Under Siege?

Submitted by Edmund James (Canada), Jul 3, 2003 at 16:11

Who has been threatened? Albeit many Muslims, now, worry about reform and civil wars.

Akbar Ahmed seems to be a decent scholar who suggests advancement. I am not a Middle East scholar, though I have read numerous articles and books about the militancy of the Islamists and possible causes, and have met Daniel Pipes in Canada and listened to his speech. Mr. Pipes is also a civil person with information and answers; whereas, I am more to the right: "one war - one enemy".

What I have learned, from so many sources, is that "communal affairs" may not be enough, not presently. A religious and cultural war was declared, and by whom? Yet, I have not heard, or read enough apologies by the Islamic world, by Muslim scholars, by leaders, except a few. "We are sorry and shamed. This is not what our religion and people desire." But what does the Muslim world desire? The voting power to change America? How many American / Muslims actually voted for Al Gore and Joseph Leiberman (American-Jew)? Especially in Florida.

The moderates have to come forth and intice change in a religion and culture; and command that the terrorists be tracked down; encourage informants, like we have with whistle-blowers and others; stop funding charities that support terrorist groups -- and insist that certain clerics be investigated. (lie detector test are not necessary, although, when one considers the proselytizing in prisons and supposed pro-American-society mosques, one wonders.)

Perhaps, then, one can be calm, or cooler, and learn even more about the Muslim community and understand the reasons for the world threat.

Nevertheless, I am pleased Professor Ahmed recognizes why Daniel Pipes belongs in the United States Institute of Peace.

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