Wait a Second, Harrak..

Submitted by J.S. (Canada), Oct 30, 2006 at 18:44

Yes, Karsh offers a synopsis of the history of Islam, and Yes, he does condense the history into several hundred pages. But, I don't think his views should be instantly written off. Perhaps one with an open mind can consider Karsh's arguments (that doesn't mean you have to agree or accept what Karsh has to say).

First, Karsh is NOT saying that Islam should be banned (!!!) -- that's ridiculous. Karsh doesn't strike me as "Islamophobic."

Karsh (in the introduction) says that currently there are two accepted "explanations" offered for what's going on in the world of Islam...One view maintains that it's a "clash of civilizations." Thus, Islam, after years of greatness feels it's in decline, and it's "deeply frustrated." So, there's a collision of world-views between Christendom and Islam. The second view, says, "No, it's not a clash of civilizations, it's all the fault of the Americans and their arrogant policies."

Karsh offers a THIRD viewpoint. He maintains that the two views expressed above share a common problem -- they both suggest that all the problems are a result of external, "global power politics." What these two flawed views (in Karsh's opinion) also neglect is the power of the "internal, autonomous dynamics" within Islam. Thus Karsh gives more credence to those "indigenous trends, passions, and patterns of behavior" within Islam. Not external forces, but internal forces.

Karsh also notes, by the way, how far apart are the ideals that "The Prophet" encouraged his followers to engage in and the reality. Thus, "The Prophet" forbade in-fighting amongst Muslims. Now that may be a noble ideal -- but has it been realized? See page 32 of Karsh... This sort of fighting which we see in Iraq today is not really all that *new.*

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