AMMAN, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Experts taking part in an international forum in Amman on Tuesday said the war on terrorism was not over yet and efforts should continue at all fronts to combat violent extremism and radical ideologies.
They voiced the opinion At the Amman Forum on Countering Violent Extremism, which was hosted by the Jordan Armed Forces' Military Centre for Counter Terrorism and Extremism and sponsored by Spirit of America, in cooperation with the U.S. embassy in Amman.
"Defeating terrorists groups in the field does not mean their end and thus there is a need for ongoing actions and efforts to combat violent extremism and radical ideologies which leads to terrorist acts," said Brigadier General Abdullah Shdaifat, commander of the National Defense College of Jordan.
Shdaifat also said the stalemate in resolving the Palestinian issue fuels extremism and the two-state solution is the key for achieving peace, enhancing stability and security in the region, and helping contain violent extremism.
The Israeli-Palestinian peace talks have been stalled since 2014 due to Israeli continued expansion of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. Tensions have been rising since the U.S. recognized the disputed holy city of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and moved the U.S. embassy to the city.
Although 99 per cent of the territories once held by the terror group Islamic State (IS), or Daesh, in Syria and Iraq has been liberated, the fight against terrorism must continue as terrorism is resilient and adaptable, Nikolas E. Granger, an official from the U.S. embassy in Amman.
Granger said military efforts are not enough to address the root causes of terrorism, adding that international partners must come together to address violent extremism.
The forum attracted officials, academicians, business leaders and civil society representatives from Jordan and the world with a view to discuss the best practices and lessons learned in countering violent extremism.
