Violent Muslim Extremism Flagrantly Dares the World

Abstract

This editorial reflects on an aspect of the root causes of the current refugee and migrant influx into Europe: Can the Muslim world’s extremist elements, who brazenly continue to dare the international community, be decisively defeated so that peace and tranquility can be restored to the Middle East and the world at large? I contend that this menace can be decisively eliminated. However, and most importantly, the international community – all of its potentials, commitments, and declarations notwithstanding – lacks a genuine unity of purpose and a strong will to defeat it. A Brief Clarification The definition of a terrorist is simple and clear, and yet there is no consensus or objectivity on whom and how to apply it.1Although any individual or group that terrorizes others can be described as terrorist, people tend to ascribe it only to those with whom they disagree (mainly Muslims). Thus when their “kind” or allies engage in similar acts they are not terrorists.2All those who use violence to terrorize others need to be labeled terrorists, regardless of their political and religious affiliations. I employ violent Muslim extremists here because it accurately describes the people I have in mind: Those Muslims who are violent and extremist, and nobody else. But terrorist can – and should – be applied to anyone who uses violence against others ...