Mum's the Word, Lest We Provoke a Lethal Tantrum
BY JAMES LILEKS
Clip and save, for this may come in handy:
If you mock Islam with a drawing or a novel, you get riots and dead people. News of mishandled holy books yields riots and dead people. Insufficiently reverent short films by a Dutchman yields a dead person, specifically the Dutchman.
Now we add this detail: Quoting medieval religious colloquies is a reasonable justification for burning churches, shooting a nun and holding up signs demanding that the pope convert to Islam or saw off his own head. (There have been reports of carpal tunnel syndrome among radical Islam's enforcers, and they have requested we all help out.)
This is a new twist: Now history itself cannot be discussed. Since it's difficult to predict what else will enflame the devout, Islam has to be treated with unusual deference, like a 3-year-old child with anger management problems.
But it's not what we say that truly offends. It's what we are. The West's lack of interest in joining the Ummah is an affront in itself, and we broadcast our sins in High Infidelity. If you believed that the West's apostasy was an affront to God, you'd spend your leisure hours torching straw popes too.
Progressives at home and abroad seem oddly unconcerned. "Islamophobia," after all, is just a product of the BushCo junta's relentless fearmongering, and Benedict is the Nazi pope who personally swipes the condoms from people's bedroom drawers.
But it's an inconvenient truth, to coin a phrase, when the ranters show up with vibrating uvulas demanding the pope's assassination. (Would they be satisfied with a docudrama version? It would go over big at Cannes.)
It's inconvenient when glowering young men line the walk outside Westminster Cathedral with anti-pope signs, thereby showing that England's radical Muslims have sunk to the level of idiots who protest funerals with GOD HATES FAGS placards. Such images cause a momentary pang of dismay among some: That's not helpful, chaps. Not helpful at all.
See, the real problem is the West and its bluenose brigade, its Wal-Marts and Hummers and Big Gulp lifestyles. The Christianists, as some clever equivocators call them, are an impediment to Utopia as great as the terrorists. No less a philosopher than Rosie O'Donnell said so on "The View" recently, proclaiming Christian fundamentalists and Islamicists equal threats to America. They're both judgmental -- boo, hiss! -- and that makes them equal.Rosie had a point, one supposes. Using the legislative process to pass faith-based initiatives, driving jets into skyscrapers: madness, everywhere.
At the risk of making a generalization: The secular right seems more tolerant of Christianity, and skeptical towards large swaths of Islam.
The secular left often seems annoyed and contemptuous towards American religion -- unless the pastor on the dais insists Jesus would have been a board member of Planned Parenthood -- and oddly protective of Islam. Not because they believe in it; heavens, no. Some progressives are simply besotted by any civilization not their own.
Others have no vocabulary to oppose its more radical manifestations, because, well, we cannot judge other cultures. (Unless they're in the American South.) Others are less concerned by Islamicists because they have greater dislike for the people who oppose radical Islam, who are probably bigots. (Boo, hiss!) When those theo-neos get tough on radical Islam, it's just a convenient mask for their dislike of the Scary Non-Christian Dusky Hordes. Besides, what about the Crusades and the Inquisition? Huh? OK, then.
...
It'll take something drastic to change their minds. A dirty bomb? Maybe. A demonstration in Pakistan in favor of Wal-Mart? That would certainly reorder some opinions.
In the meantime, we will learn to say less and less about more and more. As the grim cliche has it: If you say Islam isn't always a religion of peace, the Islamicists will kill you. This doesn't make them hypocrites, of course.
The grave is a very peaceful place.
Pertinent Links:
1) Mum's the Word, Lest We Provoke a Lethal Tantrum
Thursday, September 21, 2006
MOSLEM TOLERANCE
Is this what they mean by 'Muslim tolerance'?
By PETER HITCHENS
Listen to this: "Make war on the unbelievers and the hypocrites and deal rigorously with them. Hell shall be their home: an evil fate."
Or then again, this: "Believers, take neither the Jews nor the Christians for your friends."
Then there is the instruction to fight against those who are not of the true faith "until they pay tribute out of hand and are utterly subdued".
All are direct quotations from the Koran, which Muslims believe to be the absolute word of Allah, and which cannot be altered.
If you seek even more ferocious attacks on Christianity and Judaism, you will find them in the Hadith, Islam's other great book of scripture.
Week after week in those lands where Muslims rule and Christians are a minority, the message pours out from the mosques: "God did not have a son."
All the central doctrines of the Christian faith are emphatically denied. Things are said about Jews and Christians, sometimes comparing them to pigs and monkeys, which would attract the attention of the Thought Police if they were uttered here.
