"Now, however, many Muslim intellectuals are returning home, so to speak. They are rediscovering the philosophical heritage of Islam and the challenges of Muslim political thought. And Maudoodi-Qutbism is now being seen as a pseudo-Islamic version of Western fascism."

I sincerely hope that this is true, since all Muslims I have ever known are fine people. If a band of extremist zealots has siezed the religion, it's up to the members to at least attempt to police it. I have been sorely dissapointed in the subdued reaction of Muslim clergy and populace even here in the US where loud condemnation of 911 acts has been quite rare. Contrast the relative silence with the reaction in the catholic church populace where it was revealed that the out of touch hierarchy facilitated a culture of gay pedophilia. The reaction of the populace has been one of continuous uproar, at least here in NE. Whether either group can sieze back control of their respective religions from the sicko factions remains to be seen.

-philw