Roll on Hostile Environment 2.0
We can no longer afford to ignore the threat of Islamism
People, especially those on the Left, whether you call them socialists, liberals or progressives or whatever, get very nervous when the discussion turns towards Islamism.
The reason why is as obvious as it is absurd: it’s got the word “Islam” in it, so if you’re critical of Islamism that makes you a raaay-cist! That’s the argument, anyway. I said it was obvious, I didn’t say it wasn’t mental.
Ever since 9/11 we’ve had plenty of time to get straight in our heads what Islamism is: the political movement that seeks to create a worldwide Caliphate governed by clerics under Sharia law. That was Osama bin-Laden’s philosophy, just as it was the philosophy of the 7/7 bombers and it provided the motive for the Manchester Arena bomber, the pathetic man-child who was offended by the sight of young girls daring to enjoy themselves at an Ariane Grande concert, some of whom deserved to be punished for wearing – GASP! – immodest clothing.
Not all Muslims are Islamists, but all Islamists are Muslims. And it is Islamism, not Islam, that presents one of the greatest threats to the western way of life that we have ever known. Fanatics who believe they are doing God’s will by blowing themselves up and who will be rewarded in the great hereafter provided they take down a few kafir – unbelievers – with them have already been responsible for nearly 100 deaths in Britain since (and including) 7/7. Islamism is a real and present danger to our country, our way of life and our lives.
Maybe we should start doing something about it?
So far our approach to defeating Islamism is to be very, very British about the problem. When Drummer Lee Rigby was slaughtered by two barbarians doing Allah’s will in Woolwich in 2013, the House of Commons responded in the most British way imaginable, by holding a short debate at which almost every participant denounced the evils of islamophobia. When Tory MP David Amess was murdered in cold blood by an Islamist in his advice surgery, his former parliamentary colleagues wrung their hands in despair and promised to get tough on Twitter.
Seriously.
It puts me in mind of the quip by American comedian, the late Norm MacDonald:
Not everyone got the joke because an awful lot of people share that exact mindset: the worst thing about Islamist terrorism is the catastrophic impact it might have on community relations. Actually, I can think of worse consequences. Nearly 100 of them, in fact. And that’s just in Britain.
