‘Our goal is to eradicate the ideology that inspired the 9/11 attacks’

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Updated 14 September 2021
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‘Our goal is to eradicate the ideology that inspired the 9/11 attacks’

  • Dr. Mansour Al-Shammari, secretary-general of Etidal or the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology, spoke to Arab News
  • He said Saudi Arabia is working sincerely to expose the ugly ideology used to justify the 9/11 terror attacks

JEDDAH:The perpetrators of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks harmed Muslims worldwide through the perversion of their faith, Dr. Mansour Al-Shammari, secretary-general of the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (Etidal), said.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News in Riyadh to mark the 20th anniversary of the attacks, Al-Shammari said that Saudi Arabia has acted decisively to combat and eradicate the ideology that inspired the deadly strikes.

“The many measures that resulted from the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C. were an attempt to confront Al-Qaeda’s nihilism, horrific violence and distortion of religious texts,” Al-Shammari said.

Etidal, which translates as “moderation” in Arabic, was inaugurated by King Salman in May 2017, alongside then US President Donald Trump and other leaders who attended the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh.




Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (Etidal). (Supplied)

The organization aims to help people and governments to confront the common enemies of humanity, fight extremist ideology, spread tolerance and moderation, and promote opportunities for world peace.

“The significance of this year’s commemoration of the Sept. 11 attacks lies in the recognition of the futility of violence rooted in nihilism, and the fact that the courage required to stop it is greater and more noble than what is required to practice it. Curbing the misinterpretation of religious teachings and understanding religious texts in their proper context marks the beginning of true awareness,” Al-Shammari said.

Q. The 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks comes amid a new crisis in Afghanistan. How do you view the coincidence?

A. The events of Sept. 11 constituted a painful attack on the civilizational values of nearly 2 billion Muslims, as terrorists latched on to their sacred religious texts and used them opportunistically to justify a heinous crime that claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people, including Muslims.

The present age has witnessed other cases of extreme violence besides the 9/11 attacks. Terrorists usually do not have a strategy for victory because they do not fight to protect life. On the contrary, they fight against the protection of life, both among themselves and with others. That is why the perpetrators of terrorist attacks fade into irrelevance over time, having wasted their lives through acts of pointless violence.

Terrorist violence is thus different from the measured violence of wars, through which regular armies seek to claim tangible victories on the battlefield, usually based on a rational calculation of gains and losses.




Julie Sweeney Roth, whose husband Brian Sweeney died when United Airlines flight 175 hit the World Trade Center, attends the National 9/11 Memorial during the ceremony commemorating the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. (AFP)

The violent misinterpretation of their religious texts by the terrorists created a distorted, negative image of Muslims that entered the public imagination, and thus amounted to a vicious attack on their faith.

The measures taken after the terrorist attacks are an attempt to confront two new phenomena: Nihilistic violence and perversion of faith. Afghanistan has become a victim of both the phenomena. The country has turned into a testbed for a hellish war machine that cannot end without a conclusive victory of one side. Radical armed groups have transformed Afghanistan into a field for a lost battle where everyone fights everyone.

We can say that the importance of this year’s commemoration of the Sept. 11 attacks lies in recognizing the futility of nihilistic violence. The courage required to stop it is greater and more noble than what is required to practice it. In addition, defining religious texts and interpreting them in their proper, contemporary context marks the beginning of achieving a measure of political maturity.

If we succeed in wiping out mindless nihilism and debunking deviant ideas, maybe then we can leave the painful legacy of the Sept. 11 disaster behind us. 

Q. Did Al-Qaeda’s attacks on the World Trade Center towers in New York City have a symbolic meaning? 

A. First of all, it should be noted that the catastrophic events of Sept. 11 did not come from nowhere, as tensions had remained throughout the world since the end of the Second World War. We know that the war in Afghanistan was part of this general state of tension. Just as religious ideology was used to mobilize fighters, Marxist ideology played the same role simultaneously in many East Asian and Latin American countries.

However, after the fall of the Soviet Union, the world order shifted toward unipolarity in terms of international relations. It did so within the framework of a globalized economic system, which sought to impose a coherent and unified development model across the world, giving absolute priority to multinational companies.




Etidal, which translates as “moderation” in Arabic, was inaugurated by King Salman in May 2017, alongside then US President Donald Trump and other leaders. (AFP/File Photo)

This shifted the focus of the terrorists to economic targets, which explains why Al-Qaeda chose the two World Trade Center towers for attack.

Suicide operations began to aim to disrupt the trade and tourism sectors by creating a sense of insecurity. This transformation coincided with a revolution in the media industry in the form of satellite television channels that provided, intentionally or unintentionally, free propaganda for Al-Qaeda’s terrorists, turning them into international figures at the least possible cost.

