Former U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair have partnered to establish a new commission with the intent to help U.S. and European government leaders counter violent Islamist radicalization, the Washington Post reported Sunday.
Elise Viebeck writes the group, backed by the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Commission on Countering Violent Extremism, will develop strategies to weaken the appeal of Islamic State extremists.
“The reality is that this threat, which I think is a clear and present danger, requires a much more thoughtful and comprehensive approach,” Panetta was quoted as saying by The Post.
Shannon Green, a senior fellow and director of the CSIS’ Human Rights Initiative, will lead the new commission as executive director.
Commission members will include academic experts, technology industry executives and former government officials, Viebeck reports.
