Counter Terrorism
life on this earth is temporary therefore the all the actions of a Muslim should be directed towards achieving Jannah (haven). Apart from the other messages these messages have a very strong impact on shaping the thoughts, opinions and behaviour of Muslims. The other issue is that the youth and western Muslims think that if they die during Jihad they will be “Given place in Jannah without any questions asked”. So if you are a child who is isolated and unsure of your place in the society, “heaven” is guaranteed if you join a cause that is all about a reward in the afterlife. As mentioned earlier in my speech, the message which I received during my visit to the Islamic Camp was to see myself as the “Chosen One” and an “Ambassador or Allah”. So coming back to the “three British girls” who left the comfort of their homes and joined Islamic State were convinced that this is the Islamic Call and if they want to be one of the “Chosen Ones” then they will join the “Khilafat” as “Allah has promised a place in Jannah for those who sacrifice their lives for Islam”. These messages have a great impact on young people where parents and children do not have an open relationship. Therefore, isolated and afraid of parental authority the young people don’t like to discuss what they are thinking for fear of punishment. Most of the time no matter what they do for elders it’s never good enough so they may feel they have to prove something to gain their respect and praise. We are raised not to question or disappoint parents. Therefore most of the children keep their thoughts and what they want to do to themselves. As Islamic State knows how this culture works they are able to convince the vulnerable people who feel isolated (especially women and youth) that the establishment of Islamic State’s Khalafat is the Islamic Call. Islamic State are able convince these people that no matter what the others think of them “They are the Ambassadors of Allah and the chosen ones”, and Allah has chosen them as one of his “Successors”. These “three British Girls” felt important and welcomed by Islamic State. The misguided Muslim youth feel “welcomed and accepted as adults” by Islamic State or other militant groups. The sense of “Empowerment” that this gives them should not be underestimated. Particularly when compared with the relationship they have with their family which is often strained and controlling. These youth are more receptive to the messages from Islamic State than the messages from parents. This aligns well with my experience and what I described earlier that cultural and family pressures make Muslims more receptive to radical messages. This is also identified in the demographics of Muslims leaving the west to travel to the fight in the Middle-East. Conclusion In Urdu there is a saying “Loha Lohe Ko Katata Hai” means that “Only steel can cut steel”. I am emphasising the fact that If Australians as a nation want to win the social media and radicalisation war then they need to get inside the minds of the Muslims and various school of thoughts with in Islam. There is a gap in the Government’s approach to
10 | Australian Security Magazine
combatting radicalisation. To tackle the rising issues of Radicalisation and Terrorism it is important to understand what strategy these militant groups’ are using and why they are so powerful. The communities that will be able to help understand and translate the messages from the militant groups (Islamic State) are Muslims. The “cocktail” of culture and religion is in their “DNA” therefore reaching out to progressive and modernised Muslims might help. Growing terrorism and especially “Home grown Terrorism” is a big issue but the bigger issue is how to minimise the risks of “Australian Muslims” moving towards the radicalisation process. What I have tried to present is a situation partly the making of the Islamic Community. Because of its traditional basis and poor integration into the Australian society the children are specifically removed from healthy cross cultural contact and isolated to the extent that their aspirations and hopes are forced into a “traditional” environment. That environment is at odds with the society that surrounds them and which they see every day. They are unable to join their outside world in any real sense, constrained by family and tradition, and so they look to another form of personal fulfilment – that of the promise of a meaningful life through the call of “Jihad and Khilafat”. The offers made by extremist media and extremist preachers are that of an opportunity where the youth feel important and can do something meaningful – Jihad – to attain real recognition. How Can We Counteract This In part it is to better equip and prepare Islamic schools to help kids and their parents come to grips with Australia’s multicultural society. Non Islamic schools need more teachers trained to recognise the problems Islamic children are likely facing and help them and their families to adjust to this new world they have chosen to live in. On a broader national level the Government needs to employ “moderate and progressive Muslims” who are able to help them understand the religious and cultural tactics of the “Radical Islamists and their use of Social Media”. Involving and perhaps “employing” trusted members of the Muslim community in policy design, intelligence and national security will improve our chances of success. There is a danger that policy designed in ignorance of the true drivers of radicalisation will be ineffective, or worse, may act to exacerbate the issue. About the Author Anooshe is a first generation Australian of Pakistani origin. She spent her early years in Pakistan and several years in Libya on posting with her family. Since her arrival in Sydney in mid-eighties Anooshe has experienced first-hand the changing cultural landscape of Australia. She is an Associate Member of the Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers (AIPIO) and a Research Associate at the Australian Security Research Centre (ASRC). Anooshe’s research is based on Australian Muslim culture, radicalisation, Islamic State ideology and government policies. She has published several articles on the topics of radicalisation process, Islamic culture and religion.