[PhillipHer]

The voices of extremism in Iraq and amongst the Palestinians are given free reign. Nobody who voices extremist sentiments needs to worry about their life or even their popularity. Inciters in the mosques and schools don't have a worry in the world.....And what about the voices of moderation? We, and more importantly, they don't seem to get too much of that. Why? Because it's pretty risky stuff over there.....individuals who try to steer others towards moderation are labelled as traitors and collaborators and they often pay with their lives!!! So, any wonder then that all we tend to see from over there are triumphalist street parades glorifying terrorism?

Now, let's just suppose that we in the west wouldn't be so hung up on our democratic principles. Just suppose that we recognised that we are involved in a very very ruthless war with some very nasty people and let's just suppose that therefore we would be prepared to adopt a paradigm shift. A paradigm shift that would make life just as dangerous for any petty inciter over there as the danger that the moderates feel.....My question is what effect would that have, in the medium to long term, on the mood of the population? If the extremist inciters would start looking over their shoulders before delivering extremist sermons or political speeches? What would happen if a significant number would consequently tone down their message? I don't know......but I sure know that perhaps it's time to think of including such tactics in the fight against the extremists.....