Government

Obama Administration Releases Vague ‘Strategy’ on Extremism: Says Fed Not Good at Stopping Violent Attacks

Obama Administration Releases New Strategy: Local Communities not Feds to Counter Violent ExtremismWASHINGTON (The Blaze/AP) — Local communities, not Washington, are best suited to counter violent extremism, according to a new national strategy the Obama administration took more than a year to produce. The strategy pointedly does not focus on threats from Muslim extremism.

When it comes to stopping violent attacks that kill innocent people, the federal government is not in a good position to step in where radical ideas evolve into violence, according to an unclassified draft of the strategy obtained by The Associated Press in advance of its official release, expected Wednesday.

“Communities are best placed to recognize and confront the threat because violent extremists are targeting their children, families and neighbors,” the strategy said.

The unclassified draft includes broad statements about protecting civil rights, American values and the importance of partnerships with local stakeholders and the private sector. The federal government’s job is to act in a support role, it said, bringing people together and sharing information about threats and concerns and “community-based solutions.” The focus cannot be on a single ideology.

“Any solution that myopically focuses on a single, current form of violent extremism, while blind to other threats, will fail to secure our country and communities,” the document said.

The strategy does not include specifics for achieving these goals.

Instead it points to federal outreach programs by the Homeland Security and Justice departments and FBI that have been initiated in the years since the 2001 terror attacks. It also refers to the nation’s approach to countering criminal gangs as a model to embrace for countering violent extremism, involving police, schools, probation officers, youth agencies, government and local grassroots organizations.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

The psychological aspects of radicalization have been studied for years, and while there are some similarities among terrorism cases, there is not a single profile of a violent extremist in the U.S. Complicating the challenge is that the threat is often rooted in an ideology protected by the Constitution.

The Bush administration also sought ways to counter violent ideologies, but the problem became more pressing for President Barack Obama, as there have been more attempted attacks and plots against the U.S. during his time in office.

Americans are now a targeted audience for recruitment to the cause and not just a target for attack. English-speaking radical Islamic clerics appeal to Westerners on the Internet and recruit Americans to join their holy war. The need to travel to terror camps in far-away places has diminished now that there are instructions for how to carry out an attack that are easily available online.

“While there is no shortage of ideas about the causes and implications of radicalization in the public conversation, what is generally lacking are proposals for specific action the government or American citizens can take to combat radicalization,” Rep. Sue Myrick, R-N.C., said during a congressional hearing last week on ways to address and combat the threat.

One of Myrick’s former constituents is a young man, Samir Khan, who is now believed to be in Yemen, working with al-Qaida and recruiting Westerners to the cause.

Comments (140)

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  • capitalismrocks
    Posted on August 3, 2011 at 12:34am

    Good – start with the violent extremist Unions… oh wait, they are in the hip pocket of the President, well then lets go after the La Raza anti-American, govt toppling mobs, oh wait – those are Obama supporters, well then how about all of the anarchist leftists — yeah, forgot – they are with the Obama Admin too….

    So, I guess the only one’s left over are the quiet, peaceful law abiding, Constitution loving, Founding Father Principles wanting Tea Party members…. oh yeah, I guess to the commie, anarchist lefty socialists – seeing people who want individualism, and laws followed — yeah I guess that would be considered Extremism…. but sorry, no Violence – that’s owned by the leftist Union thug, anarchist crowd, how’s Obama gonna spin that one? Oh, he gonna take guns away, gun violence — darn – that was Obama’s fault too… boy, not looking good for Obama….

    Report Post » capitalismrocks  
    • IntransigentMind
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 12:42am

      It figures. More of the same from this crowd of leftists. They talk about freedom, but the freedom they want isn’t the same kind you and I want. Read an article like that, sums it up well:
      http://markamerica.com/2011/08/02/what-sort-of-freedom-do-you-seek/
      Of course, the problem is that nobody understands what freedom is any more. They think it‘s ’free’

      Report Post »  
    • IronSights
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 1:42am

      We appear to be on the bullet train for hell wearing gasoline underwear. I wish he would just go on vacation for the next several months. He does less damage that way.

      Report Post » IronSights  
    • blownaway
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 2:24am

      Exactly…

      Report Post » blownaway  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 3:13am

      Nah, they’ll start with us. The Weather Underground already war-gamed this out and estimated they’d have to murder about 25 Million Conservatives to create their Facist utopia.

      Report Post » Jaycen  
    • wesleyapril
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 7:25am

      I have to admit I don’t like to read the comments, because I’ll be one of those people – but I would rather know what is going to get me – :) “Never give up – never surrender”

      To hades with Washington and the elite!

