muslim left

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/10/16/organizing-a-muslim-left/

Organizing a Muslim Left by Tobin Harshaw brought forth some interesting responses about the reasonable chances for success. Tobin discusses Ali Eteraz, a Muslim-American lawyer and blogger, who has been writing a series of provocative articles about the possibilities of creating a leftward bent movement of real dialogue and discussion within the Muslim community which would alter the radical direction and interaction of Islam with other religious cultures in today's world.

This attempt at interreligious dialogue across religious boundaries and intra-religious dialogue within the Muslim community has been met with skepticism, exemplified by the reaction of the respondents to this editorial. Yet many do support the idea and foundation of such an effort in order to at least begin the process of reconciliation and to prevent further hijacking of the movement by the destructive right.

The naysayers express concern or skepticism while others feel that there already is a moderate foundation within Islam to correct the radicalization of this religion. "Dr Zuhdi Jasser the founder and Chairman of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy" is one sighted to be bringing moderation to the attention of many. Others feel that opinions expressed from our American culture will not have merit in that we have been supportive of conservative and dictatorial regimes.
At least these contradictions are out in the open and have created enormous energy amongst the readers who have responded with vigor. This kind of dialogue leads to valuable evaluations of policies and policy initiatives which can truly change opinions.