I agree.
But the concept is still a hard sell in America.
This is what Bernard Lewis has to say:
"In recent years there have been some changes of perception and consequently, of tactics among Muslims. Some of them still wee the West in general and its present leader teh United States in particular as the ancient and irreconcilable enemy of Islam, the one serious obstacle to the restoration of God's faith and law at home and their ultimate universal triumph. For these there is no way but war to the death, in fulfillment of what they see as the commandments of their faith. There are others who, while remaining committed Muslims and well aware of the flaws of modern Western society, nevertheless also see its merits -- its inquiring spirit, which produced modern science and technology; its concern for freedom, which created modern democratic government. These, while retaining their own beliefs and their own culture, seek to join us in reaching toward a freer and better world. There are some again who, while seeing the West as their ultimate enemy and as a source of all evil, are nevertheless aware of its power, and seek some temporary accommodation in order better to prepare for the final struggle. We would be wise not to confuse the second and the third."
Smithee comment: My belief is there are many in the West who do confuse the second and third of Lewis's categories. That is a sereious mistake, IMO. |
