You are here

The day after Daesh

Nov 05,2017 - Last updated at Nov 05,2017

One of the most pertinent questions today is what can be expected after the fall of Daesh.

The end of the group does not mean an end to the phenomenon. Extremism and the roots of discontent that drive it are still flourishing; they are the issues that must now be addressed comprehensively. 

The Daesh phenomenon is not limited to a single geographic area, so governments must think globally but act individually, since problems in one country, say, Jordan, are completely different from those in others, say, Russia, the UK, Germany, France or even China and Japan.

The continuously evolving threat of terrorism will not end with the military elimination of a major group; in fact that will just lead to new phases of violence with different targets and new styles. In each country and each jurisdiction there is need of a tailored approach.

The nature of the threat in Europe requires more intelligence efforts, civic order, control measures and revision of policies that radical organisations exploit to their advantage.

In the Arab world, most reports agree that the highest numbers of fighters come from Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Tunisia.

The Saudi reform process gives us hope for change, and if they are successful, there will be a positive impact on the whole global effort towards deradicalisation in the Muslim world.

The recent Saudi reform process tackles not just the religious aspect, but takes a socioeconomic and cultural focus that is likely to produce better results.

Jordan should consider a similar process, as rhetoric alone will never solve such a profound and complex problem.

The challenges are economic and cultural. Jordan needs a new economic vision, and while successful reform is not easy, we must start immediately.

Micro-economic projects should be implemented under a systematic strategy that focuses on social development and food security.

Moreover, we must rebuild economic pillars such as tourism and energy.

In parallel, Jordan must also address the cultural challenges.

An ideology that promoted the concept of global jihadism in Afghanistan has influenced certain segments in Jordan. Wahhabism has been feeding the continuously evolving radical groups.

Jordan must cement cultural concepts of tolerance, acceptance, human rights and liberty of faith as cultural pillars.

It will be a major challenge to open minds and promote the sanctity of life amongst those who have been infected with close-minded and hateful ideologies.

We must promote the concept of “global citizen” as a key objective of socio-cultural reforms, otherwise we will stay in this vicious spiral and nothing of substance will be achieved, and nothing will change.

up
69 users have voted.


Newsletter

Get top stories and blog posts emailed to you each day.

PDF