Five years after the beginning of the so-called Arab spring, the situation in the various countries involved is far from stable or good. The aspirations and dreams of the youth, who were behind the uprisings, have turned out to be at best mirages, and in some cases nightmares. Devastating civil wars have erupted. The main objectives – democracy and freedom – have been forgotten. New threats such as the rise of Islamic State (Isis) and terrorism are shaking the region.
Even Tunisia, considered the most successful example, and awarded the 2015 Nobel peace prize for its civil society’s efforts to avoid civil war through implementing dialogue between rival political parties, is challenged by terror and the exapansionism of Isis. It is claimed that the country is the biggest exporter of jihadis to Syria and Iraq. The rapid spread of the terrorist group suggests that the vast majority of young Arabs are poised and ready to join Isis.
But the Arab Youth Survey refutes that claim. Conducted to explore attitudes among Arab youth in 16 countries in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, the survey found that an overwhelming majority of young Arabs reject Isis and believe that the group will fail in its aim of establishing an Islamic state. Rather, the group surveyed believes that the biggest obstacles facing the region are unemployment, lack of democracy, rising living costs and civil unrest. Only 13% of the 3,500 interviewed agreed with the statement: “If Isis did not use so much violence, I could see myself supporting it”; 78% rejected it while 9% were unsure about their position. And the majority of those interviewed perceive the lack of jobs and unemployment as the top reason for joining Isis.
As an activist and teacher I have had the opportunity to discuss these issues with my students, as well as young people taking part in demonstrations. A few months ago, I went to Kasserine where protest movements had erupted after the death of a young man. He had been electrocuted while protesting at being rejected for a government job. What happened evoked memories of the self-immolation of Mohammed Bouazizi, that triggered the Tunisian revolution. Demonstrations started in Kasserine and spread to other regions of the country – even the capital.
While there, I talked to many young people and overwhelmingly they rejected terrorism and Isis. Many protesters denounced a narrative that presents their city as a pillar of terrorism in Tunisia. It is worth remembering that Kasserine’s mountains – Chaambi, Semama, Mghila – are the main hiding places for terrorists in Tunisia, and there have been several stories about cooperation between the inhabitants of Kasserine and the terrorist groups. Many of those arrested or killed in recent months were from the area.
Nevertheless, I did hear some angry voices expressing their readiness to join the terrorist organisation. They spoke of the indifference of politicians to their demands. Many of the social problems highlighted in 2011 have still not been resolved. Unemployment has worsened since the revolution. They wonder if joining Isis might be a solution to their problems and help them to have a better life.
In other parts of the country I visited these themes resurfaced. But the majority of young people, both those who totally reject Isis and those who consider it a viable alternative, see that unemployment, marginalisation and lack of opportunities are behind the rise and proliferation of the terrorist group.
It is obvious that world leaders, and in particular those in Arab countries, do not understand the challenges they face. We hear much about the fight against terrorism and Isis; security strategies dominate and ignore the socio-economic challenges. The leaders appear to be blind to the roots of the problem.
Economic stagnation, social dislocation, violence, instability, the growth of terrorist groups, illegal immigration and many other problems are expressions of the lack of perspective, blocked horizons, and bankrupt ideologies that make it impossible for young people to envisage a better future. A lack of values and effective policy from our lawmakers is a familiar tale around the world.
And what about the never-ending conflicts? Are the young people who migrate clandestinely, throwing themselves into the waves on hazardous journeys, or those who join terrorist groups, not simply sick, traumatised people? They are representatives of their sick societies.
They live in a world dominated by the exploitation of people and natural resources. Is it any wonder that the young seem to have lost all hope and be completely disoriented? They seem to be emptied from inside.
It is despair that moves and agitates them now. And it is clear that the strength and power emanating from this despair cannot be anything but destructive.