In FrontPage I discuss what may be a crack in the edifice:
It was an extraordinary breaking of ranks. For years now, since 9/11 and before, Western leaders from all points of the political spectrum have unanimously maintained that Islam was a Religion of Peace and that Islamic jihad terrorists were a tiny minority of extremists who were twisting and hijacking the peaceful teachings of their religion. French Prime Minister Manuel Valls hasn’t exactly abandoned this roseate, inaccurate, and self-defeating view, but he has come closer than any other Western leader to telling the truth about the threat – with Eric Holder harrumphing in dissent on the sidelines.
On Saturday, Valls declared that France was waging “a war against terrorism, against jihadism, against radical Islam, against everything that is aimed at breaking fraternity, freedom, solidarity.”
It is unclear at this point whether Valls realizes the full implications of what he has said. Maybe he was simply reacting emotionally after the jihad massacres at the offices of the Charlie Hebdo satirical newspaper and the Hyper Cacher kosher supermarket. For a declaration of war against “jihadism” and “radical Islam” is also a declaration of war (wittingly or unwittingly) against the prevailing refusal of Western leaders to describe the crisis they face as having anything whatsoever to do with Islam.
The immediate reaction from (all too slowly) outgoing Attorney General Eric Holder was far from positive. The Hill reported Sunday that during an appearance on ABC’s “This Week,” Holder “declined at one point to echo France’s prime minister, who said this weekend that his country is at war with ‘radical Islam.’” Holder said: “I certainly think that we are at war with those who would commit terrorist attacks and who would corrupt the Islamic faith in the way that they do, to try to justify their terrorist actions. So that’s who we are at war with. And we are determined to take the fight to them to prevent them from engaging in these kinds of activities.”
Holder’s insistence that Islamic jihad terrorists “corrupt the Islamic faith” unmistakably rebuked Valls’ acknowledgment that the problem lies with “jihadism” and “radical Islam.” If challenged, Valls would probably say something to the effect that “jihadism” and “radical Islam” have nothing whatsoever to do with the genuine article, which is entirely benign and to be welcomed and encouraged. Nonetheless, his forthrightness should make it easier for the French to call upon Muslims in France to renounce the aspects of Islam that conflict with Western principles of human rights.
Of course, the situation in France is already very dire, and it may be too late to turn it around. But this is a start, or the beginning of a start. And perhaps it also bodes well for the possibility that other Western leaders will sooner or later become more realistic as well. Certainly the onrushing of events, and the ever-increasing frequency of jihad attacks in Western countries, makes the Obama fantasy-based policy ever harder to sustain. The Charlie Hebdo jihadists announced that they were committing mass murder in order to avenge Muhammad; they then went to kill more people at a kosher supermarket because Jews are demonized in the Qur’an as the worst enemies of the Muslims (5:82). To continue to pretend that such attacks have nothing to do with Islam is not only absurd, but it deforms policy and hamstrings the West’s ability to respond effectively.
Nonetheless, the White House dug in its heels. On Sunday, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest announced:
On February 18, 2015, the White House will host a Summit on Countering Violent Extremism to highlight domestic and international efforts to prevent violent extremists and their supporters from radicalizing, recruiting, or inspiring individuals or groups in the United States and abroad to commit acts of violence, efforts made even more imperative in light of recent, tragic attacks in Ottawa, Sydney, and Paris.
How can Obama hope to counter “violent extremism” when he doesn’t even dare name what kind of extremism it is? We can only hope that some American counterparts of Manuel Valls will appear before it’s too late.
Truthdoctor says
Great article. Also see new animation on media reaction to hebdo jihad attacks http://youtu.be/8cMy-OnV-ks
jihad3tracker says
It is inevitable — given the “heavy handed tactics ” [another person’s classic term from long ago about something else] — that even those most deeply immersed in Western privilege guilt will eventually realize that a big length of iron pipe is being smashed into the sides of their heads.
