Background:
U.S. counterterrorism discourse has too long pivoted on the tactical objective of stopping terrorist attacks. Each attempted terrorist attack by a would-be terrorist (Umar Abdulmutallab, Faisal Shahzad, or Najibullah Zazi) inspires conservative politicians and pundits to call for security measures that are counterproductive to thwarting terrorist recruitment.
This project serves as a springboard for elevating the discussion about transitioning from a post-9/11 ‘fear based’ mindset of crafting policies and conducting operations to the 21st century reality of terrorism.
In past insurgency and terrorist campaigns, from the Philippine and Malaysian Communists to the IRA, successful strategies hinged not only on securing populations and preventing terrorist violence but also on deterring insurgent or terrorist recruitment. The point in a conflict at which an insurgent or terrorist organization is unable to increase recruitment marks the peak in its lifespan. U.S. policies and operations since 9/11 have increased the ability of Al Qaida and other extremist groups to recruit. America and its Allies must reject the easy choice to sacrifice its principles and instead pursue long-term strategies that ultimately ‘turn the corner’ on the recruitment of violent extremists from vulnerable populations.
Objective:
Improve US counterterrorism strategy by advocating for policies and operations that deny violent extremists the ability to recruit from vulnerable populations.
Goals:
- Promote interrogation and detention policies that follow the rule of law and are consistent with American principles and fundamental human rights.
- Advocate for holistic approaches to detention, interrogation, and deradicalization/rehabilitation that turns former enemies into advocates against violence
- Highlight programs that leverage respect for Islam and Muslim culture to counter Al Qaida propaganda.
- Bridge the gap between Americans and Muslims across the globe as a counter-recruiting weapon.
