February 26, 2010

For the past few months, there has been a consistent discourse both in the media and in government circles about the issue of "radicalization" and violent extremism. Following the disappearance of five young Virginia men to Pakistan, young Muslim Americans have been at the center of the debate surrounding the so-called "radicalization" debate. 

SEE: Suhaib Webb hosts Radicalization Townhall

Listen to the townhall audio.

Over the weekend, Imam Suhaib Webb hosted an online forum via his website www.suhaibwebb.com, bringing together various writers, experts and community leaders to discuss whether "radicalization" or violent extremism is in fact a challenge in our community. 

Haris Tarin, Director of the Washington DC office of MPAC, joined the panel and challenged the idea that young Muslim Americans would be defined by this challenge saying, "the so-called 'radicalization' and violent extremism phenomenon is not the defining issue for our youth, Period. Our active youth are and will continue to be a successful, socially conscious and an integral component of our society."

Tarin and the other panelists argued that communities must create platforms and safe spaces for young people to openly talk about policies that adversely affect their Muslims across the world. Various civic engagement programs must be developed to ensure that young Muslim Americans are able to express their grievances through positive and constructive engagement.