Know the Enemy

The Problem

Four essential facts about this war are not yet widely recognized:

• We did not start this war that threatens our lives and liberties.



• The war against the Free World began long before September 11, 2001.



• We face more than one enemy determined to eliminate us.



• Terrorist organizations depend on state-sponsors - the non-democratic nations that provide them intelligence, weapons, financial, diplomatic and logistic support.

Much like the fascist and communist enemies that we faced in the last century, the current global threat is driven by a totalitarian ideology - this time, an ideology masquerading as a religion - that seeks not only regional but global domination.

We characterize this ideology as "Islamofascism" (or "Islamism"): a doctrine of ruthless political power that adopts (and distorts) the language of Islam. Islamofascism poses the greatest threat, initially, to legitimate Muslim leaders and communities. The Islamists' first step towards pursuing global jihad is to take control of the religious community, worldwide.

The political successes of Islamofascism have little to do with its inherent appeal, and much to do with two stark factors: First, the threat of brutal reprisal against the majority of Muslims who do not subscribe to this repressive ideology. And second, the flow of money from places like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Libya and Sudan.

No region of the world is immune to the terrorist tactics and political warfare of Islamofascism. The rapidly growing Muslim ghettoes in Western Europe are becoming prime breeding-grounds for Islamic fanaticism - and hence terrorism.

Muslim populations in Africa are increasingly being subjected to the Islamists' harsh, Taliban-style version of religious law known as Shari'a.

Islamofascist organizations and state sponsors have engineered ominous tactical alliances with Russia and China.

Islamism is also a growing threat to Muslim and non-Muslim communities inside the United States.

What Needs to Be Done

Little lasting progress in the war on terror can be expected if we fail to grasp two important realities:

1. Islamofascism is a totalitarian ideology, not a religion. It is about power, not faith.
Islamism promotes political sedition and incitement to violence. It must be defeated.

2. In virtually all cases, Islamism and its terrorist manifestations have been - and continue to be - state-sponsored. Strategies for defeating Islamofascism must address its wellsprings, not just its symptoms.

Contributor: Alex Alexiev