The Center for Strategic Studies at the University of Karbala, in collaboration with the Popular Mobilization Forces represented by the Abbas Combat Brigade, organized its fourth scientific conference on countering extremism.

The conference, held under the theme “Enhancing the Role of Moderation in Countering Extremism and Terrorism,” aimed to assist relevant entities in developing strategies to combat extremism and terrorism.

The conference sessions witnessed the discussion of 30 research papers presented by researchers from various Iraqi universities and research centers.

Attending the conference were the President of the University of Karbala, Professor Dr. Basim Khalil Nael Al-Saadi, his assistant for scientific affairs, Professor Dr. Najm Abdul Hussain Al-Janabi, the head of the Higher Education Committee in the Karbala Governorate Council, Dr. Mohsen Al-Kanani, the commander of the Abbas Combat Brigade, Sheikh Maytham Al-Zaidi, as well as security and academic figures.

During his attendance at the conference, President Basim Khalil Nael Al-Saadi stated, “Universities and research centers have a significant responsibility to combat extremist ideologies through their capabilities in education and raising awareness about the dangers of these ideologies infiltrating the social system.” He emphasized the need to promote values of tolerance, pluralism, moderation, and the values of centrism.

On his part, the Director of the Center for Strategic Studies, Professor Dr. Ahmed Kazem Al-Yasari, explained, “The conference responds to the call of the Prime Minister, Mr. Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, to organize scientific conferences that shed light on the dangers of terrorism and extremist ideologies.” He added that the conference’s recommendations would assist Iraqi decision-makers in formulating policies and strategies that contribute both immediately and in the future to countering terrorism and extremist ideologies.