      Report Post »  
    • vincere vel mori
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 8:15am

      If it comes down to a fight between the marxists and the constitutionalists eventually the commies will lose. We defeated them before, we did it because their message sucks! You marxists want a fight? Whats your message? The same old utopia speech? When asked to choose between freedom or bondage what message will win? They lose before they even left the gate.

      Report Post » vincere vel mori  
    • BehindBlueEyes
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 8:37am

      Big brother is watching and coming to a town near you. This is the first step commies take to put fear into the people.
      Obama will create the tools to neutralize the patriots. His time is running out. He knows he will never be elected in any fair election.

      Report Post » BehindBlueEyes  
    • DR4SOUL
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 11:10am

      Brilliant analysis!!! I wish what Capitalismrocks just said wasn’t true, but Obama reveals his true motives by what he doesn’t say. I thought one of the few the constitutional obligations of the Federal Government was to protect the citizens of the United States, ensuring that law and order is maintained. Sorry, Obama, constitutionally you can’t play favorites! And since you do, we’re gonna do everything in our power to vote you out come 2012.

      Report Post »  
    • AlmostaCowboy
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 2:14pm

      Duuude! You so beat me to the punch on the union line!

      You get a big “atta boy”!

      Report Post » AlmostaCowboy  
  • normbal
    Posted on August 3, 2011 at 12:30am

    Well, if they’re not good at preventing violent attacks, they’ll just focus on simple disagreements. Dissenters will be violated. All white people please get on board the trains tomorrow. All people of color, move anywhere you like.

    Report Post » normbal  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 3:14am

      Seriously, all racism aside…

      You’re going to find that anyone who dissents will be persecuted. Liberal Progressive are equal opportunity Facists.

      Report Post » Jaycen  
    • wesleyapril
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 7:29am

      Those conservatives of different races will go also – and not all white people will be killed – there a bunch of entitlement whites also.

      Maybe we will all wind up at the same camp?

      Report Post »  
    • BehindBlueEyes
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 9:50am

      I wonder if they‘ll make us eat Michelle’s new diet for America at the camps? Time to eat your peas.

      Report Post » BehindBlueEyes  
    • AlmostaCowboy
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 2:16pm

      @ Jaycen – well, “everyone knows” that any black person who disagrees with Obamugabe isn’t a real black person.

      Report Post » AlmostaCowboy  
    • ConservativeMomofFour
      Posted on August 4, 2011 at 10:12pm

      This is how this play’s out, cut defense while our enemies build up their military, stop watching for cyber attacks because heck we all know, no one would want to hack into our government computers, our enemies have been allying themselves, they attack us,which in turn causes that emergency Obama has been waiting for, then he declares himself dictator, cause we all know the thought of that thrills him!

      Report Post »  
  • angelcat
    Posted on August 3, 2011 at 12:23am

    Anything to avoid pointing to extreme Muslims as the problem and to try to make it about right-wing extremists being the problem, without actually saying the words but couching them in government-speak.

    Report Post »  
    • VegasGuy
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 12:35am

      It is ironic how this administration says local communities need are best suitewd to be the front line for extremists and yet when it comes to illegals the Feds say it is only the job of the federal government. Effing hypocrites.

      Report Post » VegasGuy  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 1:57am

      Maybe that is because the right wing is a bigger problem! Could it be possible – after all, all of you have lots of guns and ammo! Just my opinion!! http://wp.me/pYLB7-1ia

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • old white guy
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 7:00am

      walkwithme. the guns and ammo will be needed for protection from the hard left and islam. the u.s. will cease to exist if the commies and ******* have their way.

      Report Post »  
    • wesleyapril
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 7:28am

      From Walk with me’s comments – its easy to see him/her as a liberal – don’t defend them :) lol – after they get finished with us – the slimes are coming for you…….I wish I could be here to see it :) But then again I like blood, gore, necropholia – I hope your head fits nicely on a pike…..

      Report Post »  
  • 40 Ford Ragtop
    Posted on August 3, 2011 at 12:17am

    “When you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing; when you see that money is flowing to those who deal, not in goods, but in favors; when you see that men get rich more easily by graft than by work, and your laws no longer protect you against them, but protect them against you. . . you may know that your society is doomed.” Ayn Rand”

    Report Post » 40 Ford Ragtop  
    • psst
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 1:07am

      That’s a Wrap.
      We’re doomed. US is past the point of No Return.
      Can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube.
      We’ve been steadily going down hill in our racing cart ,then along came Soetoro and put a big V8 in the darn thing.

      Report Post »  
  • Dougral Supports Israel
    Posted on August 3, 2011 at 12:17am

    Why do I have the feeling that this will be a Cass Sunstein maneuver to quell conservative voices? Regulating the people has been the theme of the administration. This will be no different.

