International Conference On Terrorist Rehabilitation

PANEL DISCUSSION I
monitoring is implemented. Repentant terrorists are also
invited to play an active role in reinforcing the message
of non-violence. To further strengthen their resolve, social
measures that facilitate economic and social reintegration
are put in place.
For Major General Stone, the objective of the programme in
Iraq is to separate violent Islamists from non-violent ones;
to assess the degree of radicalization; to engage in a plan
that surrounds the detainee with support options while
allowing for individual choice; and to create an atmosphere
of cultural understanding, clarity of mission, respect
and hope.
Engagement Process
The Coalition Forces are dedicated to the welfare of the
detainees. The detainees are allowed to receive visitors
and to send and receive mails. In addition, the International
Committee of the Red Cross carries out unannounced visits
to check on the detainees. Detainees in Iraq also receive
round-the-clock medical attention, as with the Coalition
Forces. Detainees who are identified as enduring security
risks are confined to Modified Detainee Housing Units at
Camp Bucca. This is in line with the objective to separate
violent Islamists from non-violent Islamists.
Results to Date
Major General Stone noticed that presently, detention
camps have become calmer, less violent and with greater
levels of cooperation. More than 25,000 cases have been
reviewed for release and the rate of recapture is very low.
There have been strategic releases of detained foreign
fighters who speak out publicly against jihad in the Arab
media after they have returned to their home countries.
The Future
Major General Stone emphasized the need to develop
programmes to reduce the risk of religious radicalization.
He recommended the creation of a global council. This
global council will advise world governments on the threat
of extremism and will act as a central site for resources.
Major General Stone posited the need for international
funding to be sought. In addition, support from the
international community for the expansion of successful
programmes will result in an exponential improvement.
These programmes address the underlying sources for
any grievances, empower the moderate ummah to address
the violent Islamists and tend to the matter of religious
radicalization.
Major General Stone concluded by emphasizing the
importance of the ongoing situation in Iraq. Iraq, as a
geographical and historical centre of Islam, has an impact
on more than one billion people in the Muslim world. He
therefore underscored the need for Muslims and non-
Muslims to reach out to one another and cooperate.
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THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON TERRORIST REHABILITATION