FOREWORDOnSeptember 11, 2001, Muslim terroristslaunched an attack on the United States to punish it for being what Osamabin Laden considered the land of the infidels! In fact, this attack was anattack on the entire Western world and, even more important, it was an attackon Western civilization, the underlying objective being to take civilizationback fourteen hundred years to a time of great glory for the Islamic world.Inthe wake of the attack by young Muslim extremists, which resulted in the collapseof the twin towers of the World Trade Center in Manhattan, our leadersattempted to assure us that the terrorists did not represent the entire Muslimworld. It was said that they were the actions of a minority, of an extremefringe group. It was, and continues to be, troubling, however, that we haveheard very little strong condemnation coming from the supposed moderate Muslimcommunity. Who are these moderates? Why have they not spoken out morevociferously? Do they really exist? When will they speak out with moralindignation? Indeed, will they ever?Formost Westerners Islam is thought to be just another world religion, equal toChristianity and Judaism. But is this really the case? Upon closer study, Islamseems to be far different from the other two religions. Certainly no one wouldaccuse Muslims of being tolerant, non-judgmental, non-violent or peace-loving!While Muslims have been allowed to build hundreds of mosques in Westerncountries, Christian churches may only rarely be built, if ever, in Muslimcountries! Indeed in some Muslim countries such as the Sudan, it is official government policy to demolishchurches! In addition, it is difficult to believe that any world religion wouldadvocate treating women as second-class citizens, and actually get away withit! Theconcept of brotherhood in Islam is strong. The posture advocated by ProphetMohammed in the Koran toward non-Muslims, however, is to seek them out andannihilate them. The phenomenon of suicide bombers is at once both pathetic andchilling. On the one hand, it is pathetic that young Muslims are taught thatthey can gain entrance into paradise by taking peoples lives in such agruesome manner. Carnal pleasures, of course, await the males upon entranceinto heaven! On the other hand, it is chilling to think that there are anypeople living in the 21st century ready to teach and encourage suchsavagery. What is the supposed theological justification for holding to suchbeliefs? Indeed, is there any such thing in Islam as theology in which thetenets of the faith are examined critically? Isnt it the case, rather, thatthe teachings of Prophet Mohammed are accepted literally, and without question?Inhis book, The Dawning of a New Dark Age,Mark Alexander explores these questions, and often finds disturbing answers. Unlike many authors on the subject, Mark actually lived and worked amongMuslims for many years; so he has first-hand knowledge of the religion andculture. While on his tours of duty in the Middle East, Mark immersed himself in Islam and Arabic culture, studying thereligion both from Occidental and Oriental perspectives. He familiarizedhimself not only with the Koran, but also with the beliefs and attitudes ofMuslims in the street. This experience has given him unusually clear insightsinto the aspirations of the Muslim world. Marks conclusions will not becomforting to those who would like to believe that the long-term threat to theWest is limited to the aspirations of a few fundamentalist terrorists.Douglas Kennedy, Ph.D.,
