It's not somersaults. Don't exaggerate.
You may or may not be helping their cause. I haven't seen one of you guys yet present a compelling argument that you're not. It's not about "protecting the image of Islam," or offending anyone. It's about legitimizing their cause and actually helping their cause.
A lot of Muslims say they are NOT Islamic - that they're perverting the religion. Why not listen to them?
ok. so lets lay out the theory.
Action : Label terrorism as Islamic terrorism.
We clearly blame the religion as a whole for the persistent actions of a few.
Does this
A) make the moderates hate the muslims and turn them in to redeem the religion
or
B) make the moderates join the extremists wholesale?
Given that the other approaches we have tried failed and there is now more terrorism than ever we can try it and hope for A. If you trully cared about Islam you wouldnt want it associated with terrorism and would do anything to stop that from happening.
second theory
Action Keep the distinction between moderates and extremists. Make sure we never blame Islam for any of the tragedies.
Does this
A) make moderates turn a blind eye towards extremism? After all why stick their neck out and take the risk.
or
B) make the moderates inform and give up the extremists because they are grateful we do not lump them with terrorists?
The good thing about the second theory is we see it in action now and can judge it based on brussels and other events. US claims to kill 20000 yet it seems there is now more ISIS members than ever so recruiting seems to be going well too.