TWO VIEWS OF ISLAM AND TERRORISM

The American view of Islam has been influenced by various presentations of Islamic extremism in the electronic media, and it has been influenced by popular misconceptions and stereotypes. Daniel Pipes (1983) wrote an outstanding theological and political analysis of Islam nearly 20 years ago. In an insightful summary of theological positions, Pipes demonstrates that many Western attitudes are incorrect. Islam is a legalistic religion more closely related to traditional Judaism than Pauline Christianity, even though all three religions worship the same God.

Unfortunately, Pipes's work did not receive the recognition and influence it deserved. If more policymakers had acted on Pipes's analysis, Americans may have found that many of their religious precepts match those found in Islam. Although most Muslims express religious concepts by combining theological and moral positions in political institutions, Islam is no more a religion of violent fanatics than Judaism or Christianity. Yet, many Americans have little knowledge of Islam. Today most Americans subscribe to one of two positions about Islam and terrorism.

Reuven Paz (1998) summarizes one particular position, but it can also be found in such journalistic examinations as Robin Wright (1986, 1989), Dilip Hiro (1987), and Amir Taheri (1987). This view states that Islamic fundamentalism is related to political violence in the Middle East. Paz pursues this further by asking the question: Is there an Islamic terrorism? His answer is yes.

Paz argues that Islam sees itself in a global war with the West. This is exacerbated by socioeconomic differences. Islamicists divide the world into the realm of Islam (dar al-Islam) and the realm of heresy (dar al-Harb). Islamic radicals have relegated the West to the realm of heresy. Paz says success against heresy is measured in the popular support of terrorist groups. Since Muslims in general see themselves in a struggle with the West for social and political reasons, Paz concludes that popular support of militant Islam indicates an "Islamic terrorism" exists. He says the West should not debate its existence, it should defend itself against Islamic terrorism.