Daniel Pipes: Scholar, Not Prophet

Submitted by David M Dastych (Poland), Jul 20, 2002 at 15:30

Dear Sirs,
I went through the very long and laborious article by Daniel Brook article with an intention to find out who Dr. Daniel Pipes really is. A conservative political writer, a scholar thrown into deep water to swim against the current or a day-dreamer considering himself a "prophet" of our time?
Before this piece, I have read at least a 100 of Dr. Pipes' articles and transcripts of his TV appearances. I have to admit that I have had no chance yet to read his books. So I am looking forward to the forthcoming "Militant Islam Reaches America." I don't always agree with him, because I am also stubborn and I like to force my own views. But I like him and, what's more important, I trust him.
Let me tell you, why:
- he really knows a lot about Islam, Islamism and the Muslim World
- he can see more than an average American, Jew, Russian or anybody else when he
studies a problem linked to Islam or the Muslim World
- he has got a sharp mind and an ability to concentrate on the most important issues
- he may be prejudiced or over-eager but he also can listen to other views and logic
- most of his observations have been proven true, held water
- he is a very valuable "whistle blower" with a powerful voice
- he isn't appeasing the President, the U.S.Government or any other Government but
tells them about their mistakes
- he should actively participate in the shaping of the U.S. policy versus Islam, both at
home and abroad.
TO SUM UP: Dr. Daniel Pipes is a scholar and an outspoken critic, a very good writer
and a convincing speaker. People may not like him but they listen to him and
they should respect him for what he does for America.
Thank you.

DAVID M. DASTYCH
journalist & political analyst
Warsaw, Poland

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