Opposing the Islamists

I’ve been spending more and more time at Harry’s Place, recently. The reason, I think, is simply that the contributors there are so reliably anti-Fascist. In particular, they recognize that Islamism is an essentially fascist ideology and they are vocal in their opposition to it.

Unfortunately, words are not enough: Fascist movements cannot be ignored, they need to be openly opposed. I’m not criticizing those at Harry’s Place, they understand the need for action. But who will organize against political Islam?

The moderates won’t organize, moderates never do. They are content to chatter from the side-lines, and leave matters in the hands of their elected representatives, whose pleas for tolerance and accommodation are (at best) well intentioned rhetoric in defense of a status quo that no longer exists.

The kids won’t organize against political Islam, they’re too busy fighting globalization and trying to “make poverty history”. And in any case, they celebrate diversity - whatever the cost.

The majority of those on the left won’t fight political Islam. Some because they regard the Islamists as useful allies in their struggle against capitalism, others because they view political Islam as the legitimate voice of a downtrodden minority. For much of the left, it seems, opposing Islamism is akin to demonizing Muslims in general.

Unfortunately, these groups are not just unwilling to organize against the rise of political Islam, they will vocally oppose anyone who tries to do so. They will say there is no real problem, or that it’s been much exaggerated. They’ll tell you that opposing the Islamists just stirs up tensions. If you don’t listen, they’ll question your motives. Carry on, and the moderates will despair of you, the left will disown you and the media will ignore you.

Concerted action is needed but, so far, the stage is empty.

UPDATE
Or maybe not, perhaps this is a start: Oliver Kamm (echoing Christopher Hitchens) calls today "for some act of internationalist solidarity with Denmark", perhaps by means of a quiet and composed gathering at its London Embassy.

UPDATE
It's been suggested to me that demonstrating solidarity with Denmark involves saying "Ya boo sucks!" to Muslim sensitivities. It doesn't.