Common Sense by Stephen Schwartz: What is a moderate Muslim?

As we enter 2006, Islamic radicalism remains no less a challenge to the world than it did four years ago. One of its chief aspects involves how non-Muslims, who typically have little knowledge of Islam, may accurately identify Muslim moderates.

Muslim moderation is defined by attitudes and conduct, not by abstractions or historical precedents, which, as with all religions, may be interpreted to support any ideological position. Read more - What Is a Moderate Muslim?

Stephen Schwartz is the author of the bestselling book 'The Two Faces of Islam: Saudi Fundamentalism and Its Role In Terrorism', and a consultant on domestic and international affairs in Washington, DC.

He has published seven books on modern political history, with special attention to extremism. He was a staff writer for the San Francisco Chronicle for 10 years.

His articles have appeared in many of the world's leading newspapers including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, The Daily Telegraph of London and many more. He is a regular contributor to The Weekly Standard as well as to Reforma in Mexico City, the Toronto Globe and Mail, and leading periodicals in the Balkans.