Is the 'Ground Zero mosque' debate helping terrorists?

Taliban leaders say the heated debate is driving recruits into their arms. Should we believe them?

Opponents of an Islamic cultural center and mosque planned to be built near Ground Zero in lower Manhattan gather during a demonstration.
(Image credit: Getty)

Taliban leaders say they are delighted with the spirited campaign against the so-called "Ground Zero mosque," because it is sending a wave of recruits their way, reports Newsweek. "By preventing this mosque from being built, America is doing us a big favor," says Taliban operative Zabihullah, who like many Afghans uses only one name. He added that jihadist websites have received a flood of emails — far more than when France banned burqas earlier this year. Is the debate over the Islamic cultural center being built two blocks from the World Trade Center site really helping terrorist groups? (Watch a report about the Taliban response)

Yes, the mosque protesters aid the enemy: The "anti-Muslim hysteria" over the mosque is "a tremendous recruiting tool for terrorists," says Jim White at Firedoglake. By sending the message that Americans think "Muslims are evil," the "chickenhawks" are making it look like we consider all Muslims to be our enemy — not just twisted fanatics.

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