Shutterstock/Anton Kudelin. All rights reserved.The recent terror attacks in Tunis and Paris have shown once more the need for a comprehensive strategy in dealing with violent extremism. Although there is no overarching model for combatting extremism, there are similar elements underpinning every attack, and whether politically, socially, or economically marginalised, the people most at risk of radicalisation are disenfranchised youth.
The offer presented by extremism is in part about identity, and even though Tunisia now has a developed and transparent political system, the lure of extremist groups claiming to provide a better vision for the future remains convincing to some. As a moderate Islamic party, Ennahdha have long argued that one of the main antidotes to the abuse of Islamic religious texts by violent extremists is moderate Islam. A holistic approach grounded in comprehensive, balanced and open religious and civic education for those most at risk of radicalisation is central to combatting extremism. As a member of the party and also Deputy Finance Minister in the Tunisian coalition government, this is an idea to which I strongly subscribe, but there are also many other factors at play.
The only way to combat the divisive narratives espoused by groups such as Daesh is to remove the causes of alienation, deprivation and chaos that we continue to see across the region. Indeed, the combination of political consensus, religious inclusion and economic stability is vital, and remains the strong foundation of Tunisia’s democratic journey over the last five years.
