I would question whether that is consistent with the definition of a religious war, since one of the parties is not a religion
You keep changing your mind on what is a religion. Fascism can qualify, why not Liberalism? because it values reason, individuality and human rights? Reason counts for much, but it doesn't set these basic values, the axioms of every belief that follows. Belief does. Call it values, ethics, religion, what you will, but this conflict pits our beliefs against theirs. Ours are more diverse than theirs - Baptists, Orthodox Jews and atheists don't believe the same things, but both can fit under the umbrella on the basis of their shared values - but they are still beliefs.
From a purely pragmatic view, we would want to avoid the "religious war" notion. It's never a good idea to allow your antagonist to dictate the terms of conflict.
Nor is it a good idea to fight a fanatic opponent while pretending you have no opposing ideology of your own. You only confuse yourself while convincing him that you believe in nothing - as the Islamists do believe of America, in fact most Arabs do. I just saw a poll in which the majority of Jordanians thought America had no religion or values.
You seem to think that we will offend the Muslim world if we openly state allegience to our own beliefs and religion. I think this is nonsense. The Muslim world does not share your sensibilities; an outpouring of religious fervor would at least be comprehensible to them, as much of our current belief system (at least as it filters through to them) is not - that's why they believe we are being ruled by the mythical Elders of Zion. |
