[PEN-L:30208] RE: RE: FW: RAWA Statement on the anniversary of the September 11 tragedy

["Drewk" <Andrew_Kliman@xxxxxxx>]

Title: RE: [PEN-L:30185] FW: RAWA Statement on the anniversary of the September 11 tragedy

Jim Devine wrote: "I remember someone giving me a hard time on pen-l because I referred to Osama bin Laden and Taliban as "clerical fascists." It's not a perfect analogy, but few are."   

 

I don't think it is a mere analogy.  I heard a talk by Reza Afshari, a historian and human-rights specialist (with whom I work), in which he pinpointed a direct genealogical link.   Apparently, one of the main developers of Islamic fundamentalist ideology borrowed heavily from and credited the writings of a fascist physician (from France, who emigrated to the U.S).  Unfortunately, I've forgotten both their names. 

 

In any case, it is an important point that fundamentalism is at least partly a modern, "Western" import, and not -- contrary to common portrayal -- the traditional, indigenous ideology of the people.