How Students Can Combat Terrorism

The upcoming anniversary of September 11^th has thrust discussions of terrorism and homeland security into the center of public debate. As I already reported, the Department of Education and the FBI have been combing student records for terrorist suspects. By focusing almost exclusively on law enforcement and military operations, the Bush Administration has failed to think creatively about preventing future attacks. Students and youth could be an important resource for combating terrorism if utilized in the correct manner.

As shown by the rise in support for Hezbollah in the wake of Israel’s bombardment of Lebanon, Islamic extremism cannot be extinguished by bombs and bullets. In order to be successful, the war on terrorism needs to be primarily a battle of ideas. Right now, young people from across the Muslim world view the United States as a violent empire intent on conquering the world. These potential recruits for Al Qaeda need to be convinced that America can be a force for good. Young people are most responsive to other young people. The United States can combat terrorism by encouraging relationships between Muslim and Western youth.

Instead of scanning millions of student records for a few names, the federal government should be working to expand study abroad programs. These intensive cultural exchanges promote tolerance and understanding among people from across the globe. The lessons learned from study abroad experiences are a partial antidote to the over hyped “Clash of Civilizations.” The threat of terrorism can only be reduced by building trust between people from different religious and ethnic backgrounds.

Sadly, conservatives have attacked study abroad programs that focus on Muslim countries. In their mind, any interest in understanding Islamic culture is a capitulation to terrorists. This logic also extends to academic programs that are deemed to be too “sympathetic” towards Muslim viewpoints. Any suggestion that U.S. foreign policy might be somehow responsible for the rise in Islamic extremism is practically seen as treason.

Bellicose rhetoric on both sides has undermined the potential for understanding between young people from different cultures. Ultimately, mutual respect will be the foundation for long-term peace and security. Young people can be an amazing resource in this struggle of ideas. By focusing solely on military and law enforcement, the Bush Administration has missed an important resource in the fight against extremism.