Almost straight-forward

Submitted by Michael Winn (United States), Jun 22, 2008 at 18:37

Dr Pipes,

Your column is much clearer than the messages we receive from other sources, and I applaud you in that effort. The West does have a real enemy, and its identity is not captured by a single tactic, "terrorism".

But I challenge you to take that last step required for real clarity--name the enemy "Islam" and be done with it. ""Islamism" and other half-efforts are last-ditch tactics to avoid facing reality. The "radical fringe" is definitive, and it is well and centrally grounded in the history of Islamic praxis and in the heart of the Q'oran.

The so-called "terrorists" are acting out modern equivalents of Mohammed's own actions, and their violent theories are well supported by their scriptures. The "fringe" IS the heart of Islam; the so-called moderates whose mythical existence we try to encourage are just lapsed Muslim, celebrating the cultural trappings of the religion without the core beliefs.

I do not fault you for taking stances less threatening to your life and to the welfare of those you love - I do not run such a risk in my small town and do not walk in your shoes - but the West will not be really on its way to stopping the present scourge until we face the truth.

Cordially, with sincere appreciation for all you do,

Michael Winn
Nipomo, CA

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