Islamic extremism expert speaks to ROTC students, civilians

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Michael Knapp feels he has a firm understanding behind Islamic extremist’s attitudes toward the West.

The expert on Muslim extremism gave a presentation titled “Understanding Islam and Its Extremes” to about 130 at Charles V. Park Library Wednesday, which included a mix between ROTC members and civilians.

Knapp graduated from CMU in 1978 and has been in intelligence analysis his entire career. He was brought back as a presenter for the Nolde Lecture Series, which is sponsored by the Military Science and Leadership Department.

“I felt for the type of things we’re trying to accomplish, it is perfect because it covers a broad range of topics,” said Military Science Professor Lt. Col. Aaron Kalloch. “There was a mixture of cadets and regular students, and that is exactly what I wanted to see.”

Knapp began by giving a synopsis of the history of the Islamic faith and a breakdown of the basic sects — Sunnis and Shiites. He also explained sub-sects and their beliefs.

“Islam is still a big part of many of the news stories we are confronted with today,” Knapp said, “it’s very important for Americans to understand other cultures.”

Knapp delved into many aspects of Islam and explained the origins of the ideologies of the extremists, including “the case against the West”.

He also outlined many of the stresses from the outside world on Islamic countries.

“Jihadists, even though they carry out violent attacks, are a small minority of the Muslim population,” Knapp said. “And Jihad does not mean ‘holy war’. It means the struggle in God’s cause, but the radicals have changed the meaning of that.”

Knapp said Muslim and Arab culture are very past-oriented because of their nervousness about the ambiguity of the future and since violence is a recurring theme in Islamic history, radical ideas still resonate with some Muslims.

“I thought it was very interesting to hear the differences between the Sunnis and the Shiites and their religions,” said Allen Park sophomore and ROTC cadet Dominic Monte.