Racism or religion?

[derekpara]

Do you think Muslim extremists, I mean those supporting terrorist acts, are driven more by racism than by religion?

[Ethel]

No, because Islam is not a race and Muslims come from many different races.

[Abdulmajid]

Religion without a doubt.

The evil Koran tells them to do these evil acts.

And look at the sunnies vrs the sh!ts, they kill eachother and rape their babies in the name of the same evil religion!!!!

[derekpara]

Sorry, I specifically meant the Muslim extremists in this country. (UK)

[Lonnie]

I think, that even though Islam is a religion, members, especially those who originate from the Indian sub continent, also look on it as a sort of race, so in answer to your question, both apply.

[fagidill]

in my opinion i think they are all , shi !te .

[terambulan]

The Middle East muslims are more fanatic extremists and are using the Koran, in its ancient literal form, as an EXCUSE in their endeavours to rule the world by the Sharia laws.

The method of teaching the koran in mosques, to the very young, is causing the radicalism of their young men. The imams spouting the hate towards all other faiths have little regard to the lives of these same young men by their teachings.

[Ethel]

Wizard, Asia includes India (mainly Hindu and Sikh); China (mainly Tao and Buddhist); Sikkim (Buddhist) and many other non-Muslim countries.

Asia excludes the following countries that have a Muslim majority: Nigeria, Sudan, Senegal, Somalia, Chad, Lebanon, Gambia (these are only some of the African countries that have a Muslim majority)

Nor are Arab countries in Asia - Turkey, Morocco, Saudi, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait.

Nor the European countries such as Albania.

So no, the majority of Muslims are not Asian. And the majority of Asians are not Muslims.

[China Doll]

Neither. I think like any form of terrorism they're driven by rage and hatred and will use whatever means they have to justify it.

I do always find it amusing how God is always on the side of those committing acts of terrorism or starting wars. What a funny and fickle God it must be if that were the case.

[Ice.Maiden]

I agree with terambulan, and because of this, many ethnic people are now viewed with suspicion. The extremists are doing no favours to the Muslims in general, and are using Islam to preach their own hatred of anyone who isn't like them.
The Muslim people that I know personally, are as much horrified by their rants as any other decent person, and the sooner these trouble makers are deported forever, the better. Then perhaps the rest of us can live more peacefully together, and learn to accept different faiths and beliefs without fear.

[derekpara]

Thank you all for a really constructive debate. I, too, agree with Terambulan and I think it essential not to judge all Muslims by the rantings of the vocal minority.

I happen to know that some young British muslims are, in fact, working for the Security Services targetting extremists.

[abstract]

ethel,morocco is in africa!

[naomi24]

Ethel, Saudi, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait are all in Asia.

[naomi24]

To answer the question, I think they're driven by politics and religion - both of which cultivate rasicm - and it's the combination of all three that creates such intense hatred. I agree with Terambulan too - absolutely. I wonder why, if the supposed rewards are so great, the imams aren't first in line to become suicide bombers? Sadly it seems, their students are so immersed in the results of brainwashing, that the question doesn't occur to them.

[Ethel]

naomi - those countries are in the Arabian peninsula, and they are Arabs, not Asians.

We even have a different police identity code for Arabs - they are IC6; Asians are IC4.

[keyplus90]

I do not want to change the main subject of the question but would like to give you the reason behind these terrorists. Religion nor race, the main players are the trusted agents of CIA and other foot soldiers are the people who are being manipulated and used due to their disappointment over double standards of the western countries (specially America) and weak leadership in their own countries. I know many will oppose me after this but that is true.

[naomi24]

Yes, those countries are on the Arabian peninsular, Ethel, which is a part of Asia. On which continent would you place them?

To separate them by saying they're not Asians, is like saying the Chinese or the Israelis are not Indian. They are all Asians, just as the British, the Poles, and the Greeks are all European.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Asian_cou ntries