Consensus of various opinions:

Submitted by Rlroy J Shafer (United States), Sep 28, 2006 at 15:37

There is little doubt that the threat of "Jihadism" through the use of indiscrete acts of terrorism pose a threat to both the non-believers and to moderate or conservative Muslim thinkers.

The internal problems of Islamic culture are not addressed by the various governments, either out of ignorance of ultimate consequences or simply by fear of loss of authority. These authoritarian regimes, as with most holders of power, are fearfull of the loss of their positions of power should they chose to support the idea of Democracy and the freedom for individual thought. Any change in current political philosophy would give rise to dissent from the religious hierarchy of Islam, fostered by the Mullahs, Imams and the Ayatollahs who would incite their followers to resist any action that they feel would bring change from the archaic concepts dating from the time of the Hegira. It is a recognized fact that the Islamic religious leaders wield more power and influence over their followers than do government leaders. This contention is validated by simply recognizing what happened in Afghanistan when the Taliban assumed power and the resultant deprivation of the rights of women among other things.

Until such time as Islamic terrorism is fought with greater and overwhelming force, a status quo will remain.

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