Expert challenges common perceptions of terrorism

AMMAN — Renowned Islamist group expert Hassan Abu Haniyeh argues that terrorism is not merely the result of poverty and marginalisation, as is widely conceived, but rather a complicated phenomenon of ideological, religious, cultural, socioeconomic, political and even tribal dimensions.

In his first opinion piece in Al Rai daily published on Monday, Abu Haniyeh explained that there has been a “traditional” approach linking terrorism and radicalism to poverty, marginalisation and illiteracy, but the recent deadly attacks on European capitals have “revolutionised” the stereotypical interpretations of terror motives. 

With the Brussels attacks this month and last November’s bloodshed in Paris, the columnist said the “new European jihadists” all belong to the middle class and have received secular education. 

“As such, the notion that poverty and unemployment are the reasons for terrorism is no longer valid.”

On jihadists’ recruitment efforts, the researcher also challenged theories dwelling on the Internet and social media as the major channels to attract young people, arguing that it is a more complicated process carried out through friend networks and family connections.

He cited Scott Atran’s book “Talking to the Enemy”, in which the author argues that terrorists tend to be ordinary people driven by their peer group rather than being brainwashed by militant recruiters.

With terrorism turning into a complicated issue of ideological, cultural, religious, social, tribal and political dimensions, Abu Haniyeh explained that security and military solutions are “certainly not successful and will definitely increase terror and make it more violent”.