FIRE WITH FIRE

Why is everyone trying to reason with these people? I saw on TV yesterday a news clip with an American Muslim who basically said, "If you don't like being terrorized then change your policies." In other words, "We will dictate international policy. We will tell you what you can and cannot do. You will do as we say or suffer the consequences." This is not from a recognized governing body, but a group of terrorists. Any Muslim who feels "called" can participate. A Muslim can wake up one morning and decided to join this movement and blow up innocent civilians and that act will receive not only endorsement from the general Muslim community, but may result in acclaim and rewards. The young man I saw on TV that endorsed these terrible acts is not a radical Muslim. It is my belief he is representative of Muslims in general. After 9/11 Muslims took to the streets dancing and laughing. Even here in America. It was only later that condolences were received from some of the Muslim communities here in America. There can be no negotiating with Muslims. They (Al Queda) want to rule the world and dictate even to other Muslims how they will behave. Our government is powerless to deal with them. Our own laws tie its hands. The Muslims follow no law except their own interpretation of the Koran. They are operating under a self-fulfilling prophecy. They believe America and others are trying to exterminate them contrary to all evidence. If they keep attacking the entire world eventually they will be exterminated. They aren't leaving us any other course of action.

This is reply is specifically for William Shaw, a person who is as ignorant as the terrorist he refers to.

I am a British Muslim living in England following the laws and traditions of my country (England). I also practice my religion on a regular basis.

In one word William NO. You obviously are a racist whose only interaction with a coloured individual is a T.V. I do not resent your comments instead pity your ignorant and childish remarks. So much hatred for a culture/ religion that you don't or will ever understand.

The American Muslim's comments simply stated his interpretation of the situation. This does not imply he sympathises with the terrorist or is trying to dictate international foreign policy.

Yes Muslims follow the Quaran but it does not condone any form of violence. Instead I and the majority of Muslims in the western world desire strongly to integrate ourselves within the community, follow the laws of the country and practice our religion within the four walls of a mosque and without adapting our faith around our countries culture, identity and people.

This comment is for the British Muslim who has left an anonomous comment.

I am very interested in your perspective on the external jihad that al Qaeda and other Muslim extremist organizations are constantly speaking about. Do you embrace these viewpoints?

How do the leaders in your Mosque in Britain address the issues of violence against civilians both Muslim and non-Muslim? Do they speak about about them or are they silent. What kind of discipline is used when extremists share their views in the Mosque. Do you and other listen? Is there an undercurrent there that draws some of the faithful into these terrorist circles under the guise of practicing their faith more purely?

What is your point of view as one of the faithful on the role and responsibility of religious leadership to speak out about atrocities perpetrated both on the Muslim and non-Muslim communities in Iraq and worldwide by those claiming to be faithful to the Quaran? (al Qaeda and the Muslim Brotherhood and Hezbollah)

I would like to know why does it seem that Muslim leaders are not embracing peace. I am speaking particularly of the fatwa that was sent out by top clerics at the University of Muslim teaching in Egypt; the fatwa that stated that it was the duty of every good Muslims to fight the intrusion of Americans in Iraq with force.

I totally agree that most teachings of the Quaran are peaceful and that mainstream Muslims want to practice their religion peacefully, but how do you then educate people like me and others who hear these other stronger messages of hatred of Israel, lack of tolerance for so called apostate Muslims who are Muslims just the same, talk of the re-establishment of the Muslim Caliphate at the expense of existing nation states, and see violent attacks against civilians all in the name of Allah from vocal extremists who are also practicing the Muslim faith in a devout fashion. Do you consider them a part of the faithful?

You have such a unique perspective and I truly do not want to put you on the spot, but would very much like to give you a platform to express your views and educate our other readers as well as myself as we do not have your unique perspective.

You can reply here and I will then copy your comments and create a blog post so that you can tell the world your viewpoint.

This is your chance to speak for the community of peaceful Muslims.

Most Repectfully Yours,
The Watcher

To the watcher,

A Brief Response...

External Jihad - An inward spiritual struggle to attain perfect faith (Wikpedia). My interpretation and 99.9% of other Muslims.

How do the leaders in your Mosque in Britain address the issues of violence - talks are conducted on peace and the true meaning of Islam.

What kind of discipline is used when extremists share their views in the Mosque - Ah such arrogance, 99.9% of Muslims are not extreme thus I have never met an "extremist" who has shared their view.

What is your point of view as one of the faithful on the role and responsibility of religious leadership.... None necessary, most Muslims are not terrorists, so such talks are not need, instead the talks about peace, education sufficiently cover these topics.

I would like to know why does it seem that Muslim leaders are not embracing peace.... "A fatwa" - How elaborate and eccentric! So what! A couple of people in Egypt expressed an opinion, who cares, does this suddenly represent the view of all Muslims. NO! They get reported because they are Muslim, otherwise everybody would be saying who cares.

How do you then educate people like me and others who hear these other stronger messages of hatred.... Sensationalism. A book can be interpreted in many ways, the media report on the bad and ugly, the good always gets missed out. It is the outspoken who are heard, the rest, keep our heads down.

Yours

N.R