The Peril of Taking Taxis in Raqqa
It was an ordinary day in mid-February 2015. Hayat pulled on her niqab (face veil) and stood in front of her mirror, making sure...
Stopped by the Morality Police in Raqqa
M stood alone in a women’s clothing shop in Raqqa, waiting for the shopkeeper to come back. He had gone out to evening prayers...
No Mercy Under Fire in Raqqa
Mariam and her four children huddled together in a corner of their home as the military planes circled overhead. As each bomb exploded, they...
Women Told to Hide “Shining Eyes” in Raqqa
One day in late December, Yara and her cousin decided to go the nearby grocer’s shop to buy a few items. It was a...
Raqqa’s “Merciful” Morality Squad
One morning in mid-November, Bushra left the house as she did every day at seven am. She heard Abu Saad, who drove the service...
