Islamic Extremism: Common Concern for Muslim and Western Publics

As last week's terror attacks rekindled fears about Islamic extremism in Europe and the US, many journalists and politicians urged Muslims to take action against the extremists hiding in their midst. But it isn't only the residents of non-Muslim countries who worry about extremism. The latest survey conducted by the Pew Research Center indicates that citizens of Muslim countries share fears about Islamic extremism, but they also believe that Islam should play a greater role in politics. In most Muslim countries surveyed, respondents thought of themselves as Muslims first and citizens second. And in most non-Muslim countries, respondents believed that Muslims want to remain distinct from the rest of society. The report, which analyzes Muslim and Western views about each other and Islam, is the latest installment of the Pew Global Attitudes Project, co-chaired by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and former Senator John C. Danforth. – YaleGlobal