September 27, 2010

The Congressional Research Service, Congress' policy research center, recently released a report highlighting the positive contributions of three community groups -- the Muslim Public Affairs Council, the Muslim American Society and Muflehun -- to prevent violent extremism in the United States.

SEE: "American Jihadist Terrorism: Combating a Complex Threat" (Congressional Research Service)

Citing Attorney General Eric Holder, the CRS report notes, "'Members of the American Muslim community have been -- and continue to be -- strong partners in fighting this emerging threat..."

It goes on to highlight MPAC’s ongoing policy engagement with issues related to countering violent extremism in the United States. The reported cited MPAC's Post-9/11 Terrorism Incident Database, which shows nearly 1 out of every 3 Al- Qaeda-related plots threatening America have been thwarted with the help of Muslims. The report also mentions MPAC's National Grassroots Campaign to Fight Terrorism, as well as work done by the Muslim American Society and Muflehun.

"We are pleased Congress' own think-tank has recognized the frontline role our community plays in combating radicalization and violent extremism," said Government Liaison Alejandro Beutel. He further added, "We hope this report will be a stepping stone to stronger, more effective engagement with law enforcement. It is clear that law enforcement officials cannot go it alone, nor arrest its way out of this problem."