Islamic Religious Schools, Madrasas: Background (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised Jan. 23, 2008 |
| Report Number |
RS21654 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Christopher M. Blanchard, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the Islamic religious schools known as madrasas (or madrassahs) in the Middle East, Central, and Southeast Asia have been of increasing interest to U.S. policy makers. Some allege ties between madrasas and terrorist organizations, such as Al Qaeda, and assert that these religious schools promote Islamic extremism and militancy. Others maintain that most madrasas have been blamed unfairly for fostering anti-Americanism and for producing terrorists. This report provides an overview of madrasas, their role in the Muslim world, and issues related to their alleged links to terrorism. The report also addresses the findings of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (the "9/11 Commission") and issues relevant to the second session of the 110th Congress. Related products include CRS Report RS22009, Education Reform in Pakistan, by K. Alan Kronstadt, CRS Report RL33533, Saudi Arabia: Background and U.S. Relations, by Christopher M. Blanchard, CRS Report RL32499, Saudi Arabia: Terrorist Financing Issues, by Christopher M. Blanchard, CRS Report RS21695, The Islamic Traditions of Wahhabism and Salafiyya, by Christopher M. Blanchard, CRS Report RS21457, The Middle East Partnership Initiative: An Overview, by Jeremy M. Sharp, and CRS Report RL32259, Terrorism in South Asia, by K. Alan Kronstadt and Bruce Vaughn. This report will be updated periodically.
