My review of Tony Blankley's new book The West's Last Chance is up now at Human Events:
Tony Blankley begins The West’s Last Chance by imagining a scene from 2008 in which a Republican presidential candidate, avid for Muslim votes, declares:“It’s time for sharia in America.” He continues: “There are only a handful of terrorists. Our challenge is to reduce that number, not expand it. We’ve been in the Muslims’ faces for too long. Of course, all Americans must be law-abiding. But for our Muslim citizens, let the law they abide by be the peaceful law of sharia. Sharia is a friend of strong family values, and therefore of strong American values.”
Inconceivable? Unfortunately not. The prospect of post-Saddam Iraq emerging as a sharia state has evidently provoked little concern in Washington. Journalist and Islamic apologist Stephen Schwartz has even asserted that “in reality, the concept that lawmaking should not conflict with Islam in a Muslim country is an entirely uncontroversial principle established in many moderate Muslim states.”
Left unmentioned is the widespread persecution of Christians in Iraq, not only by proponents of sharia, but on sharia grounds: selling alcohol in violation of sharia prohibitions for subservient non-Muslim dhimmis, women going out in public with heads uncovered, etc.
The prevailing and never-to-be-questioned dogma that Islam is a religion of peace leads to the concomitant assumption that the sharia, Islamic law, is essentially benign. No official notice can be taken of its institutionalized oppression of non-Muslims and women, its draconian punishments, its disapproval of so much that is central to human experience, even music.
Jihad terrorists around the world are, by their own account, committing violence in order to institute sharia governments first in the Muslim world and then over the entire globe. But this agenda is not advancing by violence alone. The official refusal to acknowledge the Western world is facing an Islamic jihad onslaught that is pressing forward through both violent and peaceful means has allowed that jihad to gain a solid foothold in Western Europe.
Blankley, the Washington Times editorial page editor, details how political correctness and multiculturalism have been the best friends of jihad in Europe. He reminds us that in January 2005, British jihad leader Omar Bakri Muhammad declared: “I believe that the whole of Britain has become Dar al-Harb [land of war]. In such a state the kuffar [non-believer] has no sanctity for their own life and property.”
On July 7, the British reaped the bitter fruit of allowing this kind of rhetoric to be preached unchallenged among British Muslims for years. As Blankley reveals in this book, Britain is relatively more aware and willing to stand up to the jihad than many other European countries.
The West’s Last Chance (Regnery—a HUMAN EVENTS sister company) is sobering proof that it is long past time for European and American politicians to abandon politics as usual—above all, the pandering for votes that he lampoons in his 2008 scenario, which hits uncomfortably close to home given the access to the White House that Muslims now in jail (Abdurrahman Alamoudi) and on trial (Sami Al-Arian) for terrorism-related offenses once enjoyed.
The Bush Administration’s pressure on Israel to withdraw from Gaza and follow up that withdrawal with more concessions is just the latest indication there is still little or no understanding in Washington of the jihad agenda and how to counter it. Will it take the transformation of Europe into a staging ground for international terrorism to wake up the solons of Foggy Bottom? An easier way would be for them to study Blankley’s book carefully, and heed its warnings.
The far Left likes Islam for political gain. The far Right likes Islam for the moral issues. Getting squeezed from both sides is an uncomfortable feeling.
I'd argue political philosophy peaked about the time of the writing of the U.S. Constitution. Karl Marx added nothing useful. Modern scholars have built on Marx for naught. Now the Marxists, jihadis, and people like Pat Buchanan find common cause. Yikes!
Robert
I haven't read Blankley's book yet but having seen excerpts online, does he not argue that our battle is not with Muslims or Islam per se but with contemporary Islamists only? In one place he writes that Militant Islam is "postmodern" rather than "premodern"; thus he essentially ignores 1350 years of violent jihad.
It seems to me that Blankley's view is little different from that of Bush and others who parrot the "religion-of-peace-hijacked-by-a-tiny-minority-of-extremists".
