Austria in danger: radical Islamists represent the greatest threat!

Austria in danger: radical Islamists represent the greatest threat!

Dortmund, Deutschland - Austria faces massive challenges in the field of internal security, especially with regard to radical Islam and its threats. In a current speech, ÖVP Interior Minister Gerhard Karner described radical Islamists as the "most undoubtedly most dangerous" group in the country. This assessment comes from the constitutional protection report for 2024, which deals with the threat of Islamist terror in detail. FPÖ homeland protection spokesman Michael Schledlitz sharply criticized the traffic light government for its reaction to the alarming knowledge and urgently called for measures to protect the population.

Schledlitz pointed out that the security of the Austrians was at risk and warned that the ÖVP tried more to please the EU elite instead of working for the security of their own citizens. Historical anniversaries are particularly worrying that are reminiscent of the need for a robust security strategy. In doing so, he speaks for a "fortress Austria" in asylum and migration policy and criticizes the current measures, such as the suspension of family reunification, as ineffective.

radicalization and Islamism in Germany

Similar concerns about Islamist groups are also available in Germany, where the “Furkan Community” recently held a demonstration in Dortmund. This community, which has existed since 1994, has set itself the goal of establishing an "Islamic civilization" based on Islamic law, Koran and Sunna. Only a few passers -by were attentive to the rally, which the police recorded as calm. The group, which is also classified as questionable in the current constitutional protection report, has an estimated around 400 members and rejects Western values such as individuality and equality of gender.

The ideology of the "Furkan Community" is characterized by a strongly negative attitude towards democracy, which is also expressed in the refusal of participation in elections. Women should only appear in public accompanied by a man and be fully veiled. The group missioned in a wide range of Muslims, regardless of their origin or denomination, and uses numerous website and social media for recruitment.

social challenges and radicalization

The context in which Islamism moves was examined in a anthology on the subject of "Islamism as a social challenge". It is analyzed how Islamism as an ideology adapts to social conditions and uses crises to strengthen yourself. The focus is on the interactions between Islamism, right -wing extremism and anti -Muslim racism. Above all, the topics of migration, climate crisis and geopolitical conflicts such as the Ukraine War are ideologically charged and promote social polarization that contributes to radicalization.

An analysis of the BAMF illuminates possible connections between migration and radicalization and openly states that an increase in extremist activities is also favored by the current political and social uncertainty. The reporting on protest scenes that is prone to radicalization has increased, and the media discussion about these topics is becoming more pussy.

These developments are not only a challenge for the security authorities, but also affect social interaction in Europe. In addition, the Motra radicalization monitor 2023/24 has shown that there has been a continued “poly crisis” since 2022, which has a negative impact on society and can contribute to susceptibility to radicalization.

The current situation urgently requires a common and determined approach to counter the dangers of Islamism and to strengthen internal security sustainably. This is not only of central importance for Austria, but for all of Europe.

Further information can be found at OTS , Der West and bpb .