Apologists for Islam commonly argue that Islam is a religion of peace - and there is certainly plenty within Islam that endorses peace. In practice, though, there are many extremists who use Islam to justify violence and their existence cannot be ignored. When scholars try to deal with such people, though, they are often attacked by even moderate Muslims.

Jihad Watch discusses the situation of Khaled Kishtainy:

"In my opinion, the sword played a minor role in Islam's triumph over polytheism. Moreover, the Muslims will [only] lose by their adherence to the perception [advocating] violence. This is due first of all to the military supremacy of others, and second because in this generation the alternative of nonviolent struggle is a more effective weapon. I have adopted this perception and called it by the Islamic name 'Civil Jihad.'"

"I tried to establish in London an organization to disseminate this perception among the Muslims. I contacted some Arab ambassadors and activists in Islamic organizations, and all I got from them was their turning their backs, and even threats. Only three Muslims shared my belief - one from Ethiopia and two from Iraq. Over the course of two years, we struggled [for the sake of this goal]; then we lost hope and gave up."

Where are the non-violent movements of Islam? Where are the Martin Luther Kings and the Ghandis? Where are the leaders who argue for setting aside the sword and taking up instead the "peaceful" ideals of Islam as a means for solving the problems in the Muslim world? I don't see them - if they exist, they aren't making much news.

Read More:

• Recent Books on Islam
• Islam
• War on Terrorism