Need for de-radicalisation

As the level of extremism across our society reaches an alarming level, there is an urgent need for a strategy to de-radicalise the society.

The increased radicalism is a direct result of failed social policies that have created fertile ground for the growth of such ideologies.

Legal and legislative avenues must be used in order to address radical groups and close the spaces in our society that allows extremism to grow.

A successful strategy must use more than the traditional methods of issuing some statements or distributing reading materials; it requires concrete interventions, social policies, and educational and cultural activities.

Any efficient strategy must involve changes to the academic curriculum that is currently influenced by regressive ideologies that discourage critical thinking.

Our education system inhibits the personality and creativity of our children; it limits progressive thinking and prepares them to become passive receivers of extremist ideologies and radicalism.

While concrete steps are necessary, the strategy must be based on short, medium and long-term plans.

Prompt intervention is required to limit the spread of close-minded ideologies in both schools and universities.

Additionally, a cultural strategy must be implemented to foster a society of enlightened people with strong culture and nationalism that can help fill the vacuum. There is need for a genuine cultural revolution in our society.

In order to address the extremism amidst us, we must accept that it is essential to revise social and political policies, address social justice, build capacities and increase quality of services.

At the same time, it is important to start focusing on cultural initiatives such as theatre, art and sport, as well as other activities that encourage and foster critical thinking.

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