I am no expert, but my concern is with my understanding of Islam's history. Specifically the reality that it has only taken Islam ~ 1,500 years to violently conquer, convert and overwhelm an unimaginable number of people and land mass. To pretend Islam is not driven to build a caliphate seems to me naive, disingenuous or delusional. The ugly reality is right in front of our eyes.
‘If you believe that the only reason a jihadist terror group (Hamas) has control of Gaza is military occupation of Palestine by Israel, then you need to look around the Middle East and ask yourself:
Why did a jihadist terror group (Houthis) also take over Yemen?
Why did a jihadist terror group (IRGC) also take over Iran/Persia?
Why did a jihadist terror group (Taliban) take over Afghanistan?
Why did a jihadist terror group (ISIS) take over large parts of Iraq and Syria?
Why did a jihadist terror group (Boko Haram) take over parts of Nigeria?
Why did a jihadist terror group (Janjaweed) take over large parts of Sudan and Chad?
Why did a jihadist terror group (Al Shabaab) take over parts of Somalia?
Why did a jihadist terror group (Hezbollah) take over large parts of Lebanon and then expand its activities and control even after Israel left Lebanon?
Seems to me like Hamas is part of a larger problem of jihadism that exists all across the Middle East.’
I’d also add that it doesn’t only exist in the Middle East, we’ve been forced to watch it spread across the west in recent decades as well. But the point stands.
It’s seems a distinction without a difference. It just seems that whether Islam raises its ugly head there is torture , kidnapping, child brides, violence, FGM and more. None of these supposedly peaceful followers of Mohammed, who was a violent paedophile seem to raise their heads and say ‘enough’! I am mystified as to why these Muslims want to come to the west or why they stay if they hate us all so much.
My favorite commentator today. Says it plainly, always to the point. If we can’t distinguish between Islam and Islamists we will be willing participants in the destruction of our culture. Postmodern relativism won’t work this time. Listen up, everyone.
Perhaps, but that is for the Muslim community to undertake on its own. Western society, which has done more for Muslims than Islam, has no reason to confine itself to Islamic tradition. If Islam is capable of reform, that must come from within. In the meantime, Western society must draw a line in the sand and keep the cancer of Islamism from infecting any more of global society than necessary.
The Islamic tradition is the moral fabric of their society. They are stuck with it, with all of its flaws and all. I agree, that this vision must be implemented by the Muslims, but that does not mean that an outside prospective is not useful, and I would argue is absolutely necessary, given the entrenchment of attitude here.
Well, having lived in that region, I would say that the Islamic tradition is whatever the most influential local imams say it is. There is no centralized authority. And Muslims will be the first to tell you they have no interest in an “outside perspective “, even the liberal and more westernized Muslims.
David writes "The Islamic tradition is the moral fabric of their society.
And therein lies the problem. The Islamic tradition is plain to see: An endless Qur'an sanctioned lust for domination. To build the caliphate as insisted upon in the Qur'an.
David has "ears but cannot hear...has eyes but cannot see..."
He is so consumed with his half-baked theories about Islam that he lacks the ability to see the forest through the trees.
In retrospect, the greatest irony of this little exchange is that you are consumed with the type of hatred that is found all throughout the Islamic world. I hope that you find peace one day yourself.
David, It might be helpful for you to read some of Robert Spencer's books on Islam. And to reiterate, look at Islam's history of rapid spread from the town of Medina to the sprawling caliphate it controls today.
"Turning Islamists into martyrs" has been happening within Islam since they lived only in Medina and it had nothing to do with actions taken against Muslims. It had to do with the core tenents OF Islam.
Your naivety is troubling and opens the door to the endless cycle of Islamist exapnsion, just as is happening today in Nigeria, Kenya, Mali, Dearborn Michaigan and elsewhere. Israel has done something unqiue in modern times. They drew a red line in the sand and acted when it was crossed. More of this NEEDS to happen or else the chaos we're seeing in Paris, London, Brussels and a hundred other cities, universities and political venues will only increase. You, David, are an enabler of this expansion.
YOU ARE THE PROBLEM. They are stuck in the same cycle of violence that is degrading their society because they cannot figure out a way to bridge the geopolitical fault-line between the Western and Islamic world. I actually spent a year trying to come up with solutions. You give me a canned response that any armchair orientalist like myself would roll his eyes at.
No, I’ve read Sayyid Qutb, and the primary sources myself, and have studied Middle East conflict for a decade. I don’t need the standard Islamphobic drivel, because I’ve already grown out of that phase.
Wow! You have read Qutb and have studied the conlfict too. And you modestly call yourself an expert. Seems to me you're an expert in arrogance but certainly not on Islam or this conflict.
The following guys (see links below), born and bred and imbued with Islamic knowledge must be confused. No doubt you know more than they.
Yes, the Jews and Muslims have been fighting since Medina. The Ummah hate Zionists; tell me something new. I actually came up with fresh ideas out of this mess because the Jewish people deserve a safe national home.
You cannot destroy an ideology! You must displace it.
