Prince Turki Al Faisal (Saudi Arabia Former Government Official) – Eradicating Extremism | Davos (Jan 2006)
Chapters
00:00:01 Exploring Islam's Challenge to Combat Extremism
Introduction: The panel discussion focuses on the challenge Islam faces in eradicating extremism, emphasizing that the panel members do not agree with the concept of “Islamic terrorism” as a distinct category.
Panel Members: Imam Faisal Abdul Rauf: Founder and chairman of the Cordoba Initiative, known for bridging the gap between Muslims and people of other faiths. Abdullah Abdullah: Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, who has extensive knowledge of the Taliban and Afghanistan’s struggle against extremism. Haji Malhassani: President of the Iraqi National Assembly, who will provide insights from Iraq’s perspective. Gareth Evans: President of the International Crisis Group, ready to challenge statements and assumptions made during the discussion. His Royal Highness Prince Turki al-Faisal: Ambassador to Washington for Saudi Arabia, offering a unique perspective on the topic. Iqbal Saqrani: Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, representing the Muslim community in the United Kingdom. Christopher Dickey: Moderator from Newsweek Magazine, who will facilitate the discussion and ensure participation from the audience.
Abdullah Abdullah’s Perspective: He believes that extremism is not specific to Islam but rather a general issue. In Afghanistan, the majority of Muslims are tolerant and peaceful, demonstrating Islam’s inherent moderation. A small group of extremists acted against the interests of Afghanistan and Muslims, tarnishing the image of Islam. The Taliban’s actions and Islamophobia have fueled negative perceptions of Islam. Abdullah emphasizes that the suffering in Afghanistan before 9/11 was inflicted by extremist elements on fellow Muslims. He vehemently rejects the term “Islamic terrorism,” asserting that Islam as a faith does not endorse extremism.
Understanding Extremism: The speaker emphasized that extremism is a global phenomenon and can be found in various parts of the world, not just in specific regions or religions.
Saudi Arabia’s Efforts against Extremism: Prince Turki Al Faisal, a member of the Saudi royal family, explained Saudi Arabia’s initiative to combat extremism and terrorism. The Saudi government aims to “de-Islamize” terrorism by addressing the ideological roots of terrorism and engaging with individuals influenced by extremist ideologies. Saudi Arabia takes a comprehensive approach, combining security measures with ideological and educational initiatives to prevent and eliminate terrorist activities.
Response to Accusations against Saudi Arabia: Prince Al Faisal addressed accusations that Saudi Arabia promotes extremism, highlighting that Saudi Arabia was one of the first victims of the Bin Laden cult’s ideology. He emphasized that the ideology of Bin Laden and his followers originated in Afghanistan, not in Saudi Arabia. Prince Al Faisal also highlighted the influence of certain individuals and groups in London who promoted extremist ideas that spread throughout the Muslim world.
Shared Responsibility: Prince Al Faisal emphasized the importance of recognizing that extremism and terrorism are global issues that require a collective effort to address. Blaming a single country, religion, or group of individuals for extremism is unfair and inaccurate. The speaker urged for a comprehensive and global approach to combat extremism and terrorism, involving various countries, communities, and organizations.
00:11:22 Impact of Language and Terminology on Perceptions of Islam and Extremism
Perception and Publicity: In the United States, public relations play a significant role in shaping opinions about Islam, often based on publicity, newspaper articles, and limited encounters with Muslims.
PR Problem of Extremism: Extremism in Islam poses a major PR problem, leading to hostility and creating the perception of a clash between civilizations.
Language and Stereotypes: The use of language like “Islamic terrorism” creates a link between Islam and terrorism, causing pain in the Muslim community and fueling hostility.
Clash of Civilizations: The idea of a Clash of Civilizations, with its roots in religious texts, can exacerbate tensions and lead to violence.
Negative Messages: Hate-filled messages, such as calls for boycotts or the promotion of animosity, set back efforts to bridge the divide between Islamic world and the West.
Language of Confrontation: Using condemnatory language only serves to deepen the divide between the West and the Islamic world.
Restraint and Reconciliation: To achieve reconciliation, it is essential to refrain from using confrontational or condemnatory language.
00:13:53 Terrorism's Ideological Basis and Western Perceptions
Caleb Carr’s Definition of Terrorism: Caleb Carr defines terrorism as targeting civilian noncombatants to achieve political objectives. Carr notes that every country, including the United States, has engaged in this practice throughout history.
Perception of Western States in the Arab and Muslim World: The Arab and Muslim world perceives Western states as engaging in terrorism by allowing or disregarding the loss of innocent Muslim lives for political objectives. This perception is reinforced by statements like Madame Albright’s comment on the loss of life due to US-led sanctions against Iraq.
