Art, music could become powerful tools against extremist propaganda

In a country long scarred by war and radicalism, Afghan artists and educators say art and music can serve as powerful tools to counter extremist ideology.

Rather than mere entertainment, these creative outlets serve as a cultural shield against al-Qaeda’s propaganda and recruitment, they said.

Al-Qaeda and similar groups have always exploited cultural voids and the lack of healthy opportunities for youth, said Muhammad Naim Afzalyar, a former professor at Kabul University’s Faculty of Social Sciences.

Music can give young people a sense of hope, something that completely destroys extremist propaganda, he told Salaam Times.

"Music, theater, or other arts are banned or restricted in society, these groups can more easily inject their ideology," he added.

Afzalyar described art as "the second language of society", one that spreads messages of peace and unity faster than politics.

"These soft, influential tools can challenge Al-Qaeda’s violent narratives," he added.

Mahboobullah Seerat, a civil society activist based in Germany, echoed that sentiment.

"When a young person has the opportunity to play music, sing, or act in a play, their mind is filled with creativity, but al-Qaeda deliberately targets these opportunities, trying to restrict cultural spaces," he said.

Seerat emphasized that art gives young people positive outlets for self-expression, allowing them to channel their energy in positive directions rather than toward violence.

"Embracing artistic expression not only provides opportunities for growth but also deprives al-Qaeda of an audience for its extremist propaganda," he added.

Reclaiming identity

Promoting art and music, analysts say, can reconnect Afghan youth with their cultural roots, strengthen national pride, and weaken al-Qaeda’s appeal.

By giving young people a sense of belonging, these programs rebuild confidence and identity in a generation that extremists seek to alienate.

Khesrow Saqeb, an art and culture activist based in Ankara, said that al-Qaeda’s strategy relies on creating a sense of rootlessness among young people.

"When folk music, local poetry, and traditional arts are strengthened, young people reconnect with their historical identity," he said. "This connection is the greatest shield against extremism."

Reviving Afghanistan’s artistic heritage, Saqeb said, not only fosters national pride but also teaches youth that a bright and peaceful future can only be built by staying connected to their cultural identity.

Similarly, Afghan folk artist Muhammad Rahim Walizada, now based in Iran, said that music is a common language that can unite different ethnic and religious groups, something extremists fear.

Music strengthens social bonds and makes it harder for extremist groups to recruit members, he said.

"Cultural programs, concerts, theater performances, and street art all provide positive spaces for young people to escape extremist propaganda and discover new paths of hope and creativity," Walizada said.