I shared a link filled with articles about jihadists killing Christians in Nigeria. Unarmed Christian farmers and this is your response? You're way out of your depth.
The Middle East, Northern Africa, Southern Asia were once home to many religions. Coptics, Chaldeans, Assyrians, Kurds, Hindus, Buddhists, Animists, Yazidis, Bahais to name just some. Now, thanks to Muslim jihadists, many who practice these religions have been ethnically cleansed, experienced genocide, forced conversion, every barbarism you can name. Afghanistan was once home to a peaceful Buddhist civilization. Today it is 100% Muslim. Tell me, David, how do you reckon that happened? Was it because the Buddhists were chanting too loudly for the overly sensitive Muslims?
You know next to nothing about Islam and Israel. You think you do. You think you have unique insights, but you are nothing more than a self-appointed expert of nothing. Good luck with your kumbayah imaginary vision. But when you ignore history, facts and true understanding you're destined for the graveyard of wasted words. A graveyard as big as those filled by victims of jihad.
Why is India’s crown jewel a mosque? Where have I implied that Islamic jihadism isn’t a core part of the Islamic tradition? I watched Syria get destroyed by Islamic extremism.
My fundamental belief is that there is a solution for this crisis, as the alternative is a depressing cycle of violence that is never-ending. Call it a core delusion that I accept to proceed because otherwise, Israel will NEVER be safe.
Great piece. I am still blown away that I was suspended for saying that Hamas were Nazis and for standing that they emerged from the Muslim Brotherhood.
I was called a liar, a violent threat to children, and a racist. With the aid of social media, thousands have suggested that I never be able to teach again (and this fact is used against me).
Is it a matter of ignorance or a new idea that feelings are more important than truth?
I am no expert, but my concern is with my understanding of Islam's history. Specifically the reality that it has only taken Islam ~ 1,500 years to violently conquer, convert and overwhelm an unimaginable number of people and land mass. To pretend Islam is not driven to build a caliphate seems to me naive, disingenuous or delusional. The ugly reality is right in front of our eyes.
John Aziz nailing it on Twitter:
‘If you believe that the only reason a jihadist terror group (Hamas) has control of Gaza is military occupation of Palestine by Israel, then you need to look around the Middle East and ask yourself:
Why did a jihadist terror group (Houthis) also take over Yemen?
Why did a jihadist terror group (IRGC) also take over Iran/Persia?
Why did a jihadist terror group (Taliban) take over Afghanistan?
Why did a jihadist terror group (ISIS) take over large parts of Iraq and Syria?
Why did a jihadist terror group (Boko Haram) take over parts of Nigeria?
Why did a jihadist terror group (Janjaweed) take over large parts of Sudan and Chad?
Why did a jihadist terror group (Al Shabaab) take over parts of Somalia?
Why did a jihadist terror group (Hezbollah) take over large parts of Lebanon and then expand its activities and control even after Israel left Lebanon?
Seems to me like Hamas is part of a larger problem of jihadism that exists all across the Middle East.’
I’d also add that it doesn’t only exist in the Middle East, we’ve been forced to watch it spread across the west in recent decades as well. But the point stands.
Having read “Infidel” by Ayan Hirsi Ali, I am convinced on the soundness of her assertions. James Hawley
Keep up the efforts. Love to read your work.
It’s seems a distinction without a difference. It just seems that whether Islam raises its ugly head there is torture , kidnapping, child brides, violence, FGM and more. None of these supposedly peaceful followers of Mohammed, who was a violent paedophile seem to raise their heads and say ‘enough’! I am mystified as to why these Muslims want to come to the west or why they stay if they hate us all so much.
My favorite commentator today. Says it plainly, always to the point. If we can’t distinguish between Islam and Islamists we will be willing participants in the destruction of our culture. Postmodern relativism won’t work this time. Listen up, everyone.
Ayaan, what (if any) are the organizations out there with a mission to dismantle the Muslim Brotherhood? I'd like to become a donor.
Sounds to me like the MB was a problem as a power structure. Not so sure that SA is not in favor of Islamism.
Sorry but no. This is a failed tactic, and we have over two decades of evidence that turning Islamists into martyrs only helps their cause.
The only way to fight the Islamists is to innovate, within the confines of the Islamic tradition, which I suggest here: https://radicalpeaceplan.substack.com/p/proposed-action-the-formal-establishment
Perhaps, but that is for the Muslim community to undertake on its own. Western society, which has done more for Muslims than Islam, has no reason to confine itself to Islamic tradition. If Islam is capable of reform, that must come from within. In the meantime, Western society must draw a line in the sand and keep the cancer of Islamism from infecting any more of global society than necessary.
The Islamic tradition is the moral fabric of their society. They are stuck with it, with all of its flaws and all. I agree, that this vision must be implemented by the Muslims, but that does not mean that an outside prospective is not useful, and I would argue is absolutely necessary, given the entrenchment of attitude here.
Well, having lived in that region, I would say that the Islamic tradition is whatever the most influential local imams say it is. There is no centralized authority. And Muslims will be the first to tell you they have no interest in an “outside perspective “, even the liberal and more westernized Muslims.
