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Exposing the role that Islamic jihad theology and ideology play in the modern global conflicts

General McMaster and That “Perverted Interpretation of Religion Used To Justify Violence”

Feb 24, 2017 12:30 pm By Hugh Fitzgerald

President Trump has chosen Lt. General William McMaster as his new National Security Adviser. As a three-star general, McMaster’s appointment will require Senate confirmation, and one hopes that the Senators before they vote will take the opportunity to examine his understanding of Islamic terrorism. For surely this is the greatest threat not only to American security, but to that of the entire West.

General McMaster has pronounced on the subject of Islamic terrorism twice in the last year, in almost identical language, and what he said suggests that he has missed something important about the ideology of Islam.

In May 2016, in a speech he delivered on “Harbingers of Future War: Implications for the Army” at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, General McMaster referred to “groups like ISIL, who use this irreligious ideology, this perverted interpretation of religion to justify violence. They depend on ignorance, and the ability to recruit vulnerable segments of populations to foment hatred, and then use that hatred to justify violence against innocents.”

Apparently well-satisfied with his original formulation, General McMaster repeated it, almost verbatim, in a speech to the Center for Leadership and Excellence at the Virginia Military Institute on November 21, 2016, ringingly declaring that “we will defeat today’s enemies, including terrorist organizations like Daesh, who cynically use a perverted interpretation of religion to incite hatred and justify horrific cruelty against innocents.”

This description of Daesh – the Islamic State – as “cynically using a perverted interpretation of religion to incite hatred and justify horrific cruelty against innocents” is most peculiar. For whatever else you can say about Daesh or other Muslim terrorists, the adverb “cynically” is the least applicable to their actions. Al-Baghdadi, Al-Awlaki, Bin Laden, Al-Zawahiri, Nidal Hasan. Omar Mateen, Adam Gadahn, Aafia Siddiqui, Saïd and Chérif Kouachi, and all the other stars in the terrorist firmament have not been cynics, but rather, the reverse — the truest of true believers. And what they truly believe(d) in is what Islam’s texts inculcate, including the view of non-Muslims as cosmically ungrateful (in not accepting the message of Muhammad), their “vileness” Qur’anically established (8:55; 98:6), their continued insubmissive existence as kuffar seen as a colossal affront to Islam.

Muslims have a duty to spread Islam by means of Jihad, which overwhelmingly means the use of violence, though it can be conducted through other means – as, for example, Jihad of the Pen/Tongue, to spread Islam’s message. Today, along with violence, a new instrument – demographic conquest – is being used to overwhelm the Infidels and spread Islam. “New” because never before in history have millions of people dedicated to the longterm destruction of others been allowed by those others to settle deep behind what ought be regarded as enemy lines, as Muslims have now been allowed to settle throughout Western Europe. If Muslim numbers do surpass those of the indigenous non-Muslims, Muslims will be in a position to offer non-Muslims a choice: either to convert to Islam, or be killed, or to accept the permanent status of dhimmi, with all of its attendant disabilities. And there is no end to Jihad; it should continue until the whole world is ultimately subjected to Islam. There is nothing – pace General McMaster — “cynical” about any of this.

As for those phrases repeated by General McMaster about this “perverse interpretation of religion [used] to justify violence” which becomes, in his longer variant, a “perverted interpretation of religion to incite hatred and justify horrific cruelty against innocents,” the only “perverted interpretation” of Islam is, I’m afraid, that of General McMaster himself, who appears certain that Islam properly understood cannot possibly inculcate anything that might “incite hatred and justify violence” against non-Muslims. I’m not sure which would be worse: that he may think he must pretend to believe this nonsense in order to avoid being accused of Islamophobia and to safely rise high in the Washington ranks, or that he really believes it.

Perhaps before they vote, some Senators will press him on this, trying to find out what McMaster thinks Islam, mainstream Islam, teaches and how it differs from that “perverse interpretation” to which he keeps referring. The exchange ought to be instructive. For example, the Senators might ask him, while reporters are present and cameras whirring, what he remembers from the Qur’an on the subject of Infidels. What, a probing Senator might ask him, under the guise of refreshing his memory, does he make of Qur’an 98:6, describing Infidels as “the vilest of creatures”? Would he regard it as a “perverse interpretation” of that verse to think it inculcates hatred toward non-Muslims, or isn’t it in fact clear in its declaration of such hatred, and should he not be willing to recognize that this is a perfectly straightforward, if disturbing statement, with no “perverse interpretation” necessary?

