Fighting extremism

This is with reference to the article “Nothing Islamic about IS” (Oct. 29) by Abdulateef Al-Mulhim. Most of the objective opinion leaders and thinkers appear to be ignoring the ground realities. We should not also take into consideration, the factors that contributed to the growth of extremism in the region. The injustice being continuously meted out to Palestinians and Kashmiri Muslims, and the unjust invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq should also be discussed with full vigor, if we are genuinely searching for a solution to the problem of terrorism.

The inhuman treatment of prisoners in Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo Bay and other cells in Afghanistan also resulted in the creation of many extremists.

Every US veto against resolutions targeting Israel only created feelings of resentment among Muslims across the world. The powers that be are fully aware of their roles in the rise in extremist ideology. Instead of coming up with a genuine solution, they think that they can create peace by using violent methods and by suppressing other nations.

The global powers are to be blamed for the current turmoil in the world. Their ill-conceived policies only worked in favor of certain elements that misled frustrated people into joining their ranks for their vested interests. The frustrated people were duped into believing that those demagogues would help them achieve social equality and restore peace to their respective societies. The situation in the Muslim world is highly volatile. It is the duty of every sane member of the Muslim world to play his/her due role to educate people and to help eliminate radical ideology. In addition to that it is also important for the global powers to genuinely work for the restoration of peace and stability in the world.