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Reporting that violent extremists are fringe elements of the global Muslim community and peacemakers are the often-overshadowed majority, a new study by the U.S. Institute of Peace discusses at length global Muslim peace-building initiatives since 9/11.
Strongly challenging the contention that Muslim leaders do not do enough to challenge violent extremism by word or deed, the authors of the study explore the extent to which these leaders have condemned violent acts committed by extremists and identify growing efforts within local Muslim communities to engage and reach out peacefully to neighbors and the larger societies that encompass them.
The report's main findings include: 1) A large majority of Muslims are engaged in peacemaking through various avenues including interfaith dialogue and 2) Promotion of peaceful conflict resolution by Muslim peacemakers is a movement largely overshadowed by violent extremists that are given more coverage and analysis by media and political institutions.
The report's authors are David Smock, vice president of the USIP's Religion and Peacemaking program, and Qamar-ul Huda, a senior officer in the same program.
The USIP is an independent, nonpartisan institution established and funded by Congress.
To read the full report, "Islamic Peacemaking Since 9/11," please click here.
Posted on February 2, 2009
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