Analysis of the Emergence of "Deviant Movements": An HR Perspective and Recommendations

Analysis of the Emergence of "Deviant Movements": An HR Perspective and Recommendations

Introduction

The emergence of groups labeled as "deviant" in certain Iraqi cities highlights significant socio-cultural and educational deficiencies. This analysis seeks to explore the relationship between religion and narratives, particularly how these factors contribute to the rise of such movements and the implications for human resources (HR) and organizational leadership (ROL).

Cultural and Educational Deficiencies

A researcher has noted that deviant behavior groups are not a new phenomenon; they have existed throughout history. However, their recent proliferation is attributed to cultural and educational shortcomings, compounded by a lack of guidance from religious leaders. This absence has allowed deviant ideologies to flourish unchecked.

HR Insight: Organizations must prioritize cultural competence and educational initiatives to foster understanding and resilience against radical ideologies. Training programs that emphasize critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and cultural sensitivity can mitigate the appeal of extremist narratives.

Socioeconomic Factors

The researcher pointed out that the crises in southern governorates stem from poverty, unemployment, and social discontent. These economic struggles create fertile ground for deviant movements, particularly when combined with varying interpretations of religious narratives.

ROL Suggestion: Leaders should advocate for social justice and equitable job opportunities. Collaborating with local governments and NGOs to create employment programs can address economic frustrations that often lead to radicalization.

The Role of Religious Institutions

The silence of religious institutions in confronting deviant ideas has exacerbated the situation. A decisive stance from religious authorities is crucial in countering misinformation and extremist ideologies.

HR Recommendation: Organizations should engage religious leaders in dialogue to promote positive narratives. Workshops and community outreach programs can empower religious figures to address misconceptions and provide supportive frameworks for youth.

Addressing Deviant Ideologies

The researcher emphasized the need for comprehensive strategies to combat deviant ideologies, including transparency in governance and efforts to reduce corruption. The involvement of media and civil organizations is vital in this regard.

ROL Strategy: Establish partnerships with media outlets and civil society organizations to disseminate counter-narratives. Creating campaigns that highlight positive community stories can help reshape public perception and reduce the allure of deviant movements.

Case Study: The “Qurban Group”

The recent crackdown on the “Qurban Group” illustrates the challenges faced by security services in addressing these movements. This group, which reportedly engages in self-sacrifice rituals, operates without a clear leadership structure, complicating efforts to understand and combat its ideology.

HR Perspective: Organizations must focus on youth engagement. By creating platforms for young people to express their beliefs and concerns, organizations can provide alternative avenues for fulfillment that do not resort to deviant behaviors.

Conclusion

The emergence of deviant movements in Iraq is a complex issue rooted in cultural, educational, and socioeconomic factors. By adopting an HR-focused approach that emphasizes education, social justice, and community engagement, organizations can help mitigate the risks associated with these movements. It is essential for leaders to take proactive steps in addressing the underlying causes of discontent and to foster a culture of inclusivity and understanding.

Recommendations Summary

1. Cultural Competence Training: Implement educational programs that promote critical thinking and cultural sensitivity.

2. Employment Initiatives: Collaborate with local entities to create job opportunities, addressing economic frustrations.

3. Engagement with Religious Leaders: Foster dialogue with religious authorities to promote positive narratives and counter misinformation.

4. Media Partnerships: Work with media and civil organizations to disseminate counter-narratives and highlight community successes.

5. Youth Engagement Programs: Create platforms for young people to express their beliefs, providing alternative avenues for fulfillment.

By addressing these issues holistically, organizations can play a pivotal role in curbing the emergence of deviant movements and promoting a more stable and inclusive society.

Analysis of the reasons for the emergence of "deviant movements".. What is the relationship between religion and narratives?

A researcher and academic revealed the reasons for the emergence of some movements or groups described as deviant in some Iraqi cities.

He said that "deviant behavior groups are not new, but rather they have existed in all periods, but their emergence in the past period is the result of a cultural and educational defect and a clear absence of the role of clerics in guiding and confronting deviant ideas."

He explained that "there is indeed a crisis and the silence of the religious institution and the absence of the rule of law and the weakness of security institutions have caused the exacerbation of this phenomenon, especially in the southern governorates that suffer from a high rate of poverty and frustration with unemployment and other social and economic reasons with multiple points of view regarding some religious narratives and differences in doctrinal aspects."

He added, "The crisis in some southern governorates is caused by cultural and educational aspects and a great difference in jurisprudential aspects, especially the interpretation of some narrations, in addition to the lack of decisiveness and firmness in confronting these deviant ideas, which led to their exacerbation, especially with the inability to address them and the great hesitation by decision-makers to confront these ideas, but I certainly believe that frustration and disappointment in the political and economic situations are what led to the growth of these phenomena."

The researcher and academic continued, "The treatment requires great efforts because changing beliefs and ideas requires a long time, starting with reducing negative phenomena such as administrative and financial corruption, mismanagement and social justice, in addition to the religious authorities playing a real role in exposing the falsehood and allegations made by the leaders of these groups, in addition to an important role for the media and governmental and non-governmental organizations, but in the end the matter falls on the authority that has an important role, in addition to the role of governmental institutions in providing job opportunities and a decent life for these young people, especially in the educational and cultural aspect."

The “Qurban Group” has become the latest religious group to be persecuted in Iraq, after the Ministry of Interior recently announced the arrest of a number of its members on charges related to “deviance.” The group has closed private channels on Telegram, where the date of the draw for selecting people who will sacrifice themselves is announced, according to an intelligence source in Dhi Qar Governorate.

The spotlight has been turned once again in Iraq on the “Sacrifice Group” coinciding with the authorities’ announcement of a large-scale security campaign to pursue its members who voluntarily commit suicide “to draw closer” to Imam Ali bin Abi Talib, peace be upon him.

These pursuits come about 3 years after the group’s first public appearance in the city of Nasiriyah in southern Iraq, at which time the authorities carried out similar campaigns to arrest members of the group.

There is not much information available about this “Sacrifice Group,” which is usually active in the month of Muharram according to the Hijri calendar, which witnesses the commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein bin Ali, peace be upon them, on the tenth of it.

Accounts differed regarding the beliefs of those belonging to the “Sacrifice Group.” Some say that they deify Imam Ali bin Abi Talib and consider him the creator, while others say that they only exaggerate their love for him and kill themselves in order to “join him in heaven.”

The mystery surrounding This group or similar groups is one of the most prominent problems facing the security services tasked with pursuing them, because the group does not have a known leader or religious authority to follow, nor even clear sources of funding, according to local sources.

Reports confirm that all members of the group are young people under the age of 20, and they are usually spread out on the outskirts of large cities, in villages, rural areas, and remote areas where poverty, ignorance, and unemployment are widespread. The real size of this group is not known, but they are spread out in most areas of central and southern Iraq.

The first public appearance of this group was about 3 years ago in the Souq Al-Shuyukh area in the city of Nasiriyah, where they held scattered meetings inside their homes, practiced their rituals, and held a suicide lottery.