In celebration of the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and When Conducive to Terrorism, the Scientific Division at the Polytechnic College – Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, organized an awareness seminar titled “Violent Extremism.” The seminar was held under the patronage of the College Dean, Professor Dr. Zaki Mohammed Abbas Bahiya, in collaboration with the Women’s Affairs Unit and the Department of Nursing Technologies.
The seminar was presented by Lecturer Ahlam Abbas, the department coordinator, who discussed violent extremism as both an ideological and behavioral phenomenon that threatens the security and stability of society. She explained that extremism begins with radical ideas that isolate themselves and reject others, which may eventually evolve into aggressive behaviors leading to violence and terrorism.
The lecturer highlighted that the causes of extremism are numerous, including ignorance, lack of correct religious awareness, difficult economic conditions, feelings of marginalization, as well as the influence of certain media outlets and social media platforms, which can be exploited to spread hate speech and extremist ideas.
The seminar also emphasized the crucial role of families and educational institutions in instilling values of tolerance, moderation, and national belonging, while promoting a culture of dialogue and acceptance of others. This, in turn, helps to build a peaceful, stable society based on coexistence and respect for diversity.
At the conclusion of the seminar, it was underscored that the efforts of various state institutions and society must be unified to confront manifestations of extremism and mitigate its impacts through raising awareness and promoting moderate, balanced discourse.