To confront terrorism, a multifaceted approach is required

The 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks was marked this week. In the aftermath of 9/11, America launched its “War on Terror,” invading Afghanistan and Iraq and overthrowing their regimes. Yet, more than two decades on, terrorism remains an ongoing global threat and questions about how best to confront and combat it continue to surface.

While some politicians, policy analysts and scholars believe that military actions have played a significant role in combating terrorism, the complexities of this issue make it clear that no single approach can effectively eradicate it. Terrorism is a multifaceted problem, influenced by political, social, economic and ideological factors.

As a result, addressing these elements in isolation is insufficient. What is really needed is a comprehensive, multifaceted approach that integrates various strategies and resources to deal with terrorism’s root causes, prevent its spread and manage its long-term impacts.

Military interventions have limitations. For example, following the Sept. 11 attacks, the US government swiftly initiated military operations in Afghanistan, targeting the Taliban regime that it accused of providing safe haven to Al-Qaeda, the group responsible for the attacks. The operation, dubbed “Enduring Freedom,” was initially successful in dislodging the Taliban from power and dismantling key elements of Al-Qaeda’s network. However, the Taliban have now returned to power and the resurgence of both groups has cast doubt on the long-term effectiveness of military solutions.

While force can temporarily weaken terrorist organizations and disrupt their operations, it is far from a lasting solution

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

The subsequent invasion of Iraq in 2003, justified by the perceived threat of weapons of mass destruction and the connection to terrorism, further underscored the challenges of using military might to fight terrorism. Although Saddam Hussein’s regime was toppled, the political and economic instability that followed gave rise to various insurgent groups and eventually contributed to the emergence of Daesh.

These military interventions demonstrate that, while force can temporarily weaken terrorist organizations and disrupt their operations, it is far from a lasting solution. The primary issue with military-only strategies is that they often fail to address the root causes of terrorism. They may lead to a short-term victory, but without long-term strategies to promote political stability, governance and economic development, the underlying conditions that foster terrorism will persist.

This is why international cooperation and diplomatic initiatives are essential components of a multifaceted strategy to combat terrorism. Terrorism is a global problem and addressing it requires the collaboration of multiple nations, institutions and agencies. Many terrorist groups operate transnationally, using borders to their advantage to evade law enforcement and military forces. A coordinated international effort is necessary to prevent the flow of funds, arms and fighters that fuel terrorist organizations.

This cooperation can include sharing intelligence, freezing terrorist assets and creating policies that disrupt terrorist financing. International cooperation also allows for the establishment of global standards for prosecuting terrorists and extraditing suspects. However, more needs to be done to address the deep-rooted problems in regions that have become breeding grounds for terrorism.

In addition, international cooperation and diplomatic efforts should focus on building long-term peace and stability in conflict-ridden areas. Diplomatic interventions must seek to resolve these conflicts through peaceful means. Otherwise, military actions in these regions are likely to be counterproductive, contributing to further radicalization and terrorism.

Terrorism is not just a military or a political issue, it is also an ideological one. Many terrorist groups are driven by radical ideologies that justify violence against civilians in the name of nationalism, political beliefs or religion. These ideologies must be confronted with an equally strong counter-narrative.

Governments, civil society organizations and religious leaders must work together to discredit the ideologies that fuel terrorism. This involves educating the public on the dangers of extremism and highlighting the hypocrisy and moral bankruptcy of terrorist organizations, while promoting moderate interpretations of religion.

Countering ideological extremism also means addressing the grievances that terrorist groups often exploit, such as poverty, social injustice and political oppression.

One of the most effective ways to prevent radicalization is through education. Providing young people with access to quality education can empower them to think critically and resist the lure of extremist propaganda.

Additionally, promoting tolerance and cultural understanding through interfaith dialogues and community programs can help reduce tensions between different ethnic and religious groups, decreasing the chances of radicalization.

Countering ideological extremism also means addressing the grievances that terrorist groups often exploit

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

Economic conditions also play a significant role in the spread of terrorism. In many cases, terrorism thrives in regions where poverty, unemployment and a lack of opportunities create fertile ground for recruitment. Terrorist organizations often prey on vulnerable populations, offering financial incentives or exploiting economic despair to gain support.

To combat terrorism effectively, it is essential to invest in economic development and poverty alleviation programs in regions susceptible to terrorist influence. These efforts should focus on creating jobs, improving infrastructure and providing access to education and healthcare. When people have the means to provide for their families and improve their quality of life, they are less likely to turn to violence or extremist ideologies.

Moreover, economic development can help to stabilize regions that are prone to conflict. Strong economies are less likely to be destabilized by internal or external threats, making them less attractive to terrorist organizations. Investing in economic development is a long-term strategy, but it is one of the most effective ways to reduce the appeal of terrorism.

Another essential element of a multifaceted approach to combating terrorism is community engagement. Governments and law enforcement agencies ought to work closely with local communities to identify and address the early signs of radicalization. Community leaders, religious figures and educators can play a crucial role in preventing individuals from being drawn into terrorist organizations.

There could also be some de-radicalization programs that offer former extremists a path back into society. These programs can provide psychological support, vocational training and opportunities for individuals to reintegrate into their communities. In other words, by offering a way out, de-radicalization programs can reduce the number of active terrorists and prevent further recruitment.

In summary, as we reflect on the 23 years since the Sept. 11 attacks, it is clear that confronting terrorism requires a multifaceted approach. Military interventions alone are insufficient to defeat terrorism, as they fail to address the root causes that fuel its spread. A comprehensive strategy that includes international cooperation, ideological counter-narratives, economic development, education, diplomacy and community engagement is essential to reducing the threat of terrorism in the long term.

• Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is a Harvard-educated Iranian American political scientist. X: @Dr_Rafizadeh