CIHS – Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies

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Money, Mosques and Jihadists ravage Europe

Money, Mosques and Jihadists ravage Europe

Unregulated foreign funding to religious extremist organizations has led to spread of Jihadists that altered demography, threaten democracy, social fabric. Rohan Giri First, it was United States and United Kingdom that reported increasing presence of Islamist networks, their infiltration into public institutions and society. Now, it’s the turn of Europe to confront a comparable proliferation of jihadist ecosystem that has led to demographic transformation, threat to democracy and socio-economic fabric in the region, Substantive support from Gulf monarchies, Turkey and Iran apart from others has enabled spread of jihadist networks through religious centres, cropping up of ideological organizations and expansion of their financial networks that bolstered subversive narratives. Although religious pluralism is easily recognized as a fundamental right, unregulated influence of foreign entities has generated significant concerns regarding integration, social cohesion and security. Saudi Arabia has reportedly been an important financial catalyst for the difficulties confronting Europe. During 2010 – 20, Riyadh disbursed more than $1.3 billion to Islamist groups in Europe via Muslim World League and International Islamic Relief Organisation. These funds have facilitated setting up Wahhabi-affiliated religious infrastructure, exemplified by Grand Mosque of Brussels. The mosque, seized by Belgian authorities in 2018 had historically served as a hub for ideological influence. In France, Germany and UK, institutions funded by Saudi Arabia have influenced religious discourse, frequently deterring assimilation into local cultures. Qatar has taken an alternative approach, leveraging considerable financial resources to endorse organizations that align with its geopolitical ambitions. During 2014 – 21, more than $ 650 million was allocated to European mosques, NGOs and Islamist networks through Qatar Charity and Qatar Foundation. A 2019 report explained how Qatari financing supported Muslim Brotherhood’s operations in Europe with monetary transfers channeled through intricate networks. Institutions including East London Mosque, Finsbury Park Mosque and Cordoba Foundation have received Qatari support, promoting narratives that highlight social segregation. In France, localities such as Trappes have seen rise of insular enclaves, partially influenced by Qatari-funded efforts that promote parallel social and economic frameworks. Turkey wields its influence via direct governmental intervention. Directorate of Religious Affairs, known as Diyanet supervises over 900 mosques in Germany controlling religious discourse and appointing imams who disseminate Ankara’s political and religious ideologies. German intelligence agencies have voiced apprehension regarding Turkey’s increasing influence especially since President Erdogan has urged Turkish populations in Europe to oppose integration. The Turkish-supported Milli Görüş movement, operating throughout Western Europe, promotes an Islamist socio-political paradigm that contests European secular principles. The 2016 Berlin Christmas Market incident underscored the threat of radicalisation within networks shaped by foreign-controlled religious entities. Iran uses a more nuanced, yet consequential, strategy. Tehran has expanded its influence in Shia communities in the UK, Sweden, and Germany through AhlulBayt World Assembly and Al-Mustafa International University. Financial networks associated with Hezbollah that frequently masquerade as charitable organizations have enabled both ideological proliferation and remittance of funds to Middle East. British intelligence agencies have recognized Hezbollah’s financial operations as a security threat; yet these activities continue to operate under legal safeguards intended for religious entities. In addition to conventional religious financing, financial instruments like Islamic banking and microfinance have been critical in supporting these networks. Islamic Relief Worldwide, active throughout Europe, has acquired a million dollars in donations from the Gulf in the past ten years. Despite framing these donations as humanitarian assistance, a significant portion of the funding serves to bolster ideological influence and establish economic dependency. Qatar Charity’s microfinance projects in France and Belgium have cultivated insular economic systems, wherein enterprises adhering to particular ideological stances prosper, while broader integration into the European market is impeded. Involvement of mosque networks in funding extremist groups has garnered heightened attention. Europol and intelligence services have disclosed instances in which foreign-funded mosques in France, Belgium, and Germany have served as channels for terrorist financing. A 2023 Europol report indicated that a minimum of 20 European mosques received funding and were subsequently associated with radical organisations in Middle East. In 2017, German police closed the Berlin Fussilet Mosque upon uncovering its connections to perpetrator of Berlin Christmas Market incident. France has implemented the same actions, shuttered 89 mosques during 2020 – 23, accommodating extremist factions and facilitating financial transactions for jihadist organizations. Security ramifications of these advances are significant. Extremist networks, developed and shaped by foreign financing, were linked to 2015 Charlie Hebdo attack, 2017 Manchester Arena bombing and 2020 Vienna terrorist attack. Certain European governments have implemented resolute measures. In 2021, Austria, led by Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, initiated closure of mosques directly associated with funding from Turkey and Gulf nations. France’s anti-separatism law, implemented the same year, established rigorous transparency mandates for foreign-funded religious organizations with an objective of diminishing external ideological influence. These efforts notwithstanding, Europe’s comprehensive response remains fragmented. Germany persists in permitting Turkish-controlled religious institutions to function with minimal supervision. UK has not yet implemented effective measures against Qatari-supported organisations, despite evidence linking them to terrorist ideologies. Despite being comprehensive, European Union’s counter-terrorism measures have encountered difficulties in combating ideological infiltration within communities. Resultant demographic changes and the impact on democracy are seriously being debated in Europe. Muslim population in Europe, currently estimated at 44 million, is anticipated to increase to 76 million by 2050. Migration and demographic changes are the elements of societal wellbeing; nonetheless, the inability to facilitate integration and mitigate foreign ideological influence threatens to exacerbate societal divisions. Reports of concurrent legal systems, voluntary segregation, and growing establishment of localised religious administration in regions of France, Belgium, Sweden and Germany signify an issue that transcends security and social stability. Europe may have to embrace a proactive strategy moving forward. Enhanced transparency in foreign fund raising is crucial along with stringent implementation of regulations aimed at preventing external influence from compromising national unity. De-radicalization initiatives must be enhanced by prioritizing community-driven efforts that promote common values instead of exacerbating differences. Safeguarding of Europe’s democratic, secular and inclusive identity will hinge on policymakers’ readiness to address these problems with a measured yet resolute approach. If ignored, the impact

