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Updated Tuesday, March 8, 2011 10:21 am TWN, By Eileen Sullivan and Lolita C. Baldor, AP



	A demonstrator, in support of a planned congressional hearing on the role of Muslims in homegrown terrorism, holds up a sign during a protest in New York, Sunday, March 6. (AP) Enlarge Photo

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US Muslims praised ahead of House hearing

STERLING, Virginia -- The White House on Sunday praised American Muslims for helping fight violent extremism, but a House leader on terrorism issues said they aren't cooperating enough with law enforcement to counter the radicalization of young followers by al-Qaida-linked groups.

U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser Denis McDonough, speaking at an interfaith forum at a Northern Virginia mosque, commended its members for taking “an unequivocal stand against terrorism.”

“You've sent a message that those who perpetrate such horrific attacks do not represent you or your faith, and that they will not succeed in pitting believers of different faiths against one another,” McDonough said.

But Rep. Peter King, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, re-asserted warnings about al-Qaida terrorists targeting Muslim youth in this country.

“The overwhelming majority of Muslims are outstanding Americans, but at this stage in our history there's an effort ... to radicalize elements within the Muslim community,” he said in a preview of his hearing Thursday on the extent of the problem and the Muslim community's response.

“It's there and that's where the threat is coming from at this time,” King said in an interview broadcast Sunday.

“I don't believe there is sufficient cooperation” by American Muslims with law enforcement, King said. “Certainly my dealings with the police in New York and FBI and others say they do not believe they get the same — they do not give the level of cooperation that they need.”

In New York City, a coalition of over 100 interfaith, nonprofit and governmental organizations planned a rally Sunday against King's hearing, saying it will send the wrong message to U.S. Muslims by “demonizing” them. The committee hasn't released a witness list yet for the hearing.

The administration has tried to strike a balance on the thorny issue, working to go after homegrown Islamic extremists without appearing to be at war with the Muslim world. There has been an effort to build stronger relationships with Muslims — internationally and with Islamic leaders in the United States.

At the same time, however, militant Islamic propaganda has factored into recent terrorist attacks and foiled attempts in this country.

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