It was nice to read this well-researched article in the New Yorker about the ideological battle being fought between hardcore elements of the global jihadist movement and moderate figures within the Muslim world. It seems that some of these moderates are people who were responsible for the ideological underpinnings of terrorism employed by groups like al Qaeda. It is very encouraging to see this debate occurring. For so long, I've wondered, "where are the moderates and when will they speak up?" Well, it turns out that the most persuasive arguments against terrorism are coming from a man who was part of the original core of al Qaeda--a man who literally wrote the book that the terrorist organization used to indoctrinate recruits and justify its despicable acts. This man, who goes by the name Dr. Fadl, has apparently had a change of heart and is now attempting to refute the very religious and political arguments that he formulated, upon which the jihadists have justified their brutality.
This is a very hopeful sign. I hope and pray that the debate continues and the moderates prevail. While terrorism is unlikely ever to be completely eradicated, it is interesting to contemplate the affect it would have on the world if it was to be delegitimized as a means to political ends.
