Re. #665, Why establish Islamic Watch

Submitted by Bryan Taplits (United States), Apr 21, 2006 at 12:42

Dr. Pipes:

If you recall my E-mails to you, I believe you are very percipient analyst. I believe I should say this so that you know that my question is asked sincerely. My question is:

Why, if an Islamic organization, isn't a front for terrorist activities, do you believe it necessary to "watch" it. I'm not saying that this isn't a good idea (particularly since-at least it is my belief-many fundamental Islamic organizations might very well mutate into a terroristic fundamental Islamic organization; and the harm they will inflict [ala 9/11] is great even though the probability they'll inflict it is minimal), but I wish you would give your reason or reasons.

And does that make any religious organization open to a "watch"? (As I suggested, I'll most likely will agree with your reason(s), because most of your past columns have been insightful and prophetic. So you must have a good reason(s) for establishing "Islam Watch"-I just would like to know what it/they is/are).

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".