RRG's responses to misinterpretations of Islamic concepts in detailed rebuttals. It includes RRG's motives and approaches towards countering the JI's ideology. Explanations carried in 21 pages. Interesting read.
Importance of Ideological Response
Effective counter-terrorism requires multi-pronged approach. Counter terrorism could be done through different ways such as curbing their financial support, maintaining homeland security and ideological response.
Why is there a need to counter the ideology of JI? Why was the RRG engaged to counter the JI?
We do not neglect the fact that there are various factors that plunge one into terrorism or terrorist groups. Yet, for the JI, ideology, and not other factors, is the source and main motivation for the terrorists. Our main concern, and specific to the RRG’s role, is in the area of ideological response. This is due to the use of misunderstood Islamic concepts by the terrorists to promote their cause. This is an uphill task, but we believe ideological response is a necessary strategy.
Why is ideological response necessary?
The RRG believe that ideological response is necessary because of three major factors, which are:
Towards discrediting the terrorists
Towards impeding their ideology from spreading
Towards immunizing the community at large from falling prey to such ideology.
Why Counter Ideology?
Why do we, the RRG especially, need to counter their ideology? The RRG feels that their ideology and principles are designed to mislead. RRG’s role is to find out if there are effective responses to their violent ideology. Their approaches have muddled the military concepts in Islam through deviant faith and ideology.
Counter ideology is important because it exposes their misuse, helps to subdue and prevent radicalization of Muslim communities. Aside from the JI detainees and their families, the RRG feels that another group that needs to be addressed is the younger Singaporean Muslims. They need to be immunized from the JI’s indoctrination. The RRG is currently pursuing ways to try to educate the younger Singaporean Muslims to appreciate the true understandings of Islam through various channels such as forums, publications and commentaries in newspapers. |
