Q&A
Christopher Boucek
{
"authors": [
"Christopher Boucek"
],
"type": "legacyinthemedia",
"centerAffiliationAll": "",
"centers": [
"Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
"Carnegie Europe"
],
"collections": [],
"englishNewsletterAll": "",
"nonEnglishNewsletterAll": "",
"primaryCenter": "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
"programAffiliation": "",
"programs": [],
"projects": [],
"regions": [
"Middle East",
"Saudi Arabia"
],
"topics": [
"Security"
]
}
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.
More Work from Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center
- Why Has Kazakhstan Started Deporting Political Activists?Commentary
The current U.S. indifference to human rights means Astana no longer has any incentive to refuse extradition requests from its authoritarian neighbors—including Russia.
Temur Umarov
- Why Are China and Russia Not Rushing to Help Iran?Commentary
Most of Moscow’s military resources are tied up in Ukraine, while Beijing’s foreign policy prioritizes economic ties and avoids direct conflict.
Alexander Gabuev, Temur Umarov
- How Far Can Russian Arms Help Iran?Commentary
Arms supplies from Russia to Iran will not only continue, but could grow significantly if Russia gets the opportunity.
Nikita Smagin
- Can the Disparate Threads of Ukraine Peace Talks Be Woven Together?Commentary
Putin is stalling, waiting for a breakthrough on the front lines or a grand bargain in which Trump will give him something more than Ukraine in exchange for concessions on Ukraine. And if that doesn’t happen, the conflict could be expanded beyond Ukraine.
Alexander Baunov
- Once Neutral on the Ukraine War, Arab States Increasingly Favor MoscowCommentary
Disillusioned with the West over Gaza, Arab countries are not only trading more with Russia; they are also more willing to criticize Kyiv.
Ruslan Suleymanov
