Taking the 'Islam' Out of 'Islamic Fundamentalism': Some Thoughts for Senior Leaders

Abstract

The intricacies of the Middle East challenge senior leaders and policy makers. Religious issues can complicate America's already tenuous relationships with certain Arab nations. With the best intentions, leaders can inadvertently offend the religious sensitivities of those whose cooperation they seek. The expression 'Islamic Fundamentalism' often misrepresents the movements it seeks to describe. More seriously, it confuses the religion of Islam with radicals and fanatics who do not represent the majority of Muslims. This paper urges senior leaders to abandon the term 'Islamic Fundamentalism,' and it offers recommendations for dealing with the delicate matter of religion in the Arab world. Senior leaders are encouraged to make a sharp distinction between the religious fanatics and the Islamic faith.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 18, 1994
Accession Number
ADA279523

Entities

People

  • Peter K. Christy

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chaplains
  • Christianity
  • Department Of Defense
  • Geography
  • Governments
  • Middle East
  • National Security
  • New York
  • Personnel Management
  • Political Movements
  • Religion
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Security
  • Students
  • Terrorists
  • United States
  • War Colleges

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Educational Psychology
  • Military Leadership and Professional Education.
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.