The New York Review of Books always tackles issues with a thoroughness I enjoy. This time a writer provides a learned examination of the Islamic "madrasas" – essentially "schools" run by Islamic fundamentalists. Being a student, I have always thought that if we are to stop the Islamic Jihad we must stop students from being brainwashed at an early age. It’s appalling to hear about school textbooks in places in Pakistan advocating murdering Americans.
This article, though, makes the situation much more complex. Popular opinion says many of the terrorists are maniacs bred in these schools. In fact, most have college degrees, some from Western institutions, and are making calculated political gestures. Popular opinion says the madrasas are being run by militant fundamentalists. In fact, militants are in the minority.
A thought provoking read.