In a televised interview, Linda W. has broken her silence on joining the "Islamic State" militant group. As she faces a possible death sentence in Iraq, Germany must answer the question: Is she a victim or a perpetrator?
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A German teenager who traveled to Iraq and married an "Islamic State" (IS) militant told German television Thursday that she had ruined her life by joining the terror organization.
During the interview conducted by multiple German news outlets, Linda W. said:
"In Germany, everyone knows me, everyone knows how I look. I cannot go anywhere without being recognized, and I probably won't find a job anymore."
"I don't know how I came up with such a dumb idea. I've completely ruined my life."
"I was only in houses, so I've never really had anything to do with guns, nothing at all."
Hans-Georg Maaßen, the head of Germany's domestic intelligence agency, said earlier this month: "Women who have lived in IS-held areas in recent years are often so radicalized and tied to IS' ideology that they can justifiably be called jihadists."
Suggesting that charges could be leveled against Linda W. and others like her, federal public prosecutor Peter Frank said: "We are of the opinion these women are guilty of membership in a foreign terrorist organization because they helped to strengthen the internal structure of the so-called 'Islamic State.'"
IS has gone from an obscure al-Qaida splinter group to a global phenomenon. DW takes a look at the defining aspects of the jihadi group — from its "caliphate" to its tactics.
Image: picture-alliance/AP Photo/Al-Furqan
Where did it come from?
The "Islamic State" (IS) — also known as ISIL, ISIS and Daesh — is an al-Qaida splinter group with a militant Sunni Islamist ideology. It emerged in the aftermath of the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 and is led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Their goal is to create a worldwide "caliphate." It gained worldwide notoriety in 2014 after a blitzkrieg military campaign that resulted in the capture of Mosul.
Image: picture-alliance/AP Photo
Where does it operate?
IS is believed to be operational in more than a dozen countries across the world. It controls territories in Iraq and Syria. However, the group has lost much of the territory it controlled in Iraq and Syria at the height of its expansion in 2014.
Who is fighting back?
The US leads an international coalition of more than 50 countries, including several Arab nations. Russia, Iran and its Lebanese Shiite ally Hezbollah, which all support the Syrian government, also fight IS. Regional forces such as the Kurdish peshmerga (above) and US-backed Syrian Kurdish fighters, fight IS on the ground. The Iraqi army and militia have pushed IS from large parts of the country.
Image: picture-alliance/abaca/H. Huseyin
How does it fund itself?
One of IS' main sources of income has been oil and gas. At one point, it controlled an estimated one-third of Syria's oil production. However, US-led airstrikes deliberately targeted oil resources and the Syrian government as well as US-backed Syrian Kurdish fighters have retaken most oil wells. Other means of income include taxes, ransom, selling looted antiquities and extortion.
Image: Getty Images/J. Moore
Where does it carry out attacks?
IS has claimed responsibility for numerous terrorist attacks across the globe. The militant group has targeted capitals across the EU, including Berlin, Brussels and Paris. IS leaders have encouraged so-called "lone wolf" attacks, whereby individuals who support IS carry out terrorist acts without the direct involvement of the group.
Image: picture-alliance/AP Photo/M. Spingler
What other tactics does it use?
The group uses various tactics to expand its power. IS fighters have looted and destroyed historical artifacts in Syria and Iraq in an attempt at "cultural cleansing." The group has also enslaved thousands of women from religious minority groups, including Yazidis. IS also uses a sophisticated social network to distribute propaganda and recruit sympathizers.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/J. Eid
How has it impacted the region?
IS has further exacerbated the ongoing Syrian conflict. Millions of Syrians and Iraqis have fled their homes, many traveling to Europe in pursuit of refuge. Although it has lost all of its strongholds, the militant group has left extraordinary destruction in its wake. Areas affected by the militant group's rule will likely take years to rebuild.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/D. Souleiman
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Why this is important: Until now, German women who were not in combat but married to IS militants were rarely prosecuted. However, Linda W.'s case means that could all change.
How did she get to Iraq: At the age of 15, she forged her mother's signature to catch a flight from Dresden to Istanbul. She met up with a Chechen militant in the Turkish city, who she then married. They both crossed into Iraq, where her husband died in a battle shortly afterwards.
What happens next: If German prosecutors file charges against Linda W., they can make an extradition request to Iraqi authorities. However, without that, her fate lies in the hands of the Iraqi judicial system.