Only recently an Afghan was threatened with death - the prescribed punishment under Sharia law - for converting from Islam to Christianity.
Christians in Pakistan live in constant fear of attacks on their churches and their homes, usually following false allegations that someone has burned a Koran.
Coptic Christians in Egypt suffer a similar misery. Christian Arabs who can afford to have been emigrating by the thousands to avoid increasing persecution by their Muslim neighbours.
Hypocritical fury
For years Liberals in the West have spread the myth of "Muslim tolerance". It does not exist and never did. Where Islam rules, other faiths must cringe in humiliated subjection.
These are facts. Is it not astonishing that this militant, angry religion, whose name means not "Peace", but "Submission", whose whole existence is based on the denial and rejection of its rivals, dares to get into a self-righteous rage over an obscure quotation in a dull academic lecture by the head of the Roman Catholic Church?
In Islam it is still the year 1427. They have had no reformation. The more Islamic a state is, the more its women are shrouded and confined, the more its minorities are despised - and the more freedom of thought and speech are crushed.
Pertinent Links:
1) Is this what they mean by 'Muslim tolerance'?
2) The Religion of Peace
By PETER HITCHENS
Listen to this: "Make war on the unbelievers and the hypocrites and deal rigorously with them. Hell shall be their home: an evil fate."
Or then again, this: "Believers, take neither the Jews nor the Christians for your friends."
Then there is the instruction to fight against those who are not of the true faith "until they pay tribute out of hand and are utterly subdued".
All are direct quotations from the Koran, which Muslims believe to be the absolute word of Allah, and which cannot be altered.
If you seek even more ferocious attacks on Christianity and Judaism, you will find them in the Hadith, Islam's other great book of scripture.
Week after week in those lands where Muslims rule and Christians are a minority, the message pours out from the mosques: "God did not have a son."
All the central doctrines of the Christian faith are emphatically denied. Things are said about Jews and Christians, sometimes comparing them to pigs and monkeys, which would attract the attention of the Thought Police if they were uttered here.
Only recently an Afghan was threatened with death - the prescribed punishment under Sharia law - for converting from Islam to Christianity.
Christians in Pakistan live in constant fear of attacks on their churches and their homes, usually following false allegations that someone has burned a Koran.
Coptic Christians in Egypt suffer a similar misery. Christian Arabs who can afford to have been emigrating by the thousands to avoid increasing persecution by their Muslim neighbours.
Hypocritical fury
For years Liberals in the West have spread the myth of "Muslim tolerance". It does not exist and never did. Where Islam rules, other faiths must cringe in humiliated subjection.
These are facts. Is it not astonishing that this militant, angry religion, whose name means not "Peace", but "Submission", whose whole existence is based on the denial and rejection of its rivals, dares to get into a self-righteous rage over an obscure quotation in a dull academic lecture by the head of the Roman Catholic Church?
In Islam it is still the year 1427. They have had no reformation. The more Islamic a state is, the more its women are shrouded and confined, the more its minorities are despised - and the more freedom of thought and speech are crushed.
Pertinent Links:
1) Is this what they mean by 'Muslim tolerance'?
2) The Religion of Peace
MUSHARRAF & UN REFORMS
Musharraf explains Pak perspective about UN Reforms to Annan
NEW YORK: President General Pervez Musharraf Wednesday said United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has played an important role in restoring peace and resolving conflicts in the world.
...
President Musharraf said reforms in United Nations Security Council should be introduced with consensus and Pakistan is continuing its efforts for achieving this goal with the help of other countries having similar approach to the issue.
...
UN Secretary General appreciated the leadership qualities of President General Pervez Musharraf and said being UN Secretary general with president Musharraf time and again had been very conducive.
Mr Annan said, he had worked in his best abilities for restoring peace in the world.
During the meeting they also discussed at length the situation in Afghanistan. Mr Annan also praised the role of government of Pakistan in providing relief to quake affectees in Pakistan.
Pertinent Links:
1) Musharraf explains Pak perspective about UN Reforms to Annan
NEW YORK: President General Pervez Musharraf Wednesday said United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has played an important role in restoring peace and resolving conflicts in the world.
...
President Musharraf said reforms in United Nations Security Council should be introduced with consensus and Pakistan is continuing its efforts for achieving this goal with the help of other countries having similar approach to the issue.
...
UN Secretary General appreciated the leadership qualities of President General Pervez Musharraf and said being UN Secretary general with president Musharraf time and again had been very conducive.
Mr Annan said, he had worked in his best abilities for restoring peace in the world.
