The AIVD observes a new phase in the development of Islamic radicalism

Muslim radicalism has entered a new phase. Islamic neoradicalism, as the AIVD calls this phase, is characterized by the fact it is directed in a more professional and strategic way. The AIVD discerns that support of Muslim radicalism increases in this new phase.

This is what the AIVD states in the report entitled The radical dawa in transition, The rise of Islamic neoradicalism in the Netherlands, which was published today and has been sent to the Lower House by the minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. In the report the AIVD observes that the dawn of the new phase of Islamic neoradicalism is connected to a rapid expansion of a move ment within radical Islam, which is called ‘radical dawa’. In the Netherlands this movement especially shows itself in political salafism. The AIVD establishes that the radical dawa in the Netherlands and Europe is becoming more and more professional.

Despite its non-violent character, the radical dawa is an extremely intolerant and anti-democratic movement. Followers of the radical dawa strive for a large degree of isolation, combined with intolerance towards dissenters.

The AIVD emphasizes that the group of individuals which is sensitive and open to the radical Islamic message is growing. The AIVD also states, however, that the scope of present Muslim radicalism cannot be overestimated nor underestimated.

The AIVD argues for a specific approach and in broad outline describes the preconditions for this in its report. The ‘Action plan polarisation and radicalisation’, which has been sent to the Lower House recently, for an important part contains responses, with which the government can counter the radical dawa.

With this paper the AIVD continues its series of general publications and earlier reports with which it has cautioned about radical Islam.