Disillusionment often entails feelings of disappointment after an expectation remains unfulfilled. Some of the Muslim radicals, who initially flocked with zeal to Syria to join ISIS, now find themselves disillusioned with the group’s goals but unable to find a way out of the newly formed caliphate.

A group of Britons, consisting of about 30 members of ISIS, who were dissatisfied with ISIS expressed their wish to return to the U.K. Their disillusionment originated from their discovery of the fierce infighting among the rebel groups. These jihadists, unlike ISIS which focuses on a caliphate and the implementation of Sharia Law, originally came to Syria to fight Assad’s forces. ISIS’s brutality towards other rebel groups as well as its cruelty towards conquered people have horrified this group of Britons. However, it is highly unlikely that the UK will allow these fighters back into the country. If, by some chance, these jihadists come back to the UK, they will face lengthy prison sentences.

Trapped in a similar situation, two Austrian teenagers, Samra Kesinovic, 17, and Sabina Selimovic, 15, after traveling to Syria in order to become jihadi brides, have recently become disenchanted with ISIS. Authorities speculate this change of heart directly relates to the oppressive lifestyle and perpetual violence that the girls experienced under ISIS’s rule. However, despite their change of heart, returning to Austria will not be easy. Not only is leaving the ISIS de facto capital Raqqa in Syria nearly impossible, but Austria also has laws in place that bar citizens from returning if they leave to become involved in a foreign war. Austrian authorities say that it is “too late” for the girls to return.

Many disillusioned members of ISIS claim that they are being forced by foreign governments to continue being part of ISIS because of their lack of other options. However, foreign governments, unable to assess the sincerity of these so-called disillusioned jihadists, fear that these former members of ISIS could pose serious security threats.

Social Studies teacher Ms. Wolf feels that “Foreign governments should not let them return because of the increased security risk it would pose. But the threat of ISIS will diminish in two years or three years or maybe five years. Then they should be allowed to come back.”

Angie Auyeung ‘16 adds, “I think that these people should be allowed back into their country after being thoroughly investigated and should be closely monitored by the government as they return to their normal lives.”