With regard to partners, it will be important to identify the social
sectors that would constitute the building blocks of the proposed networks.
Priority should be given to
- Liberal and secular Muslim academics and intellectuals
- Young moderate religious scholars
- Community activists
- Women’s groups engaged in gender equality campaigns
- Moderate journalists and writers.
The United States should ensure visibility and platforms for these
individuals. For example, U.S. officials should ensure that individuals
from these groups are included in congressional visits, making them
better known to policymakers and helping to maintain U.S. support
and resources for the public diplomacy effort.
Assistance programs should be organized around the sectors listed
above, and would include:
Democratic education, particularly programs that use Islamic
texts and traditions for authoritative teachings that support
democratic and pluralistic values
Media. Support for moderate media is critical to combating
media domination by anti-democratic and conservative Muslim
elements.
Gender equality. The issue of women’s rights is a major battleground
in the war of ideas within Islam, and women’s rights
advocates operate in very adverse environments. Promotion of
gender equality is a critical component of any project to empower
moderate Muslims.
Policy advocacy. Islamists have political agendas, and moderates
need to engage in policy advocacy as well. Advocacy activities
are important in order to shape the political and legal environment
in the Muslim world.