Two trends are at work here: humiliation and atomization. Islam%u2019s self-identity is that it is the most perfect and complete expression of God%u2019s monotheistic message, and the Koran is God%u2019s last and most perfect word. To put it another way, young Muslims are raised on the view that Islam is God 3.0. Christianity is God 2.0. Judaism is God 1.0. And Hinduism and all others are God 0.0.
One of the factors driving Muslim males, particularly educated ones, into these acts of extreme, expressive violence is that while they were taught that they have the most perfect and complete operating system, every day they%u2019re confronted with the reality that people living by God 2.0., God 1.0 and God 0.0 are generally living much more prosperously, powerfully and democratically than those living under Islam. This creates a real dissonance and humiliation. How could this be? Who did this to us? The Crusaders! The Jews! The West! It can never be something that they failed to learn, adapt to or build. This humiliation produces a lashing out.
RE:Friedman explains why Muslims are at rage!
by Indian Analyst on Aug 29, 2007 12:35 AM Permalink
Only the weak need faith ! The brave challenge it, even if it means going against millions.
RE:Friedman explains why Muslims are at rage!
by amit jain on Aug 29, 2007 09:46 AM Permalink
Western developments in science and technology have given Islamic civilization a very deep seated inferiority complex. They have withdrawn deeper into their cocoon of faith, and have shut their eyes and ears.
RE:Friedman explains why Muslims are at rage!
by aamirkhan on Aug 29, 2007 11:05 AM Permalink
you idiot amit jain what about petrol from muslim lands you beg for it if we dont supply all westerners will go to stone age
In the old days, you needed a terror infrastructure with bases in Beirut or Afghanistan to lash out in a big way. Not anymore. Now all you need is the virtual Afghanistan %u2014 the Internet and a few cellphones %u2014 to recruit, indoctrinate, plan and execute. Hence, the atomization %u2014 little terror groups sprouting everywhere. Everyone now has a starter kit.
Gen. Michael Hayden, the C.I.A. director, recently noted in a speech that during the cold war %u201Cthe enemy was easy to find, but hard to finish,%u201D because the Soviet Union was so big and powerful. %u201CIntelligence was important%u201D back then, he added, %u201Cbut it was overshadowed by the need for sheer firepower.%u201D
In today%u2019s war against terrorist groups, said General Hayden, %u201Cit%u2019s just the opposite. Our enemy is easy to finish, but hard to find. Today, we are looking for individuals or small groups planning suicide bombings, running violent Jihadist Web sites, sending foreign fighters into Iraq.%u201D
I%u2019d go one step further. The Soviet Union was easy to find and hard to kill, but once it died, it was dead forever. It had no regenerative power because it had no popular base. The terrorists of Iraq or London are hard to find, easy to kill, but very difficult to eliminate. New recruits just keep sprouting.
RE:Friedman explains why Muslims are at rage!
by on Aug 29, 2007 12:52 AM Permalink
thats not true. My forefthers lived in India. there is lot more to Partition than blaming a community. Please get full unbiased information when accusing anyone be it of any religion, caste, race etc This is what I have learnt. I first try to understand from my non muslim friends about any issues and then comment.
RE:Friedman explains why Muslims are at rage!
by bqrb on Aug 29, 2007 12:12 AM Permalink
friedman is no god.. he is good only to make the world flat.. let him be there...