Robert,
I read your book (The Politically Incorrect Guide). My family members are now reading your book. I sent e-mails to the President, to Colorado Senator Allard and Congressman Tom Tancredo recommending your book.
Who knows if they're even paying attention? I can't tell by what I see in the Denver papers. I don't think Dr. Condoleeza Rice has read your book, judging from her rhetoric.
This administration is clinging desparately to the idea that Moslems long to be "free." What an illusion.
Diana West of the Washington Times has it right about these people. You've got it right, based on what I've seen.
Maybe there's something in the air in Washington that impedes politicos' reading comprehension skills?
March on.
An author friend of mine, well acquainted with the reality of our situation vis-a-vis Jihad, noted a few years back that we were still in a period during which speaking (or writing) the truth about Islam would get you branded a looney straight away. Eventually, through courage (and don't look to politicians, save the Cowboy Tancredo types) and persistence, that will change.
We have a mountain range of BS to move before the truth can get through and prompt the adoption of rational policies of self defense--a moratorium on Muslim immigration, selective deportation, G-men watching the mosques, a ban on Saudi "development" money in the Free World, a massive program of nuclear energy development, and an Apollo-like mission to find alternatives to petroleum.
Right now, though, all we have materially is a few Web sites, some talk radio, and word of mouth. It's like trying to move that mountain range of BS with some shovels and a rusted out Datsun pick up truck. We've got one high card up our sleeves, though: we've got some gutsy people on our side, people who were doing this long before people like me had a clue. In most situations, a little guts is enough. We have people on our side with more than a little guts, and that's enough to build on.
So keep pushing. Write those letters to Mitt and Tom--tell them not to go wobbly. Tell your friends. Be willing to suffer the occassional pooh-pooh at a cocktail party. Take an easy hit. If we persist, the truth will rudely, indelicately elbow its way into the public square. Once that's done, there are more than enough level-headed Americans who will see what needs to be done, and they'll lead their public servants in the right direction.
One can hope that Blankley's book is read in Washington, but its unclear how much anyone there reads.
Robert,
A few months ago, I sent a copy of "Onward Muslim Soldiers" to the White House encouraging President Bush to read it (or have someone read it to him) and to make it required reading at the State Department. The response was a canned political advertisement for the President's second term agenda. Perhaps if the book had pictures...
Most people fail to grasp how pervasive the myth of Islamic peacefulness and tolerance really are. And unfortunately, Washington remains all too easy to be made into useful idiots in the cause of Islam.
As a case in point, read Rep. David Price's comments below. His "study of the issue" must consist of reading CAIR's press releases.
-----Original Message-----
From: U.S. Rep. David Price
Sent: Fri, 16 Sep 2005 16:55:12 -0400
Subject: Response to Your Concern
Dear Mr. Miglarese:
Thank you for replying to my email regarding Islam.
There is no question that some Islamic leaders have supported terrorist causes and even terrorist methods and that there is support for terrorism within many Muslim communities, particularly in the Middle East. I would strongly argue, however, that the vast majority of Muslim leaders and adherents throughout the world do not interpret the Koran as advocating or sanctioning terrorism. This is certainly the case for most adherents of Islam in the United States. I make this claim based on both personal experience and on my own study of the issue.
One can certainly find passages celebrating the vanquishing of enemies in the Koran, but this can also be said for the Bible; both texts also contain passages that espouse peaceful coexistence. Like the Bible, I think the Koran is quite clear in its prohibitions against the killing of innocents, and most Muslims simply do not support such tactics.
While we have seen a spike in extremism among certain Islamic populations around the world in recent years, I believe this activity reflects a political agenda more than being an inherent manifestation of Islam itself. One of our best hopes for defeating the terrorist threat is to encourage the majority of Muslims to become more vocal in their condemnation of terrorist tactics and to address some of the fundamental economic and political issues that the terrorists use to justify their cause. To be effective in doing that, we need to engage with the Muslim community, not vilify it.
Thank you again for your email. Please continue to keep in touch on issues of concern.