Or take the famous Verse of the Sword, Qur’an 9:5: “When the sacred months are over slay the idolaters wherever you find them. Arrest them, besiege them, and lie in ambush everywhere for them. If they repent and take to prayer and render the alms levy, allow them to go their way. God is forgiving and merciful.” What “perverse interpretation” of this pellucid call to violent Jihad is needed to make this verse “incite hatred”? It’s dripping with murderous hatred already. The Senators could continue to quote from the more than one hundred Jihad verses in the Qur’an or stories from the Hadith, that is, verses that exhort the killing of Infidels. Or they might read out, and ask for General McMaster to comment on, the description of the mass killings of the 600-900 bound prisoners of the Banu Qurayza, by Muhammad and his followers, or the accounts of the pleasure Muhammad (“al-insan al-kamil,” the Perfect Man, and “uswa hasana,” the Model of Conduct) took in learning of the murders of those who mocked him (Asma bint Marwan, Abu Afak), or the descriptions of the many military campaigns he took part in not only against his sworn enemies, but simply against those who, like the inoffensive Jewish farmers of the Khaybar Oasis, were known to be prosperous. For the Khaybar farmers had not been fighting against Muhammad; they were a target for this covetous warlord simply because they were both well-off and ill-defended. The Khaybar attack gives the lie to the Muslim claim that Muhammad only fought defensive wars. Muhammad and his men despoiled the Khaybar farmers, who had done nothing against them, of both their property and their women; the loot was enough of a lure. Or was this aggressiveness all a matter of Muhammad’s “perverse interpretation” of Islam?

It would be perfectly appropriate for the Senators to ask General McMaster what “perverse interpretation” of Islam he thinks the Islamic State or Al-Qaeda labor under, to explain exactly where the terrorists’ interpretation of Islam distorts or veers away from the basic tenets of Islam, as conveyed by any mainstream madrasa’s lessons, or any orthodox imam’s sermons?

General McMaster refers to “groups like ISIL, who use this irreligious ideology” and whose members “depend on ignorance, and the ability to recruit vulnerable segments of populations to foment hatred.” Again he should be asked, what is the “ignorance” that members of the Islamic State depend on to obtain recruits? Is General McMaster suggesting that these potential recruits are “ignorant” of the real meaning of Islam – the peace and tolerance and convivencia about which the small army of apologists (John Esposito, Pope Francis, Karen Armstrong, Barack Obama, Reza Aslan, Omid Safi, and so many others) constantly prate? Is General McMaster quite convinced that it is “ignorance” of Islam that helps “groups like ISIL [ISIS]”? How is it that so many “ignorant” Muslims could manage to remain unaware of Islam’s pacific essence, and thus be easily inveigled into believing the “perverse interpretation” of the faith, as something violent, hate-filled, cruel, that is the very opposite of what, in the General’s view, is the essence of Islam? Is this what General McMaster purports to believe? Isn’t it, rather, that those who join ISIS or Al-Qaeda are not ignorant at all, but know perfectly well what the texts of Islam inculcate, and rightly understand the meaning of Islam as a warlike doctrine of conquest and subjugation? And aren’t they quick to offer textual support from the Qur’an, Hadith, and Sira, for their every act of terror? And hasn’t Islam meant conquest through violence, and subjugation, of many different kinds of Infidels, over many different lands, for the past 1400 years?

Many of the Senators voting on General McMaster’s appointment will prefer not to press these points. Most Democrats will agree with his pollyannish remarks on Islam. Most Republicans may simply wish to defer to the general as a Trump appointee, wrongly assuming that he must, therefore, be “tough” on Islam. Few senators will have the stomach to discuss Islam truthfully in public, knowing they will then have to endure the usual idiotic charges of bigotry and “Islamophobia” from those whose minds are made up, and who do not want to be confused with facts. But it would take only a handful of senators, possibly from both parties, offering piercing questions, to strike a blow for common sense and our common security. Ideally, a few of them will choose to read aloud Qur’anic verses or stories from the Hadith that inculcate hatred of, and violence toward, Infidels. The General should be asked what exactly those recruited by terrorists are ignorant of, and why he considers them, as a result, more “vulnerable” to the siren song of the Al-Baghdadis and Bin Ladens. Does he think these recruits are less educated, or more impoverished, and because of that easier to inveigle into terrorism? The data suggests otherwise. Many studies have concluded that Islamic terrorists are both better off economically and better educated than the average Muslim.

