Terrorism, while not new in the history of humanity, has become a major issue andchallenge for contemporary society worldwide. Recently it has become embodied and symbolizedby the “Islamic State in Iraq and Syria” (ISIS) in its many permutations in the Middle East,the focus of massive military intervention on the part of major world powers and of study,analysis, strategy and planning. One aspect that has distinguished ISIS from previousterrorist movements is a major migration of women, especially but not limited to WesternEurope, joining the jihad proclaimed by the religious leaders of ISIS. Thisintroduction to the special issue on Female Migration to ISIS surveys and identifies theknown possible roots of the phenomenon and related issues, summarizes major known pointsrelative to it, and outlines the future agenda of work, not only academic but also practicaland strategic, to be followed. Balanced recommendations on how to build a promisingintervention strategy not only based on military force are put forth for consideration anddiscussion. While based on research, this article should be considered more of an editorial,generally introducing the field, summarizing existing work, especially the content of thisspecial issue, and pointing out work needed in the future.

This essay presents the analysis, approach and understanding of the underlying reasons whyfemales join the “Islamic State in Iraq and Syria” (ISIS), accept its rules and impositions,play an active role in it, and often actively recruit other women to join ISIS as perceivedby an experienced and savvy communications expert and professional who also took active partin anti-terrorism campaigns in Pakistan. Previously he was a journalist who gained a deepunderstanding of the political and policy-making dynamics in his country. Especiallyvaluable is the section on the “Way Forward”; that is, how to effectively tackle therecruitment campaign and methodology of ISIS.