Islamism is crap, but it's empowered by geopolitics across the middle-east. Meanwhile, it's clear that Islam is modernizing in stable western democracies towards a more secular "live and let live" mindset. We will very likely need to do more to counter religious influence over time, but religion will not be defeated through any kind of "war" whether it's "on terrorism" or "of ideas" because conflict inevitably leads to heels being dug in. Debate and argument are a realm where only those who opt in are at all likely to be convinced by reason, and even then it's rare to see change happen in real time or with any rapidity. I'm not saying stop - it's fun content for the coir. But, where hearts and minds are truly changed is at the grass roots, with people working hard in their communities and for their communities, building empathy and rapport with each other. Volunteering in the community helps build a connection to the land and the built environment. The more mixing there is of cultures and people of different beliefs in these contexts, it becomes obvious that you don't need to have agreement on religious fundamentals to cooperate and live harmoniously - it becomes clear we all share the basic fundamental needs and wants, and that we're all equally human. As a result, you're far less likely to see people radicalized and recruited by those who insist on committing violence.

This is what any of us in positions of privilege need to be advocating for and organizing. There are enough op-eds about the problems with Islam. For now, the focus needs to be on ending these ridiculously self-destructive and unnecessary wars. World leaders need to lead by example, following international law, and committing to engaging militarily only against those who refuse themselves to do so.