If they are particularly “vulnerable” to those texts that preach violent Jihad, this means not that they are “ignorant” and susceptible to accept a “perverse interpretation” of the faith, but that they are prepared to take Islam to heart, not shirking their duty to engage in violent Jihad (or to “strike terror”), but acting upon what Islam demands of its followers; they are having their Islam straight up, as determined Jihadists, and not on the rocks of self-interested calculation that might make some hesitate to sacrifice themselves for Islam. It’s hard to understand what General McMaster means by his use of the word “ignorance” in reference to these recruits. Is he suggesting that their knowledge of Islam is incomplete, and that if they were to learn more, they would of course come to realize that only a “perverse interpretation” of Islam would lead to violence? Does he believe that his understanding of Islam is superior to that of Al-Baghdadi or Bin Laden? After being confronted in those hearings with those 100-plus Jihad verses, and many other verses, too, that teach contempt for the Infidels, those that characterize them as the “vilest of creatures” and instruct Muslims not to take Christians and Jews as friends, “for they are friends only with each other,” would General McMaster still maintain his rosy view of Islam? It is not those more ignorant of Islam who are inveigled by terrorist masters but, rather, those who, becoming ever more devout, study the texts closely, take to heart the endless litany of hatred toward Infidels, feel keenly the duty of Jihad, and become terrorists fully conscious of what they are doing. We would all prefer to believe – it would be such a great relief – that General McMaster is right, and that Islamic terrorism is a result of a “perverse interpretation” of Islam, one having no relation to the “real” Islam. How comforting it would be to believe that Muslim terrorist masters “depend on ignorance” (of the real, peaceful Islam) – how comforting, and how false.

Perhaps, made aware of comments critical of his knowledge of Islam, such as these you are reading, or here, General McMaster might give himself, by way of preparation for his role as national security adviser, a short course in Islam that would disabuse him of his hitherto complacent understanding. He could then simply tell the sympathetic senators that he has had occasion to study both Islamic texts and Islamic terrorism more fully, and based on that study, wishes to revise his previous statements, made last year, so that they would read something like this: “The many Islamic terrorist groups, such as the Islamic State, Al-Qaeda, Hamas, and Hezbollah, and many other groups and groupuscules, are able to recruit Muslims using an interpretation of Islam that is not necessarily accepted by all but is certainly accepted by a great many – far too many – Muslims, and candor compels me to admit, following a re-examination of the Qur’an and other Islamic texts, that this version of Islam should be considered not aberrant but mainstream.”

And then he might add: “It is up to us to figure out how best we can help those born into Islam, without any choice in the matter, who recognize those troublesome aspects of their faith that are inimical to real peace and real tolerance, and for which they would like to find a solution, if such is possible.” An unflinching statement like that, from General McMaster, despite the subsequent howls of protest by CAIR and the Southern Poverty Law Center, would be enough – would be more than enough – to clear a good many minds of cant.

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Filed Under: Featured, Hugh Fitzgerald, willful ignorance Tagged With: H. R. McMaster


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Comments

  1. Cretius says

    Feb 24, 2017 at 12:47 pm

    As an Army General he should know that you cannot defeat an enemy you do not understand. I think he should retake Islam 101.

    • Pastor C says

      Feb 24, 2017 at 2:46 pm

      The real issue, I believe, is not as much that he missed the lesson ‘Islam 101’ as it is ‘Who was his teacher?!’ Students can only learn what they are taught.

      Clearly, his teacher has ensured (whether intentionally or unintentionally) just as woefully ignorant about Islam as 95% of the American population.

      ‘A little knowledge can be a very damnable thing!’

      This insightful expose should find mass circulation among patriots and among as many member of Congress as possible, particularly the Senators.

      How someone like this could have, ever, ‘slipped through the cracks’ is mind-boggling to me. But, nevertheless, he can be rejected before he is, finally, accepted.

      Otherwise, our ability to successfully prosecute this war will be severely imperiled, and we’ll find ourselves seeking to engage our enemy with what is tantamount to having one or more hands tied behind our backs!

      The very last thing we need, at this critical juncture in the war, is to instigate and perpetuate ideological conflict and division within the ranks of this administration; with one side having a clue about the true nature of Islam and the other (led by this ‘useful infidel’) being completely clueless!