ISIS DON’T NEED NO FRIGGIN’ “STEALTH JIHAD” ! ! ! THEY MESSED UP THE SNEAKY CAMPAIGN, SHOVED THE CALENDAR TO 5TH GEAR, AND ARE KNOCKING ON OUR DOORS . . .
Even Moe, Larry, Curly & my aunt’s inbred poodle would get the message.
Sergio Lopez says
It is unbelievable that current world leaders do not even dare to wage war on radical Islam. What do they think radical Islam is? Certainly it is something to be fought against with all our strengths. Perhaps they think that radical Muslims go to impoverished countries to feed the poor, like radical Christians such as Mother Theresa do.
pdxnag says
Transplant the Charlie Hebdo office to Saudi Arabia. How would they fare under the non-radical (mainstream, orthodox, routine, generic, etc) Islam there?
Michael Copeland says
“corrupt the Islamic faith”, Mr. Holder?
“….Arms for Jihad! We are the first ones to rush and run to defend our community and defend ourselves. The power of armaments! …. Brothers, that is why the Koran says “Prepare”. … When you have the power of armaments! ….”
Shakar Elsayed, imam of Dar Al Hijrah Mosque, Virginia, USA
http://www.barenakedislam.com/2014/04/07/democrat-dhimmi-outrage-at-fox-news-for-smearing-notorious-virginia-terrorist-mosque-and-the-virginia-state-legislature-that
“One of the goals of immigration is the revival of the duty of jihad and enforcement of power over the infidels. Immigration and jihad go together.”
Abu Baseer in London, Melanie Philips, Londonistan
“Jihad is not inhumane, despite its necessary violence and bloodshed, its ultimate desire is peace which is protected and enhanced by the rule of law.”
Ibrahim Sulaiman, modern Islamic scholar
http://www.thereligionofpeace.com/pages/myths-of-islam.htm
“Where is your weapon? Where is your weapon ? Come on to the Jihad.”
Omar Bakri.
Tony Blankely, “The West’s Last Chance”
jihad3tracker says
Yes, Mr. Copeland, I too saw Eric Holder voice those immortal words “corrupt the Islamic faith”, on both Meet The Press and either ABC or CBS.
No doubt after a phone call with our esteemed POTUS — giving his equally distinguished attorney general the EXACT VERB TO USE.
By this point in our endless taqiyya-slingin’ saga, all I could was shake my head and laugh . . ..
Kuffar says
When O’Bozo talks about violent extremists, he’s referring to Christians, and those that want the Constitution to be followed.
Just get it straight… He’s not talking about his fellow travelers…
EYESOPEN says
Just so.
DaffersD says
And Hollande today did a speech saying that Islam is compatible with democracy, ho hum…
On the plus side he is halting the cuts that were planned on the army, this is a relief to me, because as far as I am concerned its kicking off soon and Turkey is looking ever more deranged and dangerous…
claude Aguilera says
Hollande is afraid. 10% of French citizens are muslims. 10% muslims is like 90% of any other group. Muslims intimidate the rest of the population by flanting their beliefs arrogantly with garbs, protests etc… and if anyone dares to contest he or she is yelled at, so attracting more muslims to surround one -I have lived it- then called racist, facist, enemy of freedom of speech etc…
Muslims use French laws and beliefs against the French nation. They do not embrace the values of the French nation. The French population is held hostage by the fright of being called racist, facist etc… They are offended daily. They see women in shadors and they fully understand the significance of it: Islam is the last remnent of slavery. The French are subjected to intimidation in no go zones where Sharia is imposed on its residents; not wearing muslim garbs there subjects a woman to being raped or punished; speaking out? expect a beating or worse. Intimidation? Of course. One must act like a muslim or else. If this is not facism, what is?
