ONE META-ANALYSIS OF THE CAUSE OF TERRORISM IS THE LACK OF FREEDOM IN THE MIDDLE EAST. There is no doubt that there is a lack of freedom in the Middle East in many aspects. Freedom of religion, association, freedom of speech, freedom of press and freedom of women are either absent or seriously lacking in most countries in the Middle East^{[1][2][3][4][5]}. The Freedom House deemed in 2015 only 2 of the 18 countries in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as free countries comprising only 5% of the total population of that region. The Freedom House analyzed that 85% of this population lives in unfree countries and 10% in partially free countries^[6].

The lack of freedom of women and freedom of religion are not just staterelated in the MENA countries, they are vastly present at the micro-level of society. Oppression after conversion from Islam to another religion (or none) will first and foremost create a backlash from the family^[7]. Oppression of women happens first and foremost at the level of family life^[8].

However this oppression is in turn allowed and permitted by all legal and governance structures^[9]. Even if certain freedoms are mentioned in a constitution, almost always the police and other law enforcers will act according to the oppressors and oppressive structures and habits. This can for example be seen in the lack of response to the so-called ‘honour killings’^[10]. The lack of freedom in the MENA countries exists therefore a clear interaction between the macro level of legislation and governance and the micro level of family life and local society. Both ends of this interaction are oppressive and mutually strengthen the ongoing oppression.

The ones ‘benefiting’ from this oppression at the micro level are older men of majority groups.  It is true that young men in MENA countries can more easily escape their family and society than young women but within the MENA societies and families they simply do not have personal freedom of choice. Internet is for example for many young men and women simply a possibility for  to escape these oppressive structures^{[11] [12]}.

This culture of oppression is therefore deeply rooted in these societies. This is amplified by the lack of political freedom in most of the MENA countries. Political opposition of any kind will most often experience some form of violent oppression. The afore-mentioned Freedom House report especially focuses on the clampdown by totalitarian regimes against political opposition.

One can safely conclude that for the vast majority of the populations of the MENA countries the only public discourse is that of oppression and violence. A culture of oppression and violence is a perfect hotbed for terrorism. Radical Islam fits neatly in this picture.

The head of Sunni Islam’s most esteemed center of learning, Sheik Ahmed alTayeb, grand imam of Al-Azhar in Cairo, blamed in February 2015 ‘corrupt interpretations’ of the Quran and the life of the Prophet Muhammad for the rise of Middle East-based terrorism. He called therefore for a reform of Islamic education.

This is a very stark admittance that Islamic terrorism is clearly attached to the fact that wahabism and other extreme interpretations of Islam have become the mainstream Islamic discourse in most of the MENA countries. The rise and dominance of intolerant and radical Islam cannot be left out as another major factor fuelling Islamic terrorism. The rise of intolerant Sharia is reinforcing the pre-existing patterns of unfreedom at macro and micro level in a significant way^{[13] [14][15] [16]}. Furthermore it creates an environment in which extremism can grow unchallenged which is a fertile soil for terrorism^[17]. This development has been encouraged by the Gulf States, notably Saudi Arabia, who promoted wahabism and funded extreme madrassa’s and mosques across the globe^[18]. This development is now recognized as a threat at European political level but has so far not lead to major changes in policy^[19].

It is obvious that the fundamental lack of freedom opens the road to extremism and violence as there is no other model of public discourse available and as free debate is discouraged.  Neither the MENA societies nor it’s communities abroad know and encourage a fully free debate in which alternative views and facts can brought in. This in turn creates an atmosphere in which non-factual conspiracy theories easily outweigh factual debate^[20]. These conspiracy ideas subsequently discourage critical self-reflection and deflect blame and responsibility and are often core instruments of terrorist groups as they provide easy frames of ‘the powerful them and us the victims’^[21].

The Head of the Department of Islamic theology and Religious Education at

Freiburg University of Education, Abdel Hakim Ourghi, expressed the following observation in an interesting article in ‘Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung’ (19 May 2016) “The Quran lessons in the Mosques are conditioning children into a patriarchal social structure and restrain their creative power of self-development.” This shows that a reform of Islamic education will be insufficient to counter terrorism if it only focuses at a more moderate form of Islam. A much more fundamental change towards freedom in education and education in freedom is needed for education to become a key prevention of terrorism.

