Thread by @JonathanACBrown

The Policy Exchange definition of Islamism is laughable; if you inserted 'Conservative' in the place of 'Islam' you'd get the definition of a normal political outlook, and if you inserted 'Jewish' or 'Zionist' instead of 'Islam' you'd be labeled an antisemite. Bushleague thinking

So Islamism sees Islam as a 'comprehensive political ideology'? So what? Can a Zionist see Judaism as a 'comprehensive political ideology'? Or leftist see Frankfurt School Marxism as one? Or a Thatcherite Thatcherism? This is just plain old bigotry.

What's that you say? But Islam a as a political ideology is incompatible with Western liberal democracy? What about all these 'Islamists' living and thriving and contributing to life in Western democracies? Oh, they're doing taqiyya? Just like Jews looked normal, while... etc.

So Islamism sees Islam as the 'centre' of one's identity, as its 'only' or its predominate source? So what? A Christian can't see their faith as the only source of their identity? Or a Jew? What's that, Islam as an identity is incompatible with Western liberal society? Says who?

So Islamism sees Muslims globally as part of a 'deterritorialized' umma? So? Jews can't think of themselves as part of a deterritorialized nation? Or Christians? So it's just Muslims who can't I guess.

Apparently Islamism also makes Muslims see themselves as victims. I didn't realize that was not ok. I think this needs to be publicized more.

Islamism apparently also says that Shariah should be implemented either in 'a nation state' or in a 'caliphate'. So? Last I checked in a democracy people can publicly advocate for understandings of law they think are best. Unless that's not ok? Maybe just Muslims can't?

Wait, what's that you say Policy Exchange? But Islamists want an 'unchanging' and 'puritanical' understanding of the Shariah? Have you guys ever READ anything on the Shariah by these folks you cite as the main Islamists? Their view of Shariah looks like a liberal Mr. Potatohead.

Policy Exchange admits most Islamists don't have terrorist leanings, but that 'some support [] violence in certain contexts' like opposing 'perceived' occupation. This sounds like everyone in the world except total pacifists.

I can't believe this passes for public thinking on Islam and Muslims. It's a joke. I want the last 45 minutes of my life back. Refund!