Who is the enemy?

I've read rather too many nasty anti-Islam rants on the blogosphere recently, such as this one by Bigwig. There's an idea that all Muslims are somehow collectively responsible for every terrorist atrocity, and that no Muslims ever condemn any of the bad things their religion is blamed for.

Did you know that the most senior Muslim clerics in Nigeria have actually condemned the so-called fatwa on the Nigerian journalist who's article sparked off the riots there? How many Islamic blogs or news sources do you ever read? Do you get all your information in Islam from sites like Little Green Footballs? I suggest you read a few blogs such as Al-Muhajabah or Unmedia, it must just give you a different perspective on things.

The "War on Terror" isn't a clash of civilisations between Islam and the west. That's what Osama Bin Laden (if he's still alive) wants you to think. The only people that think that way Al Queda and their supporters, the bigoted, and the fundamentally ignorant. (The three groups are of course not mutually exclusive). If Michele, despite being voted "Most Bloodthirsty Warblogger" can get it, so can you.

The idea that all Muslims and Arabs are collectively guilty of each and every atrocity perpetrated by those that share their religion or nationality is surely as offensive as the Noam Chomsky-like blaming of the victims.

The only people responsible for terrorist atrocities are the terrorists themselves, and those that support and fund them. They, and only they, are our enemies.