Islamist Violence in Europe Cannot Be Explained Away as Pathology
The article argues that Islamist violence in Europe is not a symptom of mental illness but a direct consequence of ideological and religious extremism. It contrasts the regulation of religion in Islamic countries, where state control limits radicalism, with the West's liberal approach that grants religious communities unchecked freedom. This freedom, the author contends, allows foreign-funded mosques and extremist networks to operate, effectively ceding sovereignty. The piece criticizes therapeutic and sociological explanations that downplay the role of Islamist ideology, insisting that violence stems from a political-religious doctrine that must be confronted directly. It calls for a reassessment of Western policies on religious freedom and immigration to address the root causes of terrorism.
Key facts
- Islamist violence in Europe is ideologically driven, not a result of mental illness.
- Islamic countries control religious practice to prevent extremism.
- Western states allow foreign-funded mosques, ceding sovereignty.
- The article criticizes therapeutic explanations for terrorism.
- It calls for confronting Islamist ideology directly.
- The piece is published in NZZ.
- The author argues for reassessing Western policies on religious freedom.
- The article links violence to political-religious doctrine.
Entities
Institutions
- NZZ
Locations
- Europe