Ben lets support Muslims who oppose extremism not lump them together with the radicals

Submitted by Ben Clarke (Australia), Mar 17, 2010 at 22:05

Ben we share the same name but it seems we are a little different in other respects. While the threat of extremism is real, I think you may need to get out more. Ive met loads of Muslims in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and here in Oz who have no interest in living under extreme ideologies or fighting Israel until the end of time. They want want most of us want. You tend to lump all Muslims together. There is no monolythic Islam. Islam like all religions cannot escape the impact of cultural shifts, gloablisation etc.... The way Islam is understood and practiced differs radically from society to society. For example, many Muslims in Iran have a lot more in common with the average Israeli than the average Mullah. It you surrender to hate and lump all Muslims in the "lets kill all the infidels" basket you lose perspective on the many muslims who reject this ideology and are actively opposing it - often in creative and surprising ways. You can find them and support them if you want to. But if you prefer war without end, then I guess your free to pursue that path as well. But what a sad approach to life. And probably not a very productive one if peace is your goal.

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".