Prime Junta
RPGCodex' Little BRO
- Joined
- October 19, 2006
- Messages
- 8,540
I came across this rather interesting article that claims that Al Qaida's model of global terrorism is losing out among Islamists. They're arguing that it's counterproductive and un-Islamic.
[ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7546322.stm ]
If this is true, and represents an actual trend change, the repercussions could be huge. It would mean that non-violent, political Islam is getting the upper hand. This wouldn't be really that surprising, since there are a few pretty respectable precedents for it already, whereas Al Qaida hasn't really managed to, y'know, *accomplish* much, apart from wanton destruction.
Personally, I believe that political Islam will be much more effective if it drops random terrorism and distances itself from Al Qaida and similar fringe movements. Meaning, make use of a democratic framework where it exists; attempt to create one where it doesn't and they're in a position to be a player in it.
That also means that it's gonna be a bigger challenge for the rest of us to deal with them: we can pretty much ignore Al Qaeda, other than a security problem, but a dynamic, mainstream Islamist movement out to mold society to its image will mean that there are going to be changes that we'll be negotiating and adapting to.
I'm a long-term optimist; that is, I believe that it's possible to have a society that includes both a public Eid al-Fitr sermon and a gay pride parade (though probably not the same day). It ain't gonna be easy, and it's certainly not a given that it's going to happen, but if it does, I think in the end everybody will be better off for it. Which is a fairly good argument in its favor, IMO.
Sayyid Imam aka Dr. Fadl said:"Oh, you young people, do not be deceived by the heroes of the internet, the leaders of the microphones, who are launching statements inciting the youth while living under the protection of intelligence services, or of a tribe, or in a distant cave or under political asylum in an infidel country.
"They have thrown many others before you into the infernos, graves, and prisons. Those who have triggered clashes and pressed their brothers into unequal military confrontations - are specialists neither in fatwas nor in military affairs."
[ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7546322.stm ]
If this is true, and represents an actual trend change, the repercussions could be huge. It would mean that non-violent, political Islam is getting the upper hand. This wouldn't be really that surprising, since there are a few pretty respectable precedents for it already, whereas Al Qaida hasn't really managed to, y'know, *accomplish* much, apart from wanton destruction.
Personally, I believe that political Islam will be much more effective if it drops random terrorism and distances itself from Al Qaida and similar fringe movements. Meaning, make use of a democratic framework where it exists; attempt to create one where it doesn't and they're in a position to be a player in it.
That also means that it's gonna be a bigger challenge for the rest of us to deal with them: we can pretty much ignore Al Qaeda, other than a security problem, but a dynamic, mainstream Islamist movement out to mold society to its image will mean that there are going to be changes that we'll be negotiating and adapting to.
I'm a long-term optimist; that is, I believe that it's possible to have a society that includes both a public Eid al-Fitr sermon and a gay pride parade (though probably not the same day). It ain't gonna be easy, and it's certainly not a given that it's going to happen, but if it does, I think in the end everybody will be better off for it. Which is a fairly good argument in its favor, IMO.
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2006
- Messages
- 8,540