Some Western governments have faced criticism on their foreign policies, particularly in relation to the Middle East, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Terry Waite, the humanitarian and author who was held captive by a terrorist group in Lebanon for nearly five years in the 80s, says: “Although it is a truism, it is correct to say that one must win 'hearts and minds' and thus alienate the terrorist from his or her base of support.” Some believe that Western foreign policy acts against this, and has lead directly to an increase in home-grown terrorism in the West.
The 360 risk project used its website poll to pose the question Is current Western foreign policy leading to a growth in terrorism at home?
The poll suggested four possible answers:
• Definitely - foreign policy is the cause of the radicalisation of extremists at home.
• Probably - foreign policy decisions are likely exacerbating the rise of the terrorist threat at home.
• Not sure - foreign policy varies from country to country and it is difficult to identify a single cause of home-grown terrorism.
• No- foreign policy is merely a convenient excuse used by those intent on attacking the West anyway.
Responses were divided on the extent to which Western foreign policy has an impact on home-grown terrorism, with almost a 50/50 split between those who lean towards thinking that Western foreign policy is a contributing factor and this who think it is not.
Over 180 people responded to the poll, and the results showed that:
• Twelve percent of respondents feel that Western foreign policy is definitely to blame for the radicalisation of home-grown extremists
• Thirteen percent feel that foreign policy is used as an excuse to attack the West but in fact has nothing to do with terrorism at home
• Thirty-six percent are not sure that Western foreign policy has had an impact on home-grown terrorism
• Thirty-nine percent think that decisions made on foreign policy are likely exacerbating the rise of terrorism at home.
Whatever you believe, it is clear that the fight against home-grown terrorism should be a collaboration between Government, business and the wider community, as no one group can do it alone. The private sector can provide an important contribution by helping to create a climate that is less receptive to terrorism, as highlighted in the 360 report “Home-grown terrorism: What does it mean for business?”
What is required is not that businesses interfere in political issues but that they help to foster carefully focused economic activity, promote diversity in the workplace and engage in local community projects – both at home and abroad. For example the legitimate needs of employees of all backgrounds and religions should be catered for, allowing them to feel welcomed and valued. Business can also engage in initiatives which will provide training courses to help the business community better understand the complexities of the Islamic community, for example the national counter-radicalisation strategy of the UK’s Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG).
Ultimately, no amount of proactive measures taken by business leaders can completely mitigate terrorism. But, with opinion divided over the impact that Western politicians are having on home-grown terrorism, business leaders will be keen to consider what they can do to help develop harmoniously diverse communities.
