Guardian Long Read: Who Are The New Jihadis?

[s28]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Who are the new jihadis? <a href="https://t.co/yPukcLvO5s">https://t.co/yPukcLvO5s</a></p>— Guardian World (@guardianworld) <a href="https://twitter.com/guardianworld/status/852389830793207812">13 April 2017</a></blockquote>
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[s28]

"Another characteristic that all western countries have in common is that radicals are almost all “born-again” Muslims who, after living a highly secular life – frequenting clubs, drinking alcohol, involvement in petty crime – suddenly renew their religious observance, either individually or in the context of a small group."

"Most of the new radicals are deeply immersed in youth culture: they go to nightclubs, pick up girls, smoke and drink. Nearly 50% of the jihadis in France, according to my database, have a history of petty crime – mainly drug dealing, but also acts of violence and, less frequently, armed robbery. A similar figure is found in Germany and the United States – including a surprising number of arrests for drunk driving. Their dress habits also conform to those of today’s youth: brands, baseball caps, hoods, in other words streetwear, and not even of the Islamic variety."

 

[s28]

 

[Tapioca]

highly secular life – frequenting clubs, drinking alcohol, involvement in petty crime –

That is their definition of secular. Hmmm

 

[SpiritOf1903]

That is their definition of secular. Hmmm

In an Islamic context, yes

 

[s28]

This sort of well researched article should be used by the Mosques to lobby Government for more funding to provide more facilities and activities for youth. The current Government #Prevent strategy is entirely built on a discredited 'conveyor belt' theory which assumes it is increased fundamentalism/practice of the religion which leads on to extremism when in fact the radicalisation/extremism comes about usually out of the blue and targets those who are on the fringes of the society and don't participate in Mosque/community. The devil makes work for idle hands.