In the media
February 07, 2013
On Thursday 7 February 2013, the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism – The Hague (ICCT) and the Qatar International Academy for Security Studies (QIASS) gathered in The Hague to explore possibilities for future cooperation and sign a Memorandum of Understanding. Areas of mutual interest for both organisations include the countering of violent extremism, counter-narratives as well as the rehabilitation and reintegration of violent extremist offenders. Jointly with several Dutch and Qatari counter-terrorism officials, ICCT and QIASS delegations engaged in discussions on topics of mutual interest in a roundtable meeting. Ms. Susan Sim, QIASS Visiting Scholar, kick-started the meeting with a presentation on her latest research on former violent extremist offenders in Indonesia, in a paper that was officially launched at the event. In addition to Ms. Sim, the QIASS delegation consisted of QIASS Executive Director Ali Soufan and Director Martin Reardon. ICCT Director Peter Knoope welcomed delegates, saying “Over the coming years, ICCT and QIASS aim to increase their cooperation through joint meetings and exchanges to further the knowledge in the important area of countering violent extremism. Making use of the full potential of the expertise and geographical reach of both institutions, this collaboration is sure to lead to innovative projects with an impact on policy and practice.“ QIASS Director Mr. Martin Reardon commented: “It is a great honour to be partnering with the ICCT, and it is a testament to the vision of the leadership of both our centers that we are focusing on the problems of tomorrow. Ms. Sim’s paper provides many important lessons for governments as they prepare to tackle new problems.” The Qatar International Academy for Security Studies (QIASS) is a professional institute serving to raise security standards, knowledge, and cooperation within the Gulf region and across the world. QIASS serves multiple market sectors including governmental, commercial, and non-profit, across national, multinational, and international levels. They work collaboratively with clients, often partnering with leading global education and strategic policy organizations. The International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT) – The Hague is an independent think tank and knowledge hub that focuses on preventative and international legal aspects of counter-terrorism. ICCT connects academics, policymakers, civil society actors and practitioners from different fields by providing a platform for productive collaboration, practical analysis, and exchange of experiences and expertise, with the ultimate aim of identifying innovative, effective, and comprehensive approaches to preventing and countering terrorism.
