Islam and the West: Answers from the Past

The opposing nature of Islamic and Christian or Western countries is not entirely new. Since the beginning of the Muslim religion, jihads have taken place on a consistent basis. This may come as a shock to many, but the fact remains that there has been violent perpetual conflict since the 700s between both religious groups. That is not to say that what is taking place today is a conflict between Islamic and Christian countries, but it is important to realize the perpetual motive of Islamic extremists.

So what does history tell us?
In the past, Christian nations were successful in defending their territory against invading Muslims. Victor Davis Hanson, professor of classics at CSU, explains that Western success has been due to a general concept of democracy that is unknown to Islamic countries. He argues, in a post-9/11 edition that the West will win the current "War on Terror" due to their inherent love of freedom and democracy as well as the practice of capitalism.

What do extremists want?
On United Airlines Flight 93, thirty-three passengers fought against four Islamic extremists bent of directing their plane into a target. The flight cockpit recorder tells us that the terrorists repeatedly prayed while they attempted to accomplish their mission. In their hearts, they truly felt that they were fighting for a just cause. And this is perhaps what Americans find the most revolting about their actions. But Americans are not alone in their convictions regarding such actions. Most mainstream Muslims dismiss such actions and favor peace between nations. They also believe it is obvious that a suicide bomber would not be rewarded with paradise for giving their life since that is not the intention of the Koran. But with the conflict in Iraq, extremism appears to be growing.

What's next?
The United States, in their combat against terrorism has taken several steps to eradicate the problem. The restructuring of our intelligence system has helped to make sure that some information is communicated, but there are still problems inherent in the community. The important thing is to keep the people informed as much as possible so that they are able to assist in efforts to combat terrorism. Bush Administration policies have sought to increase restrictions on information and broaden the spying capabilities of American intelligence agencies. In a Western society, however, it is obvious that freedom lovers will have their day. It might not be today or tomorrow, but in a few years things will change and the people will finally be heard.