The shortcut to deradicalization is the long road

There are other important measures the Arab states must take to prevent many would-be Islamists from joining the ranks of the radicals that deserve special attention:

Reform prisons to prevent them from becoming incubators for radicalization;Introduce new courses in all educational institutions to teach the moral codes of Islam and in particular the sanctity of human life;Use media outlets to promote public dialogue led by reputed religious scholars to discuss the positive role of Islam in the life of ordinary Muslims, and strongly refute the misinterpretation and abuse of Quranic teaching that radicals use to kill, rape, and maim in the name of God; Encourage political leaders to speak day-in and day-out against violent extremists;Ensure that Imams use the pulpits of mosques as the venue from which to preach messages of moderation and amity instead of allowing mosques to become hubs for radicalization, and offer youth an alternative and constructive way of living instead of trying to find salvation in death;Move with deliberation and implement their decision to create a united, robust, and combat-ready military force that will have two main objectives: a) to deter Iran from further interference in their domestic affairs, and b) to destroy its terrorist networks, whose main mission is to destabilize one Arab country after another.Unfortunately, many of the remedies the Arab states must take to obstruct the tide of radicalization are easier to prescribe than to implement, as there are no quick fixes and the shortcut to deradicalization is a long and hazardous road.

Given the continuing widespread death and destruction sweeping the Middle East, however, the Arab states have little choice but to develop a long-term comprehensive strategy to deal with the ever-looming menace of radical Islamists; failing to do so will be at their own peril.

The Arab states face an unprecedented challenge posed by violent extremism. They can address it only by providing what their youth needs the most-hope, opportunity, and a life of dignity.