notes :
"Islamist groups are a diverse mix of mainstream adherents, peaceful moderates, fundamentalists who rigidly interpret Islamic Law, and militant jihadists who use violence to further their goals. In some cases, these groups are lumped together indiscriminately by governments rooting out terrorism or are misrepresented by the media.
Distinguishing between various Islamist groups is crucial, especially for policy-makers, says Nathan Brown of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington.
"There are some movements that participate completely within the system and that aim to be completely above-ground and legitimate movements. There are some that are completely underground and aim to overthrow the system," says Brown.
"There are some that sort of have a foot in both camps like [Lebanon's] Hezbollah [party], which does participate in the government but also maintains an armed wing."
via Islamist Movements Gaining Momentum
via Islamist Movements Gaining Momentum