1. Understanding and Countering Violent Extremism in Afghanistan
- Author:
- Peyton Cooke, Casey Johnson, and Reza Fazli
- Publication Date:
- 09-2015
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United States Institute of Peace
- Abstract:
- Youth recruitment into extremist groups in Afghanistan continues to be a major source of group building. In field studies and interviews conducted in three provinces to elicit views on extremist groups, both violent and nonviolent, and factors thought to induce youth to join such groups, violent extremist groups emerged as unpopular and mistrusted, being perceived as un-Islamic and controlled by foreign powers. Nonetheless, the activities and ideologies of such groups have not been effectively countered by the government of Afghanistan, civil society, or the international community. Programs to counter extreme violence should emphasize the Islamic basis of Afghan civil law, accommodate local differences, and be conducted in partnership with moderate voices and youth, with international organizations remaining in the background
- Topic:
- Conflict Resolution, Civil Society, Terrorism, International Affairs, and Youth Culture
- Political Geography:
- Afghanistan