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Rejection of extremists by ordinary Muslims can only help lessen terrorism, but the real question is how to build their resolve to do so. It is understood that the great majority of Muslims are moderate and do not support terrorism, yet the extremists continue to grow their support. To understand this paradox, requires an understanding of the background of the extremist views and how to turn them on their head.

Unfortunately, many Muslims and non-Muslims alike misunderstand the meaning and true intent of the Qu'ran. In itself, Islam is a profoundly peaceful religion, based on Judeo-Christian roots and its true intent is fairness and justice. It provides for tolerance of other religions and promotes the rights of women and the weak or disadvantaged. There are misguided zealots in every religious tradition and their strength ebbs or grows, depending on the course of events. That is true in Islam too.

Acceptance of terrorists and intolerance increases when living conditions are miserable. When there seems to be no other way out, is when ordinary Muslims are at the highest risk for accepting extremists and terrorists in their midst. The lives of too many Muslims are full of hardship and despair. American-style occupations with military oppression tends to promote extremism. There is nothing inspiring to common Muslims in being subjugated by a stronger foreign power, especially one with strong ties to Israel and that is not Muslim.

Effective economic development and reconstruction is the only way to hasten the growth in strength of the views of moderate Muslims. They must see benefits that are real to them before they can be expected to reject extremists from their communities.
Ordinary Muslims must see their families' welfare to be improving, their town's security improving (since Saddam), their personal freedoms increasing before they can
be expected to support America by rejecting extremists. Otherwise, it is wishful thinking, without basis. Put yourself in their shoes.

Why would you confront anyone who might be dangerous or hold a grudge, unless you were confident in your future without the extremists? Bush and the neo-cons just don't get it. Instead of taking care to be sure that the professionals, middle and working classes see their lives improving, they are too busy just trying to stay alive to take principled stands against extremists. If you felt safer by helping the extremists, because there are too few Americans and you don't speak their language, what would you do?

The War on Terrorism requires serious review and reform, because it is not helping the Muslims in most cases. "Bait and switch" tactics will not work in the Middle East. Platitudes like democracy and freedom meaning nothing unless they are translated immediately into improved standards of living. Hezbollah and Hamas have grown in support in the Gaza and Lebanon due to taking care of the needs of the people. There is no substitute for that. Until America internalizes that truism, there is no hope for the War on Terror making headway in Muslim countries. The moderate Muslims must be see their interests are being pursued. It hasn't happened yet. The War on Terror is effectively a war against all Muslims. It must be changed or it only leads to more suffering for us all.

Learn more about this author, Robert C. Sage.
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