The World Economic Forum found in 2015 that: ”In addition to foundational literacies, MENA’s learning crisis extends to competencies needed in the workforce, such as critical thinking, creativity and communication. In the Arab world, 40% of employers cite skill-shortage as a top constraint to business operation and company growth.”^[22]

Here we see how an unfree culture creates the conditions for terrorism. The lack of freedom in education blocks innovation and blocks subsequently economic growth. The lack of economic prospects is one of the most quoted drivers of terrorism. However there can only be economic growth if the true source for terrorism, a culture that lacks freedom, is dealt with.

The conclusion of the above is that the MENA countries suffer under a lack of freedom at all levels of society. The lack of freedom is ingrained in culture and government from the micro level of the family to the macro level of national government. It is especially damaging for women, minorities and young people. This ‘culture of unfreedom’ creates a culture of oppression and violence that is a fertile ground for terrorism. The discourse of oppression and violence is further solidified and encouraged by Islamic extremism, itself being a product of oppressive regimes who promote wahabism and salafism around the globe. The prevailing cultural paradigms of oppression and violence are not challenged in free debate. The lack of fact-based debate allow conspiracy theories to become the most important storylines in the MENA countries, storylines that feed terrorism. Education and media can only be a game changer if they promote and educate freedom itself. This change towards freedom in education and education in freedom is also the way to innovation and economic growth.

The strategic conclusion from the above is that it is paramount for the EU and EU Member States to promote a culture of freedom across the MENA countries.

The core question then is what that means in reality and in terms of benchmarks.

There are some existing cases of MENA countries that do enjoy freedom or growing freedom. The before mentioned Freedom House study classifies Israel and Tunisia as countries of freedom. Nevertheless the experience of the

CPFE with Rojava in Northern Syria convinced the CPFE that it is the development in this region that provides clearer clues how a home-grown culture of freedom can provide an answer and alternative to terrorism coming from the MENA countries. Israel is by and large a case of ‘imported freedom’ as a consequence of the European Jews who founded it.

Tunisia does witness a change towards democracy but many aspects of a culture of freedom still need to be realized (like full and personal women’s rights as well as public freedom of religion^{[23] [24]}).

The Syrian quagmire has given life to what is the most radical experiment in home-grown freedom in the Middle East to date. This experiment is called the

Federation of Rojava Northern Syria which is located along the Syrian – Turkish border and is now larger than Lebanon^[25].  Right from the start of the civil war the situation in North-East Syria developed differently than in other parts of Syria^[26]. Assad pulled out much of his forces to fight the civil war in Western Syria leaving a vacuum behind. The Kurdish PYD seized the moment and filled the vacuum in co-operation with the Syriac Union Party (Syriac Christians) and their Syriac Military Council, along with the Sheikh of the Shammar tribe (head of the Sanadeed forces). In this way this became early on a multi-ethnic and multi-religious entity.

Quickly the new governance introduced its Social Contract as de-facto constitution which has no reference to Islam and rejects religious interference in political life^[27]. They quickly abolished all sharia courts, established full and personal as well as collective freedom of religion and embarked on an unprecedented effort in securing women’s freedom and rights. The way they did the latter was to make sure in the constitution, in laws and in practice that women got full responsibility and opportunity in government and defence as well as in social life^[28]. Furthermore legislation was implemented that prohibited underage marriage and forced marriage as well as abuse of women. A network of women’s houses has been realised to provide shelter against abuse and to offer education. The key concept has been empowerment through responsibility. A clear example is the 7000 strong YPJ female defence force that is renowned for its effectiveness against ISIS^[29]. Aside these remarkable policies the governance in all levels is multi-ethnic and multireligious. This is further enhanced by the freedom of association in which every segment and ethnic component of society can develop its own social organisations. With regard to economy, the rise of cooperatives in Rojava as answer to economic struggle signals how freedom unlocks economic-social innovation regardless of the harsh circumstances^[30].

This combination of tangible freedoms and multi-ethnic co-operation has proven to be the most effective way to counter extremism and terrorism in the region. The defence forces of Rojava are without doubt the best motivated and most effective response against ISIS and other terrorist entities. Not just by having motivated forces who are prepared to defend their freedom but also by providing governance and society that effectively ends all possibilities for extremism and terrorism to maintain presence and take hold. By now Rojava has become so strong and large that there is no doubt anymore that it will continue to exist and its renewed constitution (presented 1 July) affirms all its established freedoms and its ambition to defend and spread them in newly liberated areas where ISIS is defeated^[31].

