Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Islam in Tanzania and Kenya: Ally or Threat in the War on Terror?

2009; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 32; Issue: 12 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/10576100903319805

1521-0731

Jodi Vittori, Kristin Bremer, Pasquale Vittori,

Colonialism, slavery, and trade

This article explores the historical emergence of Islam in East Africa, details the political background of Tanzania and Kenya, the role of Islam in each country, and U.S. foreign policy in the region. The recent U.S. strategy of intelligence-sharing with Kenya, training and military support to both Kenya and Tanzania, and air strikes in Somalia are assessed. In addition to the current military emphasis, the United States should incorporate more “soft” options, such as the promotion of democratic governance in these nascent democracies through political assistance in constitutional, judicial, and law-enforcement reform, as well as encouraging greater inclusion of Muslims in the political system.