Thursday, December 9, 2010

Radicalization of Somali youth in North America

The Canadian Friends of Somalia asked me to address a conference in Ottawa Dec. 6-7, 2010, on “Preventing Youth Radicalization.”

My remarks (which appear below) dealt with the growing problem of Somali youth in the United States and Canada who join gangs or are attracted to extremist organizations in Somalia such as al-Shabaab.

I also tried to identify ways to counter these negative developments. It should be emphasized that only a tiny percentage of Somali youth is engaging in these activities. Nevertheless, they are doing considerable damage to the image of the Somali community.

Somalia: Promoting Peace and Preventing Youth Radicalization