A number of key principles can be derived from this new reality that can work as benchmarks to define a culture of freedom:

• Women‘s rights (fundamental freedoms)
• Freedom of religion at personal and collective level
• Personal choice (freedom of young people to develop)
• Democratic structures and multi-ethnic governance
• Freedom for and development of civil society

These principles when applied in practice have been proven to be very effective to spread a culture of freedom at micro and macro level (and mutually enhancing another). Spreading a culture of freedom according to these principles and support the areas where they are realised is the winning strategy against terrorism.

Movements, initiatives, entities and countries that strive towards and realise this ‘cultural spectrum’ are key to change the environment around Europe. This can be big entities (Rojava) or small initiatives (boxing school for ladies in Jordan^[32]). It can also be citizen’s movements (women’s movement in Egypt and elsewhere^[33][34]) or youth opposition movements (students in Sudan^[35]). Of course it can also be a country that shows real development in the direction of freedom (Tunisia^[36]). A more positive relation between the EU and Israel is a logical consequence of this approach.

The core is that the EU and it’s Member States understand how promoting a culture of freedom will solve European challenges and is key for our longterm security. This means that this goal will need to gain priority in all EU and EU Member foreign affairs approaches and policies. It does not mean that all existing ties or diplomacy will end but it means a shift in approach.  What does this mean in practice?

1. Support freedom by co-operating with those states, political forces and movements who grow towards, foster and promote real freedom according to mentioned principles.
2. Democracy without a culture of freedom is difficult but democracy can be used to create that culture (Tunisia).
3. Support free media initiatives that promote a culture of freedom
4. Freedom of religion, women and minorities is key to create a culture of freedom as it opens the road towards personal freedoms
5. Support minorities and support their defence against ISIS as their existence is key to maintain a pluralist society which can accelerate a culture of freedom significantly as the society already will have to deal with existing diversity.
6. Focus at the costs of unfreedom and give less priority to states and forces who practice and promote unfreedom (Turkey, Saudi Arabia etc.).

Concrete measures (non-exhaustive list) that can be taken are:

1. Setting up a mechanism of detection and identification of states, political forces and movements who grow towards, foster and promote real freedom as defined by the described characteristics.
2. A sharing mechanism at EU level in which EU Member States can opt-in in specific projects which will prevent duplicity and ensure that many people will be reached.
3. Setting up programs like the Dutch MATRA and NIMD programs but directed at mentioned groups in order to foster a culture of freedom.
4. Supporting media in regional languages that work according to the principles of freedom and allow real fact-based debate.
5. A strong focus at freedom of religion and freedom of women in integration courses and policies in EU Member States and (where possible) outside Europe. Women’s houses in neighbourhoods with integration challenges deserve support, protection and (if needed) expansion to a network of women’s houses elsewhere.
6. Promote personal value, freedom and fundamental freedoms (e.g. freedom of women and religion) in education programs in MENA countries.
7. Create exchange mechanisms for students in order to spread awareness of a culture of freedom.
8. Integrate the core freedom principles in all Foreign Affairs policies as well as trade agreements as key strategies towards security, stability and economic growth.

Sadly, the EU deal with Turkey to stem the refugee stream and the EU proposals to expand this strategy to the whole MENA sphere is doing the opposite^[36]. The EU is in fact supporting dictators and oppressive regimes to stop the refugee stream from coming. It is quite improbable that the MENA regimes will be capable of stopping refugee streams given their corrupt and failing governmental apparatus. This strategy is a continuation of the ‘shortterm fix’ that are in complete opposition to both Europe’s values as well as Europe’s real challenges of terrorism, refugee streams and integration issues. Continuing support of unfreedom means a continuation of these challenges. The real measures that the EU is taking are in stark contrast to its proposed ‘global strategy’. It is noteworthy that this strategy does tick all the obligatory boxes but lacks clear measures which in practice clearly leaves too much space for policies such as the Turkey deal. This is a situation that the EU cannot afford.

Freedom is not an exclusive gift to the West but needs to grow wherever possible. Only in a culture of freedom all other development can be realised.

The EU needs to understand that the freedom of the people around us is a guarantee of our freedom. Freedom as we know it is a result of our Christian heritage. It is our calling to share it so that all humankind will be free.

