Describing ISIL as ‘Islamic’ and ‘Extreme’ Really Is That Easy
Barack Obama and Co. refuse to say “Islamic extremists” despite the questions raised by such delusionary obfuscation. Fortunately, the head of the all-important Senate Foreign Relations Committee isn’t the stickler for apologetic language as are his Democrat counterparts. Chairman Bob Corker (R-TN), who recently spent some time in Turkey, Kuwait and Iraq – countries immediately threatened by ISIL’s rampage – gave a blunt, albeit accurate, characterization of what the world is dealing with in the wake of jihadis’ resurgence. Asked by NBC “Meet the Press” host Chuck Todd, “Do you think it matters whether we call ISIS ‘radical Islam,’ or just ‘radical extremists’?” Corker replied, “They are Islamic, there’s no question. They are extreme in what they’re doing.” In just six words, Corker gave a far more articulate definition of ISIL than Barack Obama ever has: They are Islamic, and they are extreme. Still, based on what DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson posited over the weekend, Corker’s remarks are giving ISIL “too much dignity.” But as columnist Peggy Noonan observes, “[T]he young men and women ISIS recruits from Western nations already live in peaceful democracies. It’s not enough. They want something else. It is, ironically, disrespectful not to name what they are, and what they are about.” A serious response requires taking off the rose-colored glasses. [H/T: National Review]
