When Does An 'Ordinary' Muslim Become An Extremist?

[naomi24]

We're often told that there is a difference between 'ordinary' Muslims and extremists, so ignoring those who call for violence and Islamic domination as they march in support of Palestine, but thinking only of the Muslim school children and their parents and supporters who are making news by intimidating students into adopting the hijab, to observe Islamic fasting rituals, and to withdraw from some school activities because they are considered 'haram';   the student who is battling her school in court (at the taxpayers' expense) for the 'right' to pray during school hours, the protestors outside schools, causing one to close early in order to protect staff and pupils, and those who are threatening teachers to the extent that they fear travelling on public transport, one of whom is still, after a very long time, in hiding.   The people who are responsible for all of this carry on their regular everyday lives living among us.  Are they 'ordinary' Muslims - or are they extremists? 

[Countrylover]

So I'm posting it again

https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/muslims-vs-islamists

[naomi24]

Lottie, you appear to be the only one on this thread who hasn't understood the question.  No need to post your link again.  I saw it the first time.

[Countrylover]

I didn't post it for you this time Naomi.  I just couldn't find it.   Can you let me know what page it's on.  I totally understand your post Naomi.  You have a hatred of moslems and have been obsessed with it since October.  It makes one wonder!

[royfromaus]

Ordinary Muslims?

https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/1750870508256550912/pu/vid/avc1/1324x720/JZehJLyLC1f0BbEu.mp4?tag=12

[andy-hughes]

Roy - I can't get your video to play, but I can make an educated guess what's in it.

[royfromaus]

Feel free

[jourdain2]

I'm reluctant to contribute any more.  I had more or less left News alone for some time, because it has become risky - and this thread reaction supports my view. 

This is how freedom of speech  dies, I suppose - and that will bring an outburst - when saying what you think is attacked disproportionately.  I've re-read what I wrote and it certainly didn't warrant the response it elicited.  The thread had disintegrated into the usual sniping.

For the record - I don't think all Muslims are necessarily terrorists - but they live in tight communities and have to toe the line when push comes to shove .... and community comes first and is strong - witness the 'safe houses' needed in Bradford etc. for Muslims who recant - or want to marry outside the religion.  They will stick together.

Yes, I have experienced a lot of working with Muslims in the context of education - and of living in Muslim-dominant areas People don't like it when I say how it changed over the years until they are now wagging the dog and are in control in many areas of local government.  

By the way, I did/do have technically-'Muslim' friends - but they are not religious and are as worried as I am.

Dare I press the button to send this?  Oh, what the heck - slag me off!  5 mins. now.

[andy-hughes]

Jourdain - If you get any reaction at all, it will only be posts, and they can't hurt you, promise.

[Khandro]

jourdain, No fear - a good post.

I wish to return to the Original Post, the last sentence of; "Are they 'ordinary' Muslims - or are they extremists?"

The vast majority are not extremists I would say, but a better question might be, "How, over nearly two decades of the Hamas governance of Gaza have they acted, or failed to act, upon what they knew?"

What did they think about bombs and rockets being stored under their children's schools and below their hospitals?

Gaza is a very small place, so what did they think about all those missiles being fired daily to kill people in Israel ?

And as for the miles and miles of tunnels being dug underneath them, (where did the spoil go ?) what did they think they were for? 

I'm reminded of the American general who made all the 'ordinary' citizens of Weimar enter and walk through the, just opened, nearby death-camps to which they had somehow managed to turn a blind eye, despite the stench of flesh which had emanated over their town & trainloads containing thousands of people had been entering but no one had left.

What had they been thinking? 

[andy-hughes]

Khandro - I have no idea, and neither I inagine, do you, which makes your questions rhetorical. 

[Countrylover]

Naomi, would you like to tell me why the first posting of my link and your reply disappeared.  

[Countrylover]

Perhaps it was on another thread?

[Untitled]

"What did they think about bombs and rockets being stored under their children's schools and below their hospitals?"

what exactly do you think people could have done about this khandro? what would you have done?

[Countrylover]

Those poor "ordinary people" are in a terrible situation. There's really no answer.  

[naomi24]

Lottie, Ive no idea where you first posted your link, I've no idea what you're wondering - and this thread isn't about me - or Gaza.

[andy-hughes]

Naomi - Given the understanding that AB'ers are to be called only by their User Name, why do you call Countrylover 'Lottie'?

[naomi24]

Because that's what she said she prefers.

[Khandro]

untitled // what exactly do you think people could have done about this khandro? what would you have done?//

May I turn that question around and ask, what would you have done if you found your government had been storing bombs and rockets under your child's school and carrying out the barbaric practice of taking babies, children & elderly infirm ladies as hostages?

Would you accept it without reservation, or would you be looking for another government?

Also, thought for the day from Prof. Khandro:

'What do they know of Gaza those who only Gaza know?' 

Rudyard Kipling, (adapted).

[naomi24]

I really hope this isn't going to turn into yet another Gaza thread.  That detracts from the question completely.

[Mozz71]

I should be remembered Khandro, that we live in a democracy in the UK. We have seemingly fair elections and our voices, as a whole, are heard. The people of Gaza do not have that luxury. If the public of Gaza tried to force out Hamas, what do you think would happen? There'd be even more bodies lining the street that there is now.