But they are given free medical care, apartment housing with heating, bath, etc… money for food and gasoline when they do not work. The more children they have, the more money they get from government. So why work? Better learn Jihadism from the mosque next door with its imported middle eastern imams. The French have opened the door to islamic colonisation of the West.
dumbledoresarmy says
Hang on, mate. Please don’t give up.
Remember Charles Martel. Tell each other about him. Remember Jean Parisot de Valetta, who held Malta, against the might of the Turkish Muslim fleet.
I think you, the remnant of the people of France, you who see the danger, you have the strength to defeat this thing, this Nothing that is Islam; you just have to find that strength, summon it up, a lot of you together.
The other day, I read an “Open Letter to the President of France”, written by a French general. It appears to be authentic – the general exists, and he wrote it, back in December 2014. It was *awesome*; like lightning from a clear sky. Or like hearing the sound of thunder in the distance and knowing a storm is on the way.
http://www.newenglishreview.org/blog_direct_link.cfm/blog_id/58752
http://www.minurne.org/?p=319
Publié le 30 décembre 2014 par Marc Le Stahler
LETTRE OUVERTE AU PRESIDENT DE LA REPUBLIQUE (Général Antoine Martinez)
if you are laic, sing the Marseillaise with your friends, and remember what it’s about.
If you are of Catholic France, here’s something that might help feed your soul.
http://www.newenglishreview.org/blog_direct_link.cfm/blog_id/58755
Thursday, 15 January 2015
Chant à Sainte Jeanne d’Arc
Courage, mon ami.
gp says
Every day I check the news to see if some really bad guys have been killed overnight in Yemen. Including that SOB Imam that looks like a man goat-but nothing. The OhhBummer, The Hairy Reed, and Eric (Ass with both hands) Holder just do not have it in them. They are weak, flaccid, and liver spotted (like their Johnsons).
So pretty please go find some of the very bad people in Yemen, do your F’in job and kill them.They would love to do what they did in Paris every day in the US.
Every Imam that preaches violent murderous Jihad is a threat to people in every free society as they despise our way of life and wish us harm..
cathy says
Thank you Mr. Prime Minister Valls.c
Dave J says
It seems that it is very easy to find within the Koran and the Hadiths ample justification for violence against Jews and non-Muslims, against “blasphemers”, against apostates and against women.
My question is how does the “overwhelming majority of peaceful yet devout Muslims” manage to overlook or excuse this language? How do they rationalize all the violence going on around the world by people apparently inspired by these teachings? Why do they not renounce and remove such language from their holy writings?
Also note that it really doesn’t matter if Muhammed said it or not if millions of people understand it that way and act on their impulse to strike out as a result.
Freedom of speech is related to freedom of opinion. It therefore follows that no group should be immune from criticism or teasing and that such expressions are not automatically a form of hate speech. The possibility of being offended by someone else’s opinion is part of living in a modern secular democracy. The difficulty is that those who support blasphemy laws do not want a primarily secular body of law – they want a theocratic state and they have a Sharia lawbook already written and ready to go.
For example: I think homosexuality is unnatural, perverted, pretentious, precious and sissified. But I also think such people have the perfect right to exist without threats, assault or discrimination.
We all have the perfect right to feel offended but no one has the right to murder or punish the source of that offense. And saying you feel “stigmatized” is no excuse whatsoever.
Salah says
“My question is how does the “overwhelming majority of peaceful yet devout Muslims” manage to overlook or excuse this language?”
The answer is: They think that these violent verses were meant for a specific time, against specific people and for specific situations. They firmly believe that these acts of violence and intimidation should not be applied today.
We know they are wrong, but that’s their personal beliefs, that’s how they see their religion. And most importantly, many of them actually act on these beliefs and reject violence.
Many of them are simply too decent to imitate their own prophet.
Here’s a recent example, al-Sisi, the President of Egypt, a Muslim with a zebiba on his forehead, yet acting completely against the teachings of his Islamic faith.
http://crossmuslims.blogspot.com/2015/01/historic-christmas-day-in-egypt.html
Dave J says
In other words, the whole stinking cult is schizoid mess of radically polarized personal opinions, divergent interpretations and paranoid projections.
