Terrorism, America, Counterpractise 

There is little disagreement in Washington that the United States is
losing the so-called Battle of Ideas, and there is a surprising consensus on what
needs to be done: ‘‘reach out’’ to Muslim moderates. Bolstering moderate voices
in the Muslim world is indeed crucial to the fate of the War on Terror, but
‘‘reaching out’’ to them is no solution. In fact, it is the last thing Muslim
moderates need, since it deepens their legitimacy problems. The West’s criticism
may do more to help Muslim moderates become a political force to be reckoned
with than its love ever could. This ‘‘cruel to be kind’’ rhetorical strategy can,
and should, be combined with open material support for Arab and Muslim
civil society, but crucially without regard to political orientation. Such a policy
has its drawbacks and it will be a difficult sell, but it is the only way to make
progress in the Battle of Ideas 

16 p.; illus.; 20 cm