A report I recently read titled, “Afghan Women and Violent Extremism: Colluding, Perpetrating, or Preventing?” highlights key findings regarding women’s roles in violent extremism. It reveals that women in Afghanistan engage in diverse roles, such as mobilizers, sympathizers, logistics providers, and informants, challenging simplistic narratives of victimhood or peacebuilding. The complex motivations driving women’s involvement in extremism are intertwined with gendered narratives that target women’s rights and societal roles.
Women’s potential in preventing violent extremism is linked to their empowerment, relationships with authority, and participation in governance structures. However, the report also emphasizes the lack of empirical data on women’s roles in violent extremism in Afghanistan, underscoring the need for more evidence-based research to inform effective programming and interventions in this critical area. (Ahmadi & Lakhani, 2016)
Enhancing understanding of the role women play in violent extremism can enhance the effectiveness of prevention and intervention approaches. Tailoring interventions to acknowledge the varied roles women assume in extremist contexts allows for targeted strategies addressing their specific vulnerabilities, motivations, and radicalization pathways. Recognizing the nuanced roles of women in extremism aids in creating initiatives that empower them to resist extremist ideologies and bolster resilience against recruitment tactics.
Given their influential positions within families and communities, women are pivotal in promoting messages of peace, tolerance, and non-violence, enabling their involvement in prevention endeavors to counter extremist propaganda effectively. By comprehending gender dynamics inherent in violent extremism, the development of gender-sensitive prevention programs that cater to women’s unique needs and experiences is facilitated. Insight into women’s roles in extremism informs the crafting of policies that prioritize gender equality, women’s empowerment, and safeguarding women’s rights as integral elements of CVE strategies. Ultimately, a nuanced grasp of women’s roles in violent extremism is indispensable for formulating comprehensive and targeted prevention and intervention strategies that tackle the underlying causes of radicalization and empower women to resist extremist influences.
Another paper I read titled “Countering Violent Extremism: Evaluating Pakistan’s Counter-Radicalization and De-radicalization Initiatives” by Abdul Basit writes about the national Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) policy in Pakistan. It includes essential elements to tackle the diverse challenge of violent extremism. It involves reforms in the education policy, specifically targeting the madrassa and public education system, to prevent radicalization and promote moderation. Additionally, there is a focus on a National Youth Policy that offers employment opportunities to deter young individuals from getting involved in militant recruitment and radicalization. (Basit 2015)
In Brazil, the Government started the “Segundo Tempo” program. It is an initiative by the Federal Government of Brazil, under the Ministry of Sports, aimed at democratizing access to sports for children and adolescents in public schools and outlying areas. The program focuses on creating opportunities for the needy, generating employment, and promoting social inclusion through sports activities. It seeks to provide integral education, civic education, and better life opportunities for individuals at social risk. The program has been recognized for its success in promoting social inclusion and providing positive outcomes for participants. (Santana et al., 2014).
At my police department, we have various programs to engage with youth involved in gangs. One such program is called The Shannon Grant. The Shannon Grant is a program that encourages law enforcement to engage with youth at risk of joining gangs or already involved in gang activity. Through this grant, officers establish connections with these individuals by participating in sports activities to foster a more personal relationship instead of the typical police-offender dynamic. The program focuses on intervention and prevention efforts to address gang involvement among youth.
On one occasion, we apprehended a young Eastside Providence gang member. During his booking, I, being interested in people’s perspectives, asked him why he remained in the gang. He explained that he was raised in that environment and didn’t know any different—it was a generational association, with his father involved before him.
In 2012, my police department initiated a program to visit offenders in prison to equip them with essential resources for their reentry into society upon release. This proactive approach involves engaging with offenders approximately a week before their release to facilitate a smooth transition. The success of this initiative is evident in instances where offenders have secured employment or accessed necessary services post-release, thereby reducing the likelihood of relapse into substance abuse or reverting to their previous lifestyles. This holistic intervention not only aids in reintegration but also promotes long-term rehabilitation and community reintegration for individuals reentering society post-incarceration.
When assessing certain policies, one must consider several factors. They include factors such as legitimacy, rights-based approach, community oversight, children’s rights, gender equality, and coherence. The factors should aim to ensure that CVE policies are applied non-discriminately, respecting human rights and the diversity of civil society and public and private sector workers.
In light of these factors, it is apparent that the CT and PCVE policies reviewed in the comparative studies have limitations in addressing direct engagement with violent extremists, mobilization, and extremist tactics. While the policies acknowledge the need for gender-sensitive approaches and social inclusion, they lack specific strategies for targeting and empowering women in their roles as mobilizers, sympathizers, and recruiters of violent extremism.
Incorporating gang intervention programs’ approaches and lessons learned into CT and PCVE policies could greatly enhance their effectiveness in addressing direct engagement with and mobilization of violent extremists. Providing support and alternative opportunities for individuals involved in extremist organizations can serve to prevent further radicalization and promote their reintegration into society. Additionally, community-driven approaches and engagement can better identify and address local factors contributing to radicalization and extremism. Empowering women through tailored interventions and addressing systemic gender inequalities can also be an effective strategy for preventing and countering violent extremism.
If I look at this from a conventional military standpoint, dealing with PCVE is usually solved by kinetic operations and direct military intervention. When I was in Iraq in 2005, I had a whole different approach. My job was to bridge a much-needed gap when dealing with a culture from the Middle East. Our missions were more centered around High-Value Targets (HVT) rather than just hitting everything like a hammer. I took the hearts and minds approach by having a lot of meetings with the village leaders. We did many more face-to-face interactions with the civilian population in our area of operation. We approached it with an unconventional warfare mindset.
