One only need look at militant Islam’s past. In the 8th century, by force of arms, militant Islam overran Asia Minor and North Africa gaining a foothold in Spain until thwarted by Charlemagne. North Africa and Asia Minor to this day are strongholds of militant Islam, where dissent is not tolerated, nor permitted. There is no freedom of religion in these areas nor is there freedom of speech. Israel is the exception. Even though Israel is a state which has a religious base going back more than 2000 years (its origin precedes Islam by at least 1500 years), freedom of religious expression and freedom of speech and free elections, with women having the right to vote and hold office, all thrive within its borders. Why then the hostility toward Israel in the Western world? But even more compelling is the question: Why the timidity and cowardice in the Western World with respect to Islam?