Posted on 09/15/2004 6:18:48 AM PDT by eagles
The war on terror will not be won by guns and bombs alone. We need a two-pronged approach, the use of force when necessary, combined with a concerted campaign to stem the flow of ignorance and hatred that creates a steady stream of future jihadis.
We can still lose this war. We can lose it by rejecting help from moderate Muslims who want to help us. Let me explain:
Yesterday I posted an editorial, We are So Sorry, written by Kamal Nawash of the Free Muslims Against Terrorism. Some of the responses I got from this posting were so troubling, I am submitting this topic for further discussion.
Despite the fact that Nawash and his organization apologized for the attacks of 9/11 and the extremism for many in his faith; despite the fact that he added his belief that moderate Muslims need to speak out more and not only join the War on Terror, but lead it; despite the fact that he and his organization condemn the failure of many of their religious leaders to unequivocally denounce terrorism--- and his statement that many of the imans belong behind bars, not behind pulpits, many on this board were skeptical. No, let’s be honest. They weren’t just skeptical, they were downright hostile.
In fact, I was so astonished by some of the hostility and skepticism----see below----that I wrote Kamal Nawash in order to get his response.
First things first. Here is a small sample of what some of my fellow conservatives had to say about Nawash’s apology:
“Said it once, I’ll say it again. Everything I want to know about Muslims I learned on 9/11.
“When the Twin Towers are restored and 3000 people have their lives back, I will accept the apology. Until then every Muslim on this planet should reap what their brothers have sown. I will not forgive, I will not forget, I will not tolerate, and I will not treat them with respect EVER.”
“They sure are doing alot ass kissing these days. Time to repair the image, public funding is down, numbers are down, converts are down. This stuff is just a bunch of B.S.” “
“3 years too late mulsims”
“It's been three years now. Show us evidence that you are sorry. Your words are just noise.”
One writer expressed that he did not believe in collective guilt inferring that Nawash’s apology was meaningless. That remark at least had some logic behind it so I decided to write Nawash, tell him about the overall response his editorial generated and ask him, “Why did you feel the need to apologize for acts you had no part in committing? Why are you stepping forward to denounce terrorism when it is clear many non-Muslims do not believe you or accept your apology?”
Here is Nawash‘s response:
As you see we have an uphill battle both with Muslims and Non-Muslims. We did it because it is the right thing to do. We believe that Muslims are in the best position to fight Islamic extremism. Thus, we have a special duty and responsibility to speak up and lead the war on terror. Moreover, we want non-Muslims to understand that many Muslims are against this madness and we all need to join forces to fight this cancer. The response of the non-Muslims you mentioned actually empower the extremists. The extremists will say you see, the non-Muslims will hate us no matter what we say. The response from the people you mentioned is sad and it is pushing moderate Muslims to give up and not work with any one and that is why many of them stay silent. Kamal
Unfortunately, I think he’s right. Why speak up when it will subject you, not only to the risk of retribution by Islamic radicals but to the scorn of non-Muslims as well? Truly this man and his organization show great courage and they should be supported not condemned. Shame on those who don't recognize a peacemaker and an ally when they see one.
A very sure way to lose it is to elect Kerry.
Intolerance on both sides makes this a very touchy issue. You are not going to get people to forgive Muslims just 3 years after 9/11. Hell, there are people who are still bitter about Pearl Harbor.
But I applaud muslims who recognize that there is a serious problem within their religion.
Hear, hear!
You've made the case quite well. In part, I agree with you. Now I think that guy should be allowed to live, perhaps even his wife. To hell with the rest of them.
You've got a point. We bitch about how we don't see and hear muslims condemning jihadism. When some do, we bitch about them too.
Too damn bad. They made their bed. Let them lie in it.
I think the skepticism about Muslims is well founded given their lack of action as well as the lack of conviction these people show against Islamic extremism. I agree that we need to find people in these communities to work with but responsibility starts with the individual and quitting on the idea of standing up against extremism because the West doesn't trust you is lame.
So we hold them all responsible???? Even the ones who want to help us---who have the courage to step into the line of fire and denounce the extremists? I say the best thing the average Joe can do to help win the war on terror is to join this organization----they want non-Muslims too--and vote Bush.
You probably should post a link whenever you mention these folks.
Moderate Muslims have pretty much done nothing. For comparison, in WWII, one of the most decorated units in the entire American army was a Japanese-American unit. They were absolutrely feared by the enemy German and Italian Americans joined the war effort in great numbers and turned in any bad apples in their midst...
And we can also lose it by bending over backwards to coax moderate Muslims out of their shells. It's a very easy choice for the moderate Muslims. Choose terror, or choose freedom.
The killing hasn't stopped. There's Bali, Madrid, and just yesterday over 50 people were killed in Baghdad.
He's right, many of those imams belong in jail. So don't just say it, put them there. Muslims are protecting Bin Laden and Zarquawi right now.
An apology is a start. But they've got a long, long way to go to civilize the Muslim culture.
I suggest that Muslims who want to speak out against terrorists do a little of bit of research on the violence encouraged by their on religious teachings. Especially with respect to women and anyone who does not believe as they believe. Until that is resolved the threat is always there.
Balroth of Morgath said it best: We bitch about how we don't see and hear muslims condemning jihadism. When some do, we bitch about them too.
Kamal is right. That will only convince the moderates to be silent.
The more I learn about Islam the more I question the legitimacy of "moderate muslims" What I see is a faith based on false pride, hatred and intolarance. The driving force being the desperate need for self pride. The victims are rewarded with a sense of self worth and pride, but only if they work for the destruction, or at least suppression of non believers. Are these moderate Muslims really prepared to live side by side with others outside of their faith with mutual respect and tolerance? I'm beginning to doubt they can. I would be happy to live in peace and respect their faith, but I'm becoming more and more convinced they can't tolerate the presence of people outside their faith anywhere on this planet. I sincerly hope I'm wrong.
But unlike the muslim community, there's not the first Jap who's made the first attempt at apologizing for Pearl Harbor. Until then...
Hell no, I won't forget!
I think "moderate muslim" is another textbook example of an oxymoron.
Keep in mind that one of the fundamental principles of muslim doctrine is that 'lying is perfectly OK if you're lying to an infidel!'
Before you doubt they can, PLEASE check out their website---www.freemuslims.org. This war on terror will go on FOREVER if we alienate even those Muslims who are on our side and want to help us.
As Kamal Nawash said, "We want non-Muslims to understand that many Muslims are against this madness and we ALL need to join forces to fight this cancer. The response of the non-Muslims you mentioned actually empower the extremists. The extremists will say, “You see, the non-Muslims will hate us no matter what we say.” The response from the people you mentioned is sad and it is pushing moderate Muslims to give up and not work with any one and that is why many of them stay silent.”
Do a little reading on their website before you condemn them. The War on Terror will not be won by guns and bombs alone.
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