Creating fear, anxiety and chaos, terrorist organisations pose a serious threat to the whole world by forming a wide and complex network. This problem continues to be one of the fundamental problems to be solved in every country. Understanding the reasons for the emergence of terrorism and developing strategies against these reasons are the most fundamental issues in the fight against terrorism.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Central Asia, as in all other areas, has entered a new process in both political and religious fields. In 1990, one of the biggest problems of these independent countries was the emergence of radical groups. These radical groups jeopardised the stability in the region by undermining the authority of local governments. Tajikistan is one of the most affected countries.
The newly established Government of Tajikistan entered into a civil war process as a result of conflicts with opposition groups. The civil war with radical groups such as the Islamic Rebirth Party of Tajikistan and the United Tajik Opposition, which aimed to establish an Islamic country in these newly independent lands, started in 1992 and lasted for five years. During the civil war, political instability and economic difficulties in Tajikistan reached its peak and thousands of lives were lost. It also left the society in fear and insecurity. In the aftermath of the civil war, the country faced a difficult situation in trying to restore and maintain stability in the face of ongoing terrorist threats. Weakened by economic instability, insecurity and border problems, the country became the main target of terrorist organisations.
One of the major radical terrorist organisations threatening Tajikistan is the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, founded in 1996. This organisation, which has a Salafi-jihadist ideology, aims to overthrow the existing state structure in the region and establish Sharia rule. The organisation fights against the government and its supporters, whom it regards as “enemies of Islam”, but has also targeted neighbouring countries. Apart from this, they see the United States of America (USA) and Israel as their distant enemies.
The aim of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, which has been active in Central Asia for a long time, is to separate the Fergana Valley from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, to establish a separate state on these lands and to make it part of the Islamic World Caliphate that will cover the Middle East and the Caucasus. Fergana has a high population density. This makes it a suitable area for the activities of extremist organisations and attracts new participants.
Another radical organisation that poses a threat to the stability of the region today and in the future is the “Tablighi Jamaat”. Founded in 1926 in India, the Tablighi Jamaat is a radical Sunni group. Operating in 150 countries around the world, this organisation has a wide sphere of influence with 150 to 200 million members according to 2020 estimates. Its activities are banned in countries such as Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, China and Tajikistan. In 2009, the State Commission for Religious Affairs of Kyrgyzstan stated that the activities of this group contradict the religious policy of the organisation.[i]
The Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation have recognised the Tablighi Jamaat as a radical organisation. However, the attitude of theologians towards the Tablighi Jamaat is ambiguous. Some believe that the movement is apolitical and poses no threat to the state structure. Others argue that the movement has shaped radical views among young people.
The Tablighi Jamaat does not have a clear strategy. Their goal is to increase the number of people practising Sharia law and leading an ascetic lifestyle. The Tablighi Jamaat regards secular states as enemies. The actions of this religious group are seen as radical Sunni ideology and are perceived as a threat by secular states in Central Asia.[ii]
Most researchers point to the current socio-economic and political situation in the region as the main reason for the spread of radical groups in the region. They see economic stagnation, low wages, unemployment, widespread and massive corruption and social insecurity as the reasons for the increase in the number of young people inclined towards radical groups. At the same time, inadequacies in the field of education can be added to this. These factors pave the way for young people to turn to radical ideologies and join terrorist organisations.
Radical groups remain one of the major problems triggering instability in the region. This situation requires serious measures to be taken for each of the Central Asian countries. Especially Tajikistan, which has the longest border line with Afghanistan, allows members of radical groups to easily cross from one country to another. Not only military measures are not enough in the fight against terrorism, but also factors such as education, economic development and social solidarity are of great importance. These elements can help eliminate the root causes of terrorism and contribute to long-term peace and stability.
[i] “На какие радикальные группировки следует обратить особое внимание”, Central Asia Cronos, https://cronos.asia/politika/na-kakie-radikalnye-gruppirovki-sleduet-obratit-osoboe-vnimanie, (Date Accessed: 05.08.2024).
[ii] Ibid.