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[1] http://pomed.org/blog-post/uncategorized/u-s-commission-on-international-religiousfreedom-releases-report/ & https://www.opendoorsusa.org/resources-2/#wwl-report & http:// www.religiousfreedom.eu/2016/06/30/annual-report-on-the-state-of-freedom-of-religion-orbelief-in-the-world-2015-2016/ & http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/238390.pdf & http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/26/magazine/is-this-the-end-of-christianity-in-the-middleeast.html

[2] http://www.clubmadrid.org/en/programa/freedom_of_association_in_the_mena_region

[3] http://www.economist.com/news/international/21640747-middle-east-free-expression-rarityblasphemy-laws-are-favoured-tools q

[4] http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/press-freedom-curtailed-after-arab-springreport-1139300

[5] https://freedomhouse.org/sites/default/files/270.pdf (overview freedom of women in MENA countries)

[6] https://freedomhouse.org/sites/default/files/FH_FITW_Report_2016.pdf (page 10)

[7] http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7355515.stm

[8] http://www.freemiddleeast.com/blog/free_middle_east/the-bleak-reality-ofwomen%E2%80%99s-rights-in-the-middle-east-and-how-far-the-arab-spring-must-go/477

[9] http://www.freemiddleeast.com/blog/free_middle_east/the-bleak-reality-ofwomen%E2%80%99s-rights-in-the-middle-east-and-how-far-the-arab-spring-must-go/477

[10] http://www.meforum.org/2646/worldwide-trends-in-honor-killings

[11] http://www.cyberpsychology.eu/view.php?cisloclanku=2014100501

[12] http://english.alarabiya.net/en/views/news/middle-east/2014/04/25/Brain-Drain-why-aquarter-of-young-Arabs-want-to-leave-their-countries.html

[13] http://www.uscirf.gov/news-room/op-eds/the-washington-times-sharia-in-sudan-v-womenand-religious-freedom

[14] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/

[15] _Religious_Freedom_Implications_of_Sharia_Implementation_in_Aceh_Indonesia

[16] https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2015/brunei

[17] http://nationalinterest.org/feature/the-myth-empowers-islamic-terrorism-16409

[18] http://www.newstatesman.com/world-affairs/2014/11/wahhabism-isis-how-saudi-arabiaexported-main-source-global-terrorism & http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/homenews/wahhabism-a-deadly-scripture-398516.html

[19] http://edition.cnn.com/2015/12/08/world/germany-saudi-extremism/ & European

Parliament resolution of 12 March 2015 (statement 7)

[20] http://www.danielpipes.org/books/hiddenchap.php

[21] http://www.demos.co.uk/files/Conspiracy_theories_paper.pdf?1282913891

[22] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/05/how-can-the-middle-east-close-its-educationgap/

[23] http://www.tunisia-live.net/2015/08/13/life-and-struggles-of-being-a-woman-in-tunisia/

[24] http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/tunisia-the-muslim-nation-where-christiansenjoy-relative-freedom-74844/

[25] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rojava#cite_note-135

[26] http://www.vice.com/read/meet-the-ypg

[27] http://www.syriacsnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/social-contract-dsa-syria.pdf

[28] http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Op-Ed-Contributors/The-Kurdish-womensrevolution-344927

[29] http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isis-terror/meet-kurdish-women-fighting-isis-syrian199821

[30] http://www.hamptoninstitution.org/cooperatives-in-rojava.html#.V39qY_mLS70

[31] http://en.hawarnews.com/indorsement-of-social-contract-preparations-for-coming-elections/

[32] http://www.shefighter.com/, http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/middle-east/ jordanian-women-climb-into-the-boxing-ring

[33] http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/politics-threaten-egypt-s-anti-sexual-harrassmentmovement-1957403917, http://egyptianstreets.com/2015/06/10/egypt-launches-first-antiharassment-tv-ad/

[34] https://broadly.vice.com/en_us/article/the-young-women-standing-up-to-extremism-in-themiddle-east

[35] http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/22/sudan-student-killing-abubakar-hassanprotests

[36] http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/06/01/tunisia-started-the-arab-revolts-now-it-sbeat-back-the-islamist-tide.html

[36] h t t p : / / w w w. h u f f i n g t o n p o s t . c o m / e n t r y / e u – m i g r a t i o n – e r i t r e a sudan_us_5759a90ae4b0e39a28acd632 ⁸⁶ https://europa.eu/globalstrategy/en