Robert’s polite interlocutor on this occasion was Eiynah (@nicemangoes), a Canadian ex-Muslim with robust views about Islam. It’s quite a lively interview, and (broadly) civil, although apparently things turned sourer between the two in the interval between the recording and its release.
In her sardonic preamble, Eiynah, after some sharp comments about both the left and the right’s shortcomings on this issue, offers an accurate account of Robert’s debating style:
‘He’s well spoken, and good at going back and forth with his accusations and suspicions so that they are less clear – he’s good at minimising the absurdity of what he’s saying. He’s also excellent at talking non-stop.’ (from 6:00)
In this long interview, I found the discussion about whether Muslims should be allowed to swear an oath on the Qur’an one of the most interesting sections (from 48:30). Not surprisingly, I was on Eiynah’s side in this debate, and felt it justified a charge of bigotry, even though Robert Spencer certainly condemns still more glaring examples of bigotry which fall short of violence.
Another telling moment came towards the end of the interview when Eiynah asked why he didn’t take the time to condemn some of the extreme anti-Muslim types of whom he disapproves.
To speak out against anti-Muslim bigots would be to acknowledge that they had some connection with me which they don’t … it would be like saying I’m responsible for this and so I have to disavow it … you’re asking me to denounce something. (1:29 – 1:32)
There are ironic echoes here of Muslim voices expressing weariness at being expected to denounce something for which they too feel they have no responsibility.
