Us and Them

There really are two (and only two) sides to the War on Terror*, and if you're in the mood for an examination of the other side I recommend this excellent think-piece from Cliff May:

But let's be clear, Islam is not ? as has been repeatedly claimed -- a ?religion of peace.? Indeed, the idea is absurd, considering that Islam's founding prophet also was a warrior -- among the most successful in history, establishing an empire ranging from Spain to the South Pacific.

Nor did Osama bin Laden ?hijack? Islam ? any more than Hitler hijacked Germanic culture or Lenin hijacked the Russian ethos. Rather, Hitler and Lenin drew upon the ugliest threads in their nations' fabrics. So, too, has bin Laden invoked Islam's most radically xenophobic doctrines to legitimize a vicious assault against all those who refuse to accept his authority, all those he demonizes as ?infidels.?

A Sunday Times reporter spent two months as a recruit inside the Saviour Sect to reveal for the first time how the extremist group promotes hatred of ?non-believers? and encourages its followers to commit acts of violence including suicide bombings.

Hat tips to LGF for the latter and The Debate Link for the former. You'll find additional insight and commentary there.

*If you find that statement offensive you're probably not in the game. Read the links anyway, and thanks for expressing your interest in our national defense.