The American Spectator

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Steyn also devotes attention to two other major nations, Japan and Russia. The former is entering a period of population decline but doesn't face the identity crisis that arises with mass immigration. Russia, by contrast, appears to be a basket case -- with a per woman birth rate of 1.2, a male life span of 59 years, and an abortion rate of 70%. That's a demographic trifecta whose winners will be the new Islamic countries on Russia's southern border and (in the Siberian East) China. While China has its own demographic challenges, with 19% more boys than girls, that nation still numbers well over a billion and might provide a pool of frustrated males to rectify the Y-chromosome dearth in (what is now) Russia. The bottom line for Russia is this: "the world's largest country is dying, and the question is how violent its death throes will be."

The title of Steyn's final chapter, "The Falling Camel," refers to the weakness that, in an Arab proverb, "attracts many knives." This maxim is cited to deplore the multicultural rituals regularly performed by Western leaders after terrorist attacks. Instead of these craven antics, what is needed in our civilizational war is "more will." And the key to victory in that struggle is reforming Islam. This objective, Steyn concedes, is ultimately up to Muslims. America can, however, facilitate change by supporting free Islamic societies, by transforming the energy industry and defunding oil dictatorships, by ending the Iranian regime, and by "strik[ing] militarily when the opportunity presents itself."

At least two things are unclear about this multi-pronged strategy. First, where will the resolve come from to accomplish these daunting tasks? Second, why should growing, confident Muslim cultures alter their ways based on advice, threats, and bombs from foreigners who aren't even keen on reproduction? With respect to American fortitude, the most plausible motivator that Steyn notes involves falling European camels. If the knives that appear during their descent don't open eyes and stiffen backbones, nothing will.

So much for Mr. Bon Vivant.

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Islam, Abortion, Environment, Movies, Military, Iran, Russia, United Nations, NATO, Africa, Immigration, Energy, Oil