Sincerely,
DAVID PRICE
Member of Congress
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Rep. Price,
Thank you for taking the time to reply to my e-mail. Though we do not agree on the need for such a resolution, nor on Rep Conyers' reasons for proposing it, I appreciated hearing your views.
I am troubled, however, by your description of Islam as a religion that "espouses peaceful coexistence with others" and your statement that Islamic terrorism is a perversion of Islam. I have studied Islam and the Qur'an in some detail, and I can assure you that the concepts of terror in the name of Allah, voilence against unbelievers, and intolerance of other cultures are mainstream teachings of Islam and have been since its birth. Moreover, messages advocating jihad against non-Muslims continue to be widespread in mosques and on Islamic websites the world over. Islam is a religion with a core theology of violence and intolerance of others, not one that has been perverted by a tiny minority of extremists.
I urge you not to be taken in by the politically correct and dangerous view of Islam that prevails in our government, our media, and our academic institutions today. There are a number of well-researched books available which debunk the myth of Islamic tolerance citing the very words of many Islamic scholars and imams themselves. Listen to what orthodox Muslims say about Islam before you believe the deception of organizations like CAIR.
A good start would be to check out this highly credible website:
www.jihadwatch.org
Sincerely,
Bob Miglarese
Raleigh, NC
-----Original Message------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: U.S. Rep. David Price
Sent: Wed, 10 Aug 2005 17:36:53 -0400
Subject: Response to Your Concern
Dear Mr. Miglarese:
Thank you for contacting me concerning H. Res. 288, legislation sponsored by Rep. John Conyers to condemn bigotry and religious intolerance and to encourage respect of holy books of every religion.
As you may know, Rep. Conyers introduced H. Res. 288 on May 19, 2005. Rep. Conyers' motivation for drafting this legislation was reports of the alleged desecration of the Koran by U.S. guards at the military detention facility in Guantanamo Bay. A military inquiry has been launched into the matter.
I understand your concern that Congress should be spending its time on the most pressing issues of the day. In my view, however, religious intolerance is indeed an important issue facing our nation. Particularly in light of the war on terrorism, precipitated by those espousing a perversion of Islam, it is important to underscore tolerance of and respect for genuine Islam, which espouses peaceful coexistence with others.
H. Res. 288 has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. No action is scheduled on the bill at this time.
Again, thank you for your letter. Please continue to be in touch on issues of concern.
Sincerely,
DAVID PRICE
Member of Congress
One can hope that Blankley's book is read in Washington, but its unclear how much anyone there reads.
Robert,
A few months ago, I sent a copy of "Onward Muslim Soldiers" to the White House encouraging President Bush to read it (or have someone read it to him) and to make it required reading at the State Department. The response was a canned political advertisement for the President's second term agenda. Perhaps if the book had pictures...
Most people fail to grasp how pervasive the myth of Islamic peacefulness and tolerance really are. And unfortunately, many in Washington are far too easily made into useful idiots in the cause of Islam.
As a case in point, read Rep. David Price's comments below. His "study of the issue" must consist of reading CAIR's press releases.
-----Original Message-----
From: U.S. Rep. David Price
Sent: Fri, 16 Sep 2005 16:55:12 -0400
Subject: Response to Your Concern
Dear Mr. Miglarese:
Thank you for replying to my email regarding Islam.
There is no question that some Islamic leaders have supported terrorist causes and even terrorist methods and that there is support for terrorism within many Muslim communities, particularly in the Middle East. I would strongly argue, however, that the vast majority of Muslim leaders and adherents throughout the world do not interpret the Koran as advocating or sanctioning terrorism. This is certainly the case for most adherents of Islam in the United States. I make this claim based on both personal experience and on my own study of the issue.
One can certainly find passages celebrating the vanquishing of enemies in the Koran, but this can also be said for the Bible; both texts also contain passages that espouse peaceful coexistence. Like the Bible, I think the Koran is quite clear in its prohibitions against the killing of innocents, and most Muslims simply do not support such tactics.
