Extremist threats call for national and international responses, UAE panel told

Dr Sultan Al Nuaimi’s keynote address gave delegates an Emirati perspective on terrorism, and he broadened the discussion to cast an eye over developments in the broader Arab world, explaining that edShow more

ABU DHABI // Extremist threats call for national and international responses, a panel has heard.

Experts gathered in the capital on Wednesday for a conference to discuss policing and security issues. There, Dr Faisal Al Ayyan, executive vice president of Rabdan Academy, said most challenges are complex and unexpected, “which is why we need to prepare for and preserve stability”.

He said the challenges differ, being economic, social or a security case. However, they are all interconnected and affect neighbouring regions.

“The world is now open, everyone communicates with everyone around the world. Social media has a great role and we must deal with it realistically. What affects our country also affects other countries. It is a regional issue, and it is crucial to have a solid mechanism to combat the challenges,” Dr Al Ayyan said.

“In the UAE, we have the capabilities. However, we need to look at how to find solutions.”

John Reid, a former British cabinet minister and chairman of the Institute for Security and Resilience Studies of the University College of London, said new methodologies of terrorism were easy and accessible, especially in the form of cyber crimes.

He said the right kind of leadership is required to counter terrorism, and police officers are “absolutely essential” in the process.

“The police are unique because it is closest to the community,” he said.

He highlighted the role of the police force in leading counter terrorism.

However, he said the challenges will always be present, which is why safety procedures must be found and acknowledged.

He also said it is time to evaluate the impact of potential threats.

Many factors within a society contribute to upheaval such an unemployment and corruption, said Dr Sultan Al Nuaimi, faculty member of Abu Dhabi University, which in turn give extremists a “way in”.

Dr Al Nuaimi said there are ways to eradicate disturbances in societies such as awareness of the possible external threats, a nationwide focus on development and creating overall national school curriculums that strengthen national identity.

However, the community also has a greater role in protecting a nation, Dr Al Nuaimi said.

“We ask ourselves, what can the police force do? But they are not the only responsible authority, other entities are also responsible,” he said.

He also said the Arab Spring had created a dilemma regionally and internationally, thus creating a terrorist hotbed.

“All security threats are related to each other, which creates a different bigger problem for the government.

“For example, the Syrian refugees in Jordan now have access to more job opportunities, which keeps local people unemployed. The Jordanians are angry and the authorities don’t know how to contain this anger. That creates other issues.”

He said ISIL has reached a stage where eradicating it will be a huge task and it was crucial for all segments of society to work hand in hand in protecting the nation.

The conference will continue on Thursday.