ICYMI The State Department's Role in Countering Violent Extremism

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | November 18, 2011
Press Contact: 202.230.9550, press@washingtoninstitute.org

WASHINGTON - On November 18, Ambassador Richard LeBaron, coordinator of the State Department's Center for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications, addressed a special Policy Forum at The Washington Institute. The event centered on the State Department's proactive efforts to counter the radicalization campaigns that feed violent extremism -- a strategic area in which the U.S. government remains relatively weak despite impressive operational successes. As today's threat shifts from the al-Qaeda core to affiliates such as al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, jihadist groups trying to earn their stripes in the Sinai, and homegrown violent extremists radicalized online or in person, such efforts are becoming more important than ever.

Listen to audio or read his prepared remarks.

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The Washington Institute is an independent, nonpartisan research institution that advances a balanced and realistic understanding of U.S. interest in the broader Middle East. Drawing on the research of its fellows and the experience of its policy practitioners, the Institute promotes informed debate and scholarly research on U.S. policy in the region.