YOUNG EMIRATI WANTS TO TACKLE THE CHALLENGES OF DERADICALISATION
Maitha Qambar’s academic approach shines light on meaning and motives of terrorism, writes Salam Al Amir
Maitha Qambar’s research on how to deradicalise those drawn into extremism is as critical as it is timely. At a time when many nations fear the return of ISIL fighters after their imminent defeat, dealing with that challenge comes into sharp focus.
The 24-year-old recently completed a master’s degree in terrorism and homeland security from the American University in Washington. She is finalising a study that looks at deradicalisation.
Many nations will probably consider imprisonment for returning citizens, but the present thinking is rehabilitation, she says.
“By adopting peaceful, educational and therapeutic approaches, we help those imprisoned on charges of terrorism or extremism and transform them into productive members of society,” she says.
“We also strengthen their sense of patriotism and belonging to their country and leadership, who deserve the best from their people for the support the leadership provides to all levels of the society in all aspects of life.
“A well-informed community member would be able to identify and help a person who is being lured by extremists.”
Ms Qambar has always been a high achiever. In 2010, she graduated from high school with a score of 93 per cent, which earned her a place at Pennsylvania State University. There, she studied intensive English communication for a year.
Afterwards, she enrolled in international studies with specialisation in global security and human rights in the Middle East at the American University, on a scholarship from the Government.
“If it wasn’t for my country’s support and my father’s encouragement, I wouldn’t have achieved such an accomplishment,” says Ms Qambar, whose drive to make her country and father proud is what spurs her on.
“I represent not only myself, but my country and family too, therefore when making any decision or even the slightest move, I would think only whether this would make my country and my parents proud,” she says.
Ms Qambar holds her own in a well-educated and accomplished family.
While studying for her BA, Ms Qambar trained in the political department at the UAE Embassy in Washington DC. There, she researched human rights issues in the UAE related to labour laws and human trafficking.
She returned to the UAE last year to join the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research in Abu Dhabi, where she published a report about the UAE’s counterterrorism policies.
The study involved monitoring and classifying terrorist operations in other countries, comparing lists of designated terrorists and conducting a comparative study on non-military counterterrorism policies.
Upon her return to the United States to pursue her master’s degree, Ms Qambar worked as a research assistant for five months at the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (Start) at the University of Maryland.
Start is funded by the US department of homeland security and houses the largest database of American national extremists.
In May, while working as a research assistant for a programme on extremism at George Washington University, Ms Qambar wrote an independent paper on rehabilitation and deradicalisation programmes.
Her study was informed by analysis of speeches by Muslim Brotherhood members and research from primary and secondary sources on Islamist extremism, ideology and radicalisation.
“I have noticed a confusion among people when it comes to what terrorism and extremism is, that’s why my goal is to spread awareness among the public about their proper definition, types and the right approaches to identify and combat them,” she says.
I have noticed a confusion among people when it comes to what terrorism and extremism is, that’s why my goal is to spread awareness