During the meeting they also discussed at length the situation in Afghanistan. Mr Annan also praised the role of government of Pakistan in providing relief to quake affectees in Pakistan.
Pertinent Links:
1) Musharraf explains Pak perspective about UN Reforms to Annan
PAKISTAN WILL GET CIVIL NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY AT ANY COST
Pak to get civil nuclear technology at any cost: Kasuri
NEW YORK: Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri has said that Pakistan will get civil nuclear technology at any cost and being a recognized nuclear power any hesitation in developed nations with regard to transfer of nuclear technology to the country was incomprehensible.
...
Pakistan have a complete infrastructure and resources for getting the technology and we will achieve it at any cost, Kasuri said.
Foreign minister Khursheed Mehmood Kasuri has stated that Pakistan is a declared nuclear power and it can acquire civil nuclear technology from anywhere. He said that we need the technology and it will not be employed for manufacturing nuclear weapons.
...
In the meeting with Shah Abdullah, both leaders discussed regional and international issues, such as the initiation of peace process in the Middle East. Both leaders agreed that sovereign Palestinian state should be created soon.
President discussed Afghanistan situation with the president of, Finland who is also the president of the European Union. President of Finland expressed gratitude to Musharraf for helping European Union and NATO in Afghanistan. President asked her that Pakistan should be granted easy access to European markets. They agreed that Pakistan-EU relations need to be strengthened.
Foreign minister further added that he met Secretary General of NATO and the foreign ministers of Australia, Mexico, Britain and China. He discussed with these foreign ministers issues like the state of affairs in Lebanon, situation in the Middle East, the UN reforms and the circumstances in Afghanistan.
He stressed EU and its members that they should maintain parity in the Nuclear Supplier Group. Energy is a need of Pakistan.
In his meeting with the president of African Union, president stressed the importance of strengthening relations with the African countries. Pakistan will establish embassies in many of the African countries. He also offered to train the officials from Congo in Pakistan.
Foreign minister added that he invited the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Australia and Britain to visit Pakistan.
In an answer to a question he said that president Musharraf has got vast support for his plans for the solution of Kashmir issue. Indian PM has also acknowledged that his meeting with president Musharraf was fruitful. President is optimistic about the solution of Kashmir problem. He said that war is no solution to this problem. A solution should be sought which is also acceptable to Kashmiris.
Pakistan and India want to end antagonism, however, there are numerous obstacles in this regard.
He asserted that we are declared atomic power and we will obtain civil nuclear technology. 65 thousand engineers, scientists and technicians are working on Pakistan?s nuclear programme, so we can get civil nuclear technology from anywhere. The technology is economical and we need it. Nuclear Supplier Group should adopt a realistic approach and should not discriminate against Pakistan. The command and control system of Pakistan?s nuclear programme is well-built and there is no danger of its proliferation.
Pakistan will not let it go into wrong hands.
Pertinent Links:
1) Pak to get civil nuclear technology at any cost: Kasuri
NEW YORK: Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri has said that Pakistan will get civil nuclear technology at any cost and being a recognized nuclear power any hesitation in developed nations with regard to transfer of nuclear technology to the country was incomprehensible.
...
Pakistan have a complete infrastructure and resources for getting the technology and we will achieve it at any cost, Kasuri said.
Foreign minister Khursheed Mehmood Kasuri has stated that Pakistan is a declared nuclear power and it can acquire civil nuclear technology from anywhere. He said that we need the technology and it will not be employed for manufacturing nuclear weapons.
...
In the meeting with Shah Abdullah, both leaders discussed regional and international issues, such as the initiation of peace process in the Middle East. Both leaders agreed that sovereign Palestinian state should be created soon.
President discussed Afghanistan situation with the president of, Finland who is also the president of the European Union. President of Finland expressed gratitude to Musharraf for helping European Union and NATO in Afghanistan. President asked her that Pakistan should be granted easy access to European markets. They agreed that Pakistan-EU relations need to be strengthened.
Foreign minister further added that he met Secretary General of NATO and the foreign ministers of Australia, Mexico, Britain and China. He discussed with these foreign ministers issues like the state of affairs in Lebanon, situation in the Middle East, the UN reforms and the circumstances in Afghanistan.
He stressed EU and its members that they should maintain parity in the Nuclear Supplier Group. Energy is a need of Pakistan.
In his meeting with the president of African Union, president stressed the importance of strengthening relations with the African countries. Pakistan will establish embassies in many of the African countries. He also offered to train the officials from Congo in Pakistan.
Foreign minister added that he invited the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Australia and Britain to visit Pakistan.
