Counter-Radicalization Must Involve Telling Muslims the Truth

(Jerusalem Post) Melanie Phillips - The crucial point about the grievances felt by so many Muslims against Israel, the Jews and the West is that they are all based on lies. Millions of Muslims believe the lie that the Palestinians are the indigenous people of the Land of Israel. So of course they are enraged that "their" land has been "stolen" by the Jews. It would be amazing if this did not incite violent feelings of hatred and vengeance. They also believe the lie that the West intends to destroy the Islamic world. So of course they think Muslim attacks on the West are justified as self-defense. These are the "grievances" which drive so many young Muslims into the arms of the jihadis. Any effective counter-radicalization strategy must therefore tell Muslims facts to force open their eyes. Western leaders should be telling them, for example, the historic truth that the Jews are the only people for whom Israel was ever their national homeland. They should be telling them that those setting out to murder Muslims are other Muslims, and that the lies told about Israel and the West are designed to protect tyrants by diverting the rage of the people they have enslaved. The writer is a columnist for The Times (UK).


2016-08-05 00:00:00

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