One writer defends the use of force and argues against those who say Islam allows violence only for defense, but explains it this way:
vIslam does not force people to accept its belief, but it wants to provide a free environment in which they will have the choice of beliefs…., to abolish those oppressive political systems under which people are prevented from expressing their freedom to decide whether they accept Islam or not.
   --Sayyid Qutb, Milestones, Int’l Islamic Federation of Student Organizations, Salmiyah, Kuwait , pp. 78-79.
Jenkins, Mar 2003
Concepts of Jihad
Differing Opinions on Jihad