Germans deploy manga-style comics to sway Muslim youth in war of ideas

The German government has published a comic book designed to dissuade Muslims from turning to Islamist extremism although U.S. officials say the effectiveness of the effort is questionable. The comic was issued by the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia that seeks to educate young people about the differences between Islam and Islamic extremism and danger posed by Islamic terrorism.

The comic book has been met with both praise and skepticism. «On balance, it represents an innovative way to reach a vulnerable but cynical audience,» said a U.S. government report on the comic book. «Although the Europeans are engaged in a variety of programs to prevent or counter Islamic radicalization on their soil, it is unclear if the comic book is a unique initiative or if it might represent a wave of new efforts to employ nontraditional or experimental media in addressing the problem.» November 7, 2008

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