Muslim Culture: Center of Gravity for Global War on Terror

摘要

This paper contends that Muslim culture is the center of gravity in the Global War on Terrorism. The author defines the concept of 'center of gravity' and examines the globalization of terrorist organizations. She contends that it is the culture of the Muslim world that enables radicals to deface a proud history and religion. It is this culture that the radical ideologists maintain in a state of poverty, oppression, and aggression; they use it as a motivator for their recruiting cause. The war cannot be won by militaries alone. It will be necessary for interagency and non-governmental organizations to take the lead and work with Muslim leaders to change a culture that refuses to modernize and globalize. It also will be necessary for moderate Muslim leaders to speak out and teach young Muslim men that the radical ideology being used to justify terrorism is not their proud religion. Can one change a culture. The author contends that the United States must if it wants to win the Global War on Terrorism. She recommends three ways in which the United States can change the culture that is the center of gravity in the Global War on Terrorism.