Page 31 - Diplomatic Voice 2014 Vol 1

FORUM NEWS Ambon), MantiqÊ Thalith which tion, training, cooperation with other includes Sabah (Malaysia), East militant groups as well as their Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Ambon attempted attacks in order to achieve (Indonesia) and Mindanao (The Philip- their goal of establishing a dawlah pines) and Mantiqi Ukhra which Islamiyyah in the region. Finally, the comprises areas other than the first monograph provides a brief profile of three Mantiqi. Meanwhile the lower prominent JI members and individuals hierarchy consists of wakalah (divi- linked to the organisation. sion), sarayah (battalion), katibah (company), kirdas (platoon), fi´ah At present, the threat of JI, albeit (squad) and Ïaifah (team). disrupted due to counter-terrorism operations in Malaysia, Indonesia and The monograph also discusses the Singapore, remains dangerous. The recruitment methods of JI which is emergence of new networks, splinter achieved through friendship, kinship, groups, sleeper cells, recidivism and education institutions and religious links with other militant entities conti- activities in mosques. In that regard, strengthened through familial ties nues to be a threat. Therefore, with JI’s recruitment process is similar to (arranged marriages). the publication of this monograph, it is that of other militant groups where it hope that the readers will have a better begins with ‘talent-spotting’ to identify The monograph also map out JI’s understanding of the dynamics of JI individuals possessing certain charac- comprehensive plan of action that thus adding into the existing body of teristics and skill sets. The relationship includes operating under the guise of knowledge in the field of terrorism between the newly recruited cadres religious works and activities such as and counter-terrorism. and existing members will be further daÑwah, economic activities, educa- What They Say... “In my personal view, I feel the course is effective and well organised. It is a perfect course for any diplomat, especially for those who are relatively young in their careers. The course has given me new insights on diplomacy and it has also provided me with an excellent opportunity to build networks with friends/diplomats from 28 different countries. It has also enabled me to learn new and interesting topics such as Blue Ocean Strategy and also to learn from the experiences of seasoned diplomats as well as from experi- enced trainers from both public and private sectors. However, it would be good if the duration of the course is increased to four weeks so that we will have enough time to learn the topics in greater detail.” Tandin Dorji Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bhutan (Participant of Diplomatic Training Course for International Participants 1/2014) “It has provided me with the foundation to Public International Law which is practical and relevant especially when involving negotiations of trade treaties. I had brief knowledge on Public International Law before; however, little by little I gained a good overview and learned bits and pieces I didn’t know before. I really love the flexible approach of which whenever partici- pants asked questions during the presentations, the presenters/lecturers were willing to entertain and answer them by giving examples of cases for a better Shifrah Nadzry Ministry of International Trade and picture. As a suggestion, the course will be more impactful if it can be expanded Industry (MITI) to more than four days so that each topic can be discussed more thoroughly.” (Participant of Workshop on Public International Law) DIPLOMATIC VOICE 31