The following book excerpt was taken from, The New World War: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Why and How Militant Muslims Plan to Destroy Western Civilization, by John Clark Mead, 2002.

The author was a cultural anthropologist who was asked to study and write about the Islamic fundamentalists. He does not say what country he was in, but I suspect that it was either Egypt or Pakistan.

The themes and rally cries of these groups became vividly apparent on a particular day. I had been invited by a prominent Islamic leader to attend the anniversary of the founding (page 69) of an organization to which he belonged. Knowing that the gathering was not open to outsiders, I was thrilled to have an invitation. I looked forward with great anticipation to what I might learn.

Approaching to within several miles of the area, I was surprised to see crowds as I have never seen before. I was aware that the membership of the organization numbered in the millions, yet certainly did not expect that a good percentage of them would be in attendance. I learned that the people I met on the way had traveled for days to be there, and that it would be one of the largest gatherings of its kind that could be remembered.

After much time and great effort, I arrived at the home of the man who had invited me. The now familiar circle of influential men were already gathered around the room, and great anticipation filled the air. Everyone in attendance seemed awed by the unbelievable size of the crowds, and an atmosphere of intensity few had ever experienced permeated the scene.

I was handed a written invitation just in case I happened to be questioned by someone. ... I was then escorted to one of the waiting cars. There were several vehicles lined up to receive those who were undoubtedly very prominent men. Many I knew, but there were several whom I did not recognize. The convoy made its way at length through crowds the likes of which I had never seen. The multitudes parted as police vehicles led the way with sirens blaring.

After considerable time the car in which I had been riding (page 70) came to a stop in the middle of what can only be described as a sea of humanity. A platform with an enormous public address system had been set up in the middle of the wide field. The men in the first few cars made their way to the stage. The man who had invited me explained that he must also sit on the platform, and that it would be better if I sat in one of the first few rows. I took my place and settled in. ...

One by one the honored guests were invited to address the assembled crowd. As the speeches began, the theme of the day quickly became apparent. It would be a long and detailed indictment of the West, particularly the United States, and encouragement for all true Muslims to join in the struggle against these enemies of Islam. In addition to condemnations aimed at political views held by the West, attacks on Christianity and issues concerning the general lack of morality in the United States were common. "And did you realize," one man shouted in anger, "that when we send our young Muslim men to the USA for university studies they are forced to convert to Christianity?" This really whipped the crowd into a state of (page 71) frenzied agitation. Another continued "We have been able to determine that now over fifty percent of the marriages in the USA are between members of the same sex." This elaborate condemnation of the United States went on for a very long period of time.

Looking around at the enormous crowd, now yelling at what had become a deafening level, I wondered what would happen if someone suddenly pointed me out as an American. Not wanting to dwell on the possibilities I continued listening to the barrage of insults aimed at my countrymen. I had come, after all, to learn. And what I was learning was very disturbing indeed. The United States had [become] ... an intensely hated enemy of Islam.

... Although the large organizations with which I had worked carefully distanced themselves from the most extreme rhetoric, it was beginning to become evident that a loose collection of highly organized groups were feeling each other out for the possibility of some sort of common association.

For some time rumors of this or that leader joining in with "those who would take action" circulated. It seemed that no one really knew what was happening at the highest levels, but that everyone knew that something was happening, and that things were not what they had once been. ... (page 72)

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