“The reason that Islamist militants can assert that jihad is necessary against the perceived enemies of Islam is that there is sufficient ammunition in the Quran to buttress their beliefs. The same could also, of course, be said for the Old Testament, which is full of scenes of violent death visited on the enemies of God.”

American journalist, documentary producer, professor, and author

Peter Lampert Bergen is an American journalist, documentary producer, think tank executive, professor, and author. He is best known for his reporting and commentary on foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism. His work centers on issues of international security and U.S. policy, and he has built a career across journalism, documentary production, academic work, and think tank leadership. His writing and public analysis focus on how governments respond to threats and conflict.