While we have seen a spike in extremism among certain Islamic populations around the world in recent years, I believe this activity reflects a political agenda more than being an inherent manifestation of Islam itself. One of our best hopes for defeating the terrorist threat is to encourage the majority of Muslims to become more vocal in their condemnation of terrorist tactics and to address some of the fundamental economic and political issues that the terrorists use to justify their cause. To be effective in doing that, we need to engage with the Muslim community, not vilify it.
Thank you again for your email. Please continue to keep in touch on issues of concern.
Sincerely,
DAVID PRICE
Member of Congress
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Rep. Price,
Thank you for taking the time to reply to my e-mail. Though we do not agree on the need for such a resolution, nor on Rep Conyers' reasons for proposing it, I appreciated hearing your views.
I am troubled, however, by your description of Islam as a religion that "espouses peaceful coexistence with others" and your statement that Islamic terrorism is a perversion of Islam. I have studied Islam and the Qur'an in some detail, and I can assure you that the concepts of terror in the name of Allah, voilence against unbelievers, and intolerance of other cultures are mainstream teachings of Islam and have been since its birth. Moreover, messages advocating jihad against non-Muslims continue to be widespread in mosques and on Islamic websites the world over. Islam is a religion with a core theology of violence and intolerance of others, not one that has been perverted by a tiny minority of extremists.
I urge you not to be taken in by the politically correct and dangerous view of Islam that prevails in our government, our media, and our academic institutions today. There are a number of well-researched books available which debunk the myth of Islamic tolerance citing the very words of many Islamic scholars and imams themselves. Listen to what orthodox Muslims say about Islam before you believe the deception of organizations like CAIR.
A good start would be to check out this highly credible website:
www.jihadwatch.org
Sincerely,
Bob Miglarese
Raleigh, NC
-----Original Message------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: U.S. Rep. David Price
Sent: Wed, 10 Aug 2005 17:36:53 -0400
Subject: Response to Your Concern
Dear Mr. Miglarese:
Thank you for contacting me concerning H. Res. 288, legislation sponsored by Rep. John Conyers to condemn bigotry and religious intolerance and to encourage respect of holy books of every religion.
As you may know, Rep. Conyers introduced H. Res. 288 on May 19, 2005. Rep. Conyers' motivation for drafting this legislation was reports of the alleged desecration of the Koran by U.S. guards at the military detention facility in Guantanamo Bay. A military inquiry has been launched into the matter.
I understand your concern that Congress should be spending its time on the most pressing issues of the day. In my view, however, religious intolerance is indeed an important issue facing our nation. Particularly in light of the war on terrorism, precipitated by those espousing a perversion of Islam, it is important to underscore tolerance of and respect for genuine Islam, which espouses peaceful coexistence with others.
H. Res. 288 has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. No action is scheduled on the bill at this time.
Again, thank you for your letter. Please continue to be in touch on issues of concern.
Sincerely,
DAVID PRICE
Member of Congress
I fear that the political establishment only listen to and read each other; that is they don't care about the opinions of those outside the beltway or even that of those that aren't already members of their club.
If David Price is typical of those in Congress, I'm afraid we in the West are in deep trouble. Where are the John Quincy Adams's and Winston Churchills of today? Unfortunately, they're to be found amongst the ranks of the ordinary people, who will never ever get into positions of power or influence to warn of, and respond to the perils we face today, and for the foreseeable future. Political correctness rules, and his lazy response that there are bad passages in the Bible is a classic example of it. But then, I doubt that David Price has read the Koran, the Sira and the hadith, or even heard of them, and he certainly hasn't studied the 1,400 years of continuous Islamic warfare against the infidel world, that lasts to this day. Did Jesus tell Christians to wage Jihad? Jesus raised Lazarus and a 12-year-old girl from the dead, in sharp contrast, Mohammed had the vanquished put to death. Says it all really.
Iraq and Iran will combine to form Babylon again. Babylon will be reborn, it's in the bible.
RE: Iraq and Iran will combine to form Babylon again. Babylon will be reborn, it's in the bible.
Would you reference the passages in the Bible
that prophesize that event as I would like to
read it.
Thanks