Radicalism, extremism in Albania from a stranger's perspective

The year 2012 took the entire Western Balkans by surprise. Suddenly, citizens from various Balkan countries began heading for Syria and Iraq. They wanted to be a California fighter. They dreamed of fighting in a war abroad. Islam, in this region, peaceful by tradition, fell prey to jihad, either by trusting in him or by being tempted by his promises. With international assistance, Western Balkan countries managed to reduce the number of people going to those countries. The question, however, is: Have these countries managed to fight radicalisation and (violent) extremism?

Since 2012, Albania has adopted several laws and a national strategy in the fight against violent extremism. He has condemned some influential figures, such as some recruiters or people who had threatened to commit acts that could lead to terrorism or promote it to Albania or abroad.

Currently, the number of foreign fighters leaving Albania fell from about 150 to zero in 2017. Many returned to their homeland, feeling regret over their actions. That's good news, isn't it? However, the issue is slightly more complicated than that.

For example, a thorough investigation into factors that led to radicalisation or violent extremism should be made because people were not radicalized overnight. Some immamies have actively worked with communities, inspiring them to leave for a better life in potassiums. Perhaps someone could say that the imams and recruiters have already been convicted. While true, it should not be forgotten that the imams have conveyed their powerful ideology for some 20 years, meaning that their ideas continue to be present in their realms of influence. Moreover, unofficial mosques and self - proclaimed imams are an issue that should not be overlooked. Albania may be a small country, but its very weak infrastructure makes it difficult to communicate with remote rural areas.

Second, these immames and other convicts currently in the suffering environments are part of some disadvancing program? As far as I know, they're not part of any such program. Even those who have returned are not part of a disproportionate program. Just like Mrs. It is still too early to talk about rehabilitation or reintegration of convicts or returnees, as the process of deradition has not yet occurred.

Two of the reasons that lure people towards radicalisation and extremism are despair and lack of chance in life. Life in Albania is very centralised in Tirana. There are many foreign - language schools in the capital, sports clubs, many libraries, and many extra - school activities are organized, while other cities in the country are left behind in this regard.

The last bus from Tirana to Durres, the second largest city in the country, leaves about 7:30 pm, while the last bus from Divjaka to Durres leaves about 4-5 pm. The Durres Library is found in a small building on which broken Nazi crosses are drawn. Instead of reading books or engaging in sports, most youths are stuck on phones or on various social networks. Corruption is so widespread throughout society that people talk openly about the price (or, would it be better to call it tips?) Then what perspective does an Albanian youth have?

Lulzim Fushtica, the National Co-ordinator for Kosovo in the fight against violent Extremism, presented the results of his dialogue with Kosovo municipalities, showing that residents there do not require major investments or great activities. No! In fact, they seek libraries, playgrounds, sports clubs, and other places where young people can spend their leisure time properly so that their lives will make sense. Kosovo and Albania do not differ as much from each other, so that what Fushtica told us does not apply to Albania as well.

Civil society organisations, international donors and governments have battled violent extremism by the side of many projects. In essence, any project aimed at developing young people is more than welcome, but in reality it must directly address radicalisation and violent extremism. If he does not do so, he may mistakenly give the impression that it is the amount he acquires rather than the quality. Some organizations even acknowledged that in the current climate, it is easy to obtain grants, as long as the proposal mentions the words “fight against violent extremism”

One more element should not be forgotten. It seems that everyone has his eyes only on Islamic radicalization, thus underestimating other forms of extremism. For example, how many Christian charities or foundations exist in Albania?

Is their God - given help offered? Does anyone pursue their activities or the ways they interpret the Bible? Was it or was it not an act of extremism the incident that occurred during the match between Israel and Albania?

Are the above - mentioned broken Nazi crosses (as well as the open sale of Hitler's Mein Kampf) categories of a yet nonviolent extremism?

What about negative attitudes and verbal attacks on both the LGBT and Muslim women who choose to cover up what they are?

The failure and deliberate failure of the above is a very dangerous precedent. The limit between radicality and radicalisation, between extremeism and violent extremism, is as thin as a curtain, and as a matter of fact, it can easily be erased.

Although Albania is mostly Muslim, its people have lived in religious tolerance for many decades. The current levels of polarization seem to affect this coexistence.

Unfortunately, people remain relatively indifferent, not realizing that one day they can wake up in a highly polarized society and with radical ideas on every corner of it. Religious tolerance should not be taken for granted. It must be actively cultivated as a precious heritage belonging to all Albanians.