Experts discuss ways to combat terror in Riyadh conference

RIYADH: Experts at the inaugural meeting of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Defense Ministers Council were of the view that efforts to check terrorism in the Muslim world will be focused on four key domains including ideology, communications, counter-terrorist financing and military.
The meeting, confirming the creation of a pan-Islamic, unified front to support the global struggle against terrorism and violent extremism, saw subject-matter experts address defense ministers from more than 40 Muslim majority countries.
The official website of the coalition quoted Dr. Mohammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League, who articulated the work of the ideology domain of the IMCTC, as saying: “The ideological path within this alliance represents a crucial element in this battle. It hits extremism at its core. This constitutes the real conflict in defeating and overcoming terrorism, since this terrorism hasn’t been based on a political or military interest, but rather is founded on an extremist ideology.”
He said historical facts and scientific records of Islamic heritage prove with certainty that Islam has welcomed peace by all means. “Peace has become an integral part of its teachings, and a central term in its vocabulary.”
“The ideological decline leading to extremist stances started with the …distortion of their meanings, and the failure to comply with the precepts of their interpretation. This is compounded by the phenomenon of groupthink, manipulation of popular emotions that are devoid of conscious thinking, the flawed readings of facts and events, and the psychological conditions of some people, all of which result in a significant impact on the rising trend of extremism.”
The coalition website also quoted Dr. Ahmed Al-Kholifey, governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA), as saying: “Terrorist organizations execute their finance operations through official and non-official sectors, using fake names and businesses…”
“The establishment of the Counter Terrorism Financing Center of Excellence within the Islamic Military Coalition to Counter Terrorism is a pioneering project and a cornerstone in supporting and assisting member countries to combat terrorism financing. This center will contribute to strengthening mechanisms of cooperation and enhancing the human resources capabilities of coalition countries regarding the methods of countering terrorism financing.”