Obama is Avoiding the Phrase "Radical Islam" for Strategic Reasons, not to be "Politically Correct".

[Shadow Wolf]

There is radical Islam.

It's identified as the doctrine of Wahhabism, a fundamentalist branch originating from Sunni Islam.

But when we flip the situation around, we rarely call the Westboro Baptist Church or KKK radical Christians, but we are very specific when we state who we are referring to. And it would probably blow your mind to learn just how many churches actually believe that Christianity is borderline illegal, that it's being increasingly criminalized, that the government is out to get them, and because of their adherence to the Bible they perceive themselves as radicals (some even believe they are a Billy ****** Christian for making public displays of faith). So, if we referred to the Army of God as "radical Christianity," it would likely offend those who view themselves as radical even though all they are doing is making it clear they don't allow homosexuals in the sanctuary. But because we "get" that there are such divisions in Christianity, we sift and sort the nuts from the decent ones and rarely do you see the phrase "radical Christianity" used. We are specific about what we are referring to, and if we were consistent we would say Wahhabism or Salafi, but we don't do that, and we even take Wahhabi interpretations of the Quran and Hadiths as what the Quran means, and we certainly do not take extreme interpretations of the Bible as the definitive meaning.

 

[YmirGF]

It may not work for you, but the reality is people here say it a lot - so much in fact that it was even said, a few times, at my nephews graduation ceremony. Something good or desperately needed in someone's life happens, they say it. It's not something I do, but tomorrow I might just run into someone who says it as they hand out some religious sales flyer.

I feel for you. Here in atheist Nirvana, I seriously don't remember anyone saying it.... Here, in LotusLand, it is simply not the thing to say... fortunately.

 

[Acim]

There is radical Islam.

It's identified as the doctrine of Wahhabism, a fundamentalist branch originating from Sunni Islam.

So, here's the post here I'll speak slightly against what I was stating earlier. I'm new age, gnostic Christian type. From orthodox perspective, I imagine what I practice is 'radical Christianity.' I'd obviously debate this if it came up, but wouldn't be surprised if I was in room (or country) filled with orthodox Christian people who thought of my understandings as 'radical.' Thus, I can see how 'radical Muslims' would be on the offensive side. Add in 'militant' and I see sharp distinction between my beliefs and what some radical Muslims are advocating for.

So, if sound bite terms are used, radical militant Islam would seem to be fairly accurate. Or radical Islamic terrorists could work as a short hand. And if making a speech that is say more than 15 seconds long, using either of these terms once, and later saying 'radical Muslims' would make sense if everything is kept in context. If say a radical militant Muslim were to take that out of context and share it with moderate Muslims who are non-militant and say "see, this is how they think of us" that would possibly work against us. But also would work against all people who take things out of context. Seems bizarre to me that radical militant Muslims seemingly have no problem killing/harming other Muslims in their attack and that somehow all peace loving Muslims would side with the militant Muslim automatically when a discussion about who's behaving badly toward Muslims is on the table for discussion.

Not really responding directly to the quoted post, as much as sharing additional information for consideration. I think it's possible that Wahhabism is a) defining sect that produces militant Muslims or b) another version / sect of Islam that is being heavily distorted by modern day militant Muslims.

 

[BSM1]

No. That simply means "god is great," and it has no inherent connotations of terrorism. It's literally no different than how many people here say "god is great," as we sometimes hear people saying when they pray. Sure some terrorists may say it before they blow themselves up, but in no way does saying it define someone as a terrorist.

Why are you trying to defend these monsters? They, by their own admissions and actions, are blowing people into small pieces in the name of their religious beliefs. Please get your head out the sand.

 

[metis]

Why are you [SW] trying to defend these monsters? They, by their own admissions and actions, are blowing people into small pieces in the name of their religious beliefs. Please get your head out the sand.

IYO, were the members of the KKK, who justified their actions by referring to their Christian faith, "monsters" as well? I lived during the latter part of the era whereas they murdered people, but I don't recall any politician or any reporter referring to them as "Christian terrorists". Did you ever hear that?

We have to remember that people tend to justify their atrocities, and often religion was and still is used by various groups as an excuse. How much of it is just radical "politics" versus how much of it is true "religious" convictions I cannot say, but people throughout history often justified their atrocious behavior by citing select verses from the Bible, the Qur'an, etc. It's not right for them to cherry-pick to justify such atrocities, imo, but it happens-- unfortunately.

 

[BSM1]

IYO, were the members of the KKK, who justified their actions by referring to their Christian faith, "monsters" as well? I lived during the latter part of the era whereas they murdered people, but I don't recall any politician or any reporter referring to them as "Christian terrorists". Did you ever hear that?

We have to remember that people tend to justify their atrocities, and often religion was and still is used by various groups as an excuse. How much of it is just radical "politics" versus how much of it is true "religious" convictions I cannot say, but people throughout history often justified their atrocious behavior by citing select verses from the Bible, the Qur'an, etc. It's not right for them to cherry-pick to justify such atrocities, imo, but it happens-- unfortunately.

Absolutely. When I was fifteen I was handed an application to the local KKK affiliate. Although it didn't happen over night good people finally put those idiots in their places. Look at the reaction to the Westboro Baptist Church folks. Again, good people have risen up against them.

 

[averageJOE]

Why are you trying to defend these monsters? They, by their own admissions and actions, are blowing people into small pieces in the name of their religious beliefs. Please get your head out the sand.

ShadowWolf isn't defending terrorists. Just pointing out that "allah akkbar" is not an exclusive phrase used by terrorists. It literally mean's "god is great" and is used by all Muslims. It's no different than a christian that says things like "thank god!" or "praise Jesus!".