      Therefore, any realistic prospects for actually winning this war would be jeopardized, exponentially, if this leftist leftover (from Barry’s administration) is not prevented from occupying one of the most strategic intelligence positions in our government; particularly during a most vulnerable period where the pinpoint accuracy of his assessments, regarding our enemy and its destructive capabilities, are so vital to the very survival of our Republic.

      • Jake HOLAN says

        Feb 25, 2017 at 9:09 pm

        Pastor you nailed it. Once again I’m totally stunned how what determinants led to Gen MacMasters being chosen for the position. I’m horrified. He shouldn’t even have been on the list. I’m tempted to reach out to Democrats to squelch this assignment. His appointment will have unforseen reprucussions.

    • John spielman says

      Feb 24, 2017 at 5:00 pm

      He should have weekly sessions with Robert Spencer and read JIHAD WATCH daily

      • Jake HOLAN says

        Feb 25, 2017 at 9:14 pm

        President Trump should have 3-1 hour Sessions and then one every Quarter with Robert Spencer. We’d never have have a problem Top/Down again. Plus Robert would be perfect forTraining DHS and FBI

    • Angemon says

      Feb 24, 2017 at 6:40 pm

      “As an Army General he should know that you cannot defeat an enemy you do not understand.”

      If he really holds those views, he thinks he knows and understands the enemy – that’s the problem.

      • mike mccafferty says

        Feb 24, 2017 at 9:21 pm

        I call it Willful Blindness (sometimes called ignorance of law, willful ignorance or contrived ignorance or Nelsonian knowledge) is a term used in law to describe a situation in which a person seeks to avoid civil or criminal liability for a wrongful act by intentionally keeping himself or herself unaware of facts that would render him or her liable.

        Its kinda like passing the buck.

      • Carolyne says

        Feb 25, 2017 at 10:52 am

        I believe that many in our various administrations might know the truth about Islam, but they think if they pronounce groups like ISIS as being unIslamic, they might convince some Muslims not yet bent on terror that it is indeed peaceful. Therefore, they should not participate in it. It is difficult to believe that they really do not know the true nature of Islam.

    • p says

      Feb 25, 2017 at 7:15 am

      or he knows, and is saying this to get around the islamic democrat party

  2. American-Pragmatism says

    Feb 24, 2017 at 1:23 pm

    He may put a PC face on, but be a pragmatist.

    • gravenimage says

      Feb 24, 2017 at 2:53 pm

      AP, I would not be heartened to think that McMaster has just being lying for years about Islam not being a threat.

      I can accept a bit of fudging for public consumption, like referring to “Islamic extremism” perhaps–but this “Islam is a religion of peace” thing is a sign of either deep denial or utter cynicism.

  3. common sense says

    Feb 24, 2017 at 1:46 pm

    “It is up to us to figure out how best we can help those born into Islam, without any choice in the matter, who recognize those troublesome aspects of their faith that are inimical to real peace and real tolerance, and for which they would like to find a solution, if such is possible.”

    Main stream American politics must first openly admit and “recognize those troublesome aspects” of Islam. General Flynn should priority ship McMaster his book.
    Other recognised and successful military men understand Islam or are willing to try but McMaster doesn’t know a lick? I dont buy it. Sadly as Hugh has suggested he wants the job enough to gloss right over the truth. General Flynn should priority ship McMaster his book.

    “The Field of Fight is a must-read for all Americans, especially military and law enforcement. It is a seminal book in the global war against radical Islam! Where are the fatwas from Mecca and Medina?!” –Lt. General (Retired) Tom McInerny, former Deputy Chief of Staff, United States Air Force.

    • Polk1970 says

      Feb 24, 2017 at 1:51 pm

      General Flynn KNOWS the Enemy and the Enemy Embeds in the Deep State DID the DIRTY DEED.

      • vlparker says

        Feb 24, 2017 at 4:07 pm

        Actually, Trump did the dirty deed. Trump asked for his resignation. Dumbest move Trump has made to date.

        • common sense says

          Feb 24, 2017 at 5:40 pm

          Yeah big threefold mistake. No Flynn, no fight to keep him and now this guy.

          Check out OFA.org (Oraganize For Action) Barry’s new moniker which is really just to harrass the current Trump adminstration.

        • Carolyne says

          Feb 25, 2017 at 11:00 am

          It is my understanding that Flynn lied to Vice President Pence when he said that he had not discussed Russian sanctions with the Russian Ambassador. Then it was leaked that the conversation(s) was recorded or at leased eavesdropped by our intelligence service and that Gen. Flynn did indeed discuss these sanctions. He lied to the Vice President and then said he didn’t remember. I believe Trump acted correctly if this is the rue version of events. To me, a more important issue is the leaking from the intelligence source.

