A new study titled “Anti-terror lessons of Muslim-Americans” was published today by Duke University (pdf).
Here’s the number one recommendation:
1. Encourage political mobilization.
Increased political mobilization is the most important trend identified by this study, as it both stunts domestic radicalization and provides an example to Muslims around the world that grievances can be resolved through peaceful democratic means. We recommend that policymakers in the major political parties embrace this mobilization by including Muslim-Americans in their outreach efforts and by organizing them to gain their support, as they do with other ethnic and religious groups. Similarly, public officials should attend events at mosques, as they do at churches and synagogues. Muslim-American groups should also be fully included in American political dialogue.
The debate about whether or not US Muslims should engage in the American political system may be a good proxy conversation to determine who is on the side of the devils and who is on the side of the angels in the US Muslim community. And remember to take your kids with you the next time you vote so they can see your good example…
The other six recommendations:
2. Promote public denunciations of violence.
3. Reinforce self-policing by improving the relationship between law enforcement and Muslim-American communities.
4. Assist community-building efforts.
5. Promote outreach by social service agencies.
6. Support enhanced religious literacy.
7. Increase civil rights enforcement.
