A Global Islamic Jihad?

A number of Islamist organizations have declared jihad or what they call holy war in defense of Islam. Some analysts say these jihadists are seeking to organize a global movement with the goal of establishing a totalitarian Islamic system.

For most of the 20th century, the West struggled to contain the spread of communism. The war of ideas, capitalism versus communism, lasted until it became clear that instead of offering justice and equality, communism stifled prosperity and individual liberty.

Many analysts say that the ideology that motivates terrorism is similar but that its tactics perhaps are even more destructive. Some Muslims seem to be ready to blow themselves up and commit acts of violence that horrify other Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Religion as a Political Instrument

Shmuel Bar, an analyst at the Institute of Policy and Strategy in Herzliya, Israel, says many radical Muslim leaders today use religion to motivate followers to fight for their worldview.