Reza Aslan Links Saudi Arabia To Recent Terrorist Attacks

Muslim Scholar Reza Aslan asserted today on Sunday’s edition of NBC’s Meet The Press that Saudi Arabia should be held accountable for the recent strain of terrorist attacks done in the name of Islam. Aslan believes that Islamic extremist groups such as the Taliban, al-Qaida, Boko Haram, and ISIS are directly influenced by Wahhabism, the state religion of Saudi Arabia.

Speaking to NBC’s Chuck Todd, Reza Aslan said the following.

“There’s no question that there has been a virus that has spread throughout the Muslim world, a virus of ultra-orthodox puritanism.”

“But there’s also no question what the source of this virus is — whether we’re talking about Boko Haram, or ISIS, or al-Qaida, or the Taliban. All of them have as their source Wahhabism, or the state religion of Saudi Arabia.”

Aslan continues to explain why Saudi Arabia should be blamed for the attacks, such as the one on the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.

“And as we all know, Saudi Arabia has spent over $100 billion in the past 20 or 30 years spreading this ideology throughout the world.”

Aslan firmly stated that the recent attacks been denounced by Muslim organizations throughout the world so have all the other attacks that have occurred in the name of Islam.

Reza stated the following.

“First of all, let’s be clear that every single organization, major organization, Muslim organization throughout the world and in the United States, every prominent individual, be it political or religious leaders everyone has condemned, not just this attack, but every attack that occurs in the name of Islam.”

Aslan then went on to ridicule those who complained that Muslims leaders have not strongly denounced the recent terrorist attacks in Paris.

“Anyone who keeps saying that we need to hear the moderate voice of Islam — why aren’t Muslims denouncing these violent attacks, doesn’t own Google.”

Recently, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) published a statement denouncing the attacks in Paris.

“We strongly condemn this brutal and cowardly attack and reiterate our repudiation of any such assault on freedom of speech, even speech that mocks faiths and religious figures. The proper response to such attacks on the freedoms we hold dear is not to vilify any faith, but instead to marginalize extremists of all backgrounds who seek to stifle freedom and to create or widen societal divisions.”

“We offer sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed or injured in this attack. We also call for the swift apprehension of the perpetrators, who should be punished to the full extent of the law.”

Reza Aslan proposes that Islamic peace is needed in order to combat Islamic violence.

“The answer to Islamic violence is Islamic peace. The answer to Islamic bigotry is Islamic pluralism, and so that’s why I put the onus on the Muslim community, but I also recognize that that work is being done, that the voice of condemnation is deafening and if you don’t hear it you’re not listening.”

Statements and the massive anti-terror march are examples of acts that Reza Aslan believe will only help to combat Islamophobia and terrorism done in the name of Islam.

[Image via Google Images]