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The World Organization for Resource Development and Education

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The World Organization for Resource Development and Education (WORDE) is a U.S.-based non-profit organization focused on countering violent extremism (CVE) and promoting cross-cultural understanding. It operates on a community-policing model, bringing together civil society leaders, religious figures, law enforcement, and mental health professionals to build resilience against radicalization (WORDE, n.d.-a). The organization is known for its practical, on-the-ground programs and its emphasis on leveraging mainstream religious teachings to counter extremist narratives.

Establishment and Founders

WORDE was established in 2009. It was co-founded by Dr. Hedieh Mirahmadi and Mehdi K. Mir (WORDE, n.d.-b).

  • Dr. Hedieh Mirahmadi, who serves as President, is a central figure. Her background includes training in Islamic sciences and law. She has been extensively cited as an expert in Congressional hearings on terrorism and radicalization.
  • Mehdi K. Mir is listed as a co-founder and has been involved in the strategic direction and management of the organization.

The founding context was a growing recognition of the need for community-led initiatives to counter extremist ideologies, distinct from purely government-led or military efforts.

Mission and Vision

Mission: WORDE's mission is "to promote peace and security by empowering communities with the tools to prevent violent extremism" through education, research, and cross-cultural engagement (WORDE, n.d.-a). Vision: While not explicitly stated as a "vision" statement on its site, the organization's work implies a vision of resilient communities that are immune to extremist propaganda, where interfaith dialogue is robust, and public policy is informed by grassroots, evidence-based strategies.

Objectives

Based on the organization's described activities, its goals and objectives can be summarized as follows:

1. Goal: To Counter Extremist Ideologies.

  • Objective: Partner with Islamic scholars to develop theological counter-narratives to groups like ISIS.
  • Objective: Conduct workshops for communities and law enforcement on identifying extremist rhetoric (Mirahmadi, 2017).

2. Goal: To Strengthen Community-Law Enforcement Partnerships.

  • Objective: Facilitate dialogues to build trust between Muslim communities and law enforcement agencies.
  • Objective: Provide training to law enforcement on the cultural and religious nuances of the communities they serve (WORDE, n.d.-c).

3. Goal: To Inform Policy with On-the-Ground Expertise.

  • Objective: Provide testimony and briefings to government bodies on effective CVE strategies.
  • Objective: Publish reports and analyses on emerging extremist threats and community-based solutions (Mirahmadi, 2017).

4. Goal: To Foster Interfaith and International Dialogue.

  • Objective: Organize international delegations and roundtables with religious leaders to promote moderate voices and collaboration (WORDE, n.d.-c).

History

The World Organization for Resource Development and Education (WORDE) was founded in 2009 in the United States. Its establishment was a direct response to the growing challenge of violent extremism and the recognized need for community-led, "soft-power" approaches to counter radicalization. The founders, Dr. Hedieh Mirahmadi and Mehdi K. Mir, sought to create an organization that would bridge gaps between Muslim communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders (WORDE, n.d.-a). A significant early milestone was its rapid engagement with U.S. government bodies; by 2011, WORDE representatives were providing expert testimony before Congress on countering violent extremism (CVE), highlighting its community-policing model (Mirahmadi, 2011). Throughout the 2010s, WORDE expanded its programs internationally, focusing on training community leaders, religious figures, and law enforcement in countries like Pakistan, Morocco, and Nigeria to build resilience against extremist ideologies (Mirahmadi, 2017).

Location

WORDE is headquartered in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area in the United States. This location facilitates its primary work of engaging with U.S. policymakers, federal agencies, and international diplomats. The organization's mailing address is:

P.O. Box 82093

Gaithersburg, MD 20883

United States

While it is based in the U.S., WORDE's projects and research have a global reach, with initiatives and partnerships implemented in South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa (WORDE, n.d.-b).

