Re. #665, Why establish Islamic Watch

Submitted by Bryan Taplits (United States), Apr 21, 2006 at 12:42

Dr. Pipes:

If you recall my E-mails to you, I believe you are very percipient analyst. I believe I should say this so that you know that my question is asked sincerely. My question is:

Why, if an Islamic organization, isn't a front for terrorist activities, do you believe it necessary to "watch" it. I'm not saying that this isn't a good idea (particularly since-at least it is my belief-many fundamental Islamic organizations might very well mutate into a terroristic fundamental Islamic organization; and the harm they will inflict [ala 9/11] is great even though the probability they'll inflict it is minimal), but I wish you would give your reason or reasons.

And does that make any religious organization open to a "watch"? (As I suggested, I'll most likely will agree with your reason(s), because most of your past columns have been insightful and prophetic. So you must have a good reason(s) for establishing "Islam Watch"-I just would like to know what it/they is/are).

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Daniel Pipes replies:

Radical Islam can advance lawfully, and that to me is as great a threat as its use of violence.