NPR

Women Take The Lead In Fighting ISIS In 'Daughters Of Kobani'

Author Gayle Tzemach Lemmon recalls one of the female fighters saying "one, we were never going to let ISIS stand ... and two, we just didn't want men taking credit for our work."
<em>The Daughters of Kobani: A Story of Rebellion, Courage, and Justice,</em> Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

So much of the news from Syria consists of sad stories of chaos, of brutality, of war. But a new book — while a story about Syria and about war — brings us a refreshing story of hope, of female courage, and of heroes.

The new book The Daughters of Kobani: A Story of Rebellion, Courage, and Justice is about an all-women militia facing off against ISIS. It's about a group of women deciding go up against a group that raped and enslaved women.

Author Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, adjunct senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of spoke with NPR about her new book — a

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR4 min read
A Monarchy Reform Activist In Thailand Dies In Detention After A Hunger Strike
Netiporn Sanesangkhom, 28, was a member of the activist group Thaluwang, known demanding reform of the monarchy and abolition of the law that makes it illegal to defame members of the royal family.
NPR2 min read
Target Scales Back On Its LGBTQ+ Merchandise Ahead Of Pride Month 2024
In a statement to NPR, a spokesperson for the retail giant says it is committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community year-round, not only during the month of June.
NPR3 min read
Trump Gets By With A Little Help From His Friends During New York Hush Money Trial
The courtroom has continued to be one of the main arenas for Trump's 2024 campaign, welcoming his allies from across the country in for a day of testimony.

Related Books & Audiobooks