A well known Muslim leader in the United States was in Colorado Springs Tuesday night trying to bridge gaps of religion and politics, especially in how we look at the war in Iraq.

Dr. Zuhdi Jasser is the founder and chairman of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy. He addressed about hundred people at the Broadmoor Tuesday night.

He says in his opinion the war on terror has been misnamed, we are not fighting terrorism, terrorism is just a tactic, we are fighting against political Islam.

Dr. Jasser believes American Muslims need to lead the way in fighting the war in Iraq.

"We need to reform Islamic mind set and separate religion and politics," Jassar said.

And separating church and state is something he's dedicated his life to.

"9-11 told me that I can't wait generations, I need to form a group that works against Islamist elements to save my faith," Jassar said.

So in 2003, he started the American Islamic forum for Democracy, which seeks to address the ideological conflict in the war on terror. Jassar says we need to use history to move forward in this new battle.

"Just like the Japanese stepped up and fought with America against the Japanese dictatorship in WWII, Muslim Americans need to start stepping up and saying we need to fight globally and name terrorist organizations by name," Jassar said.

Jasser says he's confident change will come, but it will take time.

"This conflict is going to last for generations, into the 21st century, it's not going to be resolved in one election cycle," He said.

You can learn more about Dr. Jassar and read some of his writings online just click on the link below.