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"Well, as missionaries possibly to spread the doctrine of Islam," Robertson replied.

But, ladies and gentlemen, I have taken issue with our esteemed President in regard to his stand in saying Islam is a peaceful religion. It's just not. And the Qur'an makes it very clear, if you see an infidel, you are to kill him. … The fact is that our immigration policies are now so skewed to the Middle East and away from Europe that we have introduced these people into our midst and undoubtedly there are terrorist cells all over them. … They want to coexist until they can control, dominate, and then if need be destroy.

The remark set off immediate commentary from the Muslim watchdogs. Ibish (see above) told The Washington Post and the Associated Press Friday that Robertson's remarks were not just "truly outrageous," they were anti-Semitic. Robertson went on CNN's Late Edition not to back off his comments, but to reiterate them. "It's not a question of prejudice," he said. "We have thousands and perhaps hundreds of thousands or millions of people who hate America and are trying to destroy Israel. … We need an alarm because this country is under attack. … I love Muslims. I don't want to hurt anybody. I think we're a religion of love," he said. "We don't preach hate, but this is the message of Mohammed."

The Washington Post thinks the broadcaster is off his rocker again. "Is Mr. Robertson trying to start a pogrom?" an editorial asked Saturday. "If so, he's headed in the right direction. These sorts of words aren't innocent talk—particularly not when broadcast into millions of homes by a religious leader to whom many look for moral guidance. … Mr. Robertson might consider, before opening his mouth again, that the vast majority of Muslims have never used a national television platform to incite hatred against their countrymen."

If you haven't read it by now, be sure to read our January cover story, "Is Islam a Religion of Peace?"

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February (Web-only) 2002, Vol. 46