Islamic Alliance: Strengthening International Law in the Fight Against Terrorism
The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition continues to strengthen its institutional and strategic approach by carefully aligning national security and counterterrorism requirements with the principles of international humanitarian law. This is achieved through intensified training programs and workshops aimed at raising legal awareness and building specialized capacities among relevant personnel in member states, ensuring that security operations are consistent with internationally recognized humanitarian and legal standards.
Foundational context and pioneering role
To understand the significance of this step, it is necessary to consider the broader context of the establishment of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), which was announced in December 2015 at the initiative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is headquartered in Riyadh. The coalition comprises 41 Islamic countries aiming to unify efforts in confronting extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Since its inception, the coalition's role has not been limited to the military aspect alone; rather, it has adopted a comprehensive strategy based on four key areas: intellectual, media, combating the financing of terrorism, and military, making it an integrated system striving to eradicate terrorism at its roots.
Balancing security and law
As part of these ongoing efforts, the specialized academic program on "International Humanitarian Law and its Relationship to Combating Terrorism," implemented in cooperation with the Standing Committee on International Humanitarian Law, provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange. The program focused on sharing perspectives and experiences, highlighting the legal frameworks governing the use of force, and the legal responsibilities arising from international crimes related to terrorism. The coalition emphasized that compliance with international humanitarian law is not merely a legal obligation, but a fundamental element for the success of counter-terrorism efforts, as it guarantees the protection of civilians and enhances the legitimacy of actions taken.
Strategic dimensions and expected impact
This legal movement has far-reaching implications and effects on several levels:
- Locally and regionally: This approach reflects the leading role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the host country, in guiding joint Islamic action towards more professional and disciplined practices, thereby enhancing regional stability and blocking the path for extremist groups that exploit chaos.
- Internationally: The Alliance’s commitment to international standards contributes to improving the perception of Islamic efforts in combating terrorism, and confirms to the international community that Islamic countries are a reliable and effective partner in maintaining international peace and security in accordance with the United Nations Charter.
Islamic values and international law
The scholarly discussions highlighted a crucial point concerning the integration of Islamic culture and international law; Islamic law includes inherent humanitarian principles and guidelines that prohibit the killing of innocent people and call for the preservation of life and human dignity. This ethical dimension contributes to building balanced approaches to combating terrorism, preventing abuses and increasing public confidence in security policies.
In conclusion, this program represents a significant step forward in the Islamic Alliance’s journey, affirming its commitment to supporting member states with specialized legal knowledge and enhancing their ability to address contemporary security challenges within well-established legal and humanitarian frameworks, thereby achieving security without compromising rights.
