At last! Someone thinking long term.

Submitted by Dr. Laina Farhat-Holzman (United States), Apr 7, 2004 at 13:13

We are witnessing the collision of the secular, modern world with an Islamic world that is layered like an onion. Islam's internal problems have erupted into the world and will pull us all in for some time to come.

Isolation will not protect us. Muslims are living in our midst in increasing numbers and their internal struggle has become ours. Also, in a global society, people can travel anywhere--legally or illegally. We cannot keep dangerous people--or ideas--out.

Today's struggle is one of ideas and power, no different from the 20th century's conflict between fascism and democracy. It is no different from the 17th century's religious conflicts in Europe--which were also conflicts of ideas and power.

We will have to see this era as a continuation of a movement that began with the printing press, when ideas could go global and challenge the older ideas and control systems of the past. We cannot opt out of this war. The consequences if we do are unthinkable.

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