June 2008

Daniel Pipes

Dr. Pipes, director of the Middle East Forum, discussed radical Islamic extremism.

Over 200 people were impressed at the June meeting with the wisdom and brilliance of Dr. Daniel Pipes, director of the Middle East Forum. His main topic was radical Islamic extremism. Dr. Pipes indicated that the first thing that needs to be done is to recognize who the enemy really is. He first discussed the extremes of the beliefs as it relates to the problem of Islamo-Fascism. On one extreme, he feels the left does not take the matter as a serious threat. At the other end of the spectrum, he indicated that he felt that Islam the religion was not the problem.

Dr. Pipes indicated that the danger is radical Islam, referred to as Islamism or Islamo-Fascism. He pointed out that Islamism had two wings: (1) violence, illegality, criminality and terrorism, and (2) Lawful, political, democratic. While the former can cause pain and discomfort to the West and the United States, these tactics can never be successful in the long run. Dr. Pipes feels the second approach is more dangerous to the West.

Dr. Pipes compared Islamism to the two biggest scourges of the 20th Century - Communism and Fascism. Based on the number of supporters, he feels that Islamism is a greater threat than either Communism or Fascism. The problem for America is that we are divided. The left does not take it serious enough for us to be united. He pointed out the solution was working with moderate Muslims. They are the only ones who can defeat the radical Muslims. We must support the moderate Muslims at every opportunity we have, and in every way.

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