Alarming findings

The University of Jordan’s Centre for Strategic Studies has recently published a survey covering various political topics among which, most important, perceptions of terrorism and radicalism.

While most of the findings are quite reassuring, there are some alarming figures.

One of the most shocking results is that despite the fact that support for Al Qaeda has fallen significantly, compared to figures of surveys conducted over the last few years, 10 per cent of respondents stated they do not consider Al Qaeda a terrorist organisation.

In a similar vein, only 55 per cent of respondents consider Al Nusra a terrorist group, while 44 per cent do not believe that Al Nusra presents a threat to Jordan.

Almost as many, 40 per cent, say they do not believe that Al Qaeda represents a threat to Jordan. 

Only 1 per cent of respondents said they actually support Daesh and Al Qaeda; the same number stated that the execution of the Jordanian pilot was a normal punishment.

As a proportion of the population, this suggests that more than 30,000 people in Jordan support these terrorist groups and their brutal methods.

While 30,000 may not seem a large number, to put it in perspective, Daesh has around the same number of people fighting in Syria and Iraq.

These survey results suggest that Daesh could double its numbers with the support it has in Jordan.

In the context of terrorism and radicalisation, 1 per cent represents a very large threat, especially since the same survey found that 2 per cent of respondents confirmed significant support for Daesh in their local communities.

With the supposed diffusion of terrorism among individual actors, these numbers are extremely alarming.

In order to begin effectively addressing this dangerous phenomenon, it is imperative to recognise that the problem exists.

The attitudes and beliefs that lead to this kind of support may be the outcome of a particular kind of politics that has been in effect as far back as the 1950s.

In some ways, these findings should not surprise us. There are many indicators confirming the presence of radicals in our communities.

Those who go to Syria and Iraq to join those behaving with shocking violence were bred among us and were prepared to do these things while they lived in our communities.

It must also be admitted that many of the tools governments use to de-radicalise are actually responsible for radicalisation.

When a preacher condemns terrorism while urging Muslims not to congratulate Christians during their religious holidays, we must recognise that at least some of the fault lies in our society.

When some of us refuse to pray for the soul of a brutally murdered pilot who was serving the nation, doing his patriotic duty in order to protect us, it is time to think of ways to address these problems.

This is not an issue of social justice, poverty or ignorance. It is a political battle that we must face.

And if we are serious about addressing this issue, we need to revise our laws to reflect this determination.

If they are serious about de-radicalisation, international donors and EU members also have a responsibility.

Investments must be in the right place, with the right people.

Actions can no longer be based on a theoretical or ideological basis, as the problem and solution are increasingly clear.

It is the time for action.

What we need is a cultural revolution to lay the foundation for a better future.

Our societies must be restructured through concrete changes in the education curriculum in order to undertake a generational change.

Appreciation for human dignity and respect will result in more positive engagement with each other, which is the kind of change we need.

It is imperative to have a comprehensive long-term strategy that addresses all aspects of our lives, from microeconomic reforms to building critical thinking amongst the population.

People must be given the tools that enable them to recognise the scourge of radical thinking and choose a better path for themselves and their families.

This is the only way to face and win the current challenges, to ensure they do not present themselves again a few years down the road.

The road ahead is long, but we will never progress until we take the first steps. 

A government’s de-radicalisation strategy should be the real start of this road.

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