        • Carolyne says

          Feb 25, 2017 at 11:02 am

          That should be “At least.” I hate spellcheck.

  4. rubiconcrest says

    Feb 24, 2017 at 1:48 pm

    Death for apostasy is an orthodox view. It is where the extreme in Islam begins and ends. As sheikh Qaradawi has rightfully pointed out remove it and Islam withers. The good general must know this if not heaven help us. The general must attack this and the blasphemy laws with every tool available. They are the weak points in this ideology.

  5. Demsci says

    Feb 24, 2017 at 2:08 pm

    Nice article, articulating so clearly the vexing issue of a possible “political correct infiltrator in the Trump Team” on one of the very most important posts, almost like a Trojan Horse.

    I noticed that even Hugh articulated, in his advice what this new NS-advisor could say when under investigation, that “Islam has InterpretationS, plural. It seems to me that he meant interpretationS that are EACH considered VALID by large numbers of Muslims. Interpretations of important tenets of Islam, on important moral and political issues.

    This would have gone largely unnoticed by the masses of the Democratic Nations, when all of these possible valid interpretations were rather peaceful or neutral, just spiritual etc.

    But there are widespread interpretations that are detrimental to democracy and west! And when Islam itself and it’s leadership or lack thereof are unclear and not enforcing real clarification, and so the detrimental popular interpretation is just as valid as any number of other interpretations, what then?

    I hope such logic can sway more and more good willing fence sitters and neutral people to our and Trumps side, because it does not reguire to “paint all Muslims with one brush” (by insisting that Islam as a whole is this enormous problem for Democracy and the West and of course ALL Muslims adhere to Islam),

    but by allowing differentiation of “Islams” it also allows differentiation of Muslims, which seems to be an absolute sine qua non for, or paramount demand from the fence sitters and neutrals.

  6. pdxnag says

    Feb 24, 2017 at 2:12 pm

    The predicate for the accusation that you have an unfounded phobia of Islam (Islamophobia) is that Islam is no more threatening than a beautiful rainbow. Knowledge of elementary Islam is essential to deflecting the attack by the people who sling the term, like a bomb, at their Kafir enemy.

    The remedy for those born into Islam is no less than apostasy.

  7. JawsV says

    Feb 24, 2017 at 2:28 pm

    Great. Baldy doesn’t understand Islam. President Trump – what are you doing???

  8. overman says

    Feb 24, 2017 at 2:42 pm

    Retired General Lieutenant General William “Jerry” Boykin who ‘On September 6, 2016, along with 88 other retired US generals and admirals, he endorsed Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’ and stated at a conferference – ‘ “What are you prepared to give up for America? Are you willing to pay the ultimate price?” He followed up with warning, “there is no greater threat to America than Islam’.

    On his facebook page he says this about McMaster [He appears worried that McMaster is only a 3 star ‘active-duty general who will be out-ranked by everyone in the administration. So, was this Trump’s plan?].

    “The selection of LTG HR #McMaster as the next #NationalSecurity Advisor COULD be a great choice.
    #LTGMcMaster is known as a very bright strategist who has written extensively about #insurgency and #counterinsurgency. The issue that we all must question is where he stands on #ISIS.
    That would seem like a very simple question for a guy like LTG McMaster but it is not as straight forward as you might think. Let me explain.
    On multiple occasions, the #general has made statements like “ The #IslamicState is not #Islamic”, parroting the false information of the #Obama Administration.
    That is a problem if he is another general who refuses to recognize the enemy. I hope that he knows better and will come out soon with a clear position on what motivates ISIS.
    The other thing that worries me is that he is an #activeduty three star general and as far as I can tell, he will remain on active duty. That essentially means that he will be out ranked by nearly everyone in the administration. I see this as downgrading the position of #NSA at a time when that job needs to be very powerful to help the #POTUS in developing #foreignpolicy and strategic plans.
    While McMaster is a very good man, I worry about his stance on ISIS and his relative rank within the administration but I am taking a wait and see position for now until more information becomes available.”

  9. gravenimage says

    Feb 24, 2017 at 2:45 pm

    General McMaster and That “Perverted Interpretation of Religion Used To Justify Violence”
    ……………………

    Of course, it is not the interpretation that is perverted, but the religion itself.

    • overman says

      Feb 24, 2017 at 2:59 pm

      Yes, GI, well observed.

