Churchill understood Islam in 1899.

Submitted by gellin&infidellin (Canada), Jan 30, 2007 at 12:09

"How dreadful are the curses which Mohammedanism (Islam) lays on its votaries!
Besides the fanatical frenzy, which is as dangerous in a man as hydrophobia in a dog, there is this fearful fatalistic apathy.

The effects are apparent in many countries - Improvident habits, slovenly systems of agriculture, sluggish methods of commerce, and insecurity of property which exist wherever the followers of the Prophet rule or live.

A degraded sensualism which deprives life of its grace and refinement, as well as, its dignity and sanctity.

The fact that in Mohammedan law, every woman must belong to some man as his absolute property - Either as a child, a wife, or a concubine, must delay the final extinction of slavery until the faith of Islam has ceased to be a great power among men.

Individual Moslems may show splendid qualities, but the influence of the religion paralyses the social development of those who follow it.

No stronger retrograde force exists in the world.

Far from being moribund, Mohammedanism is a militant and proselytizing faith. It has already spread throughout Central Africa, raising fearless warriors at every step!

And, were it not that Christianity is sheltered in the strong arms of science, the science against which Islam had vainly struggled, the civilization of modern Europe
might fall, as fell the civilization of ancient Rome..."

Sir Winston Churchill; (The River War, first edition, Vol. II, pages 248-50 (London:

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".