Simply put...

Submitted by There is NO Santa Claus (United States), Dec 16, 2014 at 08:30

... the problem is Islamism vs. Nationalism.

Those Muslim nations that still have a shred of national identity left are clearly feeling the heat. They and their leaders know that an Islamic empire without borders (i.e. a Caliphate) is diametrically opposed to their national existence.

So much for the problem. Let me discuss a "new" solution. Dr. Pipes points out one obvious problem: the fear of identifying Islamism. That much is obvious and I agree. I would add that those Muslim nations that still possess a national identity have another ally ready-in-waiting: The Jewish nation (i.e. Israel). The Jewish State is a clear national identity that cannot accommodate Islamism.

It will be difficult if not impossible for Muslim nations in the region to defend themselves while continually rejecting the one national entity in the region that is capable and willing to assist them. It has always been risky for the leaders of Muslim nations to recognize Israel, even tentatively. Yet as time goes on, many of these leaders are gradually coming to realize my point. You can occasionally hear a word here, a hint there. But they remain afraid in the vain hope that the US will underwrite their national identity because of petroleum and thus, there is an alternative to the risk. One look at Iraq leaves these leaders re-thinking.

Back in the heyday of Arab nationalism, the Arab League accepted "a Christian nation with an Arab face". That nation was Lebanon. Once civil war tore apart Lebanon's national identity, the slow march of Islamism began anew. Those Muslim nations seeking to preserve their national identity better learn the lesson.

Turkey is teetering. Egypt is struggling. Syria is in turmoil. Iraq is in turmoil. Pakistan is problematic. Iran is on an imperialist rampage. Like it or not, the Jewish State is all they have to work with.

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