 

[YmirGF]

IYO, were the members of the KKK, who justified their actions by referring to their Christian faith, "monsters" as well? I lived during the latter part of the era whereas they murdered people, but I don't recall any politician or any reporter referring to them as "Christian terrorists". Did you ever hear that?

We have to remember that people tend to justify their atrocities, and often religion was and still is used by various groups as an excuse. How much of it is just radical "politics" versus how much of it is true "religious" convictions I cannot say, but people throughout history often justified their atrocious behavior by citing select verses from the Bible, the Qur'an, etc. It's not right for them to cherry-pick to justify such atrocities, imo, but it happens-- unfortunately.

Yeah, I know what you mean. These days I just break into a sweat anytime I hear a Buddhist spout off some Sutra. It's almost as bad as when you hear Hindu's chirping a passage from the Bhagavad-Gita. It just makes you want to run to the nearest bolthole.

 

[YmirGF]

ShadowWolf isn't defending terrorists. Just pointing out that "allah akkbar" is not an exclusive phrase used by terrorists. It literally mean's "god is great" and is used by all Muslims. It's no different than a christian that says things like "thank god!" or "praise Jesus!".

And other religions are also famous for murderers screaming religious phrases while they commit the atrocity de jour. Happens all the time.....

I know every time I hear there has been yet another terrorist attack somewhere on Earth my first thought it, "Oh Jeeez, those Amish folks are probably behind this. When will it end?"


Personally, I think it's time for the next administration to ****can this ludicrous "strategy" and fire everyone who supports it.

 

[Revoltingest]

Absolutely. When I was fifteen I was handed an application to the local KKK affiliate. Although it didn't happen over night good people finally put those idiots in their places. Look at the reaction to the Westboro Baptist Church folks. Again, good people have risen up against them.

What answer did you put down for question #7?

 

[tytlyf]

The strategy certainly has been working well.


Murderers here don't generally scream out, "God is great" while committing their atrocities however..." C'mon... be realistic.


In regards to the OP, well, it certainly IS news that Obama actually has a strategy. It's been so hard to tell thus far... what with him preferring to lead with his behind...

Muslims always say that phrase. Has nothing to do with terrorism. The peaceful majority say it. And yes, this is realistic. Obama has had a strategy from day 1 with ISIL. Your media is lying to you as usual. The strategy is called: Forming an offensive alliance with multiple countries instead of going it alone."

 

[YmirGF]

Muslims always say that phrase. Has nothing to do with terrorism. The peaceful majority say it. And yes, this is realistic. Obama has had a strategy from day 1 with ISIL. Your media is lying to you as usual. The strategy is called: Forming an offensive alliance with multiple countries instead of going it alone."

I can always count on your unrelenting sense of humor. Thanks for the smile! Yeah, Libya and Syria are two genuine pieces of art....

 

[metis]

Absolutely. When I was fifteen I was handed an application to the local KKK affiliate. Although it didn't happen over night good people finally put those idiots in their places. Look at the reaction to the Westboro Baptist Church folks. Again, good people have risen up against them.

Yes, but did you hear any politician or news reporter say or write "Christian terrorists"?

My point is that we don't use that terminology because it would offend many Christians plus some others, so shouldn't we have much the same sensitivity and be reluctant to use the terminology "Muslim terrorists"? Hey, most people are bright enough whereas the minute one uses the term "terrorist" they can most likely fill in the blank on their own: "____ terrorists".

BTW, if you doubt about what I say the reaction would most likely be by many here to "Christian terrorists", wait a short while and start a thread by that title and then begin to cite instances whereas different people and groups terrorized others using "Christianity" as their excuse. Then let's see how people here react to your terminology.

 

[tytlyf]

I can always count on your unrelenting sense of humor. Thanks for the smile! Yeah, Libya and Syria are two genuine pieces of art....

Most countries are 3rd world. This isn't news.

 

[YmirGF]

Most countries are 3rd world. This isn't news.

What is these days, eh?

 

[YmirGF]

Yes, but did you hear any politician or news reporter say or write "Christian terrorists"?

My point is that we don't use that terminology because it would offend many Christians plus some others, so shouldn't we have much the same sensitivity and be reluctant to use the terminology "Muslim terrorists"? Hey, most people are bright enough whereas the minute one uses the term "terrorist" they can most likely fill in the blank on their own: "____ terrorists".

BTW, if you doubt about what I say the reaction would most likely be by many here to "Christian terrorists", wait a short while and start a thread by that title and then begin to cite instances whereas different people and groups terrorized others using "Christianity" as their excuse. Then let's see how people here react to your terminology.

I say just call a shovel a shovel and damn people's obsession with being offended.

 

[metis]

Yeah, I know what you mean. These days I just break into a sweat anytime I hear a Buddhist spout off some Sutra. It's almost as bad as when you hear Hindu's chirping a passage from the Bhagavad-Gita. It just makes you want to run to the nearest bolthole.

If the above is meant in some sort of sarcastic manner, just a reminder that it was some Buddhists in Sri Lanka that first used "suicide bombers", and some early Hindu schools used to advocate the use of human sacrifices.

 

[YmirGF]

If the above is meant in some sort of sarcastic manner, just a reminder that it was some Buddhists in Sri Lanka that first used "suicide bombers", and some early Hindu schools used to advocate the use of human sacrifices.

Indeed. Happens every fricken day..... Jus' sayin'....

 

[metis]

I say just call a shovel a shovel and damn people's obsession with being offended.

So, as long as you're satisfied, that all that matters, right? Well, I guess that makes me some sort of pervert to actually think that other peoples' feelings matter as well.

 

[YmirGF]

So, as long as you're satisfied, that all that matters, right? Well, I guess that makes me some sort of pervert to actually think that other peoples' feelings matter as well.

Nobody gives a crap about peoples feelings. One can become too sensitive to this kind of drivel.