Inside the FBI's Secret Muslim Network

http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/03/fbi-muslim-outreach-terrorism-213765

Michael Hirsh

Politico

24 March 2016

Text / 1500-3000 Words

“Stepping Up” is an “outreach-and-informant” program in that gives Muslim residents in Dearborn a place to call if they suspect someone begins to show signs of alienation or an interest in extremism. This approach is part of a cooperative network through which the Department Homeland Security obtains information to keep the country safe and empowers Muslim communities in the process. The FBI is also piloting a program that helps Muslims on the edge, providing them with social services for mental health and education to locate the roots of the alienation and anxiety that they feel in the United States.

Former Islamic extremist tries to save others from his mistakes — with a popular online cartoon

http://www.pri.org/stories/2016-01-06/former-islamic-extremists-tries-save-others-his-mistakes-popular-online-cartoon

Deepa Bharath

Public Radio International (PRI)

6 January 2016

Radio / 3-5 Minutes

"The Abdullah-X Show" on YouTube is the creation of a former Islamic extremist who says he was attracted precisely to the kind of ideology terrorists espouse these days. He has used the medium to warn potential extremists away from the ideology.

How is Europe countering radical Islam?

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2015/0218/How-is-Europe-countering-radical-Islam

Peter Ford

Sara Miller Llana

Christian Science Monitor

18 February 2015

Text / Over 3000 Words

Teenagers around the world are at risk of indoctrination by Islamic extremism and volunteering to fight for the Islamic state. Different European nations seek to make Islamic extremism unattractive to youth by bolstering surveillance efforts, internet outreach, and teaching the Islam of peace.

In Egypt, Sowing Seeds of Gender Equality

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/01/22/in-egypt-sowing-the-seeds-of-gender-equality

Elizabeth Stuart

The New York Times

22 January 2015

Text / 1500-3000 Words

Muslim women in Egypt are expected to marry young and to stay close to home, and if they do not, they can be subjected to abuse or heavy criticism by men in the household. Save the Children’s Choices program offers educational workshop sessions for boys and girls, ages 10 to 14, which help them explore gender identity. Through discussions, the program hopes to change gender norms.

How A Danish Town Helped Young Muslims Turn Away From ISIS

http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/07/15/485900076/how-a-danish-town-helped-young-muslims-turn-away-from-isis

Hanna Rosin

NPR

15 July 2016

Radio / Over 15 Minutes

Muslim youths in Denmark were leaving to join ISIS in Syria, feeling they were being persecuted in Europe. Then the police in Aarhus responded in a completely unexpected way: They apologized.

What Maryland's test lab can teach Minnesota about thwarting radical recruiters

http://www.startribune.com/what-maryland-s-test-lab-can-teach-minnesota-about-thwarting-radical-recruiters/379484141

Mila Koumpilova

Minneapolis Star Tribune

16 May 2016

Multi-Media / 800-1500 Words

Following terror attacks around the world, a community nonprofit is working to counter violent extremism by bringing diverse communities together with law enforcement to address underlying causes of radicalization and training neighborhoods to create watch systems.

An antidote to IS recruitment of women

http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/the-monitors-view/2015/0519/An-antidote-to-IS-recruitment-of-women?cmpid=TW

The Christian Science Monitor Editorial Board

Christian Science Monitor

19 May 2015

Text / Under 800 Words

The Islamic State's recruitment of women draws big attention. But less noticed and more important are efforts in Islamic countries to raise the number of women in religious leadership, despite a long tradition against it, as a potential, effective antidote to the IS recruitment efforts – preventing young women (and men) from joining radical groups.

London feels strain of its aggressive fight against extremism

http://www.startribune.com/london-feels-strain-of-its-aggressive-fight-against-extremism/388564201

Mila Koumpilova

Minneapolis Star Tribune

1 August 2016

Text / 1500-3000 Words

Non-profits like Active Change Foundation in London leverage community outreach and personal relationships to intervene on extremist behavior and prevent radical recruitment. But when attempting to partner with the government for resources and funding, they face challenges of credibility, discrimination, and mismanagement. As anti-radicalization efforts are stepped up in the USA, Twin Cities looks to learn from the mistakes and successes of this tricky parity.

Jerusalem Jews and Arabs bond over backgammon

https://www.israel21c.org/jerusalem-jews-and-arabs-bond-over-backgammon

Abigail Klein Leichman

Israel21c

19 March 2017

Multi-Media / 800-1500 Words

The Middle East has long been the site of conflict, but 'Jerusalem Double' is trying to ease tensions by having people from all backgrounds come together to play in backgammon tournaments. These tournaments have been very successful in sparking empathy, mentorship, discussion and bringing groups together.

Muslim and Latino communities in Southern California mix during Ramadan — thanks to taco trucks

https://www.pri.org/stories/2017-06-08/muslim-and-latino-communities-southern-california-mix-during-ramadan-thanks-taco

David Leveille

Public Radio International (PRI)

8 June 2017

Radio / 3-5 Minutes

Under an administration that frequently spouts racist rhetoric and enforced divisive legislation such as the Muslim ban and the border wall, minority communities - particularly Islamic and Latino communities - are having to work harder than ever to combat the dichotomy of their neighborhoods. In Santa Ana, the Islamic Center has created a clever way to unite the varied demographics of the community: taco trucks - once the punch line of a derogatory quip from a Trump supporter - open during Ramadan to help foster cultural exchange and neighborly relations.