In an answer to a question he said that president Musharraf has got vast support for his plans for the solution of Kashmir issue. Indian PM has also acknowledged that his meeting with president Musharraf was fruitful. President is optimistic about the solution of Kashmir problem. He said that war is no solution to this problem. A solution should be sought which is also acceptable to Kashmiris.
Pakistan and India want to end antagonism, however, there are numerous obstacles in this regard.
He asserted that we are declared atomic power and we will obtain civil nuclear technology. 65 thousand engineers, scientists and technicians are working on Pakistan?s nuclear programme, so we can get civil nuclear technology from anywhere. The technology is economical and we need it. Nuclear Supplier Group should adopt a realistic approach and should not discriminate against Pakistan. The command and control system of Pakistan?s nuclear programme is well-built and there is no danger of its proliferation.
Pakistan will not let it go into wrong hands.
Pertinent Links:
1) Pak to get civil nuclear technology at any cost: Kasuri
MUSHARRAF: MULLAH OMAR IN AFGHANISTAN
Mullah Omar marshalling Taliban from Afghanistan: Musharraf
NEW YORK: President General Pervez Musharraf has said that Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar is not in Pakistan rather he is leading Taliban while sitting in Kandahar (Afghanistan).
Speaking at a function held under the Clinton Global Initiative on Wednesday, the president said Taliban have again emerged because of the presence of allied forces in Afghanistan. The Afghan people never accepted foreign invasion that is why they have united against these forces but all the Pakhtoons are not Taliban.
Former US President Bill Clinton and US First Lady Laura Bush too addressed the gathering. In his address President General Pervez Musharraf said that though the country was with the West during the cold war era and is the biggest ally in the war against terror still there are lots of misunderstandings regarding Pakistan.
President Musharraf said that besides military action in these areas a strategy has been developed so that the local people should be refrained from joining Taliban.
He said that the government of Pakistan did not set any accord with Taliban. The peace accord was set with the local people of North Waziristan that they would not allow any kind of movement of Taliban in the region. The government is trying to set such kind of accord in South Waziristan and then in Afghanistan.
He told that some of the Taliban tried to enter Pakistan from Afghanistan on Tuesday but the locals handed over these Taliban to security forces.
Commenting on Pope Benedicts remarks about Islam, he said Pope’s remarks about Islam has raised deep concern across the Muslim World adding that the remarks were deeply unnecessary.
...
President General Pervez Musharraf said that in addition to understanding terrorism, extremism needs to be understood as well as it is equally dangerous as is terrorism.
President General Pervez Musharraf said that after Al-Qaeda our focus is on Taliban as it is a bigger danger than Al-Qaeda as they have roots amongst the masses.
...
We are doing away with Talibanization from the society. President General Pervez Musharraf said that Pakistan is the sole country in the world that understood the problems and than chalked out a strategy.
...
He stressed the world community to take steps to resolve important issues like Palestine and Kashmir to root out terrorism and for durable peace in the world.
He stressed the need to put an end to the baseless propaganda against Islam and reiterated that Islam is the religion of peace and harmony. He said that publication of caricatures of Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH) in some European magazines and recently pope’s remarks against Islam disrupted Muslims all over the world.
He added that such kind of activities must be avoided to create harmony between different religions of the world.
Pertinent Links:
1) Mullah Omar marshalling Taliban from Afghanistan: Musharraf
The Taleban responds:
Taliban condemn Musharraf`s remarks
JALALABAD: Taliban have condemned remarks of the Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf about the movement.
Addressing the European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee on September 12 President Pervez Musharraf said that Taliban had overtaken Al Qaeda as the region’s biggest threat to security.
Taliban were more dangerous because they had roots as a social movement and not simply an ideology. Linking Taliban movement with Pakhtun society, the president said Taliban had roots in Afghanistan.
Dr Mohammad Hanif, the purported spokesman for Taliban, told Pajhwok Afghan News via telephone the movement was not only linked with Pakhtun but with all Afghans.
Relating Taliban with Pakhtuns and Tajiks was a clear interference in the internal affairs of the Afghanistan.
He said: "Pakistan has a problem that it intervenes and take part in every matter." Musharraf remarks would have no affect on their movement, he contended.
Meanwhile, Meshrano Jirga (upper house) has also rejected President Musharraf’s remarks.
Read both articles...
Pertinent Links:
1) Mullah Omar marshalling Taliban from Afghanistan: Musharraf
2) Taliban condemn Musharraf`s remarks
NEW YORK: President General Pervez Musharraf has said that Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar is not in Pakistan rather he is leading Taliban while sitting in Kandahar (Afghanistan).
