Zawaya

Family, a bulwark against cyber-terrorism in the Maghreb

By: Iqbal Al Gharbi

Terrorist groups survive thanks to their ability to recruit new members; and their recruitment strategies often target teenagers directly.

The internet has become an ideal tool for these groups, because teenagers often consider it a refuge and a private space that is not subject to any control or parental supervision.

Therefore, the internet allows terrorist groups to reach the youth directly through websites. Young people may be sensitive to terrorist cyber-propaganda, because they lack experience and are unaware of all facts that would enable them to refute the lies and myths they are exposed to.

Maghreb youth are weakened by the economic and political crises, and are constantly on the lookout for an identity and a sense of belonging, so they are prime targets for international terrorism.

This terrorism does not attract only the poor, less educated, or marginalized classes. The ideology of Osama bin Laden, for example, affected people from all walks of life. Terrorists represent all socio-economic levels, nationalities, family backgrounds and educational levels.

For all the above-mentioned reasons, families ought to be a bulwark against terrorism in the Maghreb.

The fundamentalist discourse is authoritative because it makes sense to young people who are in search of meaning. Therefore, communication within family is vital, because fundamentalist discourses disconnect young people from their identities and families.

Parents should discuss national and international news with their children, and teach them how to distinguish between true, accurate information, and biased, hateful ones. Studies have shown that the radicalization of Maghreb youth is not due to their past experiences, but rather to an overwhelming feeling of moral outrage, guilt or deep grievance over events happening in distant places.

Families should re-anchor their children in their countries, encourage them to join associations or political parties, and allow them to be active in their societies in order to find dignity on earth. Moreover, in our context that is weakened by ethnic and political conflicts, it is useful to teach our children how to think again.

Students in primary schools, high schools and colleges need to learn the old Platonic distinction between sophists who cultivate the art of speaking and address emotions, and philosophers who cultivate the art of thinking and address intelligence.