Q&A
Christopher Boucek
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Source: Getty
In The Media
The 'Soft' Counter-Terrorism of Saudi Arabia
As part of a wider approach to counter-terrorism, Saudi Arabia has implemented an innovative rehabilitation program for the less extreme offenders. Christopher Boucek gives a brief assessment of the program and the lessons the West can learn.
Published on Jan 26, 2009
Source: CBC Radio One Dispatches
Saudi leaders responsible for administering the rehabilitation recognize that the young people who are most likely to be recruited by extremist groups need to have alternative options to a life of violence. Speaking to CBC radio, Christopher Boucek explains what lessons other countries can learn from the Saudi experience, criticisms of the program, and how complementary 'hard' counterterrorism measures have helped make the initiative a success.
Of the 3000 participants in the programme, almost half have successfully graduated, and only 45 have been rearrested. Boucek awknowledged that while this is a very high success rate, it is likely to fall as the programme expands. Similar strategies to combat extermism have been adopted around the world, including in Scandanavia to combat neo-nazism.
About the Author
Christopher Boucek
Former Associate, Middle East Program
Boucek was an associate in the Carnegie Middle East Program where his research focused on security challenges in the Arabian Peninsula and Northern Africa.
- Yemen After Saleh’s Return and Awlaki’s Exit
- Rivals—Iran vs. Saudi ArabiaQ&A
Christopher Boucek, Karim Sadjadpour
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
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