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Obama Says Must Engage With Muslims To Prevent Lone-Wolf Radicalizations

By Howard M. Friedman

Yesterday, President Obama delivered widely-covered Remarks on Strengthening Intelligence and Aviation Security (full text) summarizing the results of initial reviews he ordered after the attempted Christmas-day bombing of a plane heading to Detroit. A portion of the President's remarks were addressed to the issue of al Qaeda's attempts to radicalize and recruit lone individuals around the world. He said:

And we know that the vast majority of Muslims reject al Qaeda. But it is clear that al Qaeda increasingly seeks to recruit individuals without known terrorist affiliations not just in the Middle East, but in Africa and other places, to do their bidding. That's why I've directed my national security team to develop a strategy that addresses the unique challenges posed by lone recruits. And that's why we must communicate clearly to Muslims around the world that al Qaeda offers nothing except a bankrupt vision of misery and death ?- including the murder of fellow Muslims ?- while the United States stands with those who seek justice and progress.

To advance that progress, we've sought new beginnings with Muslim communities around the world, one in which we engage on the basis of mutual interest and mutual respect, and work together to fulfill the aspirations that all people share -- to get an education, to work with dignity, to live in peace and security. That's what America believes in. That's the vision that is far more powerful than the hatred of these violent extremists.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on January 08, 2010 (boomark / email).