Q. How do you view terrorism today, 20 years after Sept. 11?

A. There has been a shift from terrorism on the ground to “networked terrorism.” This shift mirrors the history of the transformations of organizations over the past 20 years.

We are specifically aware of how difficult it is to track these changes, which is why we at Etidal are working on updating our strategy on the basis of the distinctions between these transformations. We consider them to be more than just formal distinctions.




A young boy looks at the faces of firefighters killed in the September 11th terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center site. (AFP/File Photo)

This is why we have enormous interest in the different manifestations of digital terrorism and continuously seek to forge international partnerships. We are aware that the digital transition constitutes an end to localized terrorism and extremism because social media networks have erased all physical borders between terrorist and extremist organizations and their sympathizers.

Q. What projects does Etidal undertake?

A. Our perception is built on the following: The origin of every form of terrorism is an extremist ideology, which is why every form of terrorism is necessarily a form of extremism. However, not every form of extremism is terrorism. So, we focus specifically on combating extremist ideologies instead of terrorism as such.

We seek to act proactively to prevent terrorists from developing ways to attract and recruit sympathizers using extremist propaganda. Our initiatives put us in confrontation with extremists without directly clashing with them on the ground. We can say that we disrupt the tools of brainwashing by monitoring, following up on and cutting out the false religious underpinning of radicalism before it can ensnare gullible sympathizers.

John Abizaid, US ambassador to Saudi Arabia, who is an expert in countering terrorism physically and ideologically, once said that, militarily, destroying a bridge or a building is much easier than undermining an idea. In fact, this is exactly the challenge we at Etidal deal with, by seeking to win the war of ideas.

However, we are also aware of the daunting scale of the challenge. The Sept. 11 attacks have become a painful memory, but the image stuck in the minds of people is that of the catastrophic collapse of the famous towers, accompanied by great human tragedies besides the deaths of thousands of people at the hands of terrorists.




Family member grieve at the National 9/11 Memorial during the ceremony commemorating the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. (AFP)

In Saudi Arabia, we are working with utmost seriousness through Etidal to expose the ugliness of the ideology that was used to justify the 9/11 attacks, and to combat such ideas in every way possible.

We also think that the non-recurrence of similar terrorist outrages in the future depends on the success of our efforts to debunk the extremist ideology that underpins terrorism, or at least to curtail it and weaken its ability to mislead and attract people.


Saudi Arabia showcases digital progress at Osaka expo 

Updated 12 min 44 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia showcases digital progress at Osaka expo 

RIYADH: The Saudi Data and AI Authority revealed the Kingdom’s progress in digital transformation and smart city development during its participation in Saudi events at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

The authority outlined national efforts to adopt data and artificial intelligence technologies to improve service efficiency and support sustainable development, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Mishari Almishari, deputy director of the authority’s National Information Center, said that Saudi Arabia was steadily moving toward a more integrated digital society under Vision 2030, which identified digital transformation as a key development goal.

He noted that the authority’s establishment in 2019 marked a significant step, coordinating efforts through three main entities: the National Information Center, the National Center for Artificial Intelligence, and the National Data Management Office.

The authority plays a central role in data and AI regulation and development, according to Almishari, contributing to the Kingdom’s growing position in data and AI-based innovation.

He also highlighted support for smart city systems through projects like the National Smart C Platform, the Smart Riyadh Operations Center, and initiatives promoting innovation, such as training camps, incubators, accelerators, and national hackathons.

The authority’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka reflects Saudi Arabia’s aim to contribute to global AI development and build a more inclusive digital future.


Hajj volunteers on duty at Arar border crossing

Volunteers from various government and charitable organizations are providing comprehensive support to Iraqi Hajj pilgrims at th
Updated 18 May 2025
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Hajj volunteers on duty at Arar border crossing

RIYADH: The Jadidat Arar border crossing in the Northern Borders region continues to welcome Hajj pilgrims arriving from Iraq, with volunteers from various government and charitable organizations providing support.

Teams from the Saudi Red Crescent Authority offer medical services and health education to ensure the safety of pilgrims, delivering urgent care when needed, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Volunteers from the Northern Borders Health Cluster perform medical examinations and monitor health conditions, safeguarding pilgrims’ well-being from arrival to departure.

Volunteers from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development help organize pilgrim movement, oversee transport and provide logistical support.

They also assist the elderly and people with disabilities, ensuring smooth and accessible mobility, the SPA reported.

Teams from the Ministry of Sport offer guidance at entry points and educate pilgrims on organizational procedures.

Students from Northern Borders University assist with translation, facilitating communication with non-Arabic-speaking pilgrims.

Volunteers from various associations guide pilgrims on entrance and exit routes to ensure smooth movement.