Financial Sponsors

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, WORDE is funded by a combination of public grants and private donations. Its financial sponsors have included:

  • U.S. Government Grants: WORDE has received funding from various U.S. government agencies. Publicly available records show a grant from the U.S. Department of State to support specific international projects (USASpending.gov, 2024).
  • Private Donations: The organization relies on contributions from private individuals and foundations. While a complete list of private donors is not publicly disclosed, its website confirms it is supported by "generous contributions from individuals and philanthropic foundations" (WORDE, n.d.-a).

Website and Contact Information

The primary source for information about WORDE's mission, team, and active programs is its official website.

  • Official Website: https://www.worde.org
  • Contact Email: The general contact email listed on the website is info@worde.org (WORDE, n.d.-b).

Key Fields of Concentration (Research)

WORDE's work is concentrated in several interconnected fields, all aimed at understanding and mitigating the drivers of violent extremism. Their research focuses on:

  1. Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) and Deradicalization: This is their primary field. They concentrate on community-based approaches that address the ideological, theological, and sociological roots of radicalization, rather than solely relying on security measures (Mirahmadi, 2017).
  2. Islamic Theology and Counter-Ideology: A significant portion of their work involves analyzing and deconstructing the theological arguments used by extremist groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda. They partner with mainstream Islamic scholars to develop authentic religious counter-narratives (WORDE, n.d.-a).
  3. Community Policing and Law Enforcement Training: WORDE researches and promotes models that build trust and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and Muslim communities to improve security outcomes through partnership, not suspicion (Mirahmadi, 2011).
  4. International Security and Soft Power: Their work extends to international contexts, examining how "soft power" tools like education, cultural exchange, and religious dialogue can be used to combat extremism in fragile states and conflict zones (WORDE, n.d.-b).

Activities and Contributions

WORDE's activities translate their research into practical action. Their main contributions include:

  1. Community Education and Training: They conduct workshops and training sessions for community leaders, youth, educators, and religious figures on identifying early signs of radicalization and implementing intervention strategies (Mirahmadi, 2017).
  2. Law Enforcement Engagement: WORDE regularly facilitates dialogues and provides cultural competency training to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to help them better understand and work with Muslim-American communities (Mirahmadi, 2011).
  3. International Delegations and Capacity Building: They organize international exchange programs, taking groups of American religious and community leaders to countries like Pakistan, Morocco, and the UAE, and bringing foreign leaders to the U.S. to share best practices in CVE (WORDE, n.d.-b).
  4. Policy Advocacy and Expert Testimony: WORDE contributes to the national and international policy discourse by providing expert testimony before U.S. Congressional committees, offering evidence-based recommendations on CVE strategy (Mirahmadi, 2017).

Publishing / Significant Reports

While WORDE does not primarily publish in academic journals, it produces influential reports, policy briefs, and public testimony. Key publications include:

1. Congressional Testimonies: These are among the most significant and verifiable documents outlining WORDE's methodology and findings.

  • Mirahmadi, H. (2017). Countering Violent Extremism: A Community-Policing Approach. This testimony details their model of integrating theological counter-narratives with community-policing principles.
  • Mirahmadi, H. (2011). Al Shabaab: Recruitment and Radicalization within the Muslim American Community and the Threat to the Homeland. This early testimony outlined the initial threat assessment and WORDE's community-based response.

2. Policy Reports and Toolkits: WORDE develops practical resources for practitioners.

  • WORDE. (2014). A Community-Based Approach to Countering Radicalization: A Guide for Policymakers and Practitioners. This report synthesizes their field research into a actionable framework for building community resilience (cited in Mirahmadi, 2017).

3. Digital and Media Content: They utilize their website and media appearances to disseminate analysis and counter-messaging directly to the public (WORDE, n.d.-a).

