I do not agree
Reader comment on item: Distinguishing between Islam and Islamism

Submitted by Sami Ahmed (United States), Dec 28, 2004 at 15:35

I believe that many statements made by the author concerning Islam and Islamism are true. However, I don't agree with him regarding the recommendations at the end of the article,... In my understanding, Islamism itself doesn't mean extremism or terrorism, and facing it with your set of recommendations is just another way to produce extremism.

I think that recommendations such as:

"Do not work cooperate with Islamists, thereby encouraging them. Dialogue with Islamists tends to enhance their stature",
"Support states that contain Islamists and encourage them to do so",
" Keeping Islamists out of power is in their interest and in ours Celebrate and support those brave souls who stand up to the Islamists".

Can only cause more extremism and hatred because oppression has never been a solution.

We need to remember that the root of Islamism goes back to the 19th century as a response to colonialism, then it became more powerful and appealing in the forties after the creation of Israel and the unconditional support it got from the west.

The only way to deal with Islamism is through dialogue based on understanding mutual respect. According to his recommendations, the author seem to be more like a military man than an analyst.

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