What's New at GWUMC

 

The discussion, part of a series hosted by GW’s Homeland Security Policy Institute (HSPI) and moderated by HSPI Director Frank Cilluffo, brought together homeland security policy experts, representatives from countries worldwide, congressional staffers, and even a former member of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group to consider and evaluate how the Dutch fight this worldwide adversary.

 

After suffering the sting of terrorism firsthand in 2002 when two Dutch Muslims were killed in Kashmir, the Dutch recognized that their biggest threats are “home-grown terrorists,” or Dutch citizens who are recruited and trained to terrorize against their own country. Keeping this in mind, the Dutch attempt to prevent young people—particularly within the Muslim population—from feeling polarized and adopting radicalized views. 

 

“We stimulate communities to create better understanding and better relationships. We advocate policy for all communities in our society that promotes equal opportunities in regards to housing, education, and work,” the Ambassador explained. “If, in individual cases, these preventative measures don’t work, we try to identify processes of radicalization as early as possible and counter them with strategic interventions. And, if necessary, the Dutch government is willing and able to use all legal means of repression to swiftly stop the spread of these movements.”

 

Ambassador Jones-Bos also discussed the influence—both positive and negative—of the Internet in regards to terrorism. While the Internet can cultivate radicalized views, it can also be used to present counter-information. “We are encouraged by the young Muslims we see on the Internet, fervently attacking jihadists by stressing why the jihadist interpretation of Islam is wrong,” she said.

 

By cultivating an accepting and supportive society, the Dutch are setting an example of tolerance that is not synonymous with indifference. “We cannot just sit back and let people be,” she said. “It is imperative to find a balance between respect for other cultures and respect for human rights.”

 

While the specific route to countering terrorism in the Netherlands may be less applicable in the United States, all nations should take note of their general emphasis on humanitarianism and cultural competency. “This is really all about our core values—values such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, open-mindedness, and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Ambassador Jones-Bos. “I think it is these values that the United States and the Netherlands share, and have shared for the past 400 years.”