Non-State Actors and Terrorism: Frustration with Arab and Muslim states’ inability to represent the Muslim cause against the West has led to non-state actors engaging in terrorism. This highlights the need for a neutral definition of terrorism that applies to both state and non-state actors.
Failed Attempts at Defining Terrorism: The United Nations’ failure to define terrorism before 9-11 contributed to the framing of ideational dynamics allowing extremism to occur, particularly in the name of Islam.
Election Results in Palestine and Hamas: Hamas’s victory in the Palestinian legislative council election complicates the issue of terrorism, raising questions about whether they are a terrorist or democratic organization.
Growth of Radicalism in Europe: Europe has seen a rise in radicalism among Muslim communities, leading to incidents like the London and Madrid bombings. This violence is often claimed in the name of Islam, raising questions about the integration of Muslim communities in Europe.
Separating Islam from Extremism: Iqbal AKM Sacranie emphasizes that Islam itself is not the problem and has no links to extremism or terrorism. This understanding needs to be communicated clearly to communities to avoid misunderstandings and damage caused by inadvertently linking Islam to extremism.
00:19:49 Clarifying the London 7/7 Attacks: Distinguishing Criminality from Islam
Public Inquiry into Muslim Involvement: The London bombing tragedy initially raised concerns about a backlash against the Muslim community. Authorities emphasized that the attack was a criminal act, not a reflection of Islam or the Muslim community. This stance helped prevent widespread backlash and was recognized by the European Monitoring Service and the European Commission.
Defining Terrorism: The London bombing and 9/11 had tragic consequences but were defined differently. The London bombing was treated as a criminal act, while 9/11 was labeled a “war on terror.”
Real Victims of Terrorism: The victims of 7/7 included not only the deceased and their families but also the two million Muslims who faced potential criminalization due to their association with the perpetrators.
Identifying Criminal Elements: The government was urged to conduct an independent public inquiry to understand the motivations and linkages of the criminal elements within the Muslim community.
Islam and Terrorism: Extreme and criminal elements can exist within the Muslim community, but their actions do not represent Islam. The teachings of Islam condemn the acts perpetrated by these individuals.
Concerns about Background of Violent Acts: * Iqbal AKM Sacranie expresses concerns about the government’s lack of agreement to investigate the background of violent acts, hindering the prevention of future tragedies.
Iraq’s Social Engineering Experiment: * Iraq is undertaking a significant social engineering experiment as it attempts to rebuild following the devastation of Saddam Hussein’s dictatorship and the American invasion.
Islam’s Role in Shaping the Iraqi State: * Islam plays a significant role in the efforts to establish a modern Iraqi state, leading to questions about the government’s direction.
Integration with the World Community: * Observers wonder whether Iraq is moving towards a modern state that can easily integrate with the world community or a religious state that may cause problems for Europe and the United States in the long run.
Democracy and Religious Parties: * Hajim Alhasani emphasizes the importance of rules and principles in democracy, acknowledging that religious parties like Hamas and those in Iraq won elections through democratic processes.
Inclusion of Religious Movements in Politics: * Alhasani believes it is time for religious movements and parties to be part of the political process, arguing that isolating them from society can lead to the emergence of terrorism.
The Origin of Terrorism: * Alhasani traces the origin of terrorism to the isolation of Islamic movements and parties from mainstream society, citing the imprisonment of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt as an example.
00:25:31 Tackling Terrorism: Engaging Extremists and Isolating Violence
Terrorism’s Origins: Hajim Alhasani, an expert on terrorism, highlights the complex origins of modern-day terrorism, tracing its roots back to the Mujahideen in Afghanistan and the aftermath of the American-Soviet War.
Addressing Terrorism: Alhasani proposes a comprehensive strategy for countering terrorism, emphasizing the importance of winning over the general population and bringing them into the political process. He suggests isolating terrorist elements and eliminating those unwilling to engage in the political process.
Hamas and the Political Process: Alhasani views Hamas’ participation in the political process in Palestine as a positive step, likening it to the gradual acceptance of Likud in Israel and Fatah in Palestine. He believes that bringing Islamist groups into the political arena allows them to prove their capabilities and address the corruption prevalent in many countries.
Understanding Islamism: Gareth Evans, a scholar specializing in Islamism, stresses the need for a clear understanding of the diverse forms of Islamic activism. Evans differentiates between Islam as a religion, Islamism as a political ideology, and the various strands within Islamic activism, including missionary, democratic, and jihadist groups.
