Zoe Weinberg November 7, 2008
Article: “Deprogramming Jihadists”
From New York Times Magazine
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/09/magazine/09jihadis-t.html
Time: November 7, 2008
Place: Saudi Arabia
Key People: Saudi Government, Sheik Ahmad al-Jilani
Summary:
Programs in Saudi Arabia attempt to use psychology and education to help Saudi men who are former members of a militant Islamic group. The basis of the educational program is discussing the meaning and purpose of jihad—when is the “right” time for jihad. As the article says, to “correct theological misunderstandings.” The program is an effort of the Saudi Arabian government to counteract terrorism after the government publicly condemned the attacks on September 11th.
Your Response:
I was struck by this method of “fighting terrorism” because to me, it seems there’s no fighting at all. This program seems to work with the men who had joined the radical group, instead of working against them. Jailing or executing members will provoke backlash when other members, out of solidarity, frustration, and pain, reaffirm themselves to their goal. If instead, a member becomes unwed from the philosophies of the radical group—other members’ hands are bound.
I particularly liked that this program approaches “rehabilitation” in Islamic terms—something that is consistent with their beliefs and a much more cooperative approach than a condemnation of their views/beliefs/actions. The program seeks to address the psychological insecurities that may have led these young men to jihad in the first place. I imagine that social/psychological support is not readily available to (or accepted for/by) most young Saudis. Perhaps this will fill a void and begin a healing process that may have begun with violence, but doesn’t have to end that way.
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