EMIRATES NEWS AGENCY-WAM
The war on terrorism requires a double-pronged fight that addresses both financing and ideology, Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, the United Arab Emirates’ minister of state for foreign affairs, said during the country’s National Day celebrations
“I do not accept the hijacking of the Islamic religion by takfiri groups, so we must begin to fight extremist ideology,” the minister said.
The UAE placed the Muslim Brotherhood on its list of terrorist organizations because of its takfirist ideology, as it did with other sects that support extremism. Gargash said the move highlights the fact that terrorism is not linked to one particular doctrine.
“Addressing extremism is not solely an Arab issue, and therefore, there must be a collective effort. Terrorism targets Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, Libya, Belgium, France, Kenya and Tunisia, and all countries are facing a global challenge, so dealing with it must be from this standpoint, and each region should study its circumstances,” he said.
With regards to the fight against terrorism, the minister explained: “There is no Arab solution we can export to confront extremism and terrorism in the world. Terrorism is a global challenge, and the solution must therefore also be global. All states must make a common effort on an international level to counter extremism, and we are working, through the UAE experience, to provide assistance in facing extremism as part of the international coalition fighting terrorism.”
In regard to the situation in Syria, Gargash stressed that the only solution for Syria is a political one.
“Choosing between Daesh and al-Nusrah Front is not a realistic option,” he said. “Unfortunately, we see the marginalization of the moderate and rational voices in Syria that seek to create a civil state.”