Tawfik Hamid and Anti-Foundationalism

Tawfik Hamid has an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal's Opinion Journal. Mr. Hamid, a former terrorist, argues that political correctness contributes to terrorism because the irrational norms of the anti-foundationalist left prohibit any criticism of Islamic extremist ideology that does not conform to the left's narrow dictates, i.e., economic or post-colonialist causes. In reality, argues Hamid, the cause of terrorist violence is Salafi Islam.

"The grave predicament we face in the Islamic world is the virtual lack of approved, theologically rigorous interpretations of Islam that clearly challenge the abusive aspects of Shariah. Unlike Salafism, more liberal branches of Islam, such as Sufism, typically do not provide the essential theological base to nullify the cruel proclamations of their Salafist counterparts. And so, for more than 20 years I have been developing and working to establish a theologically-rigorous Islam that teaches peace. "

Similarly, he points out that:

"Americans demonstrate against the war in Iraq, yet decline to demonstrate against the terrorists who kidnap innocent people and behead them...Worst of all, perhaps, is the anti-Americanism among many Westerners. It is a resentment so strong, so deep-seated, so rooted in personal identity, that it has led many, consciously or unconsciously, to morally support America's enemies."

In a statement that amplifies my last blog on the crackpot theory of anti-foundationalism, Mr. Hamid concludes:

"Tolerance does not mean toleration of atrocities under the umbrella of relativism. It is time for all of us in the free world to face the reality of Salafi Islam or the reality of radical Islam will continue to face us."

Well put. The politically correct left and its dim witted "progressive" followers are the chief reason for terrorism.