The extent of terrorism in the Arab world

Theories about terrorism contain all branches of the social sciences, including law, politics, sociology, economics and religion. The definition of terrorism is still not absolute, but in this article I will use an objective definition of terrorist acts and the reasons behind the relationship of the definition within individual countries and their external links. There should be frankness and openness if we want to end this phenomenon which threatens Arab societies.

Without getting into unnecessary details, take a look at the Arab map. You will see that at least 90 per cent of Arab countries suffer from terrorism: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Somalia, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Sudan. This means that terrorism is a phenomenon that is present across the Arab world; it is almost becoming an Arab phenomenon, similar to the international concept of terrorism, which links it to Islam in order to attack Muslim figures. Since Arabism and Islam are the pillars of identity in the region, the issue has become serious, because terrorism in the Arab world is still connected to Islamic elements; this means that we have to deal with it in a scientific manner well away from slogans and political intrigues between governments and opposition. It requires the mentality of researchers and setting out with a broad hypothesis so that we can achieve outcomes that can save the Arab existence.

The danger of terrorism in the Arab world is that it not only destroys pillars of identity, but also leads to crushing the Arab existence, which is a definite goal for Israel and the enemies of this nation. It is shameful for us to cover up, under various pretexts, this phenomenon which leads to the elimination of security, freedom, stability and prosperity, which are necessities of life in all societies.

A careful look at terrorism in the Arab region reveals a number of characteristics which may help our research. For a start, terrorism affects almost the whole Arab world so it is something that requires cooperation if we are going to deal with it. Although there are variations in its manifestation in different countries, terrorism demands a holistic view and solution.

Then there is the connection of terrorism in the Arab world to Islam which goes beyond the region, except for Palestine, which suffers from Israel’s state terrorism. As such, there must be an informed mentality that can search for ways to save Muslims and their children and preserve their energy, which is exhausted by terrorism.

Terrorism has truly become one of the tools of political intrigue in relations between Arab states, as well as within those states. The interests of the whole Arab world must be given priority for the benefit of all, small and large nations alike, moving beyond the narrow-mindedness which has blinded the media.

Each terrorist portfolio has its own political, social and cultural framework, and to avoid getting into details at this point, we’ll say that terrorism in Iraq, for example, started when the US occupation designated those, mainly Sunni, Iraqis who resisted the invasion as “terrorists”. Then Al-Qaeda got involved and basically besmirched honourable resistance. The Americans went to Iraq with an agenda to tear it apart between Sunni and Shia, Arabs and Kurds; between rural and urban areas. Iran has joined with the United States in this venture so that resisting the oppression of Sunnis in a Shia regime is seen as terrorism. In the end, of course, the Iraqis, whether Sunni or Shia, are now suffering at the hands of their own people following the departure of the occupiers, who created the toxic environment for exactly this to happen.

It should be remembered that Iraq has always been the strong wing of the Arab region, with Egypt as the central state; that is why these two countries have been targeted by, dare we say, this conspiracy. The overthrow of Saddam Hussein was the beginning of this sectarian war. National reconciliation must be a priority to end it, putting Iraqi’s interests above sectarian and ethnic issues. Before that, though, we need rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia for a settled region.

The conflict in Syria began as an internal affair with demonstrations seeking reforms from the government. Then regional and international actors got involved, mainly Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the US and Israel; Syria has been hit from all directions and the people are paying a heavy price. None of the attempts to reach a peace agreement will be successful until and unless these countries put their interests to one side in favour of those of the Syrian people.

However, the most dangerous challenge in Syria is the Islamic phenomenon which has embroiled Lebanon and fanned the flames of Sunni-Shia conflict. In Syria and Lebanon, the Iran-Saudi conflict, Israeli conspiracy and an Arab power-vacuum all play a major role in deciding the fate of both countries. This Sunni-Shia conflict was about to extend to Egypt for the first time in history before the fall of President Mohamed Morsi.

It is noticeable that intellectual religious deviation; mixing religion with politics in a distorted way; the rise of Islamic groups through democracy; and the ambiguity of right versus wrong ideas and misinterpretation of the Holy Qur’an and religious texts, are all common denominators across the areas now witnessing terrorism, including Egypt, Algeria and Syria. In other areas, there is political conflict, the oppression of political opposition, the rejection of just demands and omission of legitimate entitlements. The solution is the political settlement of conflicts, through calm and constructive dialogue, genuine development, the reduction and eradication of corruption, the provision of decent living standards and a rational use of national wealth, and keeping away from external interventions and conspiracies which target Arab existence. All of these are essential to the fight against terrorism but the Arab world must beware of international propaganda in the global struggle; it was designed originally to be against Islam and Muslims, which was used to justify the campaign in the first place.

Terrorism in all Arab countries includes state violence. Sometimes it targets the whole society and destroys national institutions; terrorism thus becomes an act of revenge against society. For example, the destruction of the Museum of Islamic Art and the Academy in Egypt, and archaeological sites in Syria and Iraq, because all of these are part of human civilisation.

On another level, we find an open door for mercenary and professional foreign fighters to participate in the political conflict within the state. This can be dealt with through Arab regional cooperation which can protect Arab societies from these dangers and block the infiltration of such people, whose aim is to destroy society. International organisations which claim to be based on Islam, no matter how noble they view their motives will, in the end, harm Islam and the Muslims.

The author is an international law professor at the American University in Cairo, an Islamist thinker and a veteran Egyptian diplomat. Dr Abdullah Al-Ashaal was also a candidate in Egypt’s 2012 presidential elections.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.