radicalised muslim scholars

This story strikes me as one of those "No Shit Sherlock" types. What, do people think the majority of us are blind to what is going on with the musos....in any country? 'Becoming radicalised'....bit late for the word 'becoming' don't you think.

...Council of Muslim Scholars becoming radicalised'...
Posted Mon Oct 13, 2008 1:00pm AEDT
Indonesia's Council of Muslim Scholars, or Majelis Ulama, is a prominent player on the Indonesian political scene.
As the country's highest Muslim authority, it covers over 60 organisations and has an influential role as an adviser to the Government on religious matters.
But recent pronouncements, such as the discussion of a ban on smoking, a ruling against vasectomies, and the role played by the council in the debate on a controversial pornography bill, have led some observers to worry that the organisation is being infiltrated by radical groups.
This is coupled with a perceived increase in the council's influence.
In late September the council issued a fatwa, or religious opinion, against the Ahmadiyah group and urged the Government to ban the group and freeze its operations.
Head of the graduate school at the State Islamic University in Jakarta, Azyumardi Azra, told Radio Australia's Connect Asia program he has been warning of the growth of radicalism within the council for some time.
"There are some tiny Islamic groups, or Muslim groups, who have a literal understanding of Islam," he said.
"These groups have a growing influence on MUI because they are very active. "And of course this has a lot to do with the passivity of the moderate Muslim organisations like Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah."
Abdul Mu'ti from Indonesia's second largest Muslim group, Muhammadiyah, agrees but says that international politics has helped fuel these groups.
"The international developments might lead to the emotional response from certain Islamic groups including those who are associated with Indonesia Ulama council, for example, on their response to cases happening in Iraq and Paleistine."
However, the politicisation of fatwas could mean decreasing influence for the council.Abdul Mu'ti says as people become more rational they will be more critical on the issuing of Fatwas.
You can find the full story at the Connect Asia website.