While the U.S. counter terrorism policy involves a shift away from Middle Eastern affairs, the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) continues to grow and pose a threat to American security. Upon examining research using literature regarding the continuous growth of the terror organization, it is clear to see women are at the forefront of the reestablishment of the Caliphate. While women in terrorism is not a new concept, there needs to be a paradigm shift to fill the gap of the lack of gendered studies and programs. Currently the lack of understanding of the role women pose in ISIS hinders any capability to properly challenge the organization. Rather than analyze the danger to women, this thesis focuses on the recruitment process, the role of women, and the limitations of the U.S. counter violent extremism policy. The goal of this project is to propose a shift in American policy to focus on gendered issues regarding counterterrorism and to recognize that women are more influential to the continuation of the organization.
