Stopping ‘terror tourism’: The behind-the-scenes struggle to keep would-be jihadists at home

Another case of homegrown radicalization, Ahmed Waseem, of Windsor, Ontario. Seems like his family and the local Imam did everything possible to dissuade him and alert the authorities on the risk that he would return to Syria:

Sgt. Cox said the RCMP “works diligently” with its partners to keep Canadians from joining terrorist groups and has been focusing on prevention programs to help communities counter the toxic narratives of extremists. “The RCMP cannot effectively counter the threat of radicalization leading to violence through detection and disruption alone.”

Imam Mahmoud said the mosque was cooperating fully with agencies conducting the investigation. But he put part of the blame on the authorities for letting Mr. Waseem slip away and not being more clear that fighting in Syria was illegal.

Recently, he said, the RCMP told Mr. Waseem’s mother to pass a message to her son. “They said, ‘If he comes back we’re going to arrest him,’” he said. But the imam said that was counterproductive, and could drive Mr. Waseem away knowing what he faces if he returns to Canada.

The imam sounded frustrated as he recounted all the community had done to get the young man back on track, efforts that were ultimately an unsuccessful match for the stubborn resolve of a determined youth. “He has free will,” he said. “If the government can’t stop him, what can we do?”

Stopping ‘terror tourism’: The behind-the-scenes struggle to keep would-be jihadists at home