Derasat chairman: ‘War of ideas’ needed to confront theocratic, extremist ideologies

London, July 16 (BNA): Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (DERASAT), Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, has stressed that investing in strategic thought contributes effectively to bringing about the desired positive change by producing new inspirational visions and dynamics that would support peace, freedom and development, and at the same time, confront extremism and terrorism in all their forms. Addressing the Gulf Research Meeting 2019, organised by the UK Cambridge University, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed said that the Gulf region is in dire, more than any other part of the world, for investing in strategic thought, and for waging a "war of ideas" to confront the theocratic and extremist ideologies, after the prevalence of differences at the expense of coexistence, and chaos at the expense of stability, as well as the increase in the number of failed states or those on the verge of collapse. He noted that many theories have attempted to explain the current situation in the region, such as "Filling the Void" or "Creative Chaos", but the "Power" theory has dominated, and become the most dangerous as it derives its "fuel", in most cases, from sectarian feelings, extremist ideas and hatred of the other. In this regard, he pointed out that Iran is the most prominent example, as it has proved, four decades after its revolution, that it is not a natural state, with its expansion-based and crisis-mongering approach aimed at stirring up conflicts, as well as sponsoring and harbouring terrorism, citing its interferfence in the internal affairs of the region’s countries, including Bahrain, where Iran-backed terrorist cells have been discovered. He assered that the Mullas Regime in Iran and the Takfiri (accusing others of being unbelievers in Islam) terrorism complete each other, despite their different names, as their doctrine and goals are the same-changing the world as per divine orders, which means, for both, that every terrorist act is legitimate and justified. DERASAT chairman went on to say that the Middle East region is currently going through a new crisis as a result of the recent escalation in the Arabian Gulf region caused by attacks on civilian oil tankers, and there is evidence of Iran’s responsibility over them. The lecturer stressed that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict remains a permanent source of tension, noting that Bahrain, out of its desire to be an influential part in the solution to the problem, has hosted the "Prosperity for Peace" workshop as an initiative aimed at enhancing development, education and the quality of life for peoples of the region, especially the Palestinians, as well as creating a suitabe environment for peace. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla said that the region has, over the past decade, witnessed a wave of vilent changes that led to nothing but the collapse of national institutions, the increase of savage sectarian and ethnic conflicts and the obstruction of development plans, thus making reforms more disfficult. He affirmed that Iran and terror leaders, who know nothing but violence and vengence, have benifitted most from the past trouble-filled period. He emphasised that after the bitter expperience, everyone should have realised that stability, gradual reform, sustainable development, education and the dissemination of the moderation discourse are essential pillars for democratic development. It is also time to send a firm collective message to Iran to stop interfering in others’ affairs and jeopardising global peace and security, he added. He indicated that Arab moderation countries, particularly Bahrain, are seeking to extinguish the fires of Iran in the region and to prevent threats to international navigation, noting that these countries have an integrated anti-terrror system that integrates the security dimension with economic growth, human development and religious moderation. Talking about the successful reform march in the kingdom, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed said that Bahrain is a role model for self-reform that takes into account diversity within the framework of national unity through consolidating democratic practices, activating popular participation within the context of the separation of powers and the achievement of sustainable development based on the principles of Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 (sustainability, competitiveness and fairness), within a framework of partnership between all groups, such as women and youth. Concluding, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed called for concerted international efforts to address existing challenges. He also called for adopting better ways to manage differences, providing hope and opportunities for youth, as well as focusing on human beings and ensuring their right to a secure and prosperous environment.