should the US government fund reducing islam in the world or promoting it? Whats the best strategy?

Answer 1

For what it's worth, here's my opinion. I am a muslim, albiet a rather liberal one who believes fully in the need for open democratic processes and a secular state. That said, I think the question asked is too simple. First, the way the war in Iraq is going makes me doubt that any policy the American govt. takese regarding Islam will be of questionable significance. America cannot destroy Islam, it'll just radicalize more people if it tries. Here's what can be done:

1. Disrupt current terrorist infrastructure directly, while NOT hurting civilians or civilian infrastructure. (As a muslim, I do not sympathize with the methods employed by Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda and its various subsidaries, and I think many muslims feel as i do.)

2. Create a foreign policy that respects Muslim concerns. (This includes a more balanced policy toward Israel, and closing bases in Saudi Arabia. I'm not arguing that Israel should be destroyed, that would be ridicuous. It has a right to exist, as any other nation, but not at the expense of its neighbors and the Palestinians.)

3. Related to the previous point, the U.S. administration MUST create a solution to the mideast crises. I'd suggest a two-state solution with an end to the Occupation (it is the occupation that radical muslims use to bring new people into their ranks).

4. Get out of Iraq, and stop the anti-Iran rhetoric. Perhaps giving real incentives for Iran to denuclearize, and creating a nuclear free zone in Iraq would be best. Also, support REAL democratization in the middle east by not supporting dictators and respecting the results of elections. There is no better way to co-opt radicals (e.g. Hamas) then to make them part of a political process.

5. Support/Fund liberal muslim enterprises such as schools and student exchanges. This will allow for a diminishing in the importance granted to radical mullahs.

The basic idea in these 5 points is related to the initial question in that it reduces a certain kind of Islam - radical fundamentalism. The points will undercut the bases of Islamist rhetoric, thus making radical Islam seem outdated. I think all these points are acheivable, and indeed, important to achieve.

All peoples of the world deserve to live in peace.

Answer 2

I would say that Islam should be wiped from the earth, but then another religion would have to replace it. That other religion would probably be Christianity, which is just as bad as Islam, so I don't know what the best strategy would be.

Answer 3

The best strategy is to keep their nose clean. why would you want to spend much needed financial resources to reduce or promote a world religion? Makes no sense at all.

Answer 4

The best strategy is thru engagement ,the US govt should neither promote Islam or otherwise ,instead encourages more Americans to be engaged in multi-culture activities including picking up more non-Western languages .If one wish to engage others ,one should be prepared to be engaged as well!

Answer 5

Promote it... you know why? There are a lot of ignorants who cannot distinguish between religion and culture! cannot see that each religion has its extremists! People who destroy the image!
i.e. I dont judge Christianity based on some Christian who was a dictator such as Adolf Hitler... right?
Knowledge is a blessing!

Answer 6

It shouldn't spend a dime for either...just on killing the radicals who want to wipe us out regardless of their religious affiliation.



I love the Muslim mopes that answered this question! LOL! What they don't realize is the US at it's own choosing could wipe out one half of the entire world with our nuclear weaponry. Line up over here for martyrdom!

Answer 7

you say you are democratic see first your self before looking for others and no one can stop the Islam from spreading

Answer 8

get rid of Islam it's a false religion,bent on destruction.

Answer 9

When Islam runs out of suicide bombers, the flame will have left the Jihad.

Answer 10

Mind their own business.