LE Training: CVE Preview

ALL THE LITTLE PIECES :

VIOLENT EXTREMISM

• Shift by Administration from GWOT to CVE in 2010
• More comprehensive approach utilizing soft power
• No standard definition: "reducing power/number of terrorist groups and supporters using non-coercive means"

DEFINITIONS

Online Extremist Recruitment:

Easy Access to the West

CVE: What is it?

"The best defenses against violent extremist ideologies are well-informed and equipped families, local communities, and local institutions. Their awareness of the threat and willingness to work with one another and government is part of our long history of community-based initiatives and partnerships dealing with a range of public safety challenges. Communities are best placed to recognize and confront the threat because violent extremists are targeting their children, families, and neighbors. Rather than blame particular communities, it is essential that we find ways to help them protect themselves."

-"Empowering Local Partners"

RADICALIZATION

Development of extreme views on religion, politics,

and social issues

VIOLENT EXTREMISM

Perpetuation of violence based on extreme religious,

political, or social views

*Radicalization does not necessarily lead to violent extremism, but violent extremism always includes some form of radicalization

Key CVE Component:

Building relationships between LE and Muslim communities

VIOLENT EXTREMISM IN THE US

DATA AND TRENDS

• Social

The foundation for all collaborative relationships is information, trust, and transparency:

• Accurate information about other communities
• Cooperative programming
• Sustained engagement
• Defined roles of community and law enforcement

DRIVERS IN VIOLENT EXTREMISM

VE

"CVE is a "soft power" approach intended to win the support of moderate Muslims at home and abroad. This involves efforts by police and other government representatives to develop closer relations with local Muslim communities."

© Safe Nation Collaborative 2012

CVE Components

• Developing Social Programs
• Supporting Civil Society
• Civil Rights and Civic Engagement
• Immigrant Access & Integration
• Economic Development
• Government/Law Enforcement Outreach
• Interfaith Programming
• Youth and Women's Programming
• Leveraging Community Resources
• Traditional Military/Counter-Terror/Law Enforcement Ops

In 140 cases where tips

to law enforcement prevented an attack, 52 tips were from within the Muslim community (37%)

COUNTERING

VIOLENT EXTREMISM:

Working with

Muslim Communities

[PREVIEW]

UNDERSTANDING JIHAD:

THE STRIVING

Literal meaning: To strive or struggle for the pleasure of God

Historically and contemporarily has overwhelmingly been understood in a military context; Islamically it has a much broader meaning.

Jihad:

Scripture and History

Pre-Islamic Arabia in a constant state of war – special months set aside for peace (four sacred months)

Loyalties to tribe and kin, and fear of losing tribal protection common concern of early Muslims -- hesitant to fight back against persecution by their own tribe

In this context Quranic verses revealed relating to jihad as armed conflict, encouraging nascent community to take up arms

Countering Violent Extremism:

Working with Muslim Communities

Jihad & Contemporary Narratives

"Far from the depicting the early Muslims as a brave and warlike people, one of the most consistent Quranic criticisms of them is directed at their unwillingness to fight. It is in fact, this need to overcome this unwillingness that explains in large part the pungency and urgency of the Qur anic injunctions to fight."

"Fighting is prescribed for you, but you despise it (Quran 2:216)"

-"Jihad and the Modern World",Dr. Sherman Jackson

• Used by AQ & Affiliates
• Prevailing Narratives: Islam vs. West, Muslim brotherhood, Islamic obligation for Jihad
• Propagation: Online Content
• Radicalization: Why is it effective?

www.safenationcollaborative.com

© Safe Nation Collaborative 2013

• CVE: A New Approach
• Understanding Radicalization & Terrorism
• Homegrown Terror: Trends and Assessing the Threat
• Jihad and Western Muslims
• Local and National Muslim Leadership Structures: Identifying Partners & Developing Relationships
• Cultural Competency: Sensitivities and Effective Engagement
• Best Practices for Sustained Collaboration: Empowering your Partners

Who to Engage &

How to Engage

American Muslim

Organizations and Institutions

The Council

on American Islamic Relations

• CAIR is a national organization with state chapters
• Focus is civil rights, civic engagement, legislative advocacy, media relations, Islamophobia, litigation
• CAIR-MD launched in 2012; state chapters are independent
• Most important American Muslim organization: visible, active, supported, helpful
• Controversy has damaged relations with federal law enforcement

The Muslim Student Association

• Founded in 1963, spans North America
• Focus is needs of Muslim college students: spiritual, educational, civic engagement, outreach, civil rights, interfaith and charitable work, social functions
• Campus chapters operate independently
• Vital demographic to connect with, educate, empower, integrate

• MSA's under scrutiny because of activities of former members, speakers, political activity
• NYPD under fire for long-term, broad scale spying on MSA chapters

Partnering with Muslim Communities:

Cultural Competency & Best Practices for Engagement

Mosques &

Community Centers

© Safe Nation Collaborative 2013

• Estimated 400,000 Muslims in Maryland
• ~40 Maryland mosques listed online; many dozens more are unlisted
• Major Maryland mosques include the Muslim Community Center (Silver Spring), the Islamic Society of Baltimore (Catonsville), Islamic Center of Maryland (Gaithersburg)
• Maryland is home to diverse Muslim ideologies and mosques: Sunni, Shia, Ahmeddiyah, Sufi, Salafi, Barhelvi, Nation of Islam
• Does not account for "musallahs" - informal prayer/meeting spaces