Challenges and Opportunities: Evans emphasizes the importance of defining terrorism internationally, condemning attacks on civilians, and promoting a psychological environment against terrorism. He suggests that Islamic community leaders and scholars should articulate a strong stance against terrorism and work to delegitimize extremist ideologies.
Iran’s Role and Hamas’ Status: Abdullah Abdullah raises concerns about the perception of Iran’s influence in Iraq and Palestine, given the rise of Shiite power in Iraq and Hamas’ alleged ties to Iran. Alhasani suggests that Iran may face challenges in managing its association with Hamas, particularly in light of the US position labeling Hamas as a terrorist organization. Evans highlights the need for countries and organizations to bridge the gap between the US and Arab positions on Hamas, encouraging dialogue and understanding.
00:38:03 Evolving Perspectives on Terrorism and Political Change
Iraq Election: A Win for Iraqis: Iraqi election of 2005 was more inclusive than previous elections. All segments of Iraqi society participated, making them partners in governing the country. National unity government aims to preserve Iraq’s interests. No single party has a majority, requiring consensus for decisions affecting other countries’ interests.
Major Players in Iraqi Politics: Iran, the United States, and regional countries are major players in Iraqi politics. Iraqis need support and help from friends but reject harmful interventions. Involvement of other countries can exacerbate problems for Iraqis.
Challenges in Convincing the U.S. Administration about Hamas: Western media often prioritizes sensationalism over objective reporting. The U.S. government has stated they will work with Mahmoud Abbas based on the election results.
Terrorism and Political Movements: Likud was once considered a terrorist organization but eventually engaged in negotiations. Hamas, as a responsible leader, must protect the interests of all Palestinians.
Fear as a Driving Force: Many people worldwide are governed by fear of terrorism, regime change, and premature U.S. withdrawal from Iraq. Iran fears the lack of a coherent U.S. policy towards the region.
00:45:46 Understanding Muslim Extremism and Fostering Dialogue
Perceptions and Fears: Fear governs people, and fear of terrorism has heightened perceptions of threats. People are increasingly afraid and feel a need for safety and comfort. The way we address these perceptions and fears has not been effective. Perceptions play a crucial role in the battle against terrorism, and winning the game of perceptions is essential. Fear and stereotyping exist on both sides, between Muslims and non-Muslims.
Extremism: Extremism reflects incompetent leadership, leading to social injustice and bad foreign policy. The focus should be on addressing the root causes of extremism, such as incompetent leadership and social injustice. Isolating extremist groups can strengthen them, while bringing them into the international community can be a more effective approach.
Double Standards: Double standards in implementing UN resolutions and dealing with different countries are perceived as unfair and unjust. Inconsistent application of the definition of terrorism across states, organizations, and individuals creates a sense of grievance. The use of terms like “Islamic extremism” and “Islamic terrorism” is seen as unfair and damaging.
Muslim Condemnation of Terrorism: Muslim nations and leaders have condemned acts of terrorism, including 9/11. The frustration in the Muslim world stems from the perception that certain acts of violence by non-Muslims are not condemned with the same level of vigor.
00:58:55 Challenges in Amplifying Marginalized Voices
Frustration and Unheard Voices: Human rights defenders, like Chris, feel they are not being heard and their voices are not amplified by the Western media.
Amplification Needed: The media needs to assist in amplifying the voices of those who have condemned human rights violations.
Cooperation with Western Media: Cooperation between human rights defenders and the Western media is crucial to making their task easier.
Task at Hand: Human rights defenders acknowledge the need to do more and admit their challenges.
Time Constraints: The speaker mentions that their allocated time has run out, but they are willing to continue the discussion further.
Next Steps: The discussion may be moved to the hallway due to time constraints and the need to clear the room.
Abstract
Unraveling the Complexities of Terrorism: A Multi-Faceted Analysis with Supplemental Updates
The discourse on terrorism, especially its association with Islam, is a multifaceted issue that demands a nuanced understanding. This article delves into various perspectives, ranging from the challenge of Islamic extremism, the role of media, the evolving nature of terrorism definitions, to the broader geopolitical implications. Key points include the rejection of the term “Islamic terrorism” by Muslim leaders, the necessity of a neutral definition of terrorism, the involvement of religious movements in politics, and the impact of global perceptions and media portrayals. The aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding terrorism and the various efforts to address it.
