What is the meaning of the word 'crusade' and does it fit with the current war on Islam our leaders are pursue

Question

... our leaders are persuing.

In my opinion, our leaders are deliberately targeting muslims and using them as scapegoats for all that is going wrong in society. Does the word 'crusade' fit in with that opinion?

I think that the leaders just want to keep us frightned as their predicessors did during the cold war and now that they can't use russia as the enemy, they are using muslims as a convenient target that fits in with their religious beliefs.

What do you think?

Answer 1

Crusades, or Holy Wars, were terror compaigns conducted by Christians against Moslems. They have left lasting marks on the collective conscience of Arab Moslems. Of course the world superpowers will always need scapegoats to keep the war machine going and to control their people through the creation of constant fear and helplessness. There are very bad guys out there intent on hurting you real bad but don't worry, we are in charge here, provided you let us control your life, they seem to say.

Answer 2

Early in the "war on terror", George Bush blundered by describing it as a "crusade", only it probably wasn't a blunder. For us, it just means a serious campaign to solve a large problem. But for Muslims, who were on the receiving end of the original Crusades, it means ruthless aggression. Use of the word was designed to trigger an uneven response, which would only confuse us and add to our impression that the "enemy" is crazy.

Compare the word "jihad". To most Muslims, it signifies a struggle, often an internal one. To us it always means machine guns and suicide bombers. So our leaders use it all the time, to keep the fear flowing and the recruits signing up, and all eyes off our real problems in the world.

You can't maintain a war without a convincing enemy.

Answer 3

I don't think crusade is a good name for this anti-terrorism war, because it's not made for the Cross or in the name of the Cross.

About the political aspects you are basically right. What worries me the most is that for the sake of fighting terrorists many personal rights are tampered with: people arrested without a warrant, retained more than 30 days without a court order, even tortured; constantly increased surveillance, even of private phone calls and e-mail; taking of fingerprints (I had two fingerprints scanned whenever I entered the US) and so forth. People accept it, supposedly because it will help them be safer. But imagine what will happen if these data and surveillance systems fall in the wrong hands? I grew up in a communist country and I know how it is to fear your own government.

Answer 4

Crusade could be a term used by the Christians to explain that war on "terror" aka Islam and all brown skinned non Christian, non English speaking people.

Let me say this
Black people don't like stereotypes that all black are "ghetto", "soulful", and un educated.
Asians don't like being generalized as "Chinese nail shop owners"
Whites don't like being considered non rhythmic, flavorless food makers.
So as Muslims do not like being considered terrorists.
As in all religions, Islam has different sects that came from one.
Not all Muslims are terrorists, obviously, seeing as we have been here prior to 9/11 living life.
Muslims bleed red blood, they have children, get married, have friends, enjoy outings with friends and family. If people didn't want to find something wrong with the religion, they wouldn't. They would understand that people are responsible for their actions, and the actions of some do not explain the thoughts of others.

Answer 5

sometimes you see questions that are so perfect it restores my faith in Allah, the world, society and yahoo answers.the word crusade, root being CRUX (CROSS) is too tame to fully encompass what is happening in the world, apt but tame. BUSH, and his predecessors, created BIN LADEN in the foothills of KASHMIR whilst fighting the perceived enemy, Russia. They trained him, supported him, funded him, equipped him. When it suited America, they dropped him. They don't want this being spoken off, so they originally wanted him dead. The guise was terrorism. The 9/11 TRAGEDY, for that's what it is, is completely AGAINST the teachings of ISLAM. This event sadly allows Bush to continue his war on terror, which has know developed as an American war on ISLAM. If you live in the hills, that the American Army is bombing, it would feel more like GENOCIDE more than crusade, but truly valid points on your part sir, bravo

Answer 6

Maybe not the deffinition from websters, but yes I do think it fits/All crusades in the past were born from intolerance and ignorance as is this by targeting one group for no logical reason.Not all muslims are guilty of anything, most infact are not at all. Its just the handfull what have done anything, but show me one group of people who never has.

Answer 7

The perpetrators of the war on terror are almost always extremist Muslims. That's a fact. Not all Muslims are terrorists though. I doubt the govt. is deliberately targeting all Muslims.

I don't agree with this method, however, conservative radio host Michael Savage suggests de-humanizing extremist Muslims in propaganda in the same manner as U.S. did to the Japanese and Germans in WWII in order to boost morale in our troops. Most people wouldn't buy into it anyway.

Answer 8

you are right!! the current war on Islam is indeed a crusade as George Bush first referred to it in his speech to the nation before going to Afghanistan.

you see, fundamental Christians strongly believe in the prophecies of the Bible, and one of many prophecies is that there's going to be a war with the people of the middle east before the return of Christ. so they are making things a little faster for Jesus to return.

those maniacs are gonna be responsible for the death of millions of people from both sides, 650,000 Iraqi civilian dead and maybe more Afghans plus the 2000+ American soldier.

Answer 9

nmo I do not think it does they are fighting the terrorists and it seems islam and muslim countrys will suport or hide them. but currently it seems in iraq it is muslim killing muslim but blaiming america. I do not think it is fair to say america represents christians or is responsible for all wars

Answer 10

Cruz meaning cross