In a prophetic 1993 article, Samuel Huntington warned that the conflicts of the 21st century will not be between nation states, but rather between civilizations, a clash of civilizations.
The "War on Terror" has been characterized as Bush's revenge on Saddam, a war over oil, a move to bring terrorists to justice, and an effort to liberate Iraq and spread democracy. But the more fundamental issue that has gone largely unmentioned, is that of religious faith.
Take for example, al-Qaida's words to President Bush after the Madrid train bombing:
"Your stupidity and religious extremism is what we want as our people will not awaken from their deep sleep except when there is an enemy."Kerry will kill our nation while it sleeps because he and the Democrats have the cunning to embellish blasphemy and present it to the Arab and Muslim nation as civilisation.
"Because of this we desire you [Bush] to be elected."
And the most recent video tape Jason mentioned a few days ago that has since been authenticated and aired is filled with references to the "war on Islam" and warns that America has brought this on itself for electing George Bush who has made war on Islam by destroying the Taliban and making war on Al Qaeda.
And you thought the Crusades were just an historical reality? Think again. Of course the challenge this time is to love the Muslims into the faith. Any ideas?