Counterterror expert: “deradicalization” is “practically impossible”

http://www.jihadwatch.org/2015/07/counterterror-expert-deradicalization-is-practically-impossible

July 27, 2015 6:56 pm By Robert Spencer 19 Comments

Ganor is quite right in saying that “deradicalization” doesn’t work: many such programs are based on the premise that the true teachings of Islam are peaceful, and so all that needs to be done is show the jihadis how they’re misunderstanding the Qur’an and overlooking its teachings of peace, and all will be well. But since the Qur’an and Sunnah are full of commands to make war against and subjugate unbelievers, the idea that jihadis can be “deradicalized” by reference to them is just a myth told to Infidel authorities to lull them into complacency.

Ganor is likewise quite right when he says: “We need to understand how terrorist groups such as Islamic State are recruiting young men and women.” We do need to understand that, and it isn’t hard to understand, but since it involves a direct appeal to Islamic authenticity, virtually all authorities choose to ignore it and search for other explanations. Ganor himself does this when “he said violent computer games might be fuelling some young people’s desire for a so-called ‘adrenaline’ rush.”
There are plenty of young non-Muslims who play violent computer games and yet never join jihad groups. The key element here is once again the one that no one wishes to acknowledge: Islam.
“Deradicalisation ‘practically impossible': Counter-terrorism expert warns against reforming radicals,” by Danuta Kozaki, ABC.net.au, July 27, 2015:

A leading international counter-terrorism expert from Israel has issued a warning to Australia about the success rate of deradicalisation programs.
Professor Boaz Ganor, from the International Policy Institute for Counter Terrorism, has told a meeting in Sydney only a minority of deradicalisation cases work.
“I don’t believe in deradicalisation in general terms because once those people have been radicalised, it is practically impossible to uproot those ideas in their heads,” he said.
“However, I’m a great believer in prevention. A lot can be done in the education and religious systems to prevent those people who might be intrigued.”
Professor Ganor was speaking at a forum organised by the New South Wales Parliamentary Friends of Israel and the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies.
NSW Opposition frontbencher and deputy chairman of the parliamentary group Walt Secord said it was the difficult job of legislators to understand what programs work.
“I don’t know what the answer is,” he said.
“What do we do as legislators? Do we strip citizenship for foreign nationals if they fight for listed terrorist groups?
“Which programs work? It’s an issue jurisdictions around the world are grappling with.”
Professor Ganor said prevention was the key.
“We need to understand how terrorist groups such as Islamic State are recruiting young men and women,” he said.
He said violent computer games might be fuelling some young people’s desire for a so-called ‘adrenaline’ rush.
“Being offered by representatives of ISIS to do those barbaric things in real life — the adrenaline works.,” Professor Ganor said….