DISINFO: U.S will teach how to protect terrorists and extremists through religion
SUMMARY
The United States created the “International Religious Freedom Alliance”. The Alliance is needed so that the United States can continue to intervene in the affairs of third countries. Through the Alliance, the United States will teach how to protect terrorists and extremists.
RESPONSE
This is a repeating Kremlin narrative that the collective West interferes in the internal affairs of other states. Created in February 2020, the International Religious Freedom Alliance was a logical continuation in the process of protecting religion in the United States. Starting with the idea of National Prayer Breakfasts, which have been held in the States since 1953, it organised the 2nd Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom event on July 16 -18th 2019 during which U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the creation of the International Alliance of Religious Freedom. Six months later, another 26 countries joined the global alliance. Pompeo emphasised that "freedom of religion or belief is not a Western ideal, but truly the foundation of society." There is no talk of "protecting terrorists and extremists"; on the contrary, the main task of the Alliance is to protect human rights on the basis of a number of Declarations ratified by most countries of the world, including Russia. Secretary of State Pompeo said the joint efforts of the partner countries are aimed at fighting, not supporting, "terrorists and violent extremists which target religious minorities, whether they are Yezidis in Iraq, Hindus in Pakistan, Christians in northeast Nigeria, or Muslims in Burma." The “Declaration of Principles” created by the Alliance offers "reactive" and "proactive" measures that participants can use to protect religious freedom around the world. It is emphasised that we are talking not only about the protection of Christianity, but also other, even the smallest religions.