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Radical Islamists Ravage French Identity!

Growing support for right political formations may have been triggered by Jihadists fear as French people grapples with hung verdict. Pummy Pandita Elections are much more than politics for a large number of French citizens. They are fighting to keep their traditions, values and way of life safe from what they see to be an existential threat. In the wake of recent legislative assembly elections, enhanced levels of anxiety over radical Islamists influencing French polls is being openly debated. Regaining French identity and culture is something that many voters deeply desire. Violent events that have occurred in near past are frequently cited to drive home the point on radical Islamists that today have overwhelming say on who runs the government in Paris or what happens in the French society. Many French people have a strong desire to preserve and restore their cultural identity. Let’s examine concerns surrounding radical Islamism, look at the most recent polls that support these opinions and highlight a few prominent incidents of attacks by Islamist extremists in France. Rise of Radical Islamism French polls have consistently shown that radical Islamism is a concern for sizable section of French populace. As per recent surveys, a significant segment of French people have grown more cautious towards extreme Islamism. An IFOP (Institut français d’opinion publique) study done in 2024 indicates that almost 65 per cent French people think radical Islamism poses a serious threat to national security. Concern over impact of Islamist doctrine on French culture and societal norms was also voiced by 58 per cent respondents. Reclaim Cultural Identity Cultural nationalism (Hutchinson 2013) is not a movement limited to stateless countries. It was crucial in defining primary principles of France’s proactive cultural politics during a period of significant worldwide shifts. This legacy has shifted to present century’s identity politics.[1] A strong desire among French citizens is to reclaim and preserve their cultural identity which they believe is under assault and runs parallel to the dread of radical Islamism. The belief that extreme Islamist ideas contradict French Republic values like gender equality, secularism (laïcité), freedom of speech, role of religion in public life and immigrant assimilation is the underlying sentiment. According to IFOP 2024 poll, 72 per cent participants are in favour of taking steps to protect French cultural traditions and values from alleged encroachment. Islamist Assaults and Crimes: Rise in fear and desire to protect French culture has bolstered support for far-right political parties like Marine Le Pen’s National Rally. These parties advocate for stricter immigration controls, stronger measures against radical Islamism and policies to reinforce secularism and French cultural values. Public sentiment, as reflected in recent polls, shows strong support for these measures. National Rally led by Marine Le Pen and other far-right political parties are benefiting from increased anxiety and desire to preserve French culture. Stricter immigration laws, forceful countermeasures against radical Islamism, steps to uphold secularism and French cultural values are supported by these parties. Recent polls indicate that there is substantial public support for these initiatives. Fear of radical Islamism and desire to reclaim French identity are powerful forces shaping public opinion and politics in France. French population’s response to these concerns continues to influence national debates and direction of political discourse in that country. The listed cases of Islamist assaults underscore severity of threat perceived by many French citizens. As France continues to navigate these complex issues, the challenge remains to ensure national security and cultural values while ensuring rights and integration of all its citizens. Strong factors influencing French politics and public opinion include the country’s fear of radical Islamism and its determination to restore its identity. The way French people respond to these issues continues to shape national conversations and the country’s political discourse. The assaults linked to Islamists that are listed highlight how serious a threat many French citizens believe to be. Safeguarding national security and cultural values while guaranteeing rights and integration of all its inhabitants as France continues to negotiate these complicated concerns. (Author is operations head at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies, a New Delhi based non-partisan think tank) [1] http://danieleconversi.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Reconfiguring_the_French_nation_Public_d.pdf

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Listless Anti-India Propaganda Exposed!

