The EU and the US have completely bought in to the idea that it somehow “insults” or “defames” Islam to speak accurately about what motivates the jihadists, what they believe, and what they hope to accomplish — because to do so inevitably leads one into Islamic theology. They are thus pledging not to understand their enemy while trying to fight him — a sure recipe for disaster. “EU, US pledge to respect Islam while fighting terrorism – Summary,” from DPA, June 3 (thanks to all who sent this in):
Luxembourg – The European Union and United States will protect the rights of all religions, including Islam, as they try to fight international terrorism, the two sides declared in a joint statement on Thursday.
Muslims across the EU and US say that they are being unfairly targeted, and their religion demonised, as part of the West’s campaign against violent groups such as al-Qaeda.
Al-Qaeda and other Muslim groups that use Islamic texts and teachings to justify their actions are doing the “demonizing,” in reality.
The two sides are determined to promote “environments where robust freedoms of religion and expression are enjoyed” and “international efforts to enhance dialogue and broaden understanding among civilizations,” the statement said.
That declaration “sends a message to the world in general, and Muslim countries in particular, that we will defend and protect our values … and that we will remain tolerant of other religions, beliefs and cultures,” Spanish Interior Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba said after talks with EU counterparts in Luxembourg.
The meeting gave the EU’s final approval to the declaration. Rubalcaba chaired the debate, as Spain currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency.
The EU and US are both trying to improve their relations with Muslim communities as part of broader efforts to reduce radicalisation and terrorist recruitment in their own countries.
The two sides acknowledge the importance of “countering the threat of home-grown violent extremism” and “addressing legitimate concerns and grievances regarding civil rights and civil liberties from minorities and individuals, in order to build their opposition to violent extremists,” their statement said….