The Third Jihad

Wayne Kopping's rabble-rousing documentary The Third Jihad centers on the political crusade of Dr. Zuhdi Jasser—an American Muslim and former physician to the U.S. Congress—to alert the nation about the threat of extreme Islamic radicalism. Dr. Jasser argues that radical forces are seeking to establish Islamic power in all corners of the globe using violent means (the film incorporates footage taken from Arab media that shows terrorist training camps and Islamic religious schools indoctrinating children with this violent dogma). The Third Jihad also features a number of high profile talking-heads speaking dramatically on the subject, including former New York Mayor Rudy Guiliani, former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, Senator Joseph Lieberman, and Somali-born Dutch parliamentarian Ayaan Hirsi Ali. Unfortunately, however, the film ultimately becomes both strident and off-kilter in its attempt to demonize perceived enemies without putting the actual threat (the exact size and scope of which is never quite clear here) in proper perspective. The fact is that radical Islam is by no means representative of the overwhelming majority of Muslims, either those living in predominantly Islamic countries or members of immigrant communities across Europe and North America. Too often, The Third Jihad opts for fury over facts, so that instead of providing food for thought, the film runs the risk of encouraging greater intolerance. Not recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)