The article exposes the stereotypes most prevalent in the West about Islamists. The gist of its argument is that the West must talk to Islamists if some form of mutual understanding is to take place. Refusing dialogue under the pretext of stereotypes will not contribute to a resolution of conflicts in the Middle East. The author stresses the need to look into other people's languages, especially those of the Middle East, in order to understand what drives and motivates them. Language is the key to understanding people's thinking and the West has not done enough in that respect.