Speaking at a function held under the Clinton Global Initiative on Wednesday, the president said Taliban have again emerged because of the presence of allied forces in Afghanistan. The Afghan people never accepted foreign invasion that is why they have united against these forces but all the Pakhtoons are not Taliban.
Former US President Bill Clinton and US First Lady Laura Bush too addressed the gathering. In his address President General Pervez Musharraf said that though the country was with the West during the cold war era and is the biggest ally in the war against terror still there are lots of misunderstandings regarding Pakistan.
President Musharraf said that besides military action in these areas a strategy has been developed so that the local people should be refrained from joining Taliban.
He said that the government of Pakistan did not set any accord with Taliban. The peace accord was set with the local people of North Waziristan that they would not allow any kind of movement of Taliban in the region. The government is trying to set such kind of accord in South Waziristan and then in Afghanistan.
He told that some of the Taliban tried to enter Pakistan from Afghanistan on Tuesday but the locals handed over these Taliban to security forces.
Commenting on Pope Benedicts remarks about Islam, he said Pope’s remarks about Islam has raised deep concern across the Muslim World adding that the remarks were deeply unnecessary.
...
President General Pervez Musharraf said that in addition to understanding terrorism, extremism needs to be understood as well as it is equally dangerous as is terrorism.
President General Pervez Musharraf said that after Al-Qaeda our focus is on Taliban as it is a bigger danger than Al-Qaeda as they have roots amongst the masses.
...
We are doing away with Talibanization from the society. President General Pervez Musharraf said that Pakistan is the sole country in the world that understood the problems and than chalked out a strategy.
...
He stressed the world community to take steps to resolve important issues like Palestine and Kashmir to root out terrorism and for durable peace in the world.
He stressed the need to put an end to the baseless propaganda against Islam and reiterated that Islam is the religion of peace and harmony. He said that publication of caricatures of Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH) in some European magazines and recently pope’s remarks against Islam disrupted Muslims all over the world.
He added that such kind of activities must be avoided to create harmony between different religions of the world.
Pertinent Links:
1) Mullah Omar marshalling Taliban from Afghanistan: Musharraf
The Taleban responds:
Taliban condemn Musharraf`s remarks
JALALABAD: Taliban have condemned remarks of the Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf about the movement.
Addressing the European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee on September 12 President Pervez Musharraf said that Taliban had overtaken Al Qaeda as the region’s biggest threat to security.
Taliban were more dangerous because they had roots as a social movement and not simply an ideology. Linking Taliban movement with Pakhtun society, the president said Taliban had roots in Afghanistan.
Dr Mohammad Hanif, the purported spokesman for Taliban, told Pajhwok Afghan News via telephone the movement was not only linked with Pakhtun but with all Afghans.
Relating Taliban with Pakhtuns and Tajiks was a clear interference in the internal affairs of the Afghanistan.
He said: "Pakistan has a problem that it intervenes and take part in every matter." Musharraf remarks would have no affect on their movement, he contended.
Meanwhile, Meshrano Jirga (upper house) has also rejected President Musharraf’s remarks.
Read both articles...
Pertinent Links:
1) Mullah Omar marshalling Taliban from Afghanistan: Musharraf
2) Taliban condemn Musharraf`s remarks
AHMADINEJAD "RESPECTS" THE POPE
Anger over Pope’s remarks abates as leaders meet
Vatican City• Muslim anger at Pope Benedict XVI’s comments linking Islam with violence showed the first signs of abating yesterday as Iran’s hardline president voiced his “respect” for the Pope and religious leaders met for inter-faith talks in Rome.
Rome’s top Muslim religious official said the pontiff’s apology to Islam had opened the way for fresh dialogue between religions.
Sami Salem, the Imam of Rome’s Grand Mosque, said the pontiff had “stepped back” with his apology on Sunday for linking Islam with violence, and this was a “positive signal for the development of dialogue.”
“Now the time is ripe for a dialogue between the different religions,” the imam said in an interview with Rome’s radio 101.
...
Salem said he hoped yesterday’s meeting would open “a new phase of love and understanding between the religions.”
His words were in marked contrast to a statement on Monday in which he said the pope’s statement had “set back by years” the progress of inter-religious dialogue.
Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad struck a conciliatory tone during a visit to Roman Catholic-majority Venezuela, saying the pope had “modified” his remarks that had offended Muslims worldwide.
“We respect the Pope and all those interested in peace and justice,” Ahmadinejad told a news conference before departing Caracas. “I understand that he has modified the remarks he made.”
