For her senior thesis, Aseel is analyzing the patterns of violence that emerged during the Syrian war. Her research
focuses on two primary areas: the collective memory of violence among Syrians and the dehumanization processes that rendered individuals vulnerable during the Arab Spring, with a specific emphasis on Syria as a case study.
This summer, Aseel spent time in Turkey conducting interviews with Syrian refugees. These interviews are crucial for capturing the complex and often overlooked personal experiences of those who endured the Syrian conflict. These individuals hold untold stories that are frequently overshadowed by the barrage of soundbites in the media. By gathering this qualitative data, Aseel aims to challenge reductive portrayals of the war and offer a more nuanced understanding. Her thesis seeks to bridge the gap between personal narratives and historical analysis, contributing to a deeper comprehension of the Syrian conflict’s repercussions.
An AMEC major, Aseel is writing her thesis under the supervision of Columbia University’s MESAAS department.