How A Saudi Television Network Is Countering The Narrative Of Terrorist Propaganda

Hollywood and the leading private media group in the Middle East (MBC) are fighting extremist narratives with compelling stories that expose Islamic State hypocrisy and inhumanity.

It is not the first time that TV or radio are being used as peace-building tools. They have already proven successful in Rwanda and Iraq.

Selfie, a provocative show that criticizes not only the Islamic State but also "Saudi Arabia's arcane religious rules and regulations", is currently MBC's most popular show in the conservative country.

Tackling issues such as Islamic extremism or gender inequality, the show has proven that the only way to beat ISIS' narrative is "to create another one that is better, more appealing and progressive".

A traveling ban – or laptop ban – will do nothing against online recruitment. However, messages of tolerance, plurality, and human rights might become successful counter-propaganda tools.

This is an interesting short piece that invites you to reflect on the many complex approaches to fighting violence and extremism at home and abroad.