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Stringent punishment will deter terrorism

The sentencing of seven people to death in Kuwait over the bombing of a Shia mosque will act as a deterrent to terrorism. The Gulf State has already taken several steps to not only bolster security but also to go after the sleeper cells. The June 26th blast in Kuwait City killed 27 people and was claimed by a little known group affiliated with Daesh. Another eight suspects were given jail terms, while 14 others were acquitted.
The Arab state's quest to prosecute the accused in a swift manner reflects its resolve to defeat terror, and will go a long way in rehabilitating the confidence of the masses. Kuwait, immediately after the blast, took a number of reconciliatory measures such as holding joint congregation of Shia and Sunni Muslims, and openly condemned the school of thought that is out to further the sectarian divide. This is a promising approach and is in need of being emulated across the Muslim world to discourage elements that fan the flames of hatred. Perhaps that is why Judge Mohammad Al Duaij called on the authorities concerned to root out 'jihadi ideology' from the body politick of the state.
The UAE leads from the front and has implemented policies such as outlawing hate-speech, cracking down on abettors of radical groups and closely monitoring the social media. Radicalism and terrorism are the lurking dangers in Muslim communities and the need of the hour is to go after them relentlessly. That is only possible when the respective states set in a foolproof system of checks and balances, and prosecute the culprits without any bias or consideration.
The region is in a fix and terrorist attacks in neighbouring Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Yemen call for a unified approach to nip terror in the bud. Extermination of Daesh and the like is a must. Stringent legislation, its effective implementation and speedy prosecution of suspects are the way to go ahead.