I wish I could claim it as my own, but I heard on a thread (perhaps on this site since there are some very gifted cotributors) that the Muslim religion a vector for the virus of radical Islam. That sounds about right to me. Being a follower of Islam does not make you ‘radical’ but the condition could manifest itself if not monitored carefully.

The fact that there is no distinction between the religion and the rule of law easily lends itself to abuse, much in the same way early Christian churches abused their power and tried to forcibly convert unbelievers (in this case non-Christians).

So I think Totten’s reporting sounds accurate (I take his word for it as he is there and has a much better understanding than I) but the important thing to be mindful of is it could change easily if the wrong cult of personality gains power in the region. THAT is the thing that makes me nervous with ANY form of Islam.

Oh, and Avital Pilpel, since jihad is war, it can not be considered genocide to fight against, and yes kill, those who would kill you first. Grow up.