Kerry: Violent extremism is not Islamic


              U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry bows to someone after his speech during a panel session at the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland, Friday, Jan. 23, 2015. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry bows to someone after his speech during a panel session at the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland, Friday, Jan. 23, 2015. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) - Secretary of State John Kerry is warning the West to be careful about calling violent extremists in Iraq, Syria, Nigeria and other places Islamic radicals, even though they may cite their faith as a justification for killing children and others.

Kerry has told an audience of opinion leaders at the World Economic Forum it would be a mistake to blame Muslims for crimes their faith rejects. He called for a global effort against violent extremism.

Kerry's comments highlighted a division between the U.S. and its closest allies. French President Francois Hollande (frahn-SWAH' oh-LAWND') told the same body that Islamic extremism is a problem that must be opposed. On Thursday, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond stood urged the defeat of what he called the scourge of violent Islamist extremism.

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