10 Ideas That Are Changing The World: Reverse Radicalism

IN this article, several key issues on terrorism are highlighted; reasons on why people are attracted to join terrorist organisations, the push factors that see more people leaving such organisations and solutions to combat terrorism.

As revealed by former JI head of training unit, Nasir Abas, people join terrorist groups in search of fame, recognition and excitement. But there are some who join in search of a change in their lives. They want to play a part in moulding their futures. Abas was deeply troubled by the sufferings of his fellow Muslims at that point in time, and when given an opportunity to join the JI, he "found it very heroic, a dream come through" as he thought he could help relieve those sufferings.

However, people felt that reality just did not live up to their fantasy. There was no fame or prestige at all. A terrorist’s life, as acknowledged by Abas, was most of the time depressing. This deception fuel the decision to leave.
Another reason why some chose to leave is the practice of terrorist organisations. What they do is felt by the members to be morally and religiously wrong. In Abas’s case, he joined to change the world into a better and more peaceful place with lesser sufferings. He was not radicalized and was clearheaded about his religion’s teachings, and the countless bombings (he was indirectly involved in the 2002 Bali bombing) that took many innocents lives were against his religion. To Abas, it was “against the teachings of the Prophet”. Fed-up when his pleas to spare the innocents were ignored, he decided to call it quits. To him, the JI does not exist to create a better place for Muslims, and he is “tired of the lies”.

Solutions suggested by Abas to help counter terrorism include education, disengagement and counseling. By educating people, especially idealistic young adults, on the difference of their religious ideas and that of the organisation they follow. For example, the teachings of the Prophet bars Muslims from destroying places of worships but the JI bombed numerous churches on Christmas Eve 2000. Also, Abas believe we should try and disengage radicals, instead of trying to deradicalise them. Lastly, convicted terrorists should stand up and condemn terrorism, and send out a strong message to terrorist-wannabe that it is not as good as they think. Ex-terrorists like Abas should also step forward and lend a hand to fight terrorism. Their knowledge on the way terrorist organisations operate will be valuable and instrumental in defeating terrorism.