Time for a house cleaning, IMO.
Jen says
“Calm down! No need to condemn an entire religion just because of a few hundred million bad apples.”
“You say not all Muslims are monsters? Imagine a bowl of M&M’s with 10% of them poisoned. Would you eat a handful?”
Lol…
http://www.barenakedislam.com/2015/01/08/nuf-said/
Jen says
“against specific people”
Salah…That’s not fair to use the same reasoning for the OT and apply it to Islam. By specific people, do you mean the rest of humanity?!
Angemon says
There’s no such thing as “radical islam”. There’s only islam. But I guess beggars can’t be choosers…
Dracula says
European citizens need to jettison they fear of being associated with those dastardly right-wingers and recognize the threat that unrevised, unmodified Islam poses to their existence.
I’m afraid too many would rather receive a beheading if it just means they won’t have to share a position or a vote with capitalistic homophobic blah blah blah.
Matthieu Baudin says
Prime Minister Manuel Valls is looking younger every day and showing some impressive flexibility of mind on the Jihad issue. Quite a contrast with the almost senile rigidity with which the Obama administration clings to its old mantras in its final months of office. It would be nice if some more national leaders stepped up to the plate and brought some reality centre stage.
MarineDad1957 says
If you are a muslim, you are required by your godless one(allah) to perform jihad. If you can’t, your children or grand children must perform jihad for you. If they can’t , someone in your tribe must do it. So, someone within your community must kill infidels so you can get to wherever you go when you die. This seems to be a good enough reason for about 85% of ALL Muzzies to think killing infidels in his name is wonderful. Some religion of peace, huh?
Jimbo says
How dare anyone not regard this great religion as the religion of peace. It has to be so…….all the great leaders of the free world right now tell us so…..so it must be. Cameron, merkel, obola, hollande, etcetcetc.
Kasey says
Take out all the violence from the Koran and you reduce the book by 2/3’s. They know that that well as we do. That’s why taqiyya and death for apostacy rule Islamic thinking as much as the hatred and violence.
Matthieu Baudin says
Dear Kasey, from my recollections of reading the entire Koran, your estimate of two thirds being violent or violence related may be conservative. As I recall, there was very little relief from an Angry Allah who stirred up a hornets nest against the unbelievers, at times violent imagery of torment and punishment in hell, at other times direct commands to believers to deal mercilessly with unbelievers, conveyed in a frenzied torrent of words repeatedly revisiting the theme of hatred and vengeance towards unbelievers.
Judi says
Barbara – AMEN!
cs says
He has been accused of Zionist by the Muslim community in France.
He made a great speech BTW.
David Arnold says
Yesterday, in public and no uncertain terms, the pope capitulated to the terrorists and all those who would do violence in retaliation for freedom of expression. I am not catholic and (living in Argentina) have believed heretofore Francis was a progressive figurehead. He has now undermined his credibility.
Michael Copeland says
More cracks in the edifice:
“to try to disrupt the jihadi network” BBC reporter in Belgium 2014.01.16
“jihadis…. medieval ideology…” BBC News, Gavin Esler, 2015.01.16
Michael Copeland says
The current BBC “taqiyya” is a deflection ploy, the invention of a culprit ideology: “al-Qaeda, its offshoots and groups … subscribe to a similar ideology … commonly referred to as “jihadism””.
This enables words like “jihad, jihadism” and “jihadi” to be articulated by reporters while listeners are meant to understand that they are not part of proper Islam.
BBC website: no author shown: “What is jihadism?” 2014.12.11
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-30411519
Jack says
Hi, i am French… Do not believe anything what is said or published concerning French pm speech… Concerning his speech… The actual situation is : all medias must act to excuse Islam and minimize all threats …
There is no bigger dhimmis (already submissed to Islam ) than the French politicians and journalists.