Chicago, IL, February 17, 1996 -- In the early to mid 1960's, American political scientists and military strategists began to develop a theory in regard to Southeast Asia. This theorem involved Chinese and Russian envelopment of the region, by advancing from one country to the next and introducing a Marxist/Leninist form of government to poor and otherwise politically unsophisticated people.
The culmination of this ideological conflict took place in Viet Nam, where the North Vietnamese, with the support of both the U.S.S.R. and China, fought, first the French and then the United States, to a complete stand-still. Shortly thereafter, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and a number of other countries were swallowed up in a sphere of Communist influence. The theory was termed "the Domino theory" by U.S. State Department officials, as countries fell like a row of dominos, pushed by a communist insurgency.
In the late 70's and early 80's, another campaign of world domination, similar in some ways and very different in many others, began to become apparent to some observers. This struggle continues today and is occurring in a number of regions, including Southeast Asia, Southwest Asia, and parts of Europe. This new "revolution" is not born of the Communists of the former Soviet Union, nor of the "People's Revolutionary Republic".
It is even more ancient and insidious than the Communist movement, and has its underpinnings in one of the world's leading religions. Like the early Communist movement, it is said to involve the use of insurgency, propaganda, and misinformation. Recent religious, political, and military problems in Egypt, Bahrain, Qatar, Turkey, Israel, the Philippines, Malaysia, Sudan, Algeria, Somalia, Bosnia and any number of other places, points to the reality of the onslaught of this movement. But, more powerful than any political or ideological system, this movement promises "heaven" as a reward for ones support and participation.
This newest "envelopment" began in modern times, with the fall of the Shah of Iran in the late 70's. It has been called the "Islamic Revolution" and or just "Jihad" by observers and followers alike. It involves an effort to spread fundamentalist Islamic teachings and adherence to Moslem philosophy throughout the world. That in and of itself, most analysts would agree, is not something ominous or threatening. It is a practice as old as religion itself. Historically, most religions have attempted to export their beliefs to other countries. What is troubling, according to both theological and political experts, is the concept of allegedly using intimidation, violence, murder, and terrorism to further religious goals.
Thus, a reincarnation of an earlier theory, is being brought forth by this author and called the "Islamic Domino theory". A study of recent history would suggest that there is evidence of an orchestrated campaign underway to attain both religious and political control of a number of countries on several continents. It would appear that these forces of potential domination are "pushing rows of dominos" in several places simultaneously. The leading and most extreme portions of this movement are undoubtedly founded in Iran. Other major components and financial supporters exist in Syria, Pakistan, Israel, Egypt, Iraq, Turkey, Lebanon, and parts of the former Soviet Union.
The facts of the past three decades can adequately demonstrate that some Moslem extremist movements and groups, particularly of the Shi'ite sect, have been actively engaged in the use of shootings, bombings, assassinations, and other nefarious activities, reputedly in support of their religious faith...but more covertly, in furtherance of a subversion of greater land masses. Even though the Koran, the holy book of Islam, prohibits the use of unprovoked violence; some extremist Mullahs and Ayatollahs have interpreted other sections of it to justify and condone barbarous acts in the name of the Islamic struggle for further territory and greater autonomy.
Many parallels can be drawn between the communist insurgency of the "cold war" years and the Islamic revolt of the "holy war" or Jihad. Some would suggest that the only difference is a metaphysical one, in that, the Islamic movement is founded in a ancient religion rather than Leninist/Marxist ideology. In modern times many of the realizations and practical applications of this attempted conversion process would appear to be all too similar.
Were it not for this obvious geo-political component of the current Iranian-sponsored Moslem movement and their demonstrated desire for secular as well as religious control of affected countries, many analysts say that they would not be so concerned about the rise of Islamic Fundamentalism. In other words, if there were no desire or attempt by Iran and Iranian surrogates to takeover political and physical control of other countries, their spreading of a religious philosophy could probably be well tolerated by the world community. Unfortunately, that does not appear to be the case.
Although there is still much discussion and dissent among foreign policy experts, political scientists, religious scholars, and intelligence analysts, about the true intent of Iran and the continuing spread of Islamic Fundamentalism, one thing can be safely hypothesized. Unless negotiations, diplomacy, and reason triumph, or dramatic military intervention occurs, it is all too likely that a raging beast of religious fervor could engulf and conquer as many as a dozen nations in the coming decade.
(c) Emergencynet NEWS Service, 1996
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