Where are the points of light in the Islamic world?

Submitted by Gary Josephson (United States), Dec 10, 2008 at 07:25

I read your writings and dream of ways out of the nightmare. Thus far you have occasionally cited moderates that seem to hold views that could be helpful, but even there distinguishing friend from foe is an intellectual exercise. Are there no doctrinaire conservatives in the Islamic world prepared to issue Fatwas against these extremists (sorry, terrorists)?

How about prosecutions of the recruiters of the bombers? Has this occurred anywhere? Wouldn't youth with a vision of hope be able to be recruited to expose these criminals? I heard that some in India were vocally active out of sincerity or to prevent any retaliation against the community there, but just often I read of those who obviously took pride in the actions, but assumed the "don't discriminate" posture in order to continue their hate message.

The picture looks bleak, but this is war and it seems to me beachheads need to be established and expanded. The righteous are there somewhere and need to recognized and encouraged. I see no other way to avoid even larger catastrophes. I know you already do this, but more needs to be done by everyone concerned.

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