Vatican City• Muslim anger at Pope Benedict XVI’s comments linking Islam with violence showed the first signs of abating yesterday as Iran’s hardline president voiced his “respect” for the Pope and religious leaders met for inter-faith talks in Rome.
Rome’s top Muslim religious official said the pontiff’s apology to Islam had opened the way for fresh dialogue between religions.
Sami Salem, the Imam of Rome’s Grand Mosque, said the pontiff had “stepped back” with his apology on Sunday for linking Islam with violence, and this was a “positive signal for the development of dialogue.”
“Now the time is ripe for a dialogue between the different religions,” the imam said in an interview with Rome’s radio 101.
...
Salem said he hoped yesterday’s meeting would open “a new phase of love and understanding between the religions.”
His words were in marked contrast to a statement on Monday in which he said the pope’s statement had “set back by years” the progress of inter-religious dialogue.
Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad struck a conciliatory tone during a visit to Roman Catholic-majority Venezuela, saying the pope had “modified” his remarks that had offended Muslims worldwide.
“We respect the Pope and all those interested in peace and justice,” Ahmadinejad told a news conference before departing Caracas. “I understand that he has modified the remarks he made.”
On Sunday, the pope said he was “deeply sorry” for the reaction to a speech he made last week.
The speech sparked several days of protests in Muslim countries against the leader of the world’s 1.1 billion Roman Catholics.
...
There have been no incidents of violence in Britain as a result of the anger caused by the pope’s remarks, though London police are investigating whether a Muslim protest outside Westminster Cathedral breached laws on incitement to violence.
Australia, with a growing Muslim population, has also escaped violence, but Sydney Archbishop George Pell said the reaction in parts of the Muslim world to the Pope’s remarks bore out fears over the link between Islam and violence.
These two points cannot be stressed enough, so I will post them again:
1) the Pope said he was “deeply sorry” for the reaction to a speech he made last week.
He was sorry for the reaction by the moslem hordes, HE WAS NOT SORRY FOR WHAT HE SAID...
2) Sydney Archbishop George Pell said the reaction in parts of the Muslim world to the Pope’s remarks bore out fears over the link between Islam and violence.
Pertinent Links:
HANIYAH & ABBAS, DOUBLE TEAMING THE INFIDEL
Palestinians in ‘dire need’ of US help, says Abbas
NEW YORK • Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told US President George W Bush here yesterday that the Palestinians, who face their worst fiscal and political crisis in years, were in “dire need” of US help.
Bush recommitted himself to US-backed efforts to create a Palestinian state living side by side at peace with Israel, but made no public offers to end the international boycott of the Palestinian government led by Hamas militants.
“Mister President, we look forward to your support and your help and your aid because we are in dire need for your help and support,” Abbas said as they met here on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
“I assure you that our government wants to work with you in order so that you’re capable of delivering the vision that so many Palestinians long for,” the US president said during a joint public appearance.
Bush called the two-state Middle East peace solution “one of the great objectives of my administration” and took pains to praise Abbas.
“I fully understand that in order to achieve this vision there must be leaders willing to speak out and act on behalf of people who yearn for peace. And you are such a leader, Mister President,” said Bush.
Deputy US national security adviser Elliott Abrams said that the US position of denying direct aid to the Palestinian Authority, under control of Hamas, was “unchanged” but that Washington was providing indirect humanitarian aid.
He told reporters that US humanitarian aid was reaching the Palestinians through non-governmental organisations and parts of the Palestinian Authority not under Hamas control, either independent or answering to Abbas.
But unless the Palestinian government led by Hamas, which Washington considers a terrorist organisation, recognises Israel and renounces violence “our lack of a relationship with them will not change,” said Abrams.
Asked whether Abbas had brought up the issue of increased US aid, Abrams replied: “He didn’t raise the issue directly because I think he understood what our ground rules are.”
“The ground rules won’t change,” he said, adding that the Middle East “quartet” of the United States, Russia, the United Nations, and Europe would meet here yesterday and that he hoped it would “take a position close to American policy.”
“We’d like to see the quartet commend the efforts that president Abbas is making,” he said. “There is a kind of stalemate on the Palestinian side, because of the inability of his government to win international legitimacy.”
“He’s trying to figure out a way out of that, and we certainly hope he succeeds,” he said. Bush and Abbas met aft er the Palestinian prime minister, Ismail Haniyah, rejected conditions set by the Middle East quartet for resuming direct aid.
...
Palestinian spokesman Nabil Abou Rudeina said Bush and Abbas had “frank and positive” talks and that Abbas had discussed his efforts “to form a national unity government that respects the agreements signed by the (Palestinian Liberation Organisation.”
Butttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt...
Haniyah rejects quartet’s terms for aid
GAZA CITY • Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyah yesterday rejected conditions set by the so-called Middle East quartet for resuming direct financial aid to the Palestinian administration.
“Conditions are being imposed on the Palestinian people. They want us to condemn the resistance and that we recognise (international) agreements,” he told hundreds of Palestinians rallying in support of his Hamas-led government.
“We are sticking by the national reconciliation document which does not recognise the legality of the occupation and reaffirms the legality of the resistance” that will “continue,” Haniya added.
The quartet — European Union, Russia, the United Nations and the US — has demanded Haniyah’s radical governing movement Hamas formally recognise Israel, renounce violence and abide by past peace agreements.
“We do not want to damage the interests of the Palestinian people,” added Haniya, making clear that in his eyes, that meant not capitulating.
The European Union and US cut direct aid to the aid-dependent Palestinian government after Haniyah’s Hamas-led cabinet took office in March because of the Islamist movement’s refusal to accept the conditions.
Pertinent Links:
1) Palestinians in ‘dire need’ of US help, says Abbas
2) Haniyah rejects quartet’s terms for aid
NEW YORK • Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told US President George W Bush here yesterday that the Palestinians, who face their worst fiscal and political crisis in years, were in “dire need” of US help.
Bush recommitted himself to US-backed efforts to create a Palestinian state living side by side at peace with Israel, but made no public offers to end the international boycott of the Palestinian government led by Hamas militants.
“Mister President, we look forward to your support and your help and your aid because we are in dire need for your help and support,” Abbas said as they met here on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
“I assure you that our government wants to work with you in order so that you’re capable of delivering the vision that so many Palestinians long for,” the US president said during a joint public appearance.
Bush called the two-state Middle East peace solution “one of the great objectives of my administration” and took pains to praise Abbas.
“I fully understand that in order to achieve this vision there must be leaders willing to speak out and act on behalf of people who yearn for peace. And you are such a leader, Mister President,” said Bush.
Deputy US national security adviser Elliott Abrams said that the US position of denying direct aid to the Palestinian Authority, under control of Hamas, was “unchanged” but that Washington was providing indirect humanitarian aid.
He told reporters that US humanitarian aid was reaching the Palestinians through non-governmental organisations and parts of the Palestinian Authority not under Hamas control, either independent or answering to Abbas.
But unless the Palestinian government led by Hamas, which Washington considers a terrorist organisation, recognises Israel and renounces violence “our lack of a relationship with them will not change,” said Abrams.
Asked whether Abbas had brought up the issue of increased US aid, Abrams replied: “He didn’t raise the issue directly because I think he understood what our ground rules are.”
“The ground rules won’t change,” he said, adding that the Middle East “quartet” of the United States, Russia, the United Nations, and Europe would meet here yesterday and that he hoped it would “take a position close to American policy.”
“We’d like to see the quartet commend the efforts that president Abbas is making,” he said. “There is a kind of stalemate on the Palestinian side, because of the inability of his government to win international legitimacy.”
“He’s trying to figure out a way out of that, and we certainly hope he succeeds,” he said. Bush and Abbas met aft er the Palestinian prime minister, Ismail Haniyah, rejected conditions set by the Middle East quartet for resuming direct aid.
...
Palestinian spokesman Nabil Abou Rudeina said Bush and Abbas had “frank and positive” talks and that Abbas had discussed his efforts “to form a national unity government that respects the agreements signed by the (Palestinian Liberation Organisation.”
Butttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt...
Haniyah rejects quartet’s terms for aid
GAZA CITY • Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyah yesterday rejected conditions set by the so-called Middle East quartet for resuming direct financial aid to the Palestinian administration.
“Conditions are being imposed on the Palestinian people. They want us to condemn the resistance and that we recognise (international) agreements,” he told hundreds of Palestinians rallying in support of his Hamas-led government.
“We are sticking by the national reconciliation document which does not recognise the legality of the occupation and reaffirms the legality of the resistance” that will “continue,” Haniya added.
The quartet — European Union, Russia, the United Nations and the US — has demanded Haniyah’s radical governing movement Hamas formally recognise Israel, renounce violence and abide by past peace agreements.
“We do not want to damage the interests of the Palestinian people,” added Haniya, making clear that in his eyes, that meant not capitulating.
The European Union and US cut direct aid to the aid-dependent Palestinian government after Haniyah’s Hamas-led cabinet took office in March because of the Islamist movement’s refusal to accept the conditions.
