Go to Religion in the Modern World
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Xeno-x - I'm sorry, but that is just naieve
There is no peaceful solution to religiously motivated terrorism. The inevitable outcome is that both of the groups involved in the conflict become locked into an ever escalating stalemate. Where we must be extremely cautious to not further exacerbate this conflict by escalating our own rhetoric, we are still going to have to face some inescapable facts. The two most glaring are: that there is no effective way to win a war against terrorism by remaining within the confines of human decency and the moderate Muslim world is not doing anything of consequence to help us with this problem. We have more to lose than they do if we continue with escalation and they know it. Our only option at this point is to bring pressure to bear on the moderate Muslim majority. Turning the other cheek against such a determined foe is only going to leave us with two sore cheeks.
posted by
gomedome
on June 7, 2006 at 3:26 PM
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personally i don't know what's preached in the mosques
my information would have to come from someone who has been there and heard it and would be an objective source.
but Christians (and we can see such an attitude on Blogit among "Christians" [justi's latest blog is a good example] are ready to throw stones from their glass houses, engaging in behavior similar to that of their religious counterparts.
from what i recallof a particular teaching of he whom Christians hold up as their teacher, etc. -- don't return evil for evil -- turnthe other cheek -- do and wish good things for your enemies.
do you want to read Justi's blog -- and those of a few other "Christians" here? Would you typify their comments as following the precepts set down by he whom they purport to follow?
You want peace -- you must act peaceable.
You must find means to end violence; you cannot end violence with more violence.
posted by
Xeno-x
on June 7, 2006 at 2:40 PM
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gomedome
Thank you. You hit the nail on the head. And this war --for war is what it truly is -- won't be won by deriding, and shedding our own values.
Never in the whole of human history have nations harboured such a fatal death wish as ours. And in this context, what one wishes for is what one gets ... rapidly
posted by
ariel70
on June 7, 2006 at 2:33 PM
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ariel70 - that's powerful stuff
You know the saddest aspect of all of this? There is no politically correct solution to terrorism. It cannot be dealt with to any degree of effectiveness by playing by the rules of human decency.
posted by
gomedome
on June 7, 2006 at 2:30 PM
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Gomedome et al
Some reflections on seeing a photo of Muslim children at prayer below my article
Look at the eager, trusting faces of those beautiful, innocent Muslim children at prayer at the foot of my article on Muslim fundamentalism in the August edition of this magazine.
Look at their faces : and wonder to which god they pray. Do they pray to the just and merciful Allah : or the unjust and merciless god of fundamentalist Islam ; that cruel god of destruction, and slaughter of the innocent?
Look at their faces : and wonder what virulent and unreasoning hatred against your children is being inculcated in their receptive minds.
Look at their faces : and consider that in due time it will be they, or youngsters like them, whose bodies will be shredded by the suicide bombs buckled about them. Look at their faces : and wonder if one day they will visit your town.
Look at their faces : and rage at what is done in the name of Islam. Look at their faces : and dare to call me racist for condemning the evil perversion of Muslim children’s minds.
Look at their faces : and weep for what one day may come to them. Look at their faces : and weep for what one day may come to your children.
© Terry Flower 2004
posted by
ariel70
on June 7, 2006 at 2:21 PM
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redwood - I agree with most of what you are saying but >>>>
I can't help but feel that the news about the banning of the Da Vinci Code in Pakistan, has more than just a little bit of spin on it.
posted by
gomedome
on June 7, 2006 at 2:16 PM
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Gomedome - differences can do different things to different groups
I was surprised to learn about events in Pakistan in the last week. The Christians in that country (about 3% of the population) protested against the "Da Vinci Code" movie coming to Pakistan. The Muslim majority did not shoot or arrest these people for their actions. They took a look at the reasons why Christian people were protesting and decided that the movie was offensive to the Muslim faith as well. I do not know enough about the Da Vinci movie to critisize it or endorse it. But I find it admirable that the two parties found a way to understand each other, at least in this situation. There are many countries where the same situation would have ended in bloodshed, just because people of one religion will use any excuse to strike out at those not in agreement.
posted by
redwood
on June 7, 2006 at 2:10 PM
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ariel70 - there still exists the very real aspect of being in a minority
And there are very few suitable forums to wage this war. Then some people just don't understand the significance of it all.
posted by
gomedome
on June 7, 2006 at 1:29 PM
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Gomedome
We all have a duty to do that. So why do so many of us fail to do so?
posted by
ariel70
on June 7, 2006 at 1:13 PM
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