The United States, along with many other Western nations, find themselves embroiled in a seemingly intractable struggle against the forces of ideological extremism and terror. The enemy is not Islam. Much of Islam is compatible with Western values, and most Muslims subscribe to those values. All religions contain certain scriptural passages which are not palatable to the modern mind. Most of us, however, use our common sense to ignore such passages, even as we embrace our respective religions. The enemy is ideological extremism.

The extremists have been successful in attacking the West using the following combination of tactics and strategies:

• Ideology: For political purposes, they create and promote an ideological framework for Jihad by manipulating and distorting Islamic principles to justify a fierce condemnation of the West.
• Investment: They capture hearts and minds by investing funds to alleviate the suffering of the masses (i.e. health clinics, food distribution, educational services in madrasas, financial handouts for rebuilding, etc.).
• Hope: They use an Ideology of Extremism along with Charitable Investments to nurture the Hope for Islamic Resurgence and ultimate triumph.
• Terror Campaign: They sponsor and sustain an unrelenting campaign of terror designed to embolden the faithful, to intimidate the citizenry, and to undermine the West.

In the face of these threats, what can the West do to protect itself, and ultimately, to bridge the ideological divide for the sake of peace? What can we do to inspire our citizens here at home, as well as potential partners abroad, including moderate Muslims, to face the challenges that lie ahead with vigor, patience, and resolve? What can we do to save ourselves from our reluctance to meet the ideological extremist head on?