Silence of Influential Figures in the Face of Terrorism Paves the Way for Normalizing Insecurity

Simiari said: Silence in the face of assassination does not in itself mean endorsement, but in a fragile social climate it can lead to ambiguity in positions, weakened boundaries against violence, and the gradual normalization of terrorist acts.

Simiari said: Silence in the face of terror does not in itself mean its approval, but in a fragile social environment, it can lead to ambiguity in positions, weakening of demarcation with violence, and the gradual normalization of terrorist acts.

In an interview with Mehr reporter, Morteza Simiari, an expert on security issues in the region, pointed out the need for religious and social figures of Sistan and Baluchistan to take a stand against terrorist acts in this province, and said: Abdul Hamid Ismailzahi, as one of the influential figures in Sistan and Baluchistan, is responsible for the social and security developments of this region, and he cannot influence the social atmosphere with some comments at times, but ignore the issue when terrorist acts and martyrdom of people occur.

He added: Sistan and Baluchistan needs more sensitivity and responsibility of religious and social figures due to special social and perceptual conditions. In such a situation, enemies and terrorist groups try to increase the scope of disputes by exploiting social issues and abuse demands and social issues to create insecurity.

This expert on regional security issues stated that the border between social demand and terrorist exploitation should be properly recognized and clarified: When ill-considered comments lead to the intensification of social bipolarity, there is a possibility that a social issue will deviate from its natural path and become a platform for abuse by violent currents. From this point of view, the positions of influential figures should help to strengthen social solidarity and increase the security capacities of the province and the country, not to provide the ground for the exploitation of terrorist groups.

Simiari continued: Religious and social figures, especially those with public influence, are expected to take a clear, responsible and unambiguous position in the face of terrorism. The explicit condemnation of violence and the defense of people's security is an issue beyond political and social differences and should be considered as a public responsibility.

Referring to the silence of some religious figures in the face of the recent terrorist incidents in the southeast of the country, he said: When people from the religious community take a stand against violent acts and martyrdom of individuals, it is expected that other religious figures will also react to such incidents. Silence in the face of terror does not necessarily mean its approval, but in a fragile social environment, it can lead to the ambiguity of positions, the weakening of demarcation with violence, and the gradual normalization of terrorist acts.

This expert on regional security issues emphasized: Countering terrorism is not just a police and security mission; It also requires the formation of social consensus against violence. To continue their activities, terrorist groups, in addition to operational tools, also use perceptual platforms and social gaps. Therefore, any ambiguity in demarcation with terrorism can give these groups an opportunity to advance their goals.

Referring to the role of Sunni scholars and other figures trusted by the people in strengthening social cohesion, Simiari noted: If the religious figures of the region can prevent the escalation of bipolarity by taking a clear stance against terror and keep people's demands separate from violent actions, an important social capacity to deal with insecurity will be formed. This responsibility is not limited to one person, and all influential figures must play a role in maintaining people's safety and preventing the spread of violence.

In the end, he said: The main issue is that terrorism should not become a normal behavior in the public space, and no demand or disagreement should be used as an excuse to justify violence. Taking a clear stance against terror, defending the lives of citizens and avoiding fueling social divisions is one of the necessities of maintaining stable stability and security in Sistan and Baluchistan and the entire region.