclosed.
ASIO director-general Mike Burgess noted in 2022 that risk assessments, including face-to-face interviews, have been conducted with the entire cohort of Australians in the camps. The agency’s assessment led to a reduction in the perceived threat level from “probable” to “possible.”
Hakamia Ibrahim, the camp director in Syria, remarked that the Australian women were “well-behaved” compared to others. Roose suggests that unless there is substantial evidence against them, repatriation may be inevitable. However, establishing culpability for crimes overseas poses significant challenges, relying heavily on foreign intelligence.
Reintegration and Future Prospects
Family advocate Kamalle Dabboussy has previously stated that there is no evidence of danger posed by the Australian women. Many, he claims, were in “survival mode” and quickly regretted their decisions. “Men were allowed to exercise their base animalistic urges without any control,” Dabboussy explained, emphasizing the lack of agency experienced by women in the caliphate.
Since 2019, three groups of Australian women and children have returned from the camps, totaling 32 individuals. None have been convicted of a crime. Advocates argue that community and government programs have been effective, with police maintaining oversight.
Criminologist Dr. Clarke Jones, who works with terrorist offenders, acknowledges the challenges but notes the success of reintegration efforts so far. “No untoward incidents… It’s gone more smoothly than I would have thought,” he states. Jones emphasizes the importance of removing children from the camps to prevent further radicalization.
“When they are being continually exposed to IS ideology, then… as each week passes it gets worse.”
The debate over the return of ISIS brides to Australia remains contentious, with strong opinions on both sides. As the government navigates this complex issue, the focus will likely remain on ensuring security while addressing humanitarian concerns.
