Countering Violent Extremism By Winning Hearts And Minds

Description

Since 9/11, the United States and its allies have been waging an endless War on Terror to counter violent extremism by “winning hearts and minds,” particularly in Afghanistan. However, violent extremism remains on the rise worldwide. The effort and sacrifice of the War on Terror have been continually undermined by actions, narratives, and policies that many of the 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide perceive as Islamophobic. Incidents of Islamophobia on the part of Western governments, media, and civilians, whether intentional or unintentional, alienate the majority of Muslims who are law-abiding and would be key allies in the fight against violent extremism. In Afghanistan, for example, violent extremist groups portray U.S. and NATO forces as blasphemous, anti-Muslim invaders to frighten Afghan villagers into compliance. A similar perception weakens domestic countering violent extremism programs in the West that rely on cooperation with Muslim communities. As the Great Powers Competition emerges among the U.S., Russia, and China, America and the West can ill afford any further impairment in their counterterrorism strategy. The dangers of Islamophobia must be recognized and eradicated immediately. In Countering Violent Extremism by Winning Hearts and Minds, Adib Farhadi demonstrates how Islamophobia poses a threat to U.S. national security by utilizing historical context, statistical analysis, and in-depth case studies. Farhadi, who headed Afghanistan’s National Development Strategy, describes how Koran burnings, anti-Islamic rhetoric, and racial profiling harm relationships with the majority of Muslims who are not involved in violent extremism and thus perpetuate the War on Terror. America has sacrificed thousands of lives and has spent more than $6 trillion on the War on Terror. It can ill afford to squander more valuable resources in a strategy undermined by Islamophobia or perception of Islamophobia. As Farhadi explains, only through a reconciliatory narrative, can we work toward a shared future where violent extremism is eradicated. This book is essential reading for scholars, policymakers, practitioners, and executives who are invested in maintaining and rebuilding American credibility essential to global security and peace. Forward......Page 7 Preface......Page 9 Acknowledgements......Page 12 About the Book......Page 13 Contents......Page 15 About the Author......Page 16 Abstract......Page 17 1 Islamophobia in the War on Terror......Page 18 2 Roots and Ramifications of Islamophobia......Page 22 3 Winning a War of Narratives......Page 25 4 Overview of the Argument......Page 26 References......Page 29 Abstract......Page 31 1 A Power Vacuum......Page 33 2 Al Qaeda Consolidates Power......Page 35 3 The U.S. Deprioritizes Terrorism......Page 37 4 Clinton’s Move to Prioritize Terrorism......Page 39 5 Failures of Counterterrorism......Page 41 6 Tensions Build......Page 44 7 Run-Up to 9/11......Page 46 8 The Day of Infamy......Page 49 9 Conclusion......Page 50 References......Page 51 Abstract......Page 54 1 Invasion of Afghanistan and Early Cooperation with Mujahedeen Allies......Page 55 2 Countering Violent Extremism in Afghanistan......Page 57 3 Counterinsurgency and Its Challenges......Page 58 4 Winning Hearts and Minds......Page 60 5 Challenges of WHAM in Afghanistan......Page 62 6 The Enemy Narrative and Its Storytellers......Page 63 7 Narrative Loses Ground in Afghanistan......Page 65 8 Hopes for Peace......Page 70 References......Page 71 Abstract......Page 75 2 Shifts in U.S. Government Policy......Page 76 3 Domestic Security Improved......Page 81 4 CVE in the U.S.......Page 83 5 Global CVE Initiatives......Page 85 6 Limits and Unintended Consequences of CVE in the U.S.......Page 88 7 Conclusion......Page 93 References......Page 94 Abstract......Page 98 1 Islamophobia in the U.S.: Discriminatory Laws and Policies......Page 102 2 Islamophobia Among Soldiers: Carelessness, Cultural Ignorance, and Cruelty......Page 106 3 Islamophobia Worldwide: Hate Crimes and Mosque Burnings......Page 115 4 Ambient Islamophobia: Mass Media and Public Outcries......Page 117 5 Ambiguous Islamophobia: The Chapel Hill Murders......Page 120 6 Faulty Narratives......Page 121 References......Page 123 Abstract......Page 129 1 From Islamophobia to Radicalization: How Discrimination Fuels Terrorism......Page 132 2 The Domestic War on Terror: Internet Radicalization......Page 134 3 Case Study: Fort Hood Shooting......Page 137 4 Conclusion......Page 142 Abstract......Page 145 1.1 Ensure Stable Peace in Afghanistan......Page 146 1.3 Empower American Muslims Working Within the U.S. Government......Page 147 1.4 Establish Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Islamophobia......Page 148 2.1 Recommendations for Mass Media......Page 149 2.2 Recommendations for Educators......Page 151 3 A Call to Action......Page 152 References......Page 153