The western world is holding it's breath, waiting on a decision that could see cruise missiles raining down on Damascus in Syria. Civil war in that country crossed a new threshold when chemical weapons were used to slaughter men, women and children in a civilian suburb.
It seems to be a matter of choosing a battlefield of choice - because war is raging across the entire Muslim world. In some instances it is war against all that are not followers of Islam, and yet it also an internal civil war between the Sh'ia and Sunni followers of the Prophet.
Islam is at a crossroads ! Both Sh'ia and Sunni have produced firebrands who demand that their " brand " of Islam must govern and that they impose their extreme religious beliefs on all others - and that includes secular Muslims and followers of Christian faiths - who they call " Infidels ".
The death of warriors imposing their views is welcomed because they become " martyrs " and are instantly transported to " Paradise ". So began the era of the " suicide bomber " and the slaughter of children for the offence of being girls trying to gain an education. It seems that no form of warfare in unacceptable in the quest for holy victory.
The entire Muslim world is rocked by internal civil war. Opposing forces are dealing death in Egypt and Syria, and the conflict is raging in Tunisia and Libya. Armies of religious extremists are on the march across Africa and huge tides of refugees swarm across borders to seek personal safety. This undercurrent of unrest is simmering in countries where Islam remains the minority.
Sadly, the majority in the Muslim world has a secular outlook. They are devout in following their religion, but they want no part in installing extremist regimes and they are becoming the victims in this ever increasing civil war. This has been clearly illustrated in Egypt. The people revolted to remove a dictator, but in his place they got a religious extremist who was pushing Egypt towards extremism. The secular majority again revolted, and with the help of the army - are seeking to restore a secular state.
We in the west have made many mistakes. The internal wars of Islam can not be resolved by outsiders. This is evidenced by our intrusion into Iraq and Afghanistan. The religious insanity will continue, long after we have been - and gone !
The big question now is what to do in Syria. More of the same ? Or would it be better to remain aloof - and let Islam resolve it's differences - at it's own pace and with no clear winner in sight ?
There is always the risk that something like al Qaeda may be the face of what finally prevails - and that would be a huge risk to the rest of the world, but we must be encouraged to see secular Islam fighting back against extremism.
Perhaps sanity is learning that there is no hope of success in becoming involved in an " unwinnable war " !
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