How We Beat Terrorism: Muslim Youth in Indonesia

If we can ever expect to beat terrorism, or more specifically, extremist Islam, we must rely on Muslim moderates.  They are the only people who can make the extremists appear illegitimate.  Thankfully, there appears to be good news today.  Muslim youth in Indonesia are volunteering to guard Christian churches during the Christmas holidays.  Additionally, they are organizing with other non-Christians for this activity.

According to Al Jazeera, a youth wing of Indonesia's largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama, has volunteered to keep Christians safe.  Now, some may think that this activity sounds like intimidation, but there is a good reason that I think it is not.  According to the article:

"Tatang Hidayat, national coordinator of NU's Banser group, said: 'We have an annual programme to set up posts to secure Christmas. For this year, I have contacted groups from other religions like the Hindus and Buddhists and they have responded positively.'"

This is a positive development.