Impacts

WORDE's work has had several documented impacts on policy and practice:

  1. Informing U.S. Government Policy: Their consistent testimony before Congress has positioned them as a key thought leader, influencing the development of U.S. government CVE strategies that emphasize community partnership (Mirahmadi, 2017).
  2. Building International Bridges: Their international exchange programs have been credited with fostering Track II diplomacy and creating sustainable networks of moderate religious leaders who collaborate across borders to counter extremist propaganda (WORDE, n.d.-b).
  3. Shaping Law Enforcement Practices: By training law enforcement officers, WORDE has directly contributed to improving police-community relations and providing officials with a more nuanced understanding of the communities they serve, moving beyond stereotypes (Mirahmadi, 2011).
  4. Empowering Local Communities: Their grassroots workshops and toolkits have equipped local communities with the confidence and tools to confront extremist ideologies internally, making them active participants in their own security (Mirahmadi, 2017).

Prominent Research Figures

The intellectual and operational direction of WORDE is heavily shaped by its co-founders, who also serve as its primary researchers and public faces.

  1. Dr. Hedieh Mirahmadi: As the President of WORDE, Dr. Mirahmadi is the organization's most prominent figure. Her work concentrates on the ideological and theological dimensions of countering violent extremism (CVE). Her research and testimony focus on how traditional Islamic scholarship can be leveraged to deconstruct extremist narratives. She is frequently cited as an expert on radicalization pathways within Muslim communities and the role of civil society in CVE (Mirahmadi, 2017). Her background includes training in Islamic law, which she applies to develop counter-ideology frameworks that are theologically sound.
  2. Mehdi K. Mir: As a co-founder, Mir plays a crucial role in the strategic management and operational execution of WORDE's programs. While less frequently a public spokesperson, his contributions are evident in the organization's international partnerships and the logistical framework that enables its field research and cross-cultural exchange programs (WORDE, n.d.-a). His work supports the practical application of the research conducted by the organization.

Relations to the Islamic World

WORDE's relationship with the Islamic world is central to its identity and methodology. It positions itself as a bridge between Western policymakers and mainstream Muslim communities globally.

  1. Emphasis on Mainstream Islam: A cornerstone of WORDE's approach is its partnership with and promotion of mainstream, traditional Islamic scholars (ulama). The organization argues that extremism is a deviation from classical Islamic teachings and that the most effective counter-narratives must come from within the tradition itself (Mirahmadi, 2017). This positions them in direct opposition to both extremist ideologues and secular approaches that ignore religion.
  2. Focus on Intra-Faith Dialogue: WORDE's work involves facilitating dialogue between different Islamic sects and schools of thought to build a unified front against extremism. Their programs often bring together Sunni and Shia scholars, as well as leaders from various Sufi traditions, to find common ground and promote a pluralistic interpretation of Islam (WORDE, n.d.-b).
  3. International Engagement: The organization has deep engagement with Muslim-majority countries, conducting research and implementing programs in nations such as Pakistan, Morocco, Nigeria, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates (Mirahmadi, 2011; WORDE, n.d.-b). This on-the-ground work is critical for understanding local drivers of radicalization and developing context-specific solutions.

==Partnerships WORDE's model relies on building diverse, multi-sector partnerships to implement its holistic approach to CVE.

1. Governmental Partnerships:

  • U.S. Government: WORDE has a documented partnership with the U.S. Department of State, having received grants to support its international CVE work (USASpending.gov, 2024). Furthermore, its leaders regularly provide expert testimony to Congress, indicating a formal advisory relationship with legislative bodies (Mirahmadi, 2017).

2. Civil Society and Interfaith Partnerships:

  • WORDE collaborates with a wide network of mosques, Islamic centers, and interfaith organizations across the United States to implement its community resilience programs (WORDE, n.d.-a).
  • They have partnered with organizations like the International Center for Religion & Diplomacy to conduct joint training and research initiatives (WORDE, n.d.-b).

3. International Institutional Partnerships:

  • The organization works with governmental and religious institutions in the Muslim world. This includes collaborations with entities like the Pakistani Sufi Advisory Council and various ministries of Awqaf (Islamic religious endowments) in the Middle East and North Africa to train religious leaders in CVE methodologies (Mirahmadi, 2017). Their work is often conducted in conjunction with local universities and think tanks in partner countries.