Saudi volunteers ensure pilgrims have a straightforward and enriching Hajj journey, working tirelessly in several sectors to maintain top-level service, according to the SPA.

The annual Islamic pilgrimage — required once in a lifetime for Muslims who are physically and financially able to do so — will begin in Makkah on June 4 and end on June 9.


Saudi FM receives Turkish counterpart in Riyadh

Updated 18 May 2025
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Saudi FM receives Turkish counterpart in Riyadh

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan on Sunday received his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in Riyadh to discuss the latest regional developments, Al Arabiya News Channel reported.


Filipino conjoined twins in Riyadh for surgical separation

Updated 18 May 2025
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Filipino conjoined twins in Riyadh for surgical separation

  • Klea Ann and Maurice Ann Misa are being assessed at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital

RIYADH: Filipino conjoined twin sisters Klea Ann and Maurice Ann Misa arrived in Riyadh on Saturday and are being assessed for possible separation surgery under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program.

The twins were taken to the King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital at the Ministry of National Guard upon arrival at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Klea Ann and Maurice Ann, accompanied by their parents, were brought to the Kingdom from Manila upon royal directives.

They are the third conjoined twins from the Philippines to be placed on the program.

The program’s medical and surgical team is led by Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, who is also an adviser at the Royal Court and director general of the Saudi aid agency KSrelief.

The twin’s parents expressed their gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their generous care and warm reception, as well as the comprehensive medical attention they received, SPA reported.

Conjoined twins Klea Ann and Maurice Ann are now undergoing medical assessment for possible separation surgery at the King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital. (SPA photo)

In an interview published on Saturday in Arab News, the twin’s mother, Maricel Misa, said that since her children were born seven years ago, she had been praying that one day someone would help them to live a normal life.

Misa, who owns a small shop with her husband in Lubang Island in Mindoro Oriental province, central Philippines, were unable to afford the expensive operation the twins needed. Her prayers were answered when she got a call from the Saudi Embassy in Manila and was told that the Kingdom was willing to help.

“We saw a post from Saudi Arabia about conjoined twins from the Philippines who had undergone surgery there, and I commented, saying I hope we can be helped too. Someone noticed my comment and reached out to me,” Misa said.

Since its founding in 1990, the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program has separated more than 140 children born sharing internal organs with their siblings. Among them were Filipino conjoined twins Ann and Mae Manz — joined at the abdomen, pelvis, and perineum — who were separated by Dr. Al-Rabeeah and his team in March 2004.

A second Filipino pair, Akhizah and Ayeesha Yusoph — joined at the lower chest and abdomen and shared one liver — were successfully separated in September 2024.

Al-Rabeeah said that the program “reflects the Kingdom’s principles of mercy and human solidarity without discrimination.”


A Saudi chef’s commitment to showcasing Kingdom’s cuisine on global stage

Updated 18 May 2025
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A Saudi chef’s commitment to showcasing Kingdom’s cuisine on global stage

  • Chef Mayram Atiq’s contemporary take on Saudi cuisine is winning hearts with every bite

MAKKAH: In the Kingdom’s burgeoning culinary scene, award-winning Saudi chef Maryam Marwan Atiq has emerged as a trailblazer, celebrated for her creativity and commitment to showcasing Saudi cuisine on the global stage.

With more than 15 years of experience, Atiq presents Saudi dishes in a contemporary, internationally appealing style without compromising its authentic essence. She is currently a member of the team of female Saudi chefs behind Tairat Al-Boulevard restaurant in Riyadh.

To Atiq, Saudi cuisine is not just a collection of recipes, but a “sea of flavors and ingredients” shaped by the Kingdom’s rich geographic and cultural diversity. This depth, she believes, gives Saudi food its distinctive character and its power to act as a bridge between cultures.

Through her participation in local and international exhibitions, Atiq has seen firsthand how Saudi flavors captivate people from around the world.

One of her most memorable encounters, she said, was with a man in his nineties who tasted jareesh for the first time at an exhibition. Deeply moved by the dish, his reaction reaffirmed her belief in the universal appeal of Saudi cooking.

“Food is the ambassador of culture,” she told Arab News. “And combining Saudi flavors and ingredients with international presentation techniques helps convey Saudi cuisine more quickly and accessibly, making it more appealing to international palates.”

Atiq praised the Ministry of Culture and the Culinary Arts Commission for their efforts in documenting and preserving Saudi food heritage. She herself has contributed to documenting traditional recipes from two regions of the Kingdom.

She also emphasized the role of online platforms in promoting Saudi cuisine to a global audience. Atiq called on media professionals and content creators to participate in this “cultural mission” that she is a major part of.

“I will continue my efforts to spread Saudi cuisine — , with our authentic flavors and cultural spirit — across the globe, making it a cultural ambassador worthy of the richness and diversity of the Kingdom,” she said.