Hi, my name is Orwa Ajjoub. I come from Damascus, where I have grown up and graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature. I have later moved to Sweden where I have studied at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Lund University (CMES), from which I have graduated in 2018 with a Master's degree. My thesis investigated the theological aspect of the split between Jabhat al-Nusra and the Islamic State in Iraq in 2013.

After graduation, I have continued my work on that topic, and have worked as an affiliated researcher at the CMES, where I authored a report on the theological and political thoughts of Jihadi-Salafi groups like the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda. During that same time I have also worked as a senior analyst at COAR Global, a political risk and development consultancy, offering my expertise in Jihadism, radicalization, and security in Syria.

I have also provided periodic assessments of the Syrian conflict to EU diplomats, and have written numerous policy papers, particularly focusing on radicalization in Lebanon and Syria, with a special focus on al-Hol camp. My work has been cited in international media such as Foreign Policy, The Washington Post, and Monitor, and has been published in various platforms including Syria Deeply, Middle East Institute, The Atlantic Council, Jihadica, and Aljumhuriya.

Currently, I am a Ph.D. candidate at Malmö University, researching the role that radical religious rhetoric plays in mobilising supporters and legitimising inter violence within Sunni jihadism.