The Challenge of Islamic Extremism
A diverse panel discussion led by Imam Faisal Abdul Rauf, Abdullah Abdullah, and other distinguished figures delves into the challenge of Islamic extremism. They contend that the concept of “Islamic terrorism” is flawed, emphasizing that extremism is a global issue and not exclusive to Islam. The majority of Muslims are peaceful, and the actions of extremist groups do not represent the true teachings of Islam. Abdullah criticizes the use of the term “Islamic terrorism,” arguing that it unfairly targets Islam and misrepresents its tolerant and moderate nature.
Hajim Alhasani, an expert on terrorism, highlights the complex origins of modern-day terrorism, tracing its roots back to the Mujahideen in Afghanistan and the aftermath of the American-Soviet War.
Alhasani proposes a comprehensive strategy for countering terrorism, emphasizing the importance of winning over the general population and bringing them into the political process. He suggests isolating terrorist elements and eliminating those unwilling to engage in the political process.
Saudi Arabia’s Perspective on Terrorism
Prince Turki Al Faisal, a prominent member of the Saudi royal family, addresses Saudi Arabia’s perspective on terrorism. He acknowledges that some individuals have misused Islam to justify terrorism, but emphasizes the kingdom’s efforts to “de-Islamize” terrorism by addressing its ideological roots and engaging with vulnerable individuals. He refutes the notion that terrorism is linked to a specific nation or Islam itself, noting that the ideology of terrorists like Bin Laden originated outside Saudi Arabia and represents a minority.
Prince Turki Al Faisal criticizes Western media for sensationalizing events and reinforcing distorted perceptions of Islam, advocating for the avoidance of confrontational language that deepens the divide between the West and the Islamic world.
Media’s Role and the PR Problem
The role of media in shaping perceptions of Islam is critical. The use of terms like “Islamic terrorism” contributes to a negative image of Islam, perpetuating a PR problem for the faith. The “Clash of Civilizations” rhetoric, rooted in religious texts, exacerbates tensions and leads to violence.
The lack of amplification of voices condemning terrorism in Western media is a significant challenge. Cooperation between regional speakers and Western media is crucial to amplify these condemnations and provide a balanced perspective.
Extreme and criminal elements can exist within the Muslim community, but their actions do not represent Islam. The teachings of Islam condemn the acts perpetrated by these individuals.
The Need for a Neutral Definition of Terrorism
The lack of a universally accepted definition of terrorism has been a significant hurdle in combating extremism. The UN’s failure to define terrorism before 9/11 has led to ideological complexities. A neutral definition, applicable to both state and non-state actors, is essential for an effective counter-terrorism strategy.
The failed attempt at defining terrorism by the United Nations before 9/11 contributed to the framing of ideational dynamics allowing extremism to occur, particularly in the name of Islam.
Gareth Evans, a scholar specializing in Islamism, stresses the need for a clear understanding of the diverse forms of Islamic activism. Evans differentiates between Islam as a religion, Islamism as a political ideology, and the various strands within Islamic activism, including missionary, democratic, and jihadist groups.
Evans emphasizes the importance of defining terrorism internationally, condemning attacks on civilians, and promoting a psychological environment against terrorism. He suggests that Islamic community leaders and scholars should articulate a strong stance against terrorism and work to delegitimize extremist ideologies.
The Complexity of Hamas and Political Involvement
The electoral victory of Hamas in Palestine raises questions about the intersection of terrorism and democratic processes. This situation exemplifies the challenges in defining terrorism and incorporating political movements with extremist backgrounds into the mainstream political process.
Alhasani views Hamas’ participation in the political process in Palestine as a positive step, likening it to the gradual acceptance of Likud in Israel and Fatah in Palestine. He believes that bringing Islamist groups into the political arena allows them to prove their capabilities and address the corruption prevalent in many countries.
Alhasani traces the origin of terrorism to the isolation of Islamic movements and parties from mainstream society, citing the imprisonment of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt as an example.
Hajim Alhasani emphasizes the importance of rules and principles in democracy, acknowledging that religious parties like Hamas and those in Iraq won elections through democratic processes.
Alhasani believes it is time for religious movements and parties to be part of the political process, arguing that isolating them from society can lead to the emergence of terrorism.
The Global and Regional Context
The article explores the global fears and regional concerns, highlighting the complex landscape that complicates international relations. Gareth Evans, former Australian Foreign Minister, notes the pervasive fears among various groups, including Americans, Arab governments, and Iranians, each stemming from their unique geopolitical concerns.
Europe has seen a rise in radicalism among Muslim communities, leading to incidents like the London and Madrid bombings. This violence is often claimed in the name of Islam, raising questions about the integration of Muslim communities in Europe.
The Impact of Fear and Perceptions
Fear and perceptions significantly influence the battle against terrorism. Stereotypes and fears on both sides contribute to the divide between Muslims and the West. Winning the battle of perceptions is crucial for success in combating terrorism.