Self-proclaimed intelligentsia attempt to eulogize terror, terrorists & their handlers do not hold water. It’s against basic grain of democracy! Neha Dahiya / New Delhi On April 19, self-claimed intellectual Arundhati Roy spoke on “Religious Nationalism, Dissent and the Battle between myth and history” in University of Texas at Austin. Laced with false propaganda, inherent extreme bias, intellectual bankruptcy, hatred and many factual errors, Arundhati Roy seems particularly rattled by the current government’s firm stand on putting an end to decades-old nexus of anti-India forces, NGOs and terror groups. In her speech, she relentlessly picked out the word, BJP, RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi depicting her obsession and self-constructed fear for the current Indian government. Claims versus facts on RSS Contrary to claims made by Arundhati Roy, whose links with terror outfits is well documented, RSS is neither fascist nor racist. RSS is the largest voluntary organisation that’s service oriented, inculcates patriotic spirit amongst the Hindus globally and pushes for sustainable development agenda for humanity rooted in ‘Sanatan dharma’, Indian civilizational values. From providing education opportunities to millions of under-privileged kids to empowering girl children and women, RSS has been at forefront in bringing about fundamental shift in Indian society that got emancipated from the long British imperialist rule. RSS human service during natural disasters either in India, US or Europe has been widely reported. From saving lives to providing succour, RSS volunteers had shown exemplary idealism especially during earthquakes, floods epidemics or hurricanes. Completely ignoring RSS long track record of humanitarian approach to peoples’ problems, Arundhati making desperate attempt to label the organization ‘fascist’ has no basis. In fact, Arundhati and her Leftist hooligans are the intolerant fascists that unleashed terror on patriotic RSS volunteers in states like Kerala and West Bengal. In these states, Marxist cadres supported and promoted by Arundhati Roy have murdered scores of RSS volunteers till date. Yet another substantiated charge made by Arundhati Roy was that RSS is setting fire to the country and attacking both Christians and Muslims in Kashmir. Militant cadres inspired by Mao Tse Tung including Arundhati Roy have played with fire and have blood on their hands in India. Arundhati Roy and her political principals are known to have provided weapons to innocent tribals in Jharkhand, Chattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh to create unrest and disturb peace in these states. Self-proclaimed intellectuals like Arundhati Roy were known to have provided shelter to Left wing extremists as well as anti-India terror groups with a subversive agenda. Arundhati says that RSS centennial celebrations in 2025 will be a watershed moment in Indian history. She’s right in a way. Rise of Hindutva inspired Indian society and people are bound to play a larger role on global stage. Be it environment, human rights to women’s empowerment, RSS and Hindus will make their mark internationally with classical civilizational values like ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbatam’ being the war cry. Turning the entire humanity into a larger family is what the likes of Arundhati Roy seem serious frightened about. What’s wrong in exposing the opponents of RSS that came into being in 1925? One hundred years of eventful, non-profit work of RSS stands out through a bouquet of its organizations dedicated to prosperity and wellbeing of the humanity. RSS rose like a phoenix after having been banned four times, thrice by the successive intolerant Congress regimes in India and once by the British rulers. These restrictions on a democratic, open and norms based organization, did not adversely impact the pace, progress and growth of RSS. Manipulated data on Hindu festivals What flummoxed most Hindus is Arundhati Roy’s concocted charges that they wielded swords and sticks against Muslims during the sacred festivals, Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti. Each year, both Ram Navami and Muslim festival, Ramzan are celebrated more or less during same days leading to heightened tempers. Her ranting that Hindus were the first to provoke and attack muslims in eleven cities during the Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti processions is not based on based facts but figment of fertile imagination. In fact, on the ground in all eleven cities, it’s the peace-loving Hindus that were at the receiving end. Terror-linked Islamists urged and encouraged by the likes of Arundhati Roy attacked Hindus. On April 16, 2022, Islamist miscreants attacked Hindus in Delhi from all sides, pelted stones, beat up both the devotees of Ram & Hanuman as well as security personnel. Seven Islamists that were apprehended by the Delhi Police have past record of gambling and murder related crimes. In fact the attackers seriously injured eight police personnel manning law and order apart from one civilian. Three firearms and five swords recovered from the accused debunk claims of those supporting the arsonists. On April 11, 2022, in Khargone and Barwani of Madhya Pradesh, Islamists threw petrol bombs and stones on the procession and set many vehicles on fire. This incident has been given a different colour to suit the anti-Hindu and anti-India narrative peddled by Arundhati Roy and her comrades in arms. On April 11, 2022, in Himmatnagar of Indian western state Gujarat, Islamist arsonists attacked Hindu devotees that were peacefully singing bhajans in praise of Lord Ram during Ram Navami procession. Islamists hurled stones at them. In yet another incident at khambat of Gujarat, Islamists set ablaze eight Hindu shops and pelted stones on the devotees procession. At Lohardaga in Jharkhand, Islamists set ten bikes and one van belonging to Hindus on fire. In this violent attack that was perpetrated on April 10, 2022, one Hindu lost his life. Was this even taken cognisance of by Arundhati Roy and her proclaimed intellectuals gang working round the clock to push the wrong envelope? On April 10, 2022, in Howrah, West Bengal, Islamists attacked around twenty Hindus including three policemen who were in a procession. Two days prior to this, Islamists cut the power supply by design to attack and pelt stones on the Hindus. They set two cars and a bike on fire as well. In north-western state, Rajasthan’s

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