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Syrian conflict a main driver of radicalisation in Singapore: MHA study

SINGAPORE — Radicalised individuals in Singapore involved in a preliminary study were found to be mainly driven by a “binary worldview” of the Syrian crisis, which led them to “separate the ‘good guys’ from those they believed to be responsible” for the conflict.

This undated file image posted on a militant website on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014, which has been verified and is consistent with other AP reporting, shows fighters from the Islamic State group, marching in Raqqa, Syria. Photo via AP

This undated file image posted on a militant website on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014, which has been verified and is consistent with other AP reporting, shows fighters from the Islamic State group, marching in Raqqa, Syria. Photo via AP

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SINGAPORE — Radicalised individuals in Singapore involved in a preliminary study were found to be mainly driven by a “binary worldview” of the Syrian crisis, which led them to “separate the ‘good guys’ from those they believed to be responsible” for the conflict.

This was among the findings in the study - looking into the psychological effects of the threat posed by terrorist group Islamic State (IS) - which was published last year by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) behavioural sciences experts. Radicalised individuals also have a tendency to “romanticise the notion of an Islamic caliphate”, and a desire to be “good” Muslims, which had been preyed upon by IS.

IS has also “cleverly capitalised” on the End Times prophecies to heighten “existential anxiety” and motivate people to increase their level of religious piety by engaging in a “worthy cause”.

The study noted that according to psychologists here who have worked with radicalised individuals, including those detained under the Internal Security Act, there is no fixed profile that can help identify a person “who is likely to gravitate towards violent extremism”.

These individuals were at various stages of radicalisation, with some considering traveling to Syria or Iraq for jihad, while others showed their support through pro-jihad postings online or buying jihad-themed paraphernalia such as IS flags

The ability to “rationalise and justify the use of violence” is a key feature in radicalisation, said the study. The findings of the study were discussed in a book titled “Combating violent extremism and radicalization in the digital era”.

Such justification is sometimes made by those who view countries in the West as “the source of evils that have corrupted and tyrannised Muslims”.

“Given the asymmetrical nature of the balance of power between the armed forces of the West and that of ISIS, the latter’s use of violence (is)...perceived as legitimate, as it is wielded with the purpose of redressing the alleged injustices done to the Muslims,” wrote Ms Hu Weiying, a psychologist with the MHA.

Violence is also “justified” when used against characters which the IS has denounced as being “inhuman”, cruel, or lacking compassion.

Citing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as an example, the study noted that that radicalised individuals regard suffering caused by IS as “insignificant” relative to what their opponents, such as Mr Bashar has allegedly inflicted on the Sunni Muslims in Syria.

IS propaganda also highlights its “good deeds” in the conflict zones to “mitigate” the sufferings its violent actions have caused.

Apart from their romanticised notion of an Islamic caliphate, radicalised Singaporeans also have a strong desire for peace to reign in the Middle East, and to restore former glories during the time of the Ottoman Empire, the study noted.

Spanning over six centuries, the empire was one of the longest in history, and was inspired and sustained by Islamic institutions.

The desire to be a “good” Muslim is another factor underpinning radicalised individuals here, especially when confronted with their anxiety about not having been a “good Muslim” in the past.

“For example, when faced with the idea of death, the individual might examine his past, identify the large number of sins he has committed, and feel the need to become a better person,” the study said.

These individuals may be attracted to IS’ “untestable but attractive notions” about rewards after death if they follow the footsteps of other extremists.

“Their rhetoric offers hope, opportunity and fulfilment en route to paradise...By engaging in armed jihad, these individuals are persuaded that they will not only redeem themselves...They and their families will also be equally rewarded it paradise,” the study said.

Findings from the psychological interviews also revealed that some radicalised Singaporeans did not subscribe to extremist ideologies because of altruistic intentions.

Rather, they enjoy the idea of “being part of the real action or dangerous adventure”.

“For this specific group...adrenaline-pumping adventures like taking up arms in Syria represent the elevated experiences of their lives,” the study said.

Noting that the Islamic State’s cause has continued to resonate with some Singaporeans due to these psychological motivators, Ms Hu stressed that psychologists and religious counsellors must put up a “credible counter-argument” to its ideology and legitimacy.

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