Congratulations to Ali Al Nazzal on the successful defense of his International Studies honors thesis, “The Demise of the Iraqi Women’s Movement After the U.S. Invasion.” 

This project explores the evolution of Iraqi women’s rights by focusing on the impact of state policies, tribal traditions, and religious norms. Employing an analytical approach to the interaction between state policies, tribal traditions, and religious norms both pre- and post-U.S. invasion of Iraq, and comparing them with women's achievements in education, the labor market, and political domains, it becomes evident that a top-down approach to improving women's agency, rights, and status was not effective. The historical context is crucial for understanding the complex interplay between state, tribe, and religion that shapes the roles and rights of Iraqi women. Despite overcoming political challenges and cultural barriers, Iraqi women faced new constraints post-invasion due to the dominance of tribal traditions, religious norms, and state policies.

Thanks go to Ali’s faculty supervisor, Dr. Bassem Hassan, and committee member Dr. Dale Stahl. 

Winner of the fall 2023 Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award from CLAS, Ali will now continue to pursue his MA in Political Science at CU Denver.