>In the United States, Salafism has been equated by some with radicalism and terrorism in some newspaper articles, books, and public discourse. However, “Salafism” is not inherently synonymous with violence, terrorism, or radicalism. Many Salafis throughout the world are doctrinally rigid, but peaceful.It is important to distinguish between the following groups, thought of (perhaps) as concentric circles: “Jihadist Salafis” – such as the followers of al-Qaeda and like-minded local groups; “Salafis” – those who believe that the imitation of the behavior of the Prophet’s closest companions should be the basis of the social order; “Islamists” – a still broader category,which includes anyone who thinks that the precepts of Islam – … Continue reading >GlobalSecurity.org