Trump admin targets violent islamist groups as foreign policy priority #

The Trump administration has indeed made countering violent Islamist extremism (CVE) a key foreign policy priority. Here are some key initiatives and policies that reflect this focus:

1. Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Program: In 2016, the Obama administration launched the CVE program, which aimed to prevent radicalization and counter online terrorist propaganda. The Trump administration has continued and expanded this program, with a focus on addressing the root causes of extremism and promoting community-led initiatives.
2. Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS: In 2014, the Obama administration launched the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, a multinational effort to combat the Islamic State (ISIS). The Trump administration has continued to lead this coalition, with a focus on military operations, intelligence sharing, and economic pressure on ISIS.
3. Designation of terrorist organizations: The Trump administration has designated several terrorist organizations, including the Muslim Brotherhood, as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs). This designation allows the US to impose sanctions and other penalties on individuals and entities associated with these groups.
4. Counter-terrorism partnerships: The Trump administration has strengthened counter-terrorism partnerships with countries in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. These partnerships focus on sharing intelligence, conducting joint military operations, and promoting economic development to counter extremist ideologies.
5. Disinformation and online counter-narratives: The Trump administration has launched initiatives to counter online terrorist propaganda and disinformation. This includes working with social media companies to remove terrorist content, promoting alternative narratives, and supporting local media initiatives.
6. Countering the spread of extremist ideologies: The Trump administration has emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of extremism, including poverty, political instability, and social marginalization. This includes supporting economic development, promoting political reform, and addressing social grievances.
7. Funding for CVE initiatives: The Trump administration has increased funding for CVE initiatives, including programs focused on countering online extremism, promoting community-led initiatives, and supporting local counter-terrorism efforts.

Some notable examples of the Trump administration's efforts to target violent Islamist groups include:

• Operation Inherent Resolve: A US-led military campaign against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, which has resulted in significant territorial losses for the group.
• Operation Freedom's Sentinel: A US-led military campaign in Afghanistan, which aims to defeat the Taliban and other terrorist groups.
• Counter-terrorism operations in Africa: The Trump administration has launched counter-terrorism operations in countries such as Somalia, Libya, and the Sahel region, aimed at disrupting terrorist networks and preventing attacks on US interests.

Overall, the Trump administration's focus on countering violent Islamist extremism reflects a recognition of the threat posed by these groups and a commitment to protecting US national security and interests.