The emergence of a seemingly endless parade of radical Islamist groups, whose immediate goals vary to the point of confrontation but whose general long-term objective would appear to be the disruption and eventual destruction of Western civilization as we know it, often seems to have materialized overnight. But the fact is that this ostensible optical illusion is the result of widespread Western ignorance about Islam in general and about “radical Islam” in particular. I should hasten to say that one has little to do with the other. The first is one of the major monotheist religions, with many similar teachings to those of Judaism and Christianity, which formed part of its origin, including, most notably, its messages prescribing peace, love, forgiveness and the brotherhood of humankind. The second is a multi-faceted, worldwide, extremist movement, which—although utilizing religion as its pseudo-philosophical base, drawing card, and justification for acts that are unjustifiab...
Author Roberto Vivo comments on wars past and present, on the world’s great peacemakers and on the pathway to global peace. His basic philosophy: In a world where 9 out of every 10 victims of armed conflict are civilians, war is no longer a viable political alternative. Indeed, it is the ultimate crime against humanity. If rising generations are to have a future, the key will lie in world peace. War is the pathway to oblivion.