In the case of Pakistan, to establish an effective counter-terrorism policy, Pakistan must move away from heavy dependence solely on aggressive counter-terrorism measures and incorporate softer approaches. Achieving a sustainable strategy requires balancing tough and gentle tactics to develop intelligent solutions. The document stresses the significance of engaging the entire community and coordinating a collaborative effort between the government and society to cultivate an atmosphere that deters individuals from embracing extremist ideologies.
In comparing the CT and PCVE policies in countries like Pakistan and Brazil, it is evident that both initiatives prioritize proactive approaches to address the direct engagement, mobilization tactics, and ideologies of violent extremists. While Pakistan focuses on educational reforms and youth employment to deter radicalization, Brazil’s “Segundo Tempo” program utilizes sports to promote social inclusion and provide opportunities for at-risk individuals.
Lessons can be learned from both cases to enhance CT and PCVE policies worldwide. Incorporating elements of gang intervention programs into these policies can be beneficial. Gang intervention programs often involve community-based initiatives, mentorship, and rehabilitation efforts that target root causes of violence and radicalization. By integrating similar strategies into CT and PCVE policies, governments can address underlying social issues, provide alternative pathways for individuals vulnerable to extremism, and foster sustainable peace and social cohesion.
One aspect that could be further emphasized is the need for tailored and context-specific approaches within CT and PCVE policies. Each country faces unique challenges and dynamics regarding violent extremism, requiring policies to be adapted to local conditions and societal structures. By acknowledging the importance of customization and flexibility in implementing CT and PCVE strategies, governments can effectively address the diverse factors contributing to radicalization and mobilization within their specific contexts.
Recognizing the nuanced roles that women play in violent extremism is important for crafting gender-sensitive prevention programs that cater to their unique needs and experiences. By integrating insights into women’s roles into CVE strategies, policies can prioritize gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the protection of women’s rights. A comprehensive understanding of women’s diverse roles in extremism is crucial for developing holistic prevention and intervention strategies that effectively address the root causes of radicalization and empower women to counter extremist influences.
The analysis presented research into the multifaceted strategies required to combat violent extremism effectively through counterterrorism (CT) and preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE) policies. By incorporating lessons learned from gang intervention programs, adopting community-driven engagement, empowering women, and embracing softer approaches alongside aggressive measures, countries like Pakistan can develop intelligent solutions that deter individuals from extremist ideologies.
Drawing from the unconventional warfare approach deployed in Iraq, which focused on High-Value Targets (HVT) and fostering relationships with local leaders and communities, a nuanced and versatile methodology for CT and PCVE emerges. This approach underscores the importance of tailored, context-specific strategies that address each region’s unique challenges and dynamics, emphasizing the need for flexibility in policy implementation.
The comparison between CT and PCVE initiatives in Pakistan and Brazil highlights the significance of proactive measures, such as educational reforms and youth employment, in deterring radicalization. By integrating elements of successful programs like the “Segundo Tempo” initiative, which promotes social inclusion through sports, and incorporating community-based interventions akin to gang intervention programs, governments can address root causes of extremism and foster sustainable peace and cohesion.
The pivotal role of women in preventing and countering violent extremism is underscored, emphasizing the importance of gender-sensitive approaches and the empowerment of women to resist extremist influences. Recognizing the complex motivations and roles women play in extremist movements is essential for shaping policies that prioritize gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the protection of their rights, ultimately contributing to comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies that address the underlying causes of radicalization.
A holistic and adaptive approach to CT and PCVE, informed by inclusive community engagement, tailored interventions, and a deep understanding of gender dynamics, is essential in effectively combating violent extremism and fostering sustainable peace and security.
References
Ahmadi, B., & Lakhani, S. (2016). Afghan Women and Violent Extremism: Colluding, Perpetrating, or Preventing? (United States Institute of Peace Special Report No. 396). United States Institute of Peace.
Santana, B.-B., Renildo, R., Jr, Roselene De Alencar, Rossi, & Pereira, A. (2014). Sport and social inclusion. Study of the program “segundo tempo” in Feira de Santana, Bahia – Brazil. Journal of Physical Education and Sport ® (JPES), 14(4), 446–454. https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2014.04068
Basit, A. (2015). Countering Violent Extremism: Evaluating Pakistan’s Counter-Radicalization and De-radicalization Initiatives. *IPRI Journal*, *XV*(2), 44-68.
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Ayman Kafel is the founder and owner of Hybrid Wolf Blue Line Strategies, LLC. A veteran-owned training and consulting company for Law Enforcement officers and agencies. He combines his military and law enforcement experience to bring much-needed cutting-edge training to the law enforcement profession.
Ayman is not only an active police officer but also a law enforcement instructor and has taught across the East Coast of the United States. He offers a wide variety of training, such as advanced patrol tactics, mechanical breaching courses, designated marksman, and Human Performance under duress.
In addition, Ayman is an Army Combat Veteran who was deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005. He became a police officer in 2007 after 8 years of service in the Army
Ayman has seen the ugliness of war and evil in the world. He survived two civil wars prior to immigrating to the United States in the late eighties.
His current position is the commander of his department’s Problem-Oriented Policing Unit. He leads a team of investigators that employs unconventional methods and Special Forces philosophy in achieving specific objectives in the communities he serves. These unconventional methods range from winning hearts and minds to specific strategic law enforcement actions to arrest and prosecute those who are the root cause of various crimes.
To reach Ayman, feel free to email him at hwbluelinestrategies@gmail.com
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