Even two ex Jihadies in the Quilliam Foundation agree that it IS religion that drives these people on.... they both spoke intelligently to Adrian Chiles on two separate interviews about a range of issues, but absolutely were confident that religion is the motivation.
Well the current approach isn't exactly working!
I wouldn't go so far as empathy, but at least TRYING to understand why they do what they do – and what their ACTUAL end game is – as well as attempting to establish some form of communication has got to be worth a go
I doubt it will ever happen, because those in charge seem keen to play the short game and try and get quick wins. I'm by no means anti-war, but I don't really get how using violence to counteract violence is ever going to work. You won't eradicate ISIS – they are everywhere and even if you kill off the top dogs, there are PLENTY more out there willing to step up to the plate, fuelled by hatred for the West for taking out their fellow fighters and leaders.
It's never been about the West, they've been doing the same in China etc. I think it is about religion though.
Sadly I think that is incorrect. The Quran does advocate killing.
