Muslim-Majority and Muslim-Minority Communities in a Global Context
Convened and authored by Imam Mohamed Magid and Humera Khan, August 2011
In an increasingly interconnected world, the relationship between majority and minority communities, both in the United States and abroad, must be better understood. This working group explored the roles and responsibilities of minority and majority communities toward each other and in a global context. Participants discussed topics in the context of five major issues: integration and identity, the impact of media and politics, security and counterterrorism, the treatment of marginalized communities, and interfaith relations. Read More


Disconnected Narratives between the United States and Global Muslim Communities
AMERICA AND THE MUSLIM WORLD: THE TALE OF TWO MEDIA
Convened by Leon Shahabian and authored by Anne Hagood and Ambassador Marc Ginsberg, August 2011
This paper analyzes the media landscape through a practical lens and asks how partnerships can be developed to leverage public-private initiatives to promote a more open environment that can correct stereotypes and lead to better understanding. Participants came up with platforms to challenge preconceived notions and put forward a series of recommendations that address issues related to methodology, market calibration, and media training initiatives. Read more


Higher Education Reform in the Arab World
Convened by Safwan Masri and Katherine Wilkins and authored by Katherine Wilkins, August 2011
Higher education has a critical role to play in the national and regional restructuring of Arab economic and political institutions that is currently underway. The new pressures for political change may provide a unique opportunity to break free from some of the obstacles that have held back meaningful educational changes in the past. Working group members reviewed the current state of higher education in the Arab world and considered the key challenges facing this critical sector of society. Read more


Enhancing Impact in the Public Square: Building Capacity and Developing Leadership among American Muslims and Their Organizations
DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP AND CAPACITY IN THE MUSLIM NONPROFIT SECTOR AS A BUILDING BLOCK FOR SUSTAINING PARTNERSHIPS AND CHANGE
Convened and authored by Brie Loskota and Nadia Roumani, August 2011
This paper addresses the development of faith-based organizations and the roles they play in the American public square, and looks at how other religious minorities, specifically the Jewish and Mormon communities, have navigated this space. The authors then examine the current state of affairs among Muslim FBOs in the United States, and conclude by offering recommendations for how to increase the capacity of Muslim organizations to be more effective public actors.
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The Role of Entrepreneurship and Job Creation in U.S.-Muslim Relations
Convened and authored by Ahmed Younis and Mohamed Younis, August 2011
In light of these historic changes across the region, it is imperative for both Muslim-majority governments and the Obama administration to chart clear, coherent, and nuanced policies aimed at building sustainable and job-creating economic environments in the region. It is also an important moment for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and development agencies to take stock of what this new reality means for their programs and initiatives in a region with potentially crippling employment challenges. Read more