One of the persisten problems with the "War on a Verb" approach of the past 16 years has been definitions. This has shaped everything from the reluctance to say or do certain military things, to accusations of racism, bigotry and the like towards agencies and individuals concerned about who the threat is. The sad fact is that the VAST majority of people spouting off about the whole topic don't actually know what they are discussing (this includes .gov figures and politicians) - so, they either deliberately or accidentally contribute to the spread of bad information.
In particular, I'm discussing the whole concept and conversation about "Radical Islam," "Jihad," and the like.
Words matter. In understanding what is truly going on. In holding informed discussions. In every sense of making the appropriate decisions.
As a small bit towards helping, I encourage you to read this essay which discusses intelligently the differences between "Muslim," "Islamist," "Jihadist," "Takfiri," and the like. One of the best summaries I've seen, and very balanced towards facts not opinions. It also links to deeper sources should you have the interest.
Good reading for anyone concerned.
4 comments:
That is an amazing article. In my limited way, I've tried to engage folks on the differences and subtleties of Islam, but was never this successful.
Hey Captain,
I shamelessly cribbed this from you, posted it and passed the credit to you :)
Thank you for the article, it did explain the differences of Islam.
No problem at all - thanks for helping spread knowledge.
Thanks Captain. Very good one!
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