Steven Hunter – Paul Marshall: This War We’re In

Islamic Extremists

I just read an article by Paul Marshall on the National Review Online website. The article mainly talks about the Islamic extremists and their way of thinking. It was really interesting to understand what is going on in their minds.

Basically, according to the extremists there are two types of people in the world: the Islamic people and everyone else. The everyone else is particularly focused on Christians and they consider George Bush the leader. In 1998, Bin Laden even referred to Bush as, “fighting under the sign of the cross.” Marshall mentions that the extremists fight in order to force their religion on the world. They want every country or people they attack to submit to their religion. He also contends that their attacks are meant to strike fear in people so that they can take over more easily.

I think these people are delusional because there is no way they can do these evil things and think it is moral and ethical. It reminded me of when we talked about existentialism in class. I think the people are thinking in an existential way; however, I think they have the whole situation misconstrued. I think recruiting to a faith is fine, but it should be done in a peaceful way. The conversion from one faith to another should be completely voluntary.

I think religious tolerance is one of the things that makes our country great. Can you imagine being forced to another religion or dying for refusing? It makes no sense at all. I think it was a good article and encourage others to read it.