Great Article By Irshad Manji

The Best Way to Fight Islamic Extremism

"Given these nonviolent victories, why do citizens and governments of the West often bristle at the notion of getting involved? Put bluntly, too many freeze in fear of being deemed racists for taking up "other" people's business."

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"I know of a woman in Afghanistan who accepted a $200 microloan, started a candle-making venture, and used some of the returns to pay for reading lessons. She found female-friendly verses in the Qur'an and recited them to her still-illiterate husband. When he realized that these words came from God's book rather than a secular declaration of human rights, he immediately stopped beating her. Not exactly paradise, but no longer the pit of hell."

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"Western nations ought to join the alliance, but Muslim countries, particularly the royally rich Gulf states, must also pull their weight. The next U.S. president can whisper into the ears of emirs his respect for the Qu'ran's message of personal responsibility. Islam's scripture tells Muslims that "God does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. Translation for Muslim leaders: put your money where your moderation is."

I don't think her suggestions are destined to become a panacea, nor do I think she is suggesting that, but her ideas are certainly worth implementing. I'm also not too convinced the Indonesia is the best place to start, but it certainly won't hurt.