"Calling medieval zealots in a precapitalist society fascist is not terribly smart..." Huh? I was actually pointing out the _differences_ between Islamists and fascists. But since you mention it, I suggest it's a debatable proposition that _any_ current states are still "precapitalist". And fascists are anachronistic; they often do appeal to nostalgia for a mythical medieval and precapitalist past.
Brad:
Strange as it may sound, racism is not absolutely inherent in fascism, I mean Mussolini wasn't particularly antisemitic. "I think the analogy with Cromwell's Puritans is much closer..." Maybe, but what would we call Cromwell's puritans if they were still around? Given that what _they_ did in Ireland and elsewhere makes present day protestant bigots look like pussycats.