Islam never co-exists peacefully with non-Islamists

Submitted by P. Johnson (United States), Aug 13, 2002 at 11:20

Dear Mr.Pipes,

Your quest to modernize Islam is a good approach to the problem of a rogue religion. However, I'm not sure it is at all possible to do. I rank among those who are antagonistic toward Islam. I personally believe Islam is evil at the core and that the god they worship is satan, a god of hate. I believe that there are people within the religion that simply want to live a life of peace, however from what I have read, even the most moderate of muslims support Osama ben Laden and cheered over 9-11, and support the terrorist bombings in Israel and cheer when Israelis are killed. Is this not true? Is this not evil? The G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob warned His followers not to rejoice over the sufferings of even their enemies. This does not appear to be the case with Islam. And I can think of not one country where Islam co-exists peacefully with non-Islamists - not Indonesia, not India, not the Phillipines, not the African nations, not Israel. The only reason they don't show themselves more aggressive here in the US is because they are not strong enough, yet. They speak of tolerance for Muslims here in the US, but I see no tolerance in Islamic-ruled nations. Is not even Turkey discriminatory against "the infidel"? Perhaps this is too strong, but this is what I believe. I do thank you, Mr. Pipes, for your work. Knowledge is a powerful tool.

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