    • DFD says

      Feb 24, 2017 at 4:20 pm

      GI: Exactly!

      There’s nothing to interpret in the Quran nor in the Sunna. He spent years in the ME, and he’s a General. Thus he **definitely** knows. So, if he says “…Perverted Interpretation…” then he must be lying.

      And if he has been doing that for years under Obama – need I to go on?

      Giving him the benefit of the doubt, doubting what? Giving him time? Would you give time for a tumor to grow?

      • DFD says

        Feb 24, 2017 at 4:23 pm

        PS: The questions were presented generally, to various other posters, you Graven are fully right!

    • Guest says

      Feb 24, 2017 at 11:21 pm

      If he had only said that, he might have meant: islam itself is a perverted interpretation of religion – ie interpreting religion to mean ‘political ideology’.

      But no, that’s not what he meant.

    • eagle says

      Feb 25, 2017 at 9:32 am

      Yes, I concur, and if more people would read: Reza F. Safa, author of Inside Islam: Exposing and Reaching the World of Islam, estimates that since 1973, the Saudi government has spent an unbelievable $87B to promote Wahhabism in the United States, Africa, Southeast Asia and Europe. The Muslim takeover keeps marching on. Legislation at the state and federal level must declare this Muslim takeover against the American constitution and the enemy of the American people. President Trump is a breath of fresh air after the Muslim Obama’s administration. It is very evident President Trump loves the American people and the constitution. Something the Muslim Obama’s religion of peace cannot ever understand.

      • commonsense says

        Feb 25, 2017 at 9:45 am

        … since 1973, the Saudi government has spent an unbelievable $87B to promote Wahhabism..

        You evidently don’t understand. Wahhabist Islam is just Islam shorn of whatever syncretic elements it may have acquired from non-Muslim sources. These elements are relatively minor. ALL forms of Islam – Sunni, Shia, whatever – are malevolent. ALL. Period.

  10. somehistory says

    Feb 24, 2017 at 2:57 pm

    Only if one *understands the word “religion” as worship of the True God, the Creator of all mankind, and does not consider that others see it differently, does what he says have any value and then it can be seen to him and those like him to make any sense. If *religion* means only one thing to all people, then islam has perverted *religion* to validate the violence of those who adhere to islam.

    Only if…and that is the largest if possible ever…all people agreed on Who is the Supreme Almighty God and all agreed on how He says to worship Him, could the word *religion* have one distinct meaning for all.

    But, since *religion* doesn’t have the meaning of worship (only) of the True God, the Creator of all mankind, but means something else to so many different groups of people, then what he said is wrong, wrong, wrong….and will only mislead others who don’t know any better.

    He’s old enough to know better, but evidently too ignorant to care.

    • concernedcitizen says

      Feb 24, 2017 at 3:30 pm

      SH, you have nailed it. I believe he was referring to “religion” as an overarching entity, belonging to all people. He didn’t say “their religion”, just “religion”. I completely agree with your comment.

  11. pennant8 says

    Feb 24, 2017 at 4:10 pm

    The thing about his mantra that groups like ISIS have hijacked the peaceful religion of Islam is that if it is true then why haven’t Muslims risen up en masse to rid themselves of these interlopers who are desecrating the name of their cherished religion?

    If I had the opportunity to ask the general a question it would be this: If it is true that groups like ISIS and al Qaeda are Islamic anomalies , totally at odds with the teachings of that religion, why is it that Western/infidel armies feel obliged to do Islam’s work for it in ridding their faith of these renegades? And please don’t tell me they are helping. They are not helping, they are only going through the motions of helping. Moreover, I am sure you are familiar with the term “green on blue attacks.”

  12. DFD says

    Feb 24, 2017 at 4:25 pm

    Doesn’t anybody notice that he talks like Obama?

    • Susan Mathewson says

      Feb 24, 2017 at 7:04 pm

      I his heart, does he believe what Obama believes, or did he pay the required lip-service to stay in the military. Staying in the military while understanding the enemy was very challenging and a hardship to the mind and soul under Obama, but thankfully there are such long-suffering people. Is McMaster one?

      McMaster will never replace Flynn, however.

