Why the insurgency in Iraq?

Submitted by Jack Voelkel (United States), Aug 23, 2005 at 18:40

Dear Dr. Pipes:

Just a note to thank you for your website and frequent articles. They have been helpful to me.

My question:

It is not a surprise that the militant Islamic insurgency desires Americans to leave Iraq. However, I am confused that they feel that we will leave faster if they kill more American soldiers. Don't they realize that the more peace there is the more quickly our troops will leave?

Help me understand their philosophy in this "war."

Thank you.

Jack Voelkel

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Daniel Pipes replies:

Islamists, like prior totalitarians, have a very low regard for Americans and assume that they can be easily demoralized. This conviction is so deep, it outweighs the actual record.

DP