The “Muslim-American” communities silence speaks volumes about their true motives.

(AP) — Muslims in the America aren’t cooperating enough with law enforcement to counter the radicalization of young followers by al-Qaeda-linked groups, said a House leader on terrorism issues, renewing debate about religion’s role in motivating extremists and what the U.S. can do without alienating the Islamic world.

Rep. Peter King, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, asserted that al-Qaida terrorists are targeting Muslim youth in this country, previewing his hearing Thursday on the extent of the problem and the Muslim community’s response.

“The overwhelming majority of Muslims are outstanding Americans, but at this stage in our history there’s an effort . . . to radicalize elements within the Muslim community,” he said in an interview broadcast Sunday.

“It’s there and that’s where the threat is coming form at this time,” King said.

Taking up King’s call for a national discussion, the White House sent President Barack Obama’s deputy national security adviser, Denis McDonough, to a Northern Virginia mosque to speak late Sunday at an interfaith gathering about how the administration is dealing with domestic radicalization.

“I don’t believe there is sufficient cooperation” by American Muslims with law enforcement, King said.

“Certainly my dealings with the police in New York and FBI and others say they do not believe they get the same — they do not give the level of cooperation that they need.”