What is clear, however, is that this perversion of Islam cannot be written off simply as Wahhabi fanaticism or a Muslim equivalent of liberation theology. It does indeed have its roots in narrow fundamentalism, as those who have been temporarily seized by its spurious religious message have bravely admitted. But it is better understood as a cult, and one that appeals especially to the frustrations and rage of young Muslim men. In earlier times, the social restrictions of conservative societies, especially on relations between men and women, would have been largely accepted by men who had little outlet for their emotions. But in the digital age, the contrast with more liberal societies is quickly apparent and often agonising. The result is a prurient interest in the tawdriest aspects of Western life and a subsequent self-loathing, confusion and misogyny that blames women and Western society for undermining Muslim "purity." Their frustrations are exploited by the politically ambitious, using causes such as Iraq and the Palestinians as motivators.
Older, wiser Muslims understand this dangerous dynamic, but have been too cowed or cowardly to stand up to zealots posing as would-be martyrs. It is perverse of left-wing politicians such as Ken Livingstone to equate the Islamists with social justice and national liberation: they believe in neither. To excuse or even tolerate the intolerant is a denial of all the values that the Left purports to embrace. If Muslims are to denounce the roots of fanaticism, so too must those who would embrace them as neighbours and fellow citizens.
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