Omar Ashour, "Fears over Islamists within Libyan rebel ranks," BBC, 9/14/11

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14728565

This article presents the current status of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) in relation to the uprisings and unrest in Libya. The LIFG, despite their disapproval for Gaddafi, has not gained much support from the West due to their violent tactics and speculated links to al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups. I had never heard of LIFG and Ashour mentions this 'historical link to al-Qaeda" near the beginning of the article -instantly warranting negative judgements within me. After 9/11 and the aftermath, fear of terrorism is tightly associated with the Islamic religion for many Americans. This association becomes most American's main experience with Islam, making it hard to acknowledge the other (positive) aspects of the religion. By connecting the Libyan "Islamic" Fighting Group with terrorism further enhances this stereotype. Yet this article is insightful when it considers the goals of the LIFG. Although most US citizens will never agree with their violent means, we can start to relate to (and respect) other aspects about their goals. This article sheds some light on the fact that the leaders of LIFG are conscious of the global repercussions of their actions. It seems as though they've realized that respect and support of other nations (namely, the West) will only come through "moderation of their behavior and ideology" (Ashour). This is illustrated in their name change, from from a violent military group to the political "Islamic Movement for Change." I have always believed these violent Islamic activists to be brainwashed (especially after the tragedy of 9/11), but this is a step in the right direction. They can still be passionate about their faith and traditions, yet they are making efforts to accomplish their goals in a civilized manner. Ashour makes it clear that this sort of transition is not a "flip of a switch" kind of movement and I agree. Although it's hard for me to remove 9/11 and other terrorist acts from association with Islam, if we can try to understand muslims a group of people (just like us) we can start to develop the respect necessary to maintain peace.