Understanding of different cultures crucial, say experts

Should the IS be successful in its reign of terror, then the geopolitical landscape and security in the Middle East would change, he said. He was speaking at a seminar entitled “Crisis and Change in the Middle East” organised by Chulalongkorn University’s Muslim Studies Centre on Wednesday. 

The aim of the seminar was to bring together scholars and experts of international issues and Islamic culture and analyse the impact of terrorism, such as the attack on Charlie Hebdo for publishing a satirical cartoon on Islam. 

Surachart explained that the structure of a terrorist organisation tends to resemble that of a big private organisation – there is a human-resource division, training section, intelligence service, planning section as well as a department that disseminates information via different channels. Terrorist organisations even have an accounting department and a sort of CEO at the top, he added. 

Unlike al-Qaeda, which has bases in different regions, IS for now is focused between the borders of Syria and Iraq. 

This is an issue that should not be ignored by authorities, particularly at a time when the Asean Economic Community is about to be launched, he said. He also warned that an attack can occur at any time, any place, pointing out that it was just a matter of time as it is difficult to monitor. 

Terrorism normally stems from severe conflict in society or an accumulation of unsolved problems, he said, adding that a legitimate, stable government that respects the rule of law is necessary to address this threat. 

He went on to say that a change in social order, which boosts relations between citizens, is crucial, as is an understanding of different cultures and other forms of belief. 

“If I had a chance to restructure the curriculum in my faculty, I would encourage my students to take up comparative studies,” Surachart said. 

Anas Amatayaskul, from Mahidol University’s Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, said it was vital for all students – notably those studying social science and humanities – to understand cultural sensitivity. 

He went on to say that though a different set of international standards has been established, it was still possible for each individual to set up standards that correspond to the cultural background of a society. 

“All beliefs have something in common, and we can work on that and establish a set of norms that are acceptable to all in the end,” Anas said. 

He added that studies of Islamic culture, particularly in terms of economy and politics, should be highlighted in universities, and government officials also need special knowledge about Islam. Once this model is created, it can be applied to other issues related to cultural differences.