(MENAFN- Jordan Times) The recent acts of terrorism in Paris and Lebanon, and the downing of a Russian flight from Egypt to St Petersburg have further amplified the imminence of terrorism and how it affects our daily lives.
These craven acts by Daesh show their reach and wherewithal in disturbing the world peace. The prime objectives of its attacks could have been varied. While suicide attacks in Beirut are another instance in the proxy war between salafists and Shiites in Lebanon, the prime intent of the multiple terrorist attacks in Paris could have been, besides cancelling the impending visit of the Iranian president to Paris after more than a decade, to internationalise the wrath of Daesh in response to the Russian-led operations in Syria. The planting of a bomb on a Russian aircraft was to requite the Russian forces fight in Syria.
Muslims have been and will continue to be the worst sufferers from these terrorist attacks. From statistics, most deaths have been caused by these radicals among Muslims. This without counting the negative economic fallout.
Worse, there is bound to be a backlash, against the Muslim communities in non-Muslim countries, in the form of physical assaults, economic deprivation, denial of jobs, disdain, etc. Thus, the onus for addressing the issues of terrorism and extremism falls squarely on the shoulders of the Muslim world.
Islam, in essence and spirit, is a religion of peace, justice and compassion, which abhors violence. This is a belief shared by the majority of Muslims, but rejected today by the rest of the world due to radical Islam.
While there are extremist elements in other societies, their numbers and the magnitude of their violent acts do not make them as obvious on the global stage. The message of a tolerant, peaceful Islam and the promotion of inter-faith harmony need to be spread within the Muslim society In every Muslim society, while there
might be around 10 per cent extremist and secular people, the majority are moderate, practising Islam to varying degrees. Yet, the minority is holding the majority hostage to its brand of radicalism. Any outside influence or measures to change perceptions or bring moderation to Islamic practices is viewed with scepticism and is not likely to improve the situation. The change and modernisation has to come from within.
The redeeming factor is the 'silent majority', who needs to be invoked and make its presence felt, rather than being intimidated by the extremists. There is consensus that the root causes of terrorism are unresolved disputes affecting the Muslim world, social injustice, lack of education and job opportunities, and revenge for the use of force against Muslims.
While it may be virtually impossible to tackle religious beliefs enshrined over a period of time, the other issues are addressable. Every extremist has a family or friends and comes across other strata of society.
Any changes in his/her behaviour pattern or evidence of radical tendencies can be noticed by them. The father of Abdelhamed Abaoud, suspected ringleader in Paris attacks, confessed after the incident that his son was a psychopath and a devil, a fact that, if divulged earlier to the concerned authorities, might have prevented his involvement. Similarly, he may have had colleagues with whom he shared his radical views and intent prior to the act.
In the control of extremism, madrasas and mosques play an important part. Clerics assigned to these institutions cast an everlasting imprint in the personalities of their pupils. Some of them may have radical views, which need to be checked. The state has a role in ensuring the projection of balanced views and imparting madrasa education that nurtures a responsible, enlightened individual, capable of shouldering responsibilities in a society. The pupils, their parents and the community at large also have a role to play in case the clerics deviate from
the right path and unduly thrust inordinate views. Neighbours and landlords can also play a role in determining suspicious activities and reporting them to authorities. This system of checks could create an effective deterrent to breeding terrorists. Governments must facilitate this interaction by publicising telephone numbers, designating centres and analysing information to corroborate facts and convert them into usable intelligence.
In this age media also have a significant function in providing a counternarrative to extremism. Any reporting by members of society of an impending act of terrorism needs to be duly recognised and projected by the media, instead of glamourising terrorists' acts. Media should boycott messages of terrorists and their over-projection as an internal policy and work ethics, as much as possible. Terrorists germinate on financial support.
As such, financial aid sustaining terrorists can be somewhat controlled by those working in banks and other financial institutions who can identify suspicious transactions or large volumes to unidentified clients. Individuals and non-state organisations funding extremists groups in the name of Islam must also realise their responsibilities in putting a stop to these donations that are likely to go towards perpetration of extremist acts.
Terrorism and extremism continue to affect our lives and those of future generations, and require a comprehensive response from the Muslim society in particular. The seven steps to promote values of tolerance and coexistence enunciated by His Majesty King Abdullah provide a broad framework of actions for a society. It is time for all segments to realise the seriousness of this 'present and real danger' and act to thwart this menace.
The writer is the ambassador of Pakistan to Jordan. He contributed this article to The Jordan Times
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