Global Movement Seeks to Convert People From ‘Democracy…and Capitalism to Islamic Ideology’

Posted on October 1, 2011 at 7:21pm
by Billy Hallowell
117 Comments


In this Aug. 19, 2011 photo, members of Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia wave flags during a protest against corruption. At a time when al-Qaida seems to be faltering, the recruitment of an educated, somewhat mainstream following is raising fears that Hizbut Tahrir ("The Party of Liberation"), an enigmatic global movement, could prove more effective at radicalizing the Islamic world than outright terrorist groups. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — The chanting crowd at the radical Muslim protest in Indonesia stood out for its normalcy: smartly dressed businessmen, engineers, lawyers, smiling mothers, scampering children.

At a time when al-Qaida seems to be faltering, the recruitment of such an educated, somewhat mainstream following is raising fears that Hizbut Tahrir, an enigmatic global movement, could prove more effective at radicalizing the Islamic world than outright terrorist groups.

Active in 45 countries, Hizbut is now expanding in Asia, spreading its radical message from Indonesia to China. It wants to unite all Muslim countries in a globe-spanning bloc ruled by strict sharia law. It targets university students and professionals, working within countries to try to persuade people to overthrow their governments.

The movement’s appeal to an often influential part of society worries experts. Its goal of an Islamic state may be far-fetched, but it could still undercut efforts to control extremism and develop democracy in countries such as Indonesia, which the U.S. hopes will be a vital regional partner and a global model for moderate Islam.

“Our grand plan over the next five to 10 years is to reinforce the people’s lack of trust and hope in the regime,â€