    Report Post »  
  • jim
    Posted on August 3, 2011 at 12:12am

    VAGUE… is all Obama is capable of.

    Report Post » jim  
    • TelepromoterNChief
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 8:09am

      “Now let me be clear. . . kinda sorta almost absolutely in no uncertain terms maybe some of you could quite possibly need to measure up fair share outlined Americans.. .”

      Yes, Obama the great one who speaks so well with big compelling words in powerful delivery cannot specify.

      In the words of Rush. . .”jack ass.”

      Report Post »  
  • Michael
    Posted on August 3, 2011 at 12:10am

    Obviously the left sucks at correctly identifying who their true enemies are, like by calling conservatives “terrorists” or “vile”, so this could be good but only IF the Fed is providing funding for this. If the Fed is putting the cost onto the States then this pretty much eliminates the need for the Union, don’t you think?

    Report Post » Michael  
  • spinelessdave
    Posted on August 3, 2011 at 12:03am

    after 2012 he will be a shoe shine boy

    Report Post » spinelessdave  
    • GadsdenPatriot
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 12:53am

      Or aiding in the nourishment of vegetation.

      GadsdenPatriot  
  • Ghandi was a Republican
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:55pm

    So- The one given responsibility of the Federal Government – PROTECTION is shirked an delegated to the locals..
    But the locals are otherwise too stupid to run their day to day affairs without the Federal Government running them every other which way..?

    Report Post » Ghandi was a Republican  
    • commonsenseguy
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 12:03am

      i am not sure if this administration knows whether they are wiping their butts are their faces, they are always vague on what they propose,that leaves them a lot of room to screw us more without any recourse, and the y think only big government can save the world, so when he says local government, he means the communist radical tattle tails.

      Report Post »  
  • HotBreakingStory
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:52pm

    After the 2008 coup d‘etat they shouldn’t have many threats to worry about.

    A military coup d’etat began in 2008 with the introduction of Sarah Palin as John McCain’s running mate.

    Obama is not the president, he’s the acting president. He disappeared for 2 weeks after his election win only to reappear looking exhausted sitting next to John McCain, with a bad poker face, for a press photo shoot. Obama is now a Pentagon puppet. Who did you think writes his teleprompter?

    This is the real story that the media is not and cannot report on. Here’s what Obama, Osama, Biden, Bin Laden, the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorists, and Sarah Palin had to do with the last election and the military’s overthrow of our government.
    http://alturl.com/gukqo

    Report Post » HotBreakingStory  
  • Flyboy172
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:49pm

    Well Mr. President, if you want local communities to stop violent attacks you should probably stop trying to ban American citizens from owning guns while you arm our enemies!

    Report Post »  
    • Marci
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:58pm

      Well if you want the threat of radicalization to diminish, stop letting them freely pass through our unguarded, ignored southern border. How about that? Not just Mexicans travel across there….

      Report Post » Marci  
  • Captain Crunch
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:46pm

    Considering the amount of information given in this report, I have to say it sounds pretty reasonable. I believe the local communities are able to deal with threats as long as there is a sense of community.
    On the surface this all sounds good. But what happens if there is devisiveness implanted in the community. The left is well practiced at this art and will take advantage of all oportunities to cause division, suspicion, and fear of our neighbors. Considering these leftist ideas have taken rood in our culture, perhaps trust is an issue gone out the window. Why should I trust local politicians, bureaucrates, and organizers of the liberal breed? The left is in positions of power and authority in many of our governments and communities. In my opinion the die is cast for tyranny and this idea coming down from the federal government is totally contrary to what they have promoted in the recient past. This sounds like the offspring of the patriot act which is much more controling and dangerous in an up-close and personal way. Call me paranoid…I don’t trust a single word they say.

    Report Post »  
    • commonsenseguy
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:56pm

      they are trying to counter extremism involving the police,schools,probation officers,youth agencies,governments and local grassroots organizations, sounds like most of obamas buddies,but that is not who this is about, it is about real law abiding taxpayers who bevel in smaller government, less entitlements and lower taxes, we are the evil extremest, not his buddies.

      Report Post »  
    • Captain Crunch
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 12:35am

      @commonsenseguy
      It’s a setup. When they change the definitions of words it’s easy to see. They are those who call evil good and good evil. Now conservative US citizens are terrorists. I pray the day never comes when I stop caring. And they need to pray that same thing.
      (Damm shame I have to censure myself.)

      Report Post »  
  • commonsenseguy
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:45pm

    they can not even stop their own radicals who blew up federal buildings for being extremest,much less criminal gangs that some of their left wing george soros funded groups have help start anarchist groups, so trying to stop someone who they helped create will be hard to do, but that is not what this program is about, this is a smoke and mirror game to stop legal Americans who own guns from taking a stand or protecting themselves and their families, remember it was shelia jackson lee who called for the investigation into white,christian extremist , but not the black extremist, this another really vague law that will target those who do not support their radical agenda,

    Report Post »  
  • Living In NYC
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:41pm

    Give our local government back their money and we will do 100 times better than your DOJ can do….did someone say “Fast and Furious”?