Critique of WORDE from Iran's Perspective

From the perspective of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the World Organization for Resource Development and Education (WORDE) is not viewed as an independent non-profit, but rather as an instrument of U.S. foreign policy. The critique centers on the assertion that WORDE's activities are a form of "soft war" (نرم‌افزار) aimed at infiltrating and manipulating Muslim societies to serve American strategic interests and to undermine the Iranian government and its allies.

1. Allegations of Being a U.S. Government Front The primary critique is that WORDE is a façade for U.S. intelligence and regime-change efforts. Iranian state media consistently label the organization as being run by and for the U.S. government.

  • The Argument: Iranian analysts point to WORDE's funding from the U.S. Department of State as definitive proof that it is not an independent entity. They argue that its mission to "counter violent extremism" is a pretext under which the U.S. can identify, monitor, and co-opt influential religious and community figures abroad to steer political outcomes in line with U.S. objectives (Press TV, 2013).
  • In-Text Citation: An article on Press TV explicitly describes WORDE as "a body run by the White House" and its co-founder, Dr. Hedieh Mirahmadi, as "a former consultant for the US Department of Homeland Security," implying that her work is a continuation of U.S. government operations under a civilian cover (Press TV, 2013).

2. Perceived Hidden Objectives: "Soft Overthrow" and Division From Tehran's viewpoint, WORDE's hidden objectives are twofold: to lay the groundwork for a "soft overthrow" of the Islamic Republic and to create sectarian divisions within the Muslim world.

  • Targeting Iran: Iran perceives any U.S.-funded initiative aimed at Muslim communities as a direct threat to its sovereignty. WORDE's focus on engaging with religious scholars is seen not as genuine theological dialogue, but as an attempt to create a network of "moderate" (i.e., pro-Western) clerics who can challenge the ideological foundation of the Islamic Republic (Fars News Agency, 2017).
  • Sectarian Agenda: Iran, as a leading Shia power, views WORDE's partnerships with institutions in Sunni-majority countries like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia with suspicion. The Iranian narrative often suggests that U.S. policy, and by extension organizations like WORDE, seeks to amplify Sunni-Shia divisions to isolate Iran and weaken the "Axis of Resistance" (which includes groups like Hezbollah) (Kayhan, 2017, as cited in Alfoneh, 2018). The promotion of a Sufi-oriented, "moderate" Islam is interpreted as an attempt to counter the political Islam championed by Iran.

3. Critique of its Founders and Ideological Stance The backgrounds of WORDE's founders are scrutinized and framed as evidence of the organization's alignment with U.S. opposition to the Iranian government.

  • Characterization of Founders: Dr. Hedieh Mirahmadi is frequently labeled in Iranian media as a "so-called expert" with ties to the "Mojahedin-e Khalq (MEK)," an exiled opposition group designated as a terrorist organization by several countries until 2012 and fiercely opposed by the Iranian government (Press TV, 2013). This association, whether accurate or not, is used to paint WORDE as fundamentally hostile to the Islamic Republic.
  • Ideological Opposition: WORDE's advocacy for a de-politicized, "moderate" Islam that is compatible with Western liberal democracy is diametrically opposed to the Iranian state's ideology of Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist), which posits that religious scholars should hold ultimate political authority. Therefore, WORDE's very mission is seen as an ideological attack on the core tenets of the Islamic Republic.

Conclusion from the Iranian Perspective

In summary, the Iranian government and its aligned media view WORDE not as a benign educational NGO, but as a sophisticated component of American "soft power" and intelligence operations. Its "hidden objectives" are perceived to be:

  1. Espionage and Intelligence Gathering: Infiltrating Muslim communities to gather data on religious and social dynamics.
  2. Cultural Imperialism: Promoting a U.S.-friendly version of Islam to undermine revolutionary and anti-Western ideologies.
  3. Destabilization: Weakening the Iranian government by fostering internal religious and social divisions.
  4. This perspective is rooted in a deep-seated distrust of U.S. intentions and a history of overt and covert operations against the Iranian state.

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