Haves and Have-Nots: ; Muslim Turmoil Mainly an Economic Struggle

Summary

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Apropos Lt. Gen. Richard M. Scofield's speech to the Bar so prominently covered in the Gazette (July 11), I must take exception to some of the sweeping statements. It is not because of the anti- Muslim bias that he displays, but because I genuinely believe such distorted view of the reality can only lead to continued and expanding conflict around the world, with no swift end in spite of the overwhelming firepower at the disposal of men like the general.

While I agree with some of his statements, including his assertion that it is the Islamic world that has to change, his other declarations are farfetched. His reference to the plans for Muslim takeover of the world smacks of a "700 Club" mentality rather than a mature analysis of ground realities. In fact, the turmoil in the Muslim world is a reflection of deep fissures within it. While Christianity was able to exorcise its demons after much bloodshed and barbarity, which lasted until just a couple of hundred years ago, Islam is finally trying to come to terms with modernity and is facing enormous internal tensions. The only thing keeping a widespread and open conflict between the progressive and relatively secular mainstream Muslim population and the tiny but fanatical extremist minority is their common fear of Western, mainly American, intentions. The extremists want to drag the Muslim society back to the seventh century, imposing archaic punishments and laws perhaps suitable for medieval tribal societies rather than modern industrializing nations. It will not happen, but many bloody confrontations are inevitable. Witness the recent bloodshed in Islamabad, Pakistan. Also note the reaction of the general public to the whole affair. It clearly shows that the great majority of Muslims do not support these fanatics. Yes, these fanatics are a determined lot and have penetrated many societies around the world, but their strength is only in bravado, bombast and fearmongering. Their actual ability to inflict damage is minor in the overall scheme of things. They will eventually be contained, but it has to be done by the Muslim majority itself. It will not happen until American intervention comes to an end.

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Haves and Have-Nots: ; Muslim Turmoil Mainly an Economic Struggle

The West must realize that ultimately it is an economic struggle. It is the war of the have-nots against the haves. Religion gives the impetus and the courage to these ...

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