    Report Post » Living In NYC  
  • cookcountypatriot
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:40pm

    sounds like the progressives are going to start thier revolution soon,,,,they are just waiting for daddys ok….so far we have that puke oberwoman calling for riots in the street as of tonite…and al the sissy leftie white slaves at messbc are calling the gop and christians incitefull names…i wouldnt worry though….thier army is way to lazy to do anything..lol

    Report Post » cookcountypatriot  
  • CaptainSpaulding
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:29pm

    Send us the money.

    Your problems are your own however.

    Have a nice day. :)

    Report Post »  
    • americansfightingforcommonsense
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:49pm

      This way they can’t be blamed when something goes wrong, as it surely will under this administration. No hands on the wheel! Just a lot of back seat driving. (No leadership) Just do as I say, not as I do.

      Report Post » americansfightingforcommonsense  
  • NOBALONEY
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:24pm

    If local communities are best suited to handle extremist than the FBI, or the DOJ. Then why challenge Alabama, and Arizona in enforcing the Immigration laws that you won’t enforce. Obama administration has a pick and choose foreign policy, and now it’s the same with the domestic policy. The WH,DOJ,FBI, and Homeland Security are taking a back seat in our National Security. Overseas contingency operatiion, and Domestic local contingency operation. I guess if we want that moat and alligators. We’re going to have to provide it locally.

    Report Post » NOBALONEY  
    • Mtroom
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 1:36pm

      Exactly….nothing more need to be said

      Report Post » Mtroom  
  • The Third Archon
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:23pm

    You all realize that all Obama means is the very common sense idea that tight-knit communities which look out for their members are more able to detect foreign threats. Communities in which the members support each other and are involved in each others lives are less likely to promote alienation and radicalization as well as making it harder to pass undetected in such a community. That’s it. It’s basically generic political rhetoric, yet gauging your reaction I’d have thought the fourth Reich had begun and Obama was the child of Hitler and Satan.

    Report Post » The Third Archon  
    • Torgo
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:54pm

      No. He means 2 things: 1 – spy on your neighbors and report them to the government if they do anything suspicious (remember speaking ill of the government, being registered for a 3rd party, etc are possible terror indicators according to this administration…)
      2 – When it all goes wrong it wasn’t his fault, not even one iota, it was some local agency’s fault.

      Report Post »  
  • Restored One
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:16pm

    “Communities are best placed to recognize and confront the threat because violent extremists are targeting their children, families and neighbors,” the strategy said

    Isn‘t it the Obama admin and Progressive’s that are targeting our schools and communities? Van Jones yada yada yada. A civilian Army I believe the Campaigner In Chief said we needed. They may be more of a danger to our communities and schools than the Muslim Extermists.

    Report Post »  
    • Goodgriefgeezlouise
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:20pm

      Nothing more dangerous than a campaigner in campaign mode..Forget the hope this time around..It’s change he wants..or demands

      Report Post »  
  • repup
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:12pm

    Wow, who have been called terrorists and hostage takers recently

    Report Post »  
    • Diane TX
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:16pm

      My Aunt and Uncle are in the Tea Party. I’m sure that they are extremely dangerous since they are both in their eighties.

      Report Post »  
  • V-MAN MACE
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:12pm

    All I hear from this guy is tyranny, tyranny, tyranny.

    Impeach him, for the love of America.

    Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
  • ozzie
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:06pm

    What color shirts will they be wearing?

    Report Post » ozzie  
  • Maxim Crux
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:06pm

    Setting it up just like the Nazi’s did.

    Report Post »  
    • ozzie
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:15pm

      It will start with kids if that’s their intent.

      Report Post » ozzie  
  • SCARY
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:05pm

    Oooooh,I can’t wait to turn somebody in!…..Will I get on tv?…Will the President call me?Will I be next?

    Report Post »  
  • ChuckJ
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:03pm

    Sounds like the first of many excuses for cutting the federal defense budget. Or maybe the beginings of his federal civilian police force.

    Report Post »  
    • kraphtsman
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:21pm

      Forget Obama’s “civilian” force (or whatever this sorry excuse for a President chooses to call them.)

      The only good “community based” solution to these English-speaking radical Islamic clerics inciting terrorism here in America is to find out precisely which community they live in, travel there, AND KILL THEM.

      Report Post »  
    • enufznuf
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 2:20am

      It’s that or bend over and take it like the left seems to desire…I’m betting we win.

      Report Post »  
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