In the quest for peace and coexistence with Islam, an important question has never been asked or its never been asked by the right people. Does Islam want peace?
It is clear, for example that the Israelis want peace. After all, they've been willing to surrender land which was won with Israeli blood in order to achieve it. The International Community cares enough to pressure Israel into making the most absurd deals imaginable with a group of people that have never kept one commitment to end violence and terrorism. However, given the recent election of Hamas, its clear the Palestinian people could really care less about peace.
I have to make the same conclusion about the masses of Muslims marching in the streets of Europe protesting over the portrayal of Mohammad in Cartoon form. The US State Department condemned the cartoon and the newspaper apologized, which isn't enough for the raging Muslims as they torch embassy after embassy, in their attempt to bring Denmark to its knees.
When only one side wants peace, what is gained is not peace, but capitulation. Like a store owner being blackmailed by the mob, you know they're going to be back next week, wanting more and they'll keep taking from you until they've taken it all away.
Seeking peace from people who have no interest in it will only be seen as a sign of weakness. True peace comes when both sides are tired of fighting or one side has totally overwhelmed the other. In the battle against radical Islam, quarter must not given that is not asked for.
We must begin to understand what we're up against. In reality, the war on Terror at its core is little different than the Cold War. In both cases, we're fighting an ideology. Radical Islam and Communism both at their core are threats to the survival of freedom. As we would not have called Communism an ideology of peace, so in the midst of a life and death struggle for our very survival, calling Islam a religion of peace is equally absurd.
While, there are peaceful Muslims, and most of those in the West easily fall into this category, they are far too tolerant of the bad actors in their own community. In some cases, they flee from the harsh religious police of their own land and go to Mosques led by Imans, who if they had it in their power would bring the exact same order to the West. According to a London Telegraph poll, 24% of British Muslims sympathize with the Terrorists who did the Subway bombings, and 27% wouldn't go to the police if they became aware of a potential bombing and 53% wouldn't go to the police if they became aware of someone trying to Radicalize the Youth.
The situation is dire. It is not enough that criminals be caught, but there must be a concerted effort to undermine radical Islam in our society. This effort begins in the church. Many churches will talk about the views of the New Age Movement or Secular Humanism, but rarely explain and refute the views of Islam. This has to be done in a thoughtful way, not like some of the ham-handed approaches we've seen from some corners.
Outside the church, I'd challenge the skeptics and scoffers to direct some of their mockery at Islam. I doubt it will happen, as most would rather only attack a religion that doesn't issue fatwas or behead them for it. It has been said a number of times, but deserves repeating, that this cowardice explains why Kenye West didn't appear on the cover of Rolling Stone dressed as Mohammad.
A critical light needs to be thrown on Islam, its teaching, its tenets, and the type of nation that faith produces. It is time to unveil the face of Islam, so all the world can see.
Clearly this sentiment will not be popular with the Islamic Community. As evidenced by the howls of protest and string of arsons, Islam believes it should be exempt from criticism of even the most mild sort. If that's the goal, they may wish to re-emigrate. In our culture, Christians have to put up with the name of Christ being blasphemed on a regular basis on television, music, and movies. Every Easter, the networks give air time to those challenging the authenticity of the Resurrection. It is time to give the claims of Islam such a thorough working over. The future of our country depends on it.
Adam Graham is the author of the Screwtape Report which is available at http://www.lulu.com/content/165415. He was the 2000 Montana State Coordinator of the Alan Keyes Presidential Campaign. He and his wife live in Boise, Idaho. He is a columnist for AmericanDaily.com, RenewAmerica.us, TheConservativeVoice.com. and Conservatown.com. You can visit his blog at http://www.adamsweb.us/blog You can also subscribe to his nightly podcast at http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/blgH
