6 research outputs found
From Ideological Flame to Rebellious Ashes: Analyzing the Emergence and Impact of Radical Ideology in the Arab World
This study examines the historical and intellectual origins of radical thought in the Arab world and its evolution into organized armed movements. It investigates how ideas are selectively reinterpreted from one context to another: from Egyptian prisons where Takfir and Hijra were born to transnational jihadist organizations like Al-Qaeda and ISIS, to localized movements such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, synthesizing Qutbist categories with national liberation struggles under occupation. These results suggest that reducing radicalism to an issue of ideology is not feasible; instead, these legacies emanate from the interaction between doctrinal legacies and structural conditions, including authoritarian governance, foreign occupation, socio-economic marginalization, and the Arab state’s failure to manage diversity and uphold the rule of law. These conditions were so propitious that they facilitated both recruitment and legitimized radical discourse through framing violence as a religious duty and political necessity. By situating the emergence of radical thought within its historical context and examining its specific political and legal contexts, this research offers a more nuanced understanding of how universal ideological frameworks are established in diverse political and legal contexts. This study concludes that effective confrontation with radicalism must be an integrated approach, combining religious reform with the resolution of structural injustices that radical groups exploit in their mobilization efforts
External interventions and It’s impact on increasing extremism in the Arab world
Abstract The study investigates the influence of external interventions on the growth of extremism and violence as a phenomenon in the Arab world. The study intends to obtain its results by examining the theories implemented by external powers to intervene in Arab countries and how these interventions resulted in the growth and nourishment of extremism as well as an increase in violence. In addition to revealing how this extremism is successively disseminated to Arab countries , To achieve the study's objectives, the analytical method was used to identify the relations between the numerous variables, leading to a scientific analysis of this phenomenon and its roots through four sections: First, we discussed the theory of enemy formation. Secondly, the theory of containment of foreign fundamentalist movements is being pursued by the great powers. The third section dealt with proxy wars and militias and how they were utilized to gain control and dominance over Arab countries. Finally, in the fourth section, the domino theory was projected onto the violence in the Arab world, which is the product of extremism . The analysis led us to the conclusion that foreign interventions played a significant and vital part in the growth of extremism in the Arab world, as one of the most evident forms of intervention was the invisible hand that intervened in the crises of contemporary Arab countries. In addition to the practice of foreign powers, the policy of enemy formation, and the policy of containment, they made extremist movements the enemy and did not work to eliminate them completely, but rather followed a policy of containment to serve their strategic goals and used the proxy war that some movements fought on their behalf, leading to more extremism and violence. We also found that there are fundamental factors that contribute to the growth of extremism, the most prominent of which is the state's structure, which has been plagued by a variety of issues
Preserving Cultural Heritage in International Law
The article provides a thorough examination of the international legal frameworks established to protect cultural heritage. Cultural heritage, encompassing both tangible and intangible elements, is vital for maintaining the historical and cultural identity of societies. The article outlines the significance of cultural heritage in fostering intercultural dialogue and understanding, highlighting its role in connecting past, present, and future generations. The key legal instruments discussed include the UNESCO World Heritage Convention (1972), which identifies and safeguards sites of outstanding cultural and natural value, and the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003), which protects oral traditions, performing arts, and other intangible cultural elements. The UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export, and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property (1970) addresses the illegal trade of cultural artifacts. The Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict (1954) provides guidelines to protect cultural heritage during conflicts. The article highlights the devastating impact of armed conflicts on cultural heritage, presenting case studies from Syria, Iraq, Mali, Yemen, and Libya, where significant damage and looting have occurred. It underscores the importance of international humanitarian law and regional agreements in safeguarding cultural sites and artifacts during conflicts. Future challenges in cultural heritage preservation include urbanization, globalization, environmental changes, and illicit trade. The article advocates for innovative urban planning, promoting cultural diversity, adopting climate resilience strategies, thoughtful digitalization, and international collaboration. Technological advancements such as 3D scanning, virtual reality, and digital archives are identified as crucial tools for enhancing preservation efforts and public engagement. The article concludes that preserving cultural heritage is a collective global responsibility, requiring a multifaceted approach involving legal measures, technology, and international cooperation to ensure the protection of cultural treasures for future generations
Scientific Research in the Arab Countries - Reality and Challenges
The main objective of this study is to identify the reality of scientific research in the Arab world, and the crises related to it in all aspects compared to developed countries, and to identify the factors driving scientific research, such as spending on scientific research and the number of published research in addition to the number of researchers and the scientific research environment that Arab countries have worked on. A stimulus and encouragement for scientific research, or is it an obstructing and frustrating environment for scientific research? It also aims to present some proposals that can contribute to the development of Arab scientific research, based on the results of analysis and comparison. The researcher used the case study method to collect and analyze data, by analyzing the policies of Arab countries regarding scientific research. We found out that the number of researchers is not enough to complete high-quality research, and that the number of published research is modest compared to developed countries, and that the volume of expenditures on scientific research from the GDP of Arab countries is small compared to other countries, noting that this spending is provided by the government sector and the contribution of the private sector is marginal The policies adopted by the Arab countries are obstructive and do not create a conducive environment for scientific research. The focus in scientific research was mostly theoretical research, and these researches were not linked to the needs of society, and no focus was given to applied research that works on the development of companies’ work and works to advance the wheel. Economy
Artificial Intelligence
The use of AI in combating extremism has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to improve efficiency and accuracy in identifying terrorist activities. This research paper aims to explore the key concepts associated with utilizing AI to combat extremism, including its various types and developments. Additionally, it will examine how AI can be used to combat terrorist acts in cyberspace. Furthermore, the paper will analyze the most prominent government strategies and experiences in utilizing AI to confront extremism, highlighting their successes and shortcomings. It will also explore the challenges and opportunities that countries face in adopting AI-based approaches to counter extremism, including ethical concerns, data privacy, and technical limitations. To achieve these goals, this research paper will use an analytical method to analyze the current state of knowledge regarding the use of AI to combat extremism. Relevant articles will be identified through a comprehensive search of academic databases and other reputable sources. The articles will be screened and assessed for eligibility based on pre-defined criteria. Data will be extracted and synthesized, and a narrative synthesis will be used to present the findings. The paper will also draw on case studies of government strategies and experiences in utilizing AI to combat extremism. Finally, recommendations for policymakers and practitioners will be developed based on the synthesis of the findings
Beyond borders and blockades: human trafficking risks among vulnerable Palestinian populations under occupation
Abstract This article explores the nexus between political occupation, economic marginalization, and the risk of human trafficking in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). It argues that the ongoing Israeli occupation and blockade, particularly of Gaza and Area C of the West Bank, have entrenched structural vulnerabilities that increase exposure to exploitation and trafficking, most significantly of women, children, and unregistered workers. The catastrophic escalation following October 7, 2023, has intensified these vulnerabilities to unprecedented levels, creating an acute humanitarian crisis that compounds trafficking risks. Adopting a combined analytical and legal approach, the study utilizes human rights reports, national legislation, and international conventions. The findings indicate that state fragility, fragmented governance, extreme poverty, and the impacts of occupation create fertile ground for labor exploitation, forced displacement, and survival trafficking. The article critiques international anti-trafficking and counterterrorism policies for their decontextualized, criminalized approach, which often ignores the political and colonial histories of occupied lands. It concludes by calling for a rights-oriented, contextualized approach that addresses the structural vulnerabilities arising from occupation and blockade while strengthening national law and international judicial assistance
