ISIS Isn’t the Real Enemy. The “Game of Thrones” Medieval Mindset That Birthed It Is

[flamingdem]

https://medium.com/@AmirAhmadNasr/isis-isnt-the-real-enemy-the-game-of-thrones-medieval-mindset-that-birthed-it-is-4888330dabac

-- snip

In Other Words, Yes, the United States Is Responsible for a Lot, But…

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Such criticisms are needed and important. Nevertheless, in making them, too many writers and commentators, including on the progressive Western left who are hellbent on holding the American right-wing mainly responsible, often minimize the role of regional politics and Islam’s or “Islam’s” prominence, (depending on your perspective), in these matters.

That, is certainly not a good thing.

Which brings us to the next important point.

Islam’s Crisis of Modernity

Say hello to typical, horrified Muslim reactions in response to ISIS.

“Islam is a religion of peace!”

“Islam has nothing to do with the so-called ‘Islamic State!’”

None of these sound bites are going to cut it anymore.

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The point is that claiming what ISIS espouses has “absolutely nothing to do with Islam,” as too many insistently claim, is neither exactly accurate nor helpful.

While their terrorism and slaughter of women and children are obviously in no way Islamic, the same can’t be said for their desire to build an “Islamic State” that enforces Sharia to affirm “justice.”

The latter project is actually quite resonant, and hence finds sympathy and support among too many Muslims, (even if the methods aren’t).

This, despite the contentious battle of ideas raging within Islam, among the religion’s diverse adherents today, in regards to what constitutes the good life and a just state.

In a nutshell, along with authoritarian military strongmen and autocrats, the passionately disagreed upon role of Islam in public life is the other main obstacle to creating a stable, and functional political order, including in countries like Libya and Egypt where efforts were derailed after the initial stage of the “Arab Spring.”

Basically, it’s very charged territory. And without a victory in this domain of ideas and consciousness, we’ll have a serious growing problem.

That’s what’s at stake.

[Scootaloo]

1. So in the author's opinion, ISIS is right about Islam and the Muslims rejecting ISIS are wrong

That way, we can hold all Muslims accountable for the Muslims we dislike, even if they reject the shit going on. It's good to have easy targets at hand to take our anger, when we can't actually reach the people we're angry at.

[flamingdem]

2. Does anyone ask anti-Isis Muslims if they

want Sharia Law? I think he brings up contradictions and questions that haven't been addressed.

One question for those wanting to destroy Isis is -- how did it develop? Most people don't know the history and the role of Islam.

The author is addressing Saudi Arabia here:

"The long-term solution to the constant reincarnation of radical Islamic political movements doesn’t lie in grand public gestures like anti-terrorism funding, strong statements of condemnation, or “rehabilitation clinics” for radicals, but in dismantling state-sponsored religious indoctrination. As the Isis threats march on, the old calculations no longer work in Arab governments’ favour."

[Scootaloo]

3. And I think he's bringing his own biases against Muslims in under an excuse of ISIS

It's a pretty constant refrain. Muslim(s) somewhere far away do something we dislike, and we immediately demand the Muslims we have at hand carry responsibility for that.

Tell you what. next time you see a man wearing peyot, walk up, get in his face and demand to know if he wants to impose Mosaic law. Or someone wearing a cross, stalk up and stick your finger in their face, demand to know if they want the books of Paul to become law. come back and report your findings.

[flamingdem]

4. See the quote and article about the Saudis

That's his beef primarily

[Scootaloo]

5. The article kind of goes everywhere and rambles

it reads like a first draft that got turned in a day late for the assignment.

[flamingdem]

6. I agree but think it's worthwhile because it shows someone from the ME

or from that cultural background searching for answers. Plus, the links are interesting. He seems to write for Wired magazine, thus the presentation.