On the occasion of the International Day for Countering Violent Extremism Leading to Terrorism, the Scientific Division at Al-Politeknik College – Al-Qadisiyah, one of the formations of Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, organized an awareness seminar entitled “Combating Violent Extremism and Terrorist Discourse.” The seminar was held under the patronage of the Dean of the College, Professor Dr. Zaki Mohammed Abbas Bahiyeh, and in cooperation with the Women’s Affairs Unit and the Department of Accounting.
The seminar was delivered by Assistant Professor Dr. Shaimaa Nahro and Assistant Lecturer Mohammed Saadi. It aimed to raise community awareness of the dangers of violent extremism and terrorism, examine mechanisms for preventing intellectual deviation and the shift toward violence, and promote a culture of tolerance while reinforcing the values of peace.
The seminar addressed the concept of violent extremism and terrorism, outlining their intellectual and social causes, and distinguishing between differing opinions—considered a healthy phenomenon in societies—and extremism that leads to violence and threatens security and stability.
It also reviewed the most prominent factors leading to extremism, including poverty, unemployment, social vulnerability, weak sound religious awareness, intellectual deviation, the spread of radical ideas through social media, as well as feelings of marginalization and a lack of belonging.
The seminar emphasized the important role of the media and religious leaders in raising awareness and correcting misconceptions, in addition to adopting educational and awareness programs for youth, strengthening national belonging, and the importance of early intervention to address deviant behaviors, while benefiting from successful local and international experiences.
In conclusion, the seminar stressed that confronting violent extremism and terrorist discourse is a shared responsibility among the state, society, and the family, and that prevention begins with sound upbringing, continuous awareness, and the promotion of a culture of dialogue and tolerance.