humint: If this interpretation [Iranian revolution was the proto-modernist revolution of Islamic puritanical Protestantism] is accepted by a majority of American liberals and a majority of confident conservative Christians, Islam will finally have an opportunity to compete peacefully in the realm of theological ideas.
NutCrackerBoy: I understood most of your post, but I'm puzzled by this part. How could it be necessary or possible for Americans and the West seemingly to call forth the movements that settle the paroxysms of Islam? Won't the reformation of Islam announce itself over time?
That part of my comment has several underlying presumptions that do need further clarification. Thanks for pointing it out. I think that many non-Muslims like myself are watching the war going on inside Islam with a sense of fear and dread. I have serious questions like: how many Americans will be slaughtered by suicide bombers before it's over? Are a few fanatics capable of setting back the U.S. economy and limiting opportunities for Americans at home and abroad? How am I supposed to differentiate Muslims who are prepared to do me and my country harm from those that intend to live in peace?
The answers to these questions depend on ones interpretation of what is happening inside Islam. If this interpretation is indeed happening naturally, and I believe it is, then it is in the interest of non-Muslims to recognize it is happening and embrace it. In other words, I think accepting this interpretation will make Muslims more approachable to non-Muslims. I also think this interpretation will make prosecuting the Global War on Terror more successful. Right now, the dominant interpretation appears to be [The purpose of the Iranian Revolution was to create an Islamist Empire. Muslims essentially agree with each other. Some are more passive than others but Islamists and Muslim Terrorists are an enduring phenomenon]. If this is the correct interpretation, Muslims are not approachable and there really is no solution to the problems within Islam that non-Muslims are having to deal with today.
I see. Well, no doubt for some time to come violent upheavals "there" will continue along with isolationist thinking "here". And then time will tell.
I've long "known" that the hope lay in breakthroughs by the Iranian freedom fighters. And I have posted on forums that include progressives exhorting them to get on board with groups like Amnesty International to pressure the hell out of the current regime in Iran re human rights. Especially after reading Natan Sharansky. It seems that would be a tipping point. Frustrating that the future depends so much on what the Left does!
Then I saw this piece which hints tantalizingly of movement in that direction by the progressives.