August 8, 2003

'Al Qaeda and What It Means to Be Modern'

By NINA C. AYOUB

For John Gray, Al Qaeda is many things, but medieval is not one of them. Any notion that the group behind the terrorism of September 11 is an anachronism, a throwback, is anathema to the political philosopher. Al Qaeda is nothing if not modern. Not just in its use of technologies like satellite phones and encrypted Web sites, not just in its global reach, but at its core.

The West, Mr. Gray says, clings to a concept of modernity as "a single condition, everywhere the same and always

Digital or Print Subscription

Web Pass

Already have an account? Log In Now.