Debate is good, depending on a subject

Submitted by Boris (United States), Aug 2, 2005 at 18:14

I think debate is always a good thing, and I am sure, Dr. Pipes, you are not trying to avoid debates in general. However, decision to appear on TV for debates with islamists is highly dependent on the subject. What exactly these debates would be focused on?

On religion? Does not make any sense. Religion is a very personal and sensitive issue and does not support any concept of debate. Debates on which religion is better or how peaceful or hostile any religion is, are absolutely unproductive and therefore useless.

On middle-eastern political issues? Are there any? These countries don't have democracy, they don't seem to have alternative development issues to discuss, especially with experts on international terrorism. When middle-eastern societies put creator's will in front of every act, everything in their political life becomes a religious issue, therefore impossible to debate due to the reason above. If these people claim that they act by Allah's will, how can you logically argue with this totally irrational statement?

Islamists may complain to the entire world about the fact that nobody wants to listen to them or debate with them. But the real fact is - they are the ones who are responsible for closing doors to possible debates by making every topic of the debate a religious issue.

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