Terrorism that hides behind religion became a threat to the entire world. "European security services hope that religion will help radical young people to change their view. But it happens the other way in reality - they continue to be antisocial and commit crimes, while believing in their commitment to correct faith. Criminals receive moral justification for what they have always done anyway," experts of the International Center for Radicalization Studies in London believe. Experts of the post-Soviet space focused on other aspects.
"In their treacherous intentions, terrorists and extremists are trying to distort the humanistic essence of religious teachings, especially Islam. They are obsessed with ideas of plunging the world into the atmosphere of obscurantism and religious strife, hatred and fear. International terrorist structures are trying to put their pseudo-doctrines and false ideas into the consciousness of people, especially young people. Thousands of young people, including minors, are skillfully lured into these organizations and forced into criminal activity under false pretenses. More and more often respected religious leaders who oppose heresy and crimes of terrorists and extremists are becoming victims of the terrorist attacks," Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Kazakhstan Baglan Mailybayev said.
According to him, more and more innocent people are dying under mosques and temples, bombed by terrorist: "Guardians and defenders of museum values, historical and cultural monuments are killed by terrorists. In other words, terrorism uses the tactic of destroying everything and everyone who protects people's souls. This is the criminal plan of international terrorism - to take over historical and cultural consciousness of the humanity. So the fight against international terrorism requires a comprehensive approach more than ever."
According to Mailybayev, this approach should include not only military actions against terrorists, but also the creation of spiritual barriers that could stop this global threat. This could be done through the active use of humanistic ideas of the religion itself and the widespread influence of religious and spiritual leaders.
"Kazakhstan and Russia have almost identical approach to the fight against international terrorism. As strategic allies and partners, out countries are on the same side of global frontline against terrorism and extremism... International terrorist organizations want to obtain nuclear materials. Cybercrime can also be a dangerous weapon in their hands. The result of these aggressive actions are growing migration flows. International terrorism and extremism caused enormous damage to cultural, religious and spiritual heritage of humanity. Under these conditions, it is very important to strengthen dialogue and trust between cultures and religions," he noted. He also recalled that Astana holds congresses of leaders of world and traditional religions on a regular basis every three years.
