On September 24, Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism (AOCE) received a group of trainee Polish diplomats as part of its ongoing effort to raise awareness of the dangers of extremism and its growing impact on global stability.
During the meeting, Dr. Riham Salama, Executive Director of AOCE, highlighted the AOCE's efforts to monitor extremist ideologies and activities in 13 languages. She stressed the importance of educating different segments of community, notably students and youth, who are often the most vulnerable to extremist influences.
On the sideline of the visit, Dr. Osama Raslan, supervisor of the AOCE English Unit, delivered an insightful lecture on the characteristics of extremism and effective confrontation mechanisms. He underscored that extremism is a global threat that transcends regional boundaries and provided an in-depth analysis of how extremist organizations have evolved in the Arab region and the Middle East over the last few decades.
Dr. Raslan discussed the structural dynamics of these organizations, funding methods—including human trafficking and drug trade—and how they exploit legal and economic loopholes to finance their operations. He also outlined the propaganda strategies employed by these groups to recruit fighters via digital platforms and social media.
The lecture concluded with a detailed overview of prominent extremist organizations in the Arab world, emphasizing their geographical spread and movements. Dr. Raslan stressed that combating extremism requires comprehensive strategies that address economic, social, and cultural dimensions alongside security measures.
The lecture fostered meaningful engagement from the Polish diplomats, who raised pertinent questions about strengthening international cooperation against extremism and the role of religious and educational institutions in promoting tolerance and coexistence.
Dr. Salama expressed her gratitude to the Polish delegation for their active participation and highlighted the lecture's value in deepening understanding of extremism and global countermeasures. She urged them to convey an accurate representation of religions while distinguishing between genuine beliefs and the distortions propagated by extremist groups pursuing their own agendas.