The Xenia Institute for Social Justice brought together an expert in the areas of criminology and sociology, and an expert in Islamic studies, to discuss and help people understand the recruitment of individuals by radical groups.
Dr. John Carl, assistant professor of Criminology and the Sociology of Law at the University of Oklahoma, and; Dr. Imam Imad Enchassi, Chair of Islamic Studies at Oklahoma City University, got together on Thursday night at the First Christian Church in Norman to present, "Radicalization and Response."
Dr. Carl started the presentation by explaining the details of ISIS, and how they and other radical groups recruit.
According to Carl, individuals in Middle Eastern / North African (MENA) areas are the average age of 24.
Carl explained what this means.
"The average age of people in MENA is 24," Carl said. "Individuals in and around the age of 24 are the most susceptible to being recruited by radical groups like ISIS."
Carl said "push factors" are a major contributor to ISIS recruitment strategies.
"Push factors provide a conducive context for ISIS recruitment in areas like Europe," Carl explained.
Enchassi followed with a story of how he came from being a Palestinian refugee in Beirut, Lebanon, to becoming a naturalized citizen after surviving the Beirut Massacre at the hands of Christian militiamen.
"I came to the United States by being granted a Visa after surviving the massacre" Enchassi said.
During the Q&A, a question was posed by an audience member about how ISIS and other radical groups made money to survive.
Enchassi and Carl's response outlined the use of taxes, oil and bribes ISIS incorporates into their master plan.
"They (ISIS) use the strong influence of oil in the Middle East, as well as taxes, and even bribes to fund themselves," Enchassi said.