Terrorism threat both fostered, eased by religion-themed actions

Published: 2006-08-28

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Religious leaders trying to be a moderating force against terrorism since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks have had less apparent success than those who use religion to mobilize extremists in support of terrorism. Along with other factors, the success of religious ideologues in recruiting followers has made the risk of terrorist attacks greater today than five years ago, said people ranging from the head of the Arab American Institute to the director of policy studies at Notre Dame's Joan B. Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies. Despite official and unofficial efforts at greater religious tolerance, other experts said, assorted U.S. actions and policies, from the war in Iraq to a confusing tangle of immigration laws and restrictions add to an environment that fosters antagonism toward the United States and its allies.

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