American Muslim Organizations: Response to Counterterrorism Initiatives

Abstract

Counterterrorism efforts in the US have discriminatorily targeted Muslims through the use of surveillance, infiltration, paid informants and other forms of harassment. In this project, I examine the narrative generated by Muslim organizations nationally and in Minnesota, in response to the intense policing practices of American counterterrorism initiatives. I identified accommodationist themes throughout the national narratives but observed this phenomenon much less frequently at the local level. I observed the damaging and destabilizing effects of such initiatives. I also theorize that proximity to a national stage determines the tone of public narrative.