Rise of Islam

Istanbul, Turkey is familiar to Christians for its former role as capitol of the Byzantine Empire, the cathedral of Santa Sophia, and as a center of commerce and cosmopolitan living.

That was the case until “the rise of Islam,” formation of terrorist organizations such as ISIS and al-Qaeda, and Turkey’s President’s perception of himself as head of a Caliphate.  In Turkey today, “modern” influences are disdained and opposition to the regime in Ankara silenced.  And attempts at a coup were repressed by sentencing coup leaders and participants to multiple life sentences.

What should the United States’ response to the rise of Islam be?

This essay puts that question in perspective.