'Islamofascist' fits the bill

Submitted by Henrik R Clausen (Denmark), Aug 14, 2006 at 11:58

Interesting debate. The main point must be to find the term that concisely tell as many people as possible what the essence of the problem is. I believe your analysis misses some important points this time. Let's have a look:

"Fascism glorifies the state"

As in the Caliphate, which is being glorified by Islamists. Glorifying a single, monocultural state is more radical than the historical fascism, which glorified the nation-state. Not much difference here.

Fascism emphasizes racial “purity,”

While the Arabs are mentioned as a master race in the Quran, this is de-emphasized by the Islamists. I agree with the analysis here.

Fascism promotes social Darwinism

I believe a pure Islamic state would do the same, as it hardly has the means and intentions to secure equal rights for all. We'd have to check history for this. And perhaps look at the definition of 'Social Darwinism' to be sure. It's not quite sure, I call a draw here.

Fascism denigrates reason

I believe the Islamists do this with gusto.

Fascism exalts the will

"Obey the will of Allah". I chalk up one for 'Islamofascist'.

Fascism and rejects organized religion – all outlooks anathema to Islamists.

This is the new thing, and the reason why we have the amalgam word 'Islamofascist'.

Intolerance, violence, smearing propaganda are further similarities to classic fascism.

The term 'Islamist' doesn't convey the same urgency as 'Islamofascist', either. And finally, the term leaves an escape hatch for those muslims who are not fundamentalists.

For the moment (quite unusually...), I think Bush is right on. 'Islamofascist' is the term we need. It gets the job done.

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