Soft antiterror strategy working says study

(MENAFN- Arab News) JEDDAH: A scientific study revealed that the Kingdom's strategy to fight terrorism popularly known as soft strategy has successfully rescued more than 1400 youths from extremism and terrorism according to an online newspaper.
The newspaper said that the Kingdom has adopted a soft nonviolent strategy to fight terrorism and extremism contrary to traditional means. Soft strategy fights against intellectual and ideological justifications for extremism and terrorism.
Abu Zeid a lecturer in political science and director of research at the International Academy of Cultural Diplomacy prepared the study in which he mentions a number of basic components atop which are prevention measures through tens of government programs to educate people about radical and extremist Islam presenting alternatives of extremism to youths.
He said that under this program extremist youths and those who have sympathy with them were trained to relook into their thoughts.
The 'recovery program' which is part of the comprehensive soft strategy helps youths to divert their minds from deviated ideology and efforts and are made to integrate them into society. The study revealed that around 3000 prisoners have participated in the program 1400 of whom have given up their previous ideology. He said that the strategy also includes the Ministry of Islamic Affairs Endowment Call and Guidance which runs an initiative called 'tranquility' or sakeenah in Arabic. This is an interactive website which is used for issuing religious guidance or fatwas to teach people about the consequences of electronic crimes related to terrorism.
Abu Zeid has said that the Kingdom is surrounded by terrorism and extremism which calls for more efforts to fight against it.
The Kingdom is probably the first country that has established rehabilitation centers for youths brainwashed by terror groups to return to normal life.
Security authorities have worked to challenge extremist thoughts and ideologies by arresting all those who support such ideologies and are involved in fighting abroad and correct their views by guiding them to the right path.
At the Prince Mohammed bin Naif Center for Care and Rehabilitation specialists in Shariah security psychology history and social sciences have helped correct the understanding of 87 percent of inmates allowing them to reintegrate into society as productive citizens and return to their jobs. The rehabilitation program has been very successful and a large number of misguided youths have successfully reintegrated into the society and are living as normal citizens.
Recently two Saudi men recounted how they successfully underwent rehabilitation after being lured by extremists to take part in conflicts abroad.
Bader Al-Inizi and Abdelrahman Al-Owiti said that they recently completed a course run by the Prince Mohammed bin Naif Center for Advice and Care. They have now been freed under a royal pardon issued by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and said it was like a triumph for all Muslims.