Elusive dwellers in the 100-Aker Wood.

Robert Spencer imagines what it would be like to have Muslim leaders who are actually committed to countering jihadism:

I'd like to see an honest public discussion of the elements of the Qur'an and Sunnah that give impetus to violence and fanaticism. I'd like to see American Muslim spokesmen explain how they will specifically address these elements, and teach Muslims to reject them in favor of the principles of the equality of dignity and rights of all people, women as well as men, non-Muslims as well as Muslims. And I'd like to see them follow through on these explanations with real action.

The problem is that to get into any kind of "interpretation" of Islam a Muslim would have to say that the Koran is not the literal word of Allah.

Since it's as much as your life is worth (sic) to avoid being branded a heretic, blasphemer, apostate, or disturber -- terms that are thrown around with abandon by any Muslim worth his salt -- don't hold your breath waiting for these "honest public discussions." The Koran means what it says and the guys who believe this stockpile and use guns, knives, and le plastique.

Our sarcasm is not directed at Mr. Spencer. He has, has he not, proposed the exact indicator by which we might be able to detect the presence of this elusive genus and species, homo islamicus congenialis.

Oh, sure there have been sightings in the 100-Aker Wood with Eyore, Kanga, and the woozels.

Other courageous, thoughtful, non-woods-dwelling Muslims exist who have spoken out. Usually they find it expedient to do so with pseudonyms, from the safety of military bases in Western countries, or while concealing the location of their homes in non-Muslim lands.

Muslim says Quran justified attack in N.C." By Robert Spencer, Jihad Watch, 3/23/06.