UAE announces new initiative to combat online extremism

#FateOfTerrorists aims to highlight the empty promises of ISIS

Civilians evacuated from ISIS's embattled holdout of Baghouz in Syria wait at a screening area held by the US-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. AFP

The UAE has announced a new initiative designed to help combat divisive and extremist ideologies online.

Launched by the Sawab Centre, a joint US and Emirati programme, the campaign will focus on the empty promises of Isis, also known as Daesh.

Under the scheme - called #FateOfTerrorists - organisers will seek to expose the lies used by extremists to coerce vulberable new recruits into their ranks.

The initiative will run in Arabic, English and French and will appear on a variety of social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

“Years after Daesh first appeared on the global scene, increasing numbers of Daesh terrorists and other violent extremists are facing the full penalty of the law,” a statement from the centre said.

“Daesh uses propaganda and lies to manipulate people into joining its ranks. It promises them the chance to be part of a noble and blessed effort, a great adventure.

“But there is nothing heroic about murdering innocent people going about their daily lives, nothing right about destroying the social fabric of communities.”

Since its launch in July 2015, the Sawab Centre has encouraged governments, communities, and individuals to counteract online extremism.

The organisation has given voice to millions of people from around the world who support efforts to expose the brutality of terrorist groups.

The latest campaign will be rolled out from October 20 to 27.