I have a question re: your second question in your March 29 talk: "Radical Islam and the War on Terror"

Submitted by Bob Jenks (United States), Apr 2, 2007 at 14:17

Mr. Pipes, you repeated a refrain throughout the night on March 29: "Defeat radical Islam, strengthen moderate Islam."

My question to you sir, is: "How indeed can we strengthen moderate Islam if the moderates won't even talk with us?"

I am a communicant at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. My men's group has determined there is a need to hold a three-session Adult Forum for our parish on "Jihadism". I have been chosen to be the facilitator (this area has been a personal study focus of mine for some three years or so). The first session will be an educational one since most of our parishioners need a basic course on Islam. The second session will introduce Radical Islam.

I have been trying, without any success whatsoever, to invite Imams from local mosques and spokesmen from the local Muslim society to dialogue in a question and answer third session on the basic question: "How do we address the sensitive issue of Jihadism as seen by, and responded to (or not responded to) by the moderate Muslims in our communities?"

Most of my colleagues and friends (especially my Jewish friends) believe it is because the Muslim community is intimidated, is afraid to dialogue and speak out.

Do you believe this is the case? If not, how would you evaluate the situation?

Your concluding remarks in your chapter "Jihad and the Professors" in your book "Militant Islam Reaches America" infer that moderate Muslims who dare to dissent fall under enormous censure.

My basic question again is: " How indeed can we strengthen moderate Islam if the moderates won't even talk with us?"

Yours very truly,

Bob Jenks jenksr@adelphia.net

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