Countering Violent Extremism

Countering Violent Extremism Overview

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January 26, 2012

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Coalition Opposes Misguided Commission on Domestic Threats

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September 28, 2011

On Sept. 26, 2011, a coalition of 36 organizations sent a letter to Sen.  Diane Feinstein (D-CA) urging her to block a controversial proposal that would create a commission on “domestic radicalization.” The letter says the proposed commission would focus on ideology that is protected by the First Amendment and divert law enforcement resources from investigating criminal activity. It notes that “Such a course will not make us safer and will lead to the unjust and discriminatory targeting of an entire faith and ethnic community.” The commission was proposed as an amendment to the intelligence authorization bill (H.R. 1892) by Rep. Frank Wolf (R- VA).

Clinton Introduces the Global Counterterrorism Forum

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October 3, 2011

On Sept. 22, 2011, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton addressed the first Global Counterterrorism Forum in New York.  Clinton described the Forum as “a dedicated global venue to regularly convene key counterterrorism policy makers and practitioners from around the world – a place to identify essential priorities, devise solutions and chart a path to implementation.” The Forum will feature several working groups, including ones on rule of law, countering violent extremism, and capacity building, and experts from civil society will be invited to participate in the working groups’ activities. “We will work to strengthen the capacity of other governments, multilateral bodies, and civil society groups all over the world, especially those most affected by terrorism,” Clinton said.

Terrorist Trial Report Card: 2001-2010

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September 21, 2011

An August 2011 report from the Center for Law and Security shows almost 50 percent of terrorism cases since 2009 have relied on FBI informants and the “use of aggressive and often controversial” sting operations.  The report also finds that, since the beginning of 2011, almost 87 percent of terrorism cases have involved a material support charge, including charges that “do not require proof of intent that the material support go to illegal activities.”

Report: Community Groups Need to Play Larger Role in the National Strategy to Counter Violent Messaging

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June 30, 2011

Although community organizations throughout America are uniquely positioned to counter the message of violent extremism, a June 2011 report from the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) finds the U.S. government engagement with these groups is mostly limited to law enforcement activities. Preventing Violent Radicalization in America outlines a domestic approach to countering terrorist messaging that rejects false theories about the process by which an individual becomes violent, and calls on the White House to implement the strategy with help from community leaders and non-governmental organizations. 

Report: Radicalization Theories Are Misguided

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June 2, 2011

The government’s excessive targeting of Muslims in domestic counterterrorism operations since 9/11 is misguided and violates basic human rights, according to a May 2011 report from the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice (CHRGJ) at New York University School of Law. Targeted and Entrapped: Manufacturing the "Homegrown Threat" in the United States says incorrect assumptions about Muslims, the religion of Islam and the “radicalization” process have led to a surge in surveillance of Muslims that undermine their rights to religious expression, a fair trial and effective remedy when violations occur.

Congressional Hearing Puts Spotlight on Global Cooperation to Counter Terrorism

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May 17, 2011

Testifying before a House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on May 5, 2011, the State Department’s leading counterterrorism official emphasized the important role of global partnerships in countering violent extremism (CVE).   The Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Ambassador Daniel Benjamin described the collaborative efforts between governments, international organizations and civil society groups as “an extraordinary global alliance against terror.” Benjamin

Briefing Highlights Work of U.S. Nonprofits in Countering Terrorism

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April 5, 2011

On April 4, 2011, the Charity and Security Network and the Muslim Public Affairs Council co-sponsored a Congressional briefing about the role of civil society groups in countering terrorism. Speakers described the multifaceted work of U.S. humanitarian organizations and explained how counterterrorism measures have adversely impacted their work and the people they serve. The event was titled, Civil Society: Confronting Terrorists and Tyrants.

News, Testimony & Opinion Roundup from Peter King’s March 10 Hearing

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Date: 
March 6, 2011

On March 10, 2011, the House Homeland Security Committee held a hearing titled, “The Extent of Radicalization in the American Muslim Community and the Community’s Response.”  Below are related news articles, opinion and testimony about and from the hearing.

UN Report Calls for Greater Review of All Counterterrorism Measures

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February 15, 2011

“[E]ffective counter-terrorism measures and the protection of human rights are complementary and mutually reinforcing goals,” says a December 2010 report sponsored by the United Nations Human Rights Council (HCR).  Written by UN Special Rapporteur Martin Scheinin, the report identifies 10 “best practices” that UN members should consider adopting to successfully counter violent extremism and respect human rights and basic freedoms. Recommendations include ensuring security laws are consistent with widely accepted human rights standards, provisions for reviewing (and expiring) counterterrorism policies, and establishing minimum safeguards for persons or entities designated as terrorists.  The report draws on nearly six years of research and fact-finding missions with multiple stakeholders from around the world. 

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