An Indian "moderate" Islamist

Submitted by Arun Gupta (United States), Jun 25, 2002 at 20:02

Regarding the distinction, moderate Islamist versus moderate Muslim, there is an interesting case in India.

Dr. A. Kalam has been nominated for the President of India (a mostly ceremonial but constitutionally important post). He is a scientist/technologist, responsible for successes in India's civilian space program, and later in the missile program. Dr. Kalam is a Muslim immersed in Indian culture and is not confined in the narrow walls that the Islamists want.

Dr. Rafiq Zakaria, a so-called moderate Muslim, but really a moderate (non-violent) Islamist pooh-poohed Dr. Kalam's Muslimhood.

Please read the following - it may be a little difficult if you are not familiar with India, but it brings out Dr. Pipe's distinction very well.

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