Islam versus Terrorism

Preface

The four main objectives of this book are: (1) to provide pertinent information on Islamic culture and beliefs, which dictate the lives of an ever increasing number of followers, estimated at 1.6 billion, and to show its similarity to Christianity; (2) to explain that "Holy Jihad" against America by all Moslems is a threat, not a reality, and that Islam does not promote terrorism; (3) to reveal critical facts about the strategic geographical and cultural importance of the Middle East which have been the source of grave misunderstandings in how we have formulated ill conceived foreign policies; and (4) to recommend how we can establish better policies based on more accurate information and greater sensitivity to other countries, peoples, and cultures.

The tragedy of September 11, 2001 was a warning, a wake-up call to all Americans. It surprised us, just as Pearl Harbor did. Until the shameful destruction of the World Trade Center and attack on the Pentagon by terrorists, most Americans simply were not concerned about the world beyond our shores. We had our own peaceful lives and felt secure not imagining anything so heinous could happen to us here. Because of our military strength and the physical distance from troubled areas many of us were not particularly interested in our foreign policies. World Wars I and II took place primarily in Europe and Asia; the atom bomb destroyed Hiroshima; and the Korean War, Vietnam and Middle East conflicts were fought in far away places. The well thought-out attack by a few Arab terrorists, resulting in the death of some three thousand innocent people in America, proved we are not untouchable and that there is an unhappy world across the ocean.

I believe this devastating attack contained a clear message to our government to be wary of interfering in other countries' affairs if we wish not to become a party to the problem, which has been our tendency in the past. Dictating to other nations how to conduct their lives, especially Islamic countries, which have been vocal in expressing their opposition to us, could result in more serious consequences in the future. We must learn more about other cultures and people in order to make more favorable policies. The best decision our government could make is helping other nations rather than exploiting them for our personal benefit and life style. Sending in military troops and name calling is not the American Way. They only generate more hatred and aggression. If we want to play a meaningful role, as the most powerful nation on earth, we must do so as a valuable friend rather than a big bully.

Just because life is good in America doesn't mean it is the same for the rest of the world. Thousands of innocent people die every day from wars, disease, starvation, torture and terror in many parts of the world, tragedies to which we can no longer turn a blind eye.

Understanding the roots of discontent for other nations incited by starvation - lack of dignity - loss of territory - absence of freedom - military incursions - attacks on religious sites, would help stop the seeds of terrorism. Desperation coupled with poverty produces frustrated, irrational people. The common citizens in Third World countries are the ones most affected by economic sanctions, not the heads of states who have unlimited finances and resources.

Peaceful living with other nations in our global village requires people to recognize other cultures, traditions, religions and limitations. Every country, not just America, is entitled to choose a political system that works best for them. It may not be our choice, but if we are realistic we would know that democracy is not viable for every nation. The concept is wonderful, and maybe one day every country can be democratic, but until people can read and write, the responsibilities which come with democracy cannot be fulfilled.

Desperate, poverty-stricken people who are occupied by other countries do not have the financial resources and the influence that their wealthy enemies possess. Therefore, they find terrorism the only way to get their message across. Terrorism today is the poor man's way to fight powerful adversaries. Continued military efforts on one side and suicide bombing on the other will only ignite deeper resentment, hatred, and retaliation in a never ending battle. A diplomatic approach and a willingness to find, soften or remove the causes for discontent would be the best solution.

Regardless of how powerful America is, we cannot stop terrorism by "killing them all." It may temporarily be held in check in specific areas but not eliminated. Placing a standing army all around the world to exhibit our military might is not a good idea either. A war against terrorism is very similar to the war against illegal drugs or crime. It is a constant battle, which if not addressed properly, is destined to become worse.

Understanding Islam is absolutely necessary in order to formulate better foreign policies for America. Moslems are not the enemy, nor is the Islam faith; our foreign policies are. Patriotism does not mean closing our eyes to the facts.
To be a good leader, America must be even handed, neutral and honest regarding other countries to keep trouble out of our own back yard.

Table Of Contents

Chapter I: A Wake-up Call
The tragedy of 9/11 should be considered a needed "wake-up call" to rethink our foreign policies.

Chapter II: What is Islam?
Describes Islamic civilization and its permutations - its origin, founder, beliefs and the Quran (Koran). Differentiates the true meaning of Islam from the ones which Islamic hard-liners have portrayed. The real meaning of Jihad.

Chapter III: What is Terrorism?
A comprehensive definition of the word; when terrorism started, what it is today and how to fight it.

Chapter IV: Brief Historical Review
Reasons for the Israeli/Palestinian territorial conflict and how it has reached this critical stage.

Chapter V: What is The Middle East?
A list of the countries in the Middle East, maps and information of specific geographic and strategic importance.

Chapter VI: Cultural Differences
Describes Asian and Islamic traditions, cultures, beliefs and life style, which are bases for their politics.

Chapter VII: American Foreign Policies
Why and how some of our past foreign policies have caused friction between America and the Islamic world.

Chapter VII: The Final Point
What should be done.

Appendix/Bibliography

Copyright © 2002 Firooz Zadeh
All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author.
ISBN 0-9674480-1-8

Library of Congress Control Number: 2002093852

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