NYPD Report: Radicalization in the West: The Homegrown Threat
The NYPD has recently released a 90-page report on the radicalization of Muslim extremists in the west (Full Report).
The report concludes — as have many scholars — that European Muslims are not as well integrated into mainstream society as American Muslims are. Nonetheless, the report says that American Muslims are “more resistant, but not immune” to becoming radicalized. The report also concludes, “The Internet is a driver and enabler for the process of radicalization.” (Source: NYTimes)
Mashallah, CAIR was quick to respond:
Whatever one thinks of the analysis contained in the report, its sweeping generalizations and mixing of unrelated elements may serve to cast a pall of suspicion over the entire American Muslim community.
The report lists sites that are likely to be visited by any American Muslim as radicalization ‘incubators.’ The sites listed include mosques, cafes, cab driver hangouts, student associations, nongovernmental organizations, butcher shops, and book stores.
Despite raising suspicions against ordinary Muslims and the places they visit, the report itself states: ‘There is no useful profile to assist law enforcement or intelligence to predict who will follow this trajectory of radicalization. Rather, the individuals who take this course begin as ‘unremarkable’ from various walks of life.’
So while labeling almost every American Muslim as a potential terrorist, the report’s authors admit that their findings offer no useful way to identify real terror suspects.
The report also claims that signs of radicalization include positive changes in personal behavior such as giving up smoking, drinking and gambling. It also makes similar claims about those who wear Islamic attire or a religiously-recommended beard.
Is Islamic attire or giving up bad habits, which is something recommended by leaders of all faiths, now to be regarded as suspicious behavior?
American Muslims and their institutions have been working closely with law enforcement officials nationwide on proactive measures to keep our country safe and secure. Muslims are working every day to build a more secure America
I do think it is quite odd that the “first step” ( there are four to radicalization ) is being a good muslim..as in outwardly practicing , eg not gambling, drinking, dating, wearing a beard, etc. They should have just skipped this step altogether and make it a 3-step process. Because it will make Americans who trust this report point out any bearded muslim they see as “potential terrorist”. I agree that this will cause sweeping generalizations among Americans.
However, I agree with some of the report. I don’t agree that joining a MSA will lead to radicalization, but it could bc it may bring together ppl of the same ideology. But so could any Mosque or Muslim gathering place…It is a stupid point.
I agree that the internet spreads radical ideas, I recently encountered a blog that scared the living sh&T out of me. When you make duas in a BLOG that say ” May Allah
Kill All Of Them” referring to Americans as oppressors…than I am scared. I noticed that this blogger used to have a blog on another blog portal years ago. Visting it…and visiting his current blog exhibit a huge difference. His old blog was as innocent as this blog is…as opposed to his now hate filled blog. He may be the model of radicalization that this report identifies.
Unfortunately…in times like today….and most likely caused by American foriegn policy,are immune to terror. So if this report aims to increase knowledge for the warning signs of terror…then I am all for it….as long as it doesn;t do it at the expense of faithful Muslims.
Unfortunately…in times like today….and most likely caused by American foriegn policy,are immune to terror.
** I meant :
Unfortunately, in times like today, and most likely caused by American foriegn policy, we have to keep our eyes out for terrorists. And we as Muslims in America should understand, that we are not immune to Terror. These terrorists do not discriminate in who they kill..
I guess most of us are “bad Muslims” according to the NYPD
yea, its pretty appalling that theyd use growing a beard and becoming religious as grounds to label someone as a potential terrorist. as i read that article i realized that if any of the guys from our msa decided to hang out at a cafe, what with the beards and the inshaallahs going around, wed be ideal candidates according to this “intelligence” assesment. i also read in the article that the police commissioner doesnt see it as stereotyping at all. what exactly is stereotyping if you arent making judgements on a person based on external features or if they’re sincerely following a certain faith? The rebuttal by cair needs to be publicized to the max to try and to show how illogical that assesment actually is.
The gangs in the US pose the greatest threat to the security of our nation. However, it seems less important to protect those who are affected by gangs — those in the inner city, the poor, minorities — and more important to label men with beards who do not drink or do drugs, do not chase women (or other men for that matter) as possible terrorists. The fact that the NYPD created the report makes it suspect. The reputation of this police force is so questionable that perhaps they should investigate itself.
Communism has fallen. Saddam is dead. The strongest and greatest military can’t find one man who they claim is the source of terror (bin Laden). Drugs and immorality are accepted vices. This country has to have a villian, to keep up a false level of fear and confusion to justify it’s illegal war and encroachment into Iran and Africa.
Brothers and sisters prepare yourselves and your children. Maintain your ID with you at all times. Keep your cell phones charged. Consider having a family lawyer and that number on your contact list and consider investing in a small digital camera. There was a time when my mother told me to keep an extra $10 in my sock “in case of an emergency.” Masha Allah
, times have changed.
Two items:
1. I am still having trouble getting an actual copy of “The Report”
2. http://www.aifdemocracy.org/news.php?id=3326 applauds the report.