I agree, which is why this has to become a part of a political and diplomatic framework for there to be any remote chance for my ideas to stick.
David writes "The Islamic tradition is the moral fabric of their society.
And therein lies the problem. The Islamic tradition is plain to see: An endless Qur'an sanctioned lust for domination. To build the caliphate as insisted upon in the Qur'an.
David has "ears but cannot hear...has eyes but cannot see..."
He is so consumed with his half-baked theories about Islam that he lacks the ability to see the forest through the trees.
In retrospect, the greatest irony of this little exchange is that you are consumed with the type of hatred that is found all throughout the Islamic world. I hope that you find peace one day yourself.
David, It might be helpful for you to read some of Robert Spencer's books on Islam. And to reiterate, look at Islam's history of rapid spread from the town of Medina to the sprawling caliphate it controls today.
"Turning Islamists into martyrs" has been happening within Islam since they lived only in Medina and it had nothing to do with actions taken against Muslims. It had to do with the core tenents OF Islam.
Your naivety is troubling and opens the door to the endless cycle of Islamist exapnsion, just as is happening today in Nigeria, Kenya, Mali, Dearborn Michaigan and elsewhere. Israel has done something unqiue in modern times. They drew a red line in the sand and acted when it was crossed. More of this NEEDS to happen or else the chaos we're seeing in Paris, London, Brussels and a hundred other cities, universities and political venues will only increase. You, David, are an enabler of this expansion.
Israel is in the worst state of its life, which I summarize here: https://open.substack.com/pub/radicalpeaceplan/p/collective-acknowledgment-the-israeli-116?r=o2uc5&utm_medium=ios
YOU ARE THE PROBLEM. They are stuck in the same cycle of violence that is degrading their society because they cannot figure out a way to bridge the geopolitical fault-line between the Western and Islamic world. I actually spent a year trying to come up with solutions. You give me a canned response that any armchair orientalist like myself would roll his eyes at.
No, I’ve read Sayyid Qutb, and the primary sources myself, and have studied Middle East conflict for a decade. I don’t need the standard Islamphobic drivel, because I’ve already grown out of that phase.
Wow! You have read Qutb and have studied the conlfict too. And you modestly call yourself an expert. Seems to me you're an expert in arrogance but certainly not on Islam or this conflict.
The following guys (see links below), born and bred and imbued with Islamic knowledge must be confused. No doubt you know more than they.
https://www.memri.org/reports/iranian-official-reza-taghavi-hitler-was-right-his-approach-towards-jews-zionists-must-be
https://www.memri.org/tv/jordan-islamic-scholar-sheikh-alaa-jaber-people-gaza-been-selected-allah-die-honorable-death-blessed-october7
https://www.memri.org/reports/dearborn-michigan-memorial-service-slain-hizbullah-secretary-general-nasrallah-imam-usama
And here is what is happening in Nigeria. No doubt this jihad has nothing to do with Islam and was instigated by the evil black Christian farmers.
https://jihadwatch.org/?s=iman+nigeria
Yes, the Jews and Muslims have been fighting since Medina. The Ummah hate Zionists; tell me something new. I actually came up with fresh ideas out of this mess because the Jewish people deserve a safe national home.
You cannot destroy an ideology! You must displace it.
I shared a link filled with articles about jihadists killing Christians in Nigeria. Unarmed Christian farmers and this is your response? You're way out of your depth.
The Middle East, Northern Africa, Southern Asia were once home to many religions. Coptics, Chaldeans, Assyrians, Kurds, Hindus, Buddhists, Animists, Yazidis, Bahais to name just some. Now, thanks to Muslim jihadists, many who practice these religions have been ethnically cleansed, experienced genocide, forced conversion, every barbarism you can name. Afghanistan was once home to a peaceful Buddhist civilization. Today it is 100% Muslim. Tell me, David, how do you reckon that happened? Was it because the Buddhists were chanting too loudly for the overly sensitive Muslims?
You know next to nothing about Islam and Israel. You think you do. You think you have unique insights, but you are nothing more than a self-appointed expert of nothing. Good luck with your kumbayah imaginary vision. But when you ignore history, facts and true understanding you're destined for the graveyard of wasted words. A graveyard as big as those filled by victims of jihad.
All so true. The stories are neverending.
Why is India’s crown jewel a mosque? Where have I implied that Islamic jihadism isn’t a core part of the Islamic tradition? I watched Syria get destroyed by Islamic extremism.
My fundamental belief is that there is a solution for this crisis, as the alternative is a depressing cycle of violence that is never-ending. Call it a core delusion that I accept to proceed because otherwise, Israel will NEVER be safe.
Great piece. I am still blown away that I was suspended for saying that Hamas were Nazis and for standing that they emerged from the Muslim Brotherhood.
I was called a liar, a violent threat to children, and a racist. With the aid of social media, thousands have suggested that I never be able to teach again (and this fact is used against me).
Is it a matter of ignorance or a new idea that feelings are more important than truth?
https://www.freedomtoffend.com/p/i-am-being-thrown-in-the-slowly-grinding?r=iy2ds&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web