The use of the Battle of Ideas to exploit weaknesses in terrorist organizations
The Battle of Ideas is predicated on the need to solve terrorism using alternative means that is all inclusive. The approach attempts to win the favour of moderate Muslims. It is the position of the paper that the extremist character of terrorism can be exposed and its religious fallacy that deliberately misuses Islam to advance terrorism activities defeated. In that context, it is essential for the United States of America to play its main role by first positioning the America image as embracive and respectful of Islam and secondly cooperative with the moderate Muslims in the war against terrorism. The best approach shall be the approach that divorces in a distinct way Islam from terrorism.
Importance of Battle of Ideas
It is the contention of this paper that the Battle of Ideas is more important that the military and law enforcement aspects of the global war on terror. That deduction is arrived at from three main premises. Foremost, the Battle of Ideas is philosophical in approach. It consequently attracts the attention and reception of a wider mass especially the Muslim moderates who have a fundamental role in the success of the war against terror. Secondly, the Battle of Ideas lacks the violent approach that is encapsulated mainly in the military approach and to some extent in the law enforcement approach. In that context, it receives less criticisms and hostility on the audience targeted. This gives a much enduring and less emotive manner of solving the terrorism issues. Thirdly, the Battle of Ideas has an inclusive approach that seeks to build consensus rather that force parties into consensus. This inclusive approach is yielding and effective in the long run.
Reference
Chan, W. K. (2007). Defeating the Logic of Islamic Terrorism. USAWC.
