Muslim Youth and Women in the West: Source of Concern or Source of Hope?

Session III – Working Group Reports: 1. Security

Randy Beardsworth, vice president, human capital and corporate communication strategies, Analytic Services Inc.; former assistant secretary, policy, planning, and international affairs directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; and moderator of the working group on security, enumerated the questions raised by the panel. First, the group asked the meaning of “security” —is it the prevention of terrorist activity, is it civil security, or does it include criminology? Second, what is the context in which security should be talked about? Does security mean being safe from individual acts of violence, or does it imply building trusting relationships with Muslim communities so that they not only reject terrorism but do not allow extremist ideology to flourish?

Context and Delimitation of the Discussions

There was consensus that the focus should be on terrorist activities that occur within or around the Muslim community. The group also acknowledged that the root causes leading to individual acts of terrorism are difficult to define, and therefore, combat. It seemed more important to identify the context within which such violence takes place or is permitted. Thus the discussion centered on ways to mitigate a violence–permissive environment and ways to increase engagement on these issues within the community, particularly among women and youth. There was also an understanding by the group that there are no long–term experts in this field; hence much of the group’s progress consisted of participants learning from each other’s diverse expertise in a variety of disciplines.

The panel decided to adopt the model of “attitudes toward extremism” presented by Susan Scholefield in the previous day’s session. The diagram she offered distinguishes between those who are willing to come to authorities with news of radical activities—and thereby help to prevent such acts—and those who are indifferent or supportive of terrorist activities.¹² Discussions centered on how to reduce the latter group. There were three areas of focus: how to deprive extremists of the “moral oxygen” that sustains their cause, how to build sustained trust, and how the community could be incentivized to actively condemn and prevent terrorist activities.

Suggestions on Security

Sophie Body–Gendrot, director of the Center for Urban Studies at the Sorbonne, France, presented the suggestions drawn from the discussions of the security workshop. Presupposing an environment of mutual respect, security policy should strive to

give a voice to Muslim women and youth,
access the Muslim community beyond existing leadership, while considering self–appointed leaders with caution,
train interlocutors in cross–cultural communication, and
promote sound, scholarly Islamic teaching to counter extremist views.

Ms. Body–Gendrot emphasized that the first point—direct communication with youth and women—is fundamental. Women should be taught, empowered, and encouraged to speak publicly. City hall forums could provide an opportunity to women who would want to express themselves against terrorism. Inviting celebrities and other interesting individuals who have credibility with youth could also attract more participants. Another suggestion was to maximize self–help by developing organic capabilities such as the use of local mediators.

Other relevant suggestions by the group were as follows:

calling on the community to identify root causes (in appropriate forums) rather than assuming root causes;
involving the community in crisis management to defuse misunderstandings and escalation of tensions (as, for example, in the case of the Danish cartoons);
recognizing and discussing international issues;
encouraging debate even when it is uncomfortable;
working assertively to dispel the notion and language of a bipolar conflict;
identifying terms that are offensive to particular communities and cultures;
using the media, city hall meetings, and the Internet to combat fear; and
establishing transparent contact with imams.

The group also expressed the need to diversify partnerships beyond traditional government programs by making use of NGOs and private firms, for instance, by offering incentives for the private sector to establish intern programs that might lead to jobs. Conclusions favored the replication of the Dutch model, which integrates public and private neighborhood programs to bring together youth, women, and local fathers. This builds trust between the community and the government, while giving authorities more accurate insight into the concerns of the community.

Furthermore, the group urged

connecting counterterrorism authorities with the community and private sector, in addition to local authorities;
developing exchange programs between police departments so that officers can educate each other about their experiences;
encouraging greater mobilization of political power within the Western Muslim communities; and
creating hotlines for community grievances, provided they are followed up on.

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