Political Islam and Radical Islam: The Cases of Pakistan and Bangladesh

Abstract

It is important in “knowing one’s enemy” in the post-September 11, 2001, world to comprehend the connections between “political Islam” and “radical Islam” as well as to understand the instances in which there are no links. With the rise of extremist Islam groups and with Al Qaeda’s declaration of war against the United States and U.S. interests, the possible links between Islamic political movements and parties and radical Islamic groups are of concern. It is also important to understand how (and if) political Islamic movements and parties can be encouraged to move towards the political mainstream and be disconnected from radical Islam.