STANDING before Iran's parliament earlier this year, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad asked his countrymen one question: "Who are our enemies?" His answer: godless America. This past Monday, before a crowd of University students, former Sen. Rick Santorum posed the same question for Americans. In his speech, Santorum accurately identified radical Islam as a major threat to the United States, but he did not identify the complex nature of faith that underlies this threat. The faith of radical Muslims fuels, complicates and intensifies the conflict in the Middle East.
I do not mean to defend Santorum's record in Congress, his past remarks or his term "Islamo-fascism." I believe, however, that we can accept his argument without supporting the man himself. His underlying message that radical Islam threatens America is important. Terrorists in Iraq and Iran and jihadist organizations across the world are fighting a religious war. As such, their faith plays a crucial role in determining the course and consequences of this conflict.
Unfortunately, at a certain point, faith precludes rational discourse. With religious interpretations, it is not a simple question of right and wrong. For radical Muslims, there is nothing radical about their faith. Just like any devout adherent, they can defend their convictions with passages from the Koran or statements of religious leaders. On numerous occasions, the Koran vilifies infidels and glorifies martyrs who fight them. When the Koran instructs followers to "make war on the infidels who dwell around you," radical Muslims follow these words literally -- and violently. Fortunately, moderate Muslims choose to ignore these passages or interpret them differently. But from a rhetorical and religious perspective, both sides can use the Koran to defend their beliefs. Logic, reason and rational argument cannot bridge this religious divide.
The faith of radical Muslims complicates the ongoing "war on terror." Obviously, many secular factors have instigated and exacerbated this conflict, but we cannot discount the role of religion. A frightening number of people truly believe Allah wants them to fight and conquer infidels. They have complete faith in the rewards of martyrdom. And they can base these convictions on the statements of religious leaders and their holy text. These beliefs reduce the possibility of compromise or peace. In their holy war, terrorists lack any incentive to negotiate. Radical Muslims are fighting on different terms than us. Consequently, in fighting this war, we must fight faith.
Most importantly, if unchecked, the faith of Muslim radicals almost guarantees devastation. During the Cold War, the mutual goal of self-preservation and the mutual fear of retaliation prevented nuclear warfare. These principles, however, do not apply to radical religious warriors. When the focus is on God and the afterlife, earthly consequences carry less meaning. A gang of hijackers or a single suicide bomber can kill countless innocent people. With more powerful weapons, the consequences could be unspeakable. And in giving their own life for Allah, faith-based fighters need not fear retaliation on earth.
Obviously, most Muslims do not subscribe to this radical conception of Islam. We cannot forget that Islam guides many people to live happy, peaceful lives. Nevertheless, we also should not downplay the number of Muslims who fall under this radical category. A 2002 survey by the Pew Research Center found a disheartening percentage of Muslims who considered suicide bombing to be justifiable in defense of Islam: 73 percent in Lebanon, 56 percent in the Ivory Coast, 47 percent in Nigeria. The survey did not even include countries such as Iraq, Egypt, Sudan or Iran. Unfortunately, radical Islam is not actually that radical in many countries.
As a devout Christian, Santorum strove to contrast the violent roots of Islam with the peaceful roots of Christianity. But he failed in this attempt. The history of Christianity involves as much, if not more, bloodshed as Islam's past. A particular faith in Christianity inspired the crusades and inquisition. Nearly all Christians, however, condemn the violent past of their religion. Radical Muslims do not. The history of Christianity shows faith can change over time. For the sake of our country and world, the faith of radical Muslims must change soon.
At the start of Santorum's speech, many members of the audience turned their backs to the speaker and displayed anti-hate signs. I hope that this column does not provoke a similar response. Religion provides a source of comfort and strength for countless people. But religion and faith can also instigate, prolong and intensify conflict. Too many historic examples stand out to list them.
In our current "war on terror," we are not just fighting countries, cultures or people. We are fighting a particular faith -- a belief that impels some Muslims to abhor and kill nonbelievers. Understanding the consequences of this faith is absolutely essential to protecting our country. The statements of Osama Bin Laden and the public responses to terrorism stand testament to this reality. Religion is not just a side issue; it lies at the very heart of this war. Today, a particular faith in Allah presents a colossal threat to our nation and the world. This acknowledgment hardly constitutes hate. Rather, it is a first step in the long road to peace.
John Nelson's column appears Fridays in The Cavalier Daily. He can be reached at jnelson@cavalierdaily.com.
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