The Dutch security service AIVD should provide more information about Jihadists to local authorities and families and should realise that tough language can make radicalisation worse.

The comments come from Peter Knoope, head of the International Centre for Counter-terrorism in The Hague, and are based on discussions with the Radicalisation Awareness Network set up two years ago by the European Commission.

Transparency

One recommendation is for more transparency with youngsters wanting to fight in Syria and their parents. Transparency helps create trust and makes families more willing to work with the authorities, Knoope told NRC.

Local civil servants also need to be kept informed. In the Netherlands, civil servants involved in such cases complain of the lack of information about ‘their’ Jihadists.

Language

Knoope also pointed out that tough talk from politicians can have an adverse effect on Jihadists. ‘The doubters who have been recruited but would like to find a way out will think there is no way out,’ he told NRC. ‘They get the feeling they have no choice.’