Security media crucial in countering extremism, terror

Manama, Nov.5 (BNA): Security media has a crucial role to play in countering violence, extremism and terror, said Information, Parliament Affairs Minister Isa bin Abdulrahman Al-Hammadi. He urged effective crisis management and strategic planning in light of mounting challenges and increasing foreign-backed internal threats which are endangering the security and stability of the Arabian Gulf region and the Arab world. He was speaking as he participated in the 4th edition of the Gulf Strategic Planning Forum. The three-day symposium which concluded today, was organised by Actsmart Public Relations Consultancy at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa. Addressing the session focusing on media security, he urged stronger cooperation and coordination between the national media and the military and security agencies to confront security threats and external dangers. He warned against the danger of misusing conventional and modern media, adding that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states face two major challenges: growing extremist ideologies and the use of modern media by terrorist groups to fuel hatred, foment social internecine conflicts, indoctrinate and recruit young people online and train them on perpetrating terrorist acts, bomb-making and using explosives. Al-Hammadi stressed the need to upgrade legislations and laws so to criminalise cyber incitement on violence and terrorism, pointing out that law-enforcement alone would not be sufficient to stave off threats. He underscored the importance of promoting social awareness, disseminating enlightened thinking and bolstering the commitment of the media to the professional code of conduct and self-censorship. The minister pointed out the importance of developing the media content and enhancing communication with external parties, chiefly in the media; academic; think tanks centers and non-government organizations to reflect the realities of the situations in the Gulf countries. He noted the need for the strategic planning and media action through the activation of cooperation between the ministries and government agencies in the exchange of information. In addition to establishing cooperation with civil institutions to communicate with the world to accentuate the development witnessed by the region to refute the rumors and falsity and provide an attractive tourism and investment environment. With regard to media coverage of Operation Decisive Storm and Operation Restore Hope in the Republic of Yemen, the minister stressed that the Gulf experience in this war is developed compared to previous experiences. He praised the efforts of the official spokesman and war correspondents. He lauded the Bahraini media for carrying out its national responsibilities in providing numerous TV and radio programmes and coverages, as well as through the social media networks. The Information and Parliament Affairs Minister urged to boost cooperation between the media bodies and the GCC troops in covering the military operations. He stressed that the war in Yemen is not sectarian but a national duty to maintain the country's Arab identity and preserve its stability by restoring legitimacy and deterring the Persian expansionist trend of a theocratic system that misuses religion for political ends. On his part, Advisor to His Majesty the King for Media Affairs Nabil bin Yaqoob Al Hamer, the Board of Trustees Chairman of Bahrain Institute for Political Development, underscored the need for coordination and exchanging information between the media and the government's ministries and institutions in order to boost effectiveness in disclosing news fast, accurately and credibly.