  13. Bazza says

    Feb 24, 2017 at 5:57 pm

    Actually, I have some sympathy for his pronouncements? First off, lets not forget, he’s a 3*** General so at that time, he was very much looking toward an upward career path. The next thing is, lets not forget how and why he said what he did? Fairly obvious I’d have thought, that in the Pro-islamic ‘language’ of Obama, he merely followed what was clearly the defined form of ‘language’ and structure that was demanded by Obama and those who surrounded him at that period in time!!
    Give the guy a break and lets wait until he makes similar remarks which we all then know will represent his true views on the subject and not the ‘Presidential rules of service’ that prevailed then?

  14. Richie says

    Feb 24, 2017 at 7:10 pm

    Islam is a death cult. For Muslims murder is a sacrament.

    The ‘radical’ Muslims are the ones who reject the violence and live lives of peace. Peace in Islam is a VERY radical concept.

  15. common sense says

    Feb 24, 2017 at 9:43 pm

    McMaster needs to update to current events. Iran’s misslie testing and military drills this week were code named “Great prophet 11”.
    How can an entire Islamic nation that threatens us weekly not be Islamic especially when their faux gov’t names their missles “great prophet”? HELLO?!

    ISIS is only more fundamentally closer to Mohammadism in delving out barbaric punishment on infidels, Iran’s VIEW of Infidels is the same they are just fine using bombs. I seriously hope his view changes from last year.

  16. canuckistanman says

    Feb 24, 2017 at 11:28 pm

    Salman Rushdie’s book, “The Satanic Verses” might be required reading by Gen. McMaster and anyone interested in Islam/jihaad.

  17. Dean from Ohio says

    Feb 25, 2017 at 1:02 am

    As National Security Adviser, he doesn’t have to go through a Senate confirmation.

    • Hugh Fitzgerald says

      Feb 25, 2017 at 8:52 am

      If he wants to keep his rank, as I assume he does, he will have to be confiirmed by the Senate.

      http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/mcmaster-needs-senate-confirmation-to-keep-rank-as-national-security-adviser/article/2615394

      • Jake HOLAN says

        Feb 25, 2017 at 2:16 pm

        Mr Fitzgerald,
        I see it in simple terms. “Know Thu Enemy As You Would Know Yourself”. General Flynn knows the The Islamic Jihadidist and how to defeat him and his supporters. He knows the Enemy from within and how to crush him.

        We’ve had enough CRACKPOTS for the pSt 8 years. General McMaster is a Crackpot. He will win battles but lose the war like in Biet Nam except the enemy is on our shores. He’s a Goofball like a Georgetown Grad. We need General Flynn back He knows how to win this War

  18. Rufolino says

    Feb 25, 2017 at 3:12 am

    Does anyone know if McMasters is a Roman Catholic ?

    His mistaken opinion of the Islamic religion is not so very different to Pope Frankie’s misguided views…

  19. Steve Klein says

    Feb 25, 2017 at 4:10 am

    Report: New national security adviser breaks with Trump on ‘radical Islamic terrorism’

    BY NIKITA VLADIMIROV – 02/24/17 10:41 PM EST

    http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/321145-mcmaster-rejects-radical-islamic-terrorism-terminology

  20. Debi Brand says

    Feb 25, 2017 at 5:05 am

    Most Democrats will agree with his pollyannish remarks on Islam. Most Republicans may simply wish to defer to the general as a Trump appointee, wrongly assuming that he must, therefore, be “tough” on Islam. Few senators will have the stomach to discuss Islam truthfully in public, knowing they will then have to endure the usual idiotic charges of bigotry and “Islamophobia” from those whose minds are made up, and who do not want to be confused with facts.

    Yup.

    Therefore, McMasters is likely to be Trump-hired water-boy for Islam.

  21. duh swami says

    Feb 25, 2017 at 6:52 am

    Everyone talks about the ‘perverted verso’ of Islam, but never explain it, or tell you where to get a copy…How can anyone claim ‘perversion’, unless they have read it…

  22. Creole Gumbo says

    Feb 25, 2017 at 8:06 am

    Even if these statements do not express his true sentiments and even if he said them to protect his job – either way I have no respect for him because if mean that he does not have a real set of values. He should not be confirmed. Why not nominate Allen West for the Job?

  23. 7%Solution says

    Feb 25, 2017 at 9:30 am

    Has anyone else noticed that McMaster looks a LOT like John Brennan? Definitely more than an ideological resemblance between the two.

    • Tom Paine says

      Feb 25, 2017 at 9:35 am

      Wow! You’re right! Coincidence?

  24. Tom Paine says

    Feb 25, 2017 at 9:30 am

    Dear Colleagues,

    I read your excellent and informative posts with great interest. Sadly, we cannot count on McMaster’s rapid enlightenment.

