Reeducation of Extremists in Saudi Arabia
By Y. Yehoshua

In its efforts against domestic terrorism, the Saudi regime is attempting to fight Islamist ideas such as tafkir (accusing other Muslims of apostasy) against the regime and its clerics. One method being used is “reeducation” of extremists.

Two large-scale projects using this approach are underway. The first is a counseling program, supported by the Saudi Interior Ministry, for outreach to Saudi security prisoners. The second is the Al-Sakinah Campaign for online dialogue with extremists, which is supported by the Saudi Ministry of Religious Endowments and Islamic Affairs.

This report will review these two projects.

1. The Counseling Program for Saudi Security Prisoners
2. The Al-Sakinah Campaign – Online Dialogue With Islamists to Counter Their Extremist Ideas

The Middle East Media Research Institute ( MEMRI) takes a look at the Saudi government’s efforts to re-educated extremists in an interesting analysis of the program. This piece cites reporting from the Saudi media over most of the last year. The effort led to the release of 400 detainees. The effect of the online dialogue remains unclear.

To my knowledge, there has been only one failure in the re-education program. That individual was later killed in a shoot-out. If there are other instances of recidivism, I’d appreciate being informed.

Do take a look at this piece, though. It shows that the Saudis do know how to deal with Saudi problems–at least some of them.