Free Republic

After 9/11, everyone knew there was going to be a debate about the future of Islam. We just didn't know the debate would be between Osama bin Laden and Tupac Shakur. Yet those seem to be the lifestyle alternatives that are really on offer for poor young Muslim men in places like France, Britain and maybe even the world beyond. A few highly alienated and fanatical young men commit themselves to the radical Islam of bin Laden. But most find their self-respect by embracing the poses and worldview of American hip-hop and gangsta rap. One of the striking things about...

<p>JOHN GIBSON, HOST: Is that English? A poet in the streets or just a thug who got rich by rhyming about gansta life. Some teachers say the late rapper, Tupac Shakur (search), is just Robert Frost (search) for kids of today. Heather Nauert, here with more rhyme and maybe some reason.</p>