Muslim Myopia

Islamic scholar Irshad Manji does not dispute the claims laid out by mainstream British Muslims last week that the blunders in Iraq and Lebanon provide fuel for extremism. However, she also calls upon Muslim representatives in the West to be accountable for any of their own contributions to violence. Muslim-on-Muslim violence is endemic throughout the world, with Muslims responsible for as many Muslim deaths as those caused by Western powers. More people of faith must engage in self-reflection, acknowledging the failure to integrate with those who hold different beliefs and disavowing any form of extremism. “It is not for Tony Blair or George W. Bush to restore Islam’s better angels,” writes Manji, “That duty – and glory – goes to Muslims.” – YaleGlobal