    We the people must stop this appoinment. We must end the FAKE NARRATIVE.

    Let us seize this opportunity to REPEAL McMaster and REPLACE with Allen West via the confirmation process.

    Is there an petition effort? Who should we contact? How can we makeour concerns known? We must do all we can to stop this madness.

    Thanks in advance for your thoughts/advice. Thanks also to Mr.Spencer, his colleagues, and all of you for devoting your time to this crucial issue.

  25. Troybeam says

    Feb 25, 2017 at 11:24 am

    The real question is this: how much influence has CAIR and other such groups have had on our military leaders to have them make such statements, these leaders need to read sharia law, they need to educate themselves and seriously not listen to CAIR at all. To continue to do so will only cause a rift within government and the people as seen already and he’s not been confirmed.

    BTW:Creole Gumbo is spot on about Allen West, always felt he was best man for the job.

  26. pinchas baram says

    Feb 25, 2017 at 12:04 pm

    this article by Robert Spencer should be sent to the General, but it is way too long and he probably won’t read it.

    this blatant perhaps deliberate ignorance on the part of the general re Islam is bad news, no matter how you slice it, and it is the fault of both Trump and Bannon, and others, who supposedly “vetted” the general.

  27. bobm says

    Feb 25, 2017 at 12:43 pm

    you’re done now Trump.. you come across like a casino wise guy.. some chips here .. some there; drop this Mc’Master immediately…I can hear the stampede of your support heading out the door. You just stabbed Wilders and Le Pen in the back.. WHO is this man (narcissist) in his golden tower. Toss the man a toga …and a laurel of fools gold. Behold ..ROME burns with the devil at the gate.

  28. bobm says

    Feb 25, 2017 at 12:53 pm

    the Moorish hordes are gathering in the moonlight…. I can hear the laughing their goats asses off.. unless we are now just playing kaffir taqhyya.. .. WHO’S on first… ???….. who will be sacrificed next on the table of Baal?

  29. Anon says

    Feb 25, 2017 at 1:31 pm

    Hugh Fitzgerald is wonderfully intelligent and well-informed. Unfortunately, he is also prone to run-on sentences such as this:

    >>If they are particularly “vulnerable” to those texts that preach violent Jihad, this means not that they are “ignorant” and susceptible to accept a “perverse interpretation” of the faith, but that they are prepared to take Islam to heart, not shirking their duty to engage in violent Jihad (or to “strike terror”), but acting upon what Islam demands of its followers; they are having their Islam straight up, as determined Jihadists, and not on the rocks of self-interested calculation that might make some hesitate to sacrifice themselves for Islam.<<

    I would read Fitzgerald's posts more frequently if sentences were of a more normal length.

  30. Somebody says

    Feb 25, 2017 at 2:01 pm

    All generals and officers of USA are the servents and slaves of SAUDI ass. Have a look at them they love to lick the dollar smelling saudi asses 🙂

  31. Somebody says

    Feb 25, 2017 at 2:02 pm

    All generals and officers of USA are the servants and slaves of SAUDI ass. Have a look at them they love to lick the dollar smelling saudi asses 🙂

  32. solange silverman says

    Feb 25, 2017 at 6:55 pm

    I would think that this appointment would be contrary and counterproductive to what Trump is trying to do.

  33. Rob says

    Feb 26, 2017 at 8:41 pm

    Why is it then that the leading centre of Islamic religious thought (Al Azhar) stated:
    ‘There is nothing heretical about ISIS’.
    This was soon after Obama’s ‘Islam Lite’ speech at the beginning of his first term.
    For good measure a fellow academic (female) stated that rape of infidel women was a good thing as it helped ‘humiliate them’. Didn’t see much in the Women’s March about that.
    Also a recent outreach by an American mosque seeking to partner with other reform-minded mosques got a derisory response and in at least one case threatening.

  34. Jack Mackie says

    Mar 7, 2017 at 5:09 pm

    General McMaster has a point ,however it is not appeasement, but he feels that branding Islam with the lesser jihad is an indictment of all of islam. Though we know that jihad is well intrenched in the Quran,Syrah,and the Hadiths.

    It is to bad that we are unable to fully vet Muslims who may choose to go jihad in a heart beat. Thus we deal with sleepers, Allahs soldiers who for the most part do not wear a uniform. I read somewhere that more Muslims carry the travelers book which simplefies understanding the Quran and is accepted by many of the 26 Islamic Sects,

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