News & Opinion on Terrorism & Strategic Communication — October 19, 2007

Arab Cartoonists Attack Terrorism. “The Arab press recently published more cartoons condemning terrorism. These cartoons presented terrorism as an indiscriminately destructive force striking everything in its path, and mocked the terrorists for blindly pursuing the promise of the virgins of Paradise. The cartoons also expressed criticism of extremists who entice the youth, indoctrinating them to embrace extremist ideas.” (MEMRI, 10/17).

Horowitz Promotes Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week on Fox. “David Horowitz appeared on FOX and Friends this morning to promote his “Islamo-fascism awareness” tour that’s coming to 100 college campuses this week. Asked why it’s necessary, he replied that ‘the curriculum on college campuses is sympathy, tolerance and understanding for our enemies.'” (News Hounds, 10/18).

Feds recommend closing Islamic Academy in Virginia. “The commission’s report says the academy hews closely to the curriculum used at Saudi schools, which they criticize for promoting hatred of and intolerance against Jews, Christians and Shiite Muslims.” (AP via Yahoo, 10/18).

Columnists Criticize Saudi Religious Discourse. “Columnists in the Saudi press have recently been criticizing the religious discourse in Saudi Arabia, especially the sermons in the mosques, which, they stated, promote extremism and create a rift among the Muslims. Some columnists have also maintained that, since this discourse is rooted in the past and is not in the spirit of this age, it impedes any attempt at reform and progress in Saudi Arabia.” (MEMRI, 10/19).