Psychological warfare

ANALYSIS: A Twist On Psychological Warfare Against Wavering Islamist Jihadists

Those in charge of developing and executing strategy in America’s war on terror are beginning a new phase based on a counseling philosophy. The idea is that individuals prone to joining in terrorist attacks on the West might be encouraged through the use of psychology and associated counseling techniques to change their minds.

It’s difficult to fault any attempt to defeat terrorism, but this latest tactic must be well thought out before resources are diverted in its pursuit. And though this seems a highly unique turn in our efforts in the war on terror, lessons may in fact be learned from similar, previous attempts to change the mindset of our enemy. As a matter of fact, Saudi Arabia has, since shortly after 9/11, engaged in a somewhat softer approach in tackling radical ideologies.