Reach out to struggling child refugees and immigrants

A very thoughtful piece by a former refugee, telling us how we can all help refugees and immigrants avoid gangs so they don't go down the wrong path and harm themselves and others -- and us. - - Donna Poisl

Society's challenge of helping young people avoid gangs and other violence extends to the young people of refugee and immigrant communities, writes guest columnist Ahmed Dahir.

By Ahmed Dahir, Special to The Times

AS a member of the Somali community in Seattle, I was shocked and terrified when I heard that the suicide attack against the peacekeeper's compound in Mogadishu was carried out by a Somali American with ties to Seattle. The suspect's father was quoted saying "He's very sorry about the tragedy" and "ashamed of the whole thing." These feelings are shared by Seattle's Somali community.

There is no question that we all reject and condemn any terrorist act or tendencies. At the same time, I also want to shine a spotlight on another face of this tragedy.
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