I’d be interested in your thoughts about this essay, Matt.
It’s spot on. Islam spreads by a coordinated strategy, relying on “moderate” pathfinders as well as terrorism, bribery, threats etc.
The weak leaders in targeted regions are usually cowed and submit, leading their betrayed people into Islam’s grasp.
Here’s my short story take on how Islam spreads:
“The Alienork Way: a cautionary tale for civilized humans facing an Ork invasion”
https://gatesofvienna.net/2016/01/the-alienork-way/