Radical Islamism

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Radical Islamism is a Western concept, but refers to both violent and political activities to replace democratic government with theocratic government ruling by sharia. It does not equate to terrorism, but is an effort to build long-term structures. The term appeared in the 9-11 Commission Report: "radical ideological movement (commonly known as Islamism or radical Islam) in the Islamic world ... which has spawned terrorist groups and violence across the globe."

Fighting radical Islamism does not equate to fighting a religion,^[1] although radicals often attempt to paint Western efforts in those terms, and Islamophobic rhetoric may give that impression. Anti-religious rhetoric, indeed, hurts the broad area of information operations as a part of grand strategy against actual threats.

The fight against specific factions, however, may involve theology or Islamic law. For example, a fatwa has traditionally been issued by recognized legal scholars, which the leaders of al-Qaeda are not. It has been proposed to attack the religious legitimacy of their rulings. ^[2]

Individual groups vary in their targeting, theology, nationalism, etc.

Priorities in armed jihad[edit]

One important distinction probably was originated by al-Qaeda, probably by Ayman al-Zawahiri, that of the near enemy and far enemy. The near enemy is characterized by Muslim governments that are considered, by their critics, to be insufficiently observant of Islamic law.

Sects as proxies[edit]

As in Iraq, there may be Islamic sectarian conflict for legitimacy, although the theology, as with Northern Ireland, can be a surrogate for socioeconomic and political issues.

The source of authority[edit]

Within Shi'a, there can be conflict between the ultimate political authority being nonclerical, or, with the Iranian revolutionary movement, the wilayat al-faqih doctrine of "authority of the jurisprudent."

State and quasi-state support[edit]

Perceptions[edit]

The growing threat has led to both Islamophobia, and also to harassment of non-militant Muslims, and even non-Muslims incorrectly believed to be Muslims, such as Sikhs.

References[edit]