Militant Islam is the enemy but...

Submitted by Elliot B. Pasik (United States), Nov 19, 2002 at 22:17

I agree with Daniel Pipes' declaring that militant Islam is the enemy, but disagree with the demand that our Government declare it so. Another interpretation for why the President avoids saying what we all know is that the President is practicing statesmanship, by trying to avoid a world conflagration between the West and Islam.

A public declaration that militant Islam is the enemy would instantly radicalize much of the Islamic world, including at least one nation which possesses a nuclear arsenal, Pakistan. This is simply too risky.

Yes, principles are important, but when the stakes are so high, principles must be tempered by pragmatism. We should all respect the President for this.

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