Samarra University Organizes a Panel Discussion to Curb Violent Extremism Leading to Terrorism

The Department of Media and Government Communication at the Presidency of Samarra University organized a panel discussion titled “Curbing Violent Extremism Leading to Terrorism” on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. This event was held in partnership with the Colleges of Arts, Education, and Islamic Sciences at the university, as well as the Departments of Intellectual Security and Community Police in Samarra, and the Tadark Organization for Human Rights and Democracy. The session coincided with the International Day for Combating Intellectual Extremism Leading to Terrorism.

The session was attended by the Assistant President of the University for Scientific Affairs, Professor Dr. Kamal Hussein Ahmed, along with several associate deans, faculty members, staff, and students from the university’s colleges.

The organizers aimed to raise awareness among students and the university community, as well as the broader city population, about mechanisms to confront violent extremism that leads to terrorism. Discussions included methods of dealing with individuals exhibiting extremist thoughts, actions, and behaviors, and highlighted the roles of religious scholars and security agencies in education and law enforcement. Additionally, the responsibilities of academics and specialists in psychological sciences, as well as the role of media and civil society organizations in addressing the issue, were emphasized.

Assistant Professor Dr. Ali Mouloud Fadel, Head of the Media Department in the College of Arts, opened the session by discussing the media’s role in combating extremism. He emphasized the importance of producing programs aimed at countering extremist ideas, promoting moderate thoughts through media activities, and confronting all forms of extremism.

Assistant Professor Dr. Rashid Ahmed Mohammed, Head of the Department of Educational and Psychological Sciences in the College of Education, addressed proper methods for confronting extremism. He highlighted psychological fortification, family cohesion, and the role of psychological science specialists in community awareness, especially among youth, to mitigate aggressive tendencies and clarify perspectives.

Dr. Walid Mutib Ali, a faculty member in the College of Islamic Sciences, discussed the responsibilities of mosque imams and religious scholars in clarifying jurisprudential issues and promoting moderation among people. He noted that people’s distance from religion and misunderstandings have led them to adopt extremist ideas, emphasizing that Islam is a religion of tolerance, moderation, and mercy, and does not advocate extremism.

From a legal standpoint, Colonel Abdul Karim Omar Hamada, Director of Community Police in Samarra, explained that security agencies in the city work to confront extremists, particularly those whose extremism leads to various forms of terrorism. He mentioned several reported cases involving terrorism and violence, including suicide incidents rooted in intellectual extremism, predominantly among youth characterized by high enthusiasm and a desire for experimentation.

Separately, Mr. Mustafa Abdul Wahid Hamid, Executive Director of the Tadark Organization for Human Rights and Democracy, discussed the work of civil society organizations in combating violent extremism, especially human rights organizations. He highlighted their role in achieving social justice, preserving human rights, and distinguishing between freedom of opinion and expression and hate speech resulting from violent extremism.

The session concluded with several recommendations, notably presented by Dr. Ayman Saleh Marai, a faculty member in the College of Islamic Sciences. He urged sourcing authentic religious knowledge from reputable and moderate scholars, avoiding the influence of social media content, and refraining from adopting foreign ideas from online celebrities. He also called for the enforcement of laws deterring extremists, combating hate speech, and addressing sectarian tensions.

The Assistant President for Scientific Affairs expressed gratitude to the session’s organizers and speakers, encouraging everyone to embody the spirit of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and to spread love within the community.

This session is part of a series of activities undertaken by Samarra University to achieve governmental program objectives and implement ministerial directives within the government communication plan.