Abdullah Abdullah raises concerns about the perception of Iran’s influence in Iraq and Palestine, given the rise of Shiite power in Iraq and Hamas’ alleged ties to Iran.
Alhasani suggests that Iran may face challenges in managing its association with Hamas, particularly in light of the US position labeling Hamas as a terrorist organization.
Evans highlights the need for countries and organizations to bridge the gap between the US and Arab positions on Hamas, encouraging dialogue and understanding.
The London bombing tragedy initially raised concerns about a backlash against the Muslim community. However, authorities emphasized that the attack was a criminal act, not a reflection of Islam or the Muslim community. This stance helped prevent widespread backlash and was recognized by the European Monitoring Service and the European Commission.
The victims of 7/7 included not only the deceased and their families but also the two million Muslims who faced potential criminalization due to their association with the perpetrators.
Addressing the Root Causes
Incompetent leadership often leads to extremism by causing social injustice and poor foreign policy. Addressing these root causes is vital for long-term solutions to extremism.
Concerns about the government’s lack of agreement to investigate the background of violent acts, hindering the prevention of future tragedies.
Iraq is undertaking a significant social engineering experiment as it attempts to rebuild following the devastation of Saddam Hussein’s dictatorship and the American invasion. Islam plays a significant role in the efforts to establish a modern Iraqi state, leading to questions about the government’s direction.
The Double Standards and the Need for Fairness
The perception of double standards in international relations, especially in conflict resolution and UN resolutions, fuels extremism. Consistent application of terrorism definitions and universal condemnation are necessary to address these perceptions of injustice.
The Iraqi election of 2005 was more inclusive than previous elections. All segments of Iraqi society participated, making them partners in governing the country.
National unity government aims to preserve Iraq’s interests. No single party has a majority, requiring consensus for decisions affecting other countries’ interests.
Iran, the United States, and regional countries are major players in Iraqi politics. Iraqis need support and help from friends but reject harmful interventions. Involvement of other countries can exacerbate problems for Iraqis.
The government was urged to conduct an independent public inquiry to understand the motivations and linkages of the criminal elements within the Muslim community.
Likud was once considered a terrorist organization but eventually engaged in negotiations. Hamas, as a responsible leader, must protect the interests of all Palestinians.
The Rejection of Extremism
Muslim leaders and communities are urged to unequivocally reject extremist ideologies like those of Osama bin Laden. Their failure to do so allows such figures to claim legitimacy and exploit grievances.
Islam itself is not the problem and has no links to extremism or terrorism. This understanding needs to be communicated clearly to communities to avoid misunderstandings and damage caused by inadvertently linking Islam to extremism.
The Collective Stance Against Extremism
Post 9/11, almost all Muslim nations condemned terrorism, demonstrating a collective stance against extremism. This shows a growing awareness and rejection of extremist ideologies within the Muslim world.
The London bombing and 9/11 had tragic consequences but were defined differently. The London bombing was treated as a criminal act, while 9/11 was labeled a “war on terror.”
The Challenge and Solution for Media Engagement
The lack of amplification of voices condemning terrorism in Western media is a significant challenge. Cooperation between regional speakers and Western media is crucial to amplify these condemnations and provide a balanced perspective.
Western media often prioritizes sensationalism over objective reporting. The U.S. government has stated they will work with Mahmoud Abbas based on the election results.
Terrorism and Political Movements: Likud was once considered a terrorist organization but eventually engaged in negotiations. Hamas, as a responsible leader, must protect the interests of all Palestinians.
Frustration and Unheard Voices:
– Human rights defenders, like Chris, feel they are not being heard and their voices are not amplified by the Western media.
Amplification Needed:
– The media needs to assist in amplifying the voices of those who have condemned human rights violations.
Cooperation with Western Media:
– Cooperation between human rights defenders and the Western media is crucial to making their task easier.
Task at Hand:
– Human rights defenders acknowledge the need to do more and admit their challenges.
Time Constraints:
– The speaker mentions that their allocated time has run out, but they are willing to continue the discussion further.
Next Steps:
– The discussion may be moved to the hallway due to time constraints and the need to clear the room.
Conclusion
Understanding terrorism requires a multifaceted approach that considers religious, political, cultural, and media influences. The necessity of a neutral and universally accepted definition of terrorism, combined with an effort to include religious movements in political processes, and the importance of addressing global perceptions and media portrayals, are key to effectively combating terrorism. This comprehensive approach, acknowledging the complexities and nuances of the issue, is crucial for fostering a more peaceful and understanding global community.
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