The rise of what's called Islamic fundamentalism is to a significant extent a result of the collapse of secular nationalist alternatives which were either discredited internally or destroyed, leaving few other options. Something like that may be true of American society.
Extremism is so easy. You've got your position, and that's it. It doesn't take much thought. And when you go far enough to the right you meet the same idiots coming around from the left.
What you have to be concerned about are the extremists. On the whole, we need to understand the more moderate Muslims before they become more radicalized.
There are three possible ways to react to right-wing extremist parties. The first is to act as though they don't exist and to no longer risk taking political initiatives that could get these parties against you. The second reaction is to chase after these right-wing extremist parties in fascination. The third is to say, these people are my true enemies and to engage them in battle.
I tend not to believe radical Muslim movements.
The far right and the far left can be equally insane.
The reality is that far-right extremism is no longer dominated by loners.
I think there are always going to be fanatics and charismatic extremists who are going to be able to draw a following.
The dynamics of the Taliban now appear to be very different and complex, in both Afghanistan and Pakistan, as they attack governments and mainstream parties.
Since 9/11, right-wing extremists (incl anti-abortion, anti-gov) have killed more Americans than Islamic extremists.
I always think extremism is basically a reaction out of fear. What we seem to be experiencing is polar extremism that keeps people from coming together.
Extremism is not endemic in my region, nor is anti-Western sentiment. No doubt there is discontent and distrust. That is towards more the American and some Western policies, and not toward the American people.
