Thursday, October 23, 2014

Recognizing Terrorists' Territorial Claims--But Not Terrorists' Ideology

Many have adopted the acronym ISIS (the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) to identify the army that is terrorizing the world from territory it holds on and between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers.  And that is why it is so curious that this Administration insists on using the acronym ISIL.  Doesn't use of this moniker, ISIL (the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant), stupidly or tacitly recognize the territorial claims of the subject terrorists?!  And stupidly or tacitly menace the Levant--the geography that contains Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon?!  The persistent use of this moniker, by the once leader of the free world, simultaneously a) promotes the claims of avowed enemies and b) menaces our allies.  Use of the acronym ISIL is, in effect, treasonous.  If this Administration can recognize the territorial claims of ISIS, why can't they recognize the influence of Islam in the formation of the "Islamic" State?  ISIS is simply Islam in theocratic practice:  American leaders have stupidly or tacitly recognized terrorists' territorial claims, why don't they recognize their ideology?  At least, they might desist from using this treasonous acronym.