counter violent extremism
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The ten most notable PD moments from 2015.
![Photo / USC Office of Religious Life https://orl.usc.edu/events/#ecal-919383](https://uscpublicdiplomacy.org/sites/default/files/styles/275x168/public/uploads/USC%20CITCAP.jpg?itok=yLVtuoka)
A panel of outside experts from Silicon Valley and the private sector has completed a skeptical review — still not public — about U.S. online efforts against ISIS, according to an article in The Washington Post. Their timely review underscores a harsh reality: The United States and its allies have not devoted the time, attention and resources necessary to countering the ideology that drives organizations like ISIS and al-Qaida.
The recent bill passed by Congress aims to clamp down on the visa waiver program with provisions that essentially discriminate against Iranians. The ACLU calls H.R.158, passed last Tuesday by overwhelming support (419 yes), as a measure calling for "blanket arbitrary discrimination based on nationality and national origin."
As the public grapples with images of violent extremism advocated by the Islamic State group, UCLA students have developed a website and social movement aimed at slowing its spread by countering recruitment strategies. [...] The result is Safe Spot, which is designed to foster ideals of acceptance, safety, community and ultimately discourage isolated individuals from joining extremist groups.
![Photo courtesy of Ali Fisher](https://uscpublicdiplomacy.org/sites/default/files/styles/275x168/public/uploads/Countering%20Violent%20Extremism.png?itok=idSao-p0)
A selection of blogs and research.
![Photo by Garry Knight/ CC by-SA 2.0 Paris Vigil](https://uscpublicdiplomacy.org/sites/default/files/styles/275x168/public/uploads/22994891146_02f4a40bf1_o.jpg?itok=mISCAYty)
On Paris, ISIS, and the implications for public diplomacy.
Senior U.S. government officials have also acknowledged the importance of winning the war of ideas from the outset. [...] A closer inspection suggests the lessons from the Truth campaign can help improve the West's ability to compete in the CVE war of ideas, particularly in the eyes of young adults.