Pertinent Links:
1) Palestinians in ‘dire need’ of US help, says Abbas
2) Haniyah rejects quartet’s terms for aid
ARABS SEEN AS "TERRORISTS", IT'S AN ETHNIC, CULTURAL AND A RACIST THING
Americans sympathise with Israel: Scholar
Doha • The average Joe on the street in the US will continue to sympathise with Israel as the Jewish state is perceived as a nation of Holocaust survivors and their descendants.
Speaking at the Four Seasons Hotel here yesterday, Dean of Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service Robert L Gallucci said: "Americans have a deep sympathy for Israel's plight. Americans see Israel as surrounded by governments and violent groups dedicated to that country's destruction. The wars in the past have been defensive, a question of national survival."
While Israelis look similar to Americans, it is a sad fact that Arabs are seen as 'terrorists'. "This is an ethnic, cultural and to some degree, a racist thing," he said. The perceptions were compounded post-9/11.
However, this does not necessarily mean that the Palestinians are frowned upon. "There is general concern and the concern is growing, but slowly."
Gallucci's chosen topic yesterday was 'Crisis in the Middle East: A View from Washington', although he chose to totally digress from the theme at the outset and focus on the views of the American people.
Americans started waking up to the realities of the Palestinian situation once the images of teenagers being beaten up and atrocities being carried out by the Israeli Defence Force in the first intifada flashed across television screens. "Israel started looking like Goliath instead of David," he said.
Lebanon, however, is a different kettle of fish and a "complicated" issue. To the Americans, Hezbollah carried out unprovoked attacks. "They do not believe Hezbollah is acting in the best interest of the state or the people," said Gallucci.
However, when Americans saw the destruction caused by the Israeli retaliation, they saw it as disproportionate. "Even (US Secretary of State) Condoleezza Rice was shaken,' he said.
President George W Bush has by and large been uncritical of anything Israel has done. "But Americans turned against him when Bush took a blocking position on a ceasefire. Americans were not sympathetic to this position. But while they were critical of Israel, it did not mean opinion shifted in favour of Hezbollah," Gallucci said.
9/11 served as an ideal 'opportunity' to enter Iraq as it provided linkage with talk of the presence of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs). Gallucci, who had access to the intelligence reports due to his then-position in government, said he also believed that Iraq had WMDs. However, he soon changed his mind a when it became clear that weapons were not being regenerated.
"It was all incorrect. There was no linkage to Al Qaeda, no linkage to 9/11 and no WMDs. Generally, I think people were duped by the Bush administration," he stated.
Gallucci's career with the US State Department included service on the UN Special Commission on Iraq. (UNSCOM).
...
However, there is little demarcation between the thinking of the American public and the Bush administration when it comes to Iran. "Iran is characterised as a country that supports terrorists. It is a hegemonic threat to countries in the Gulf," Gallucci said.
Calling nuclear weapons a key issue vis-à-vis Iran, Gallucci said: "If negotiations do not take place, if no sanctions are imposed, the Bush administration would get worried."
And if the US resorted to force to break Iran given the present scenario, "possibly" the American people would support such a move.
This man teaches America's minds full of mush...
Pertinent Links:
1) Americans sympathise with Israel: Scholar
Doha • The average Joe on the street in the US will continue to sympathise with Israel as the Jewish state is perceived as a nation of Holocaust survivors and their descendants.
Speaking at the Four Seasons Hotel here yesterday, Dean of Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service Robert L Gallucci said: "Americans have a deep sympathy for Israel's plight. Americans see Israel as surrounded by governments and violent groups dedicated to that country's destruction. The wars in the past have been defensive, a question of national survival."
While Israelis look similar to Americans, it is a sad fact that Arabs are seen as 'terrorists'. "This is an ethnic, cultural and to some degree, a racist thing," he said. The perceptions were compounded post-9/11.
However, this does not necessarily mean that the Palestinians are frowned upon. "There is general concern and the concern is growing, but slowly."
Gallucci's chosen topic yesterday was 'Crisis in the Middle East: A View from Washington', although he chose to totally digress from the theme at the outset and focus on the views of the American people.
Americans started waking up to the realities of the Palestinian situation once the images of teenagers being beaten up and atrocities being carried out by the Israeli Defence Force in the first intifada flashed across television screens. "Israel started looking like Goliath instead of David," he said.
Lebanon, however, is a different kettle of fish and a "complicated" issue. To the Americans, Hezbollah carried out unprovoked attacks. "They do not believe Hezbollah is acting in the best interest of the state or the people," said Gallucci.
However, when Americans saw the destruction caused by the Israeli retaliation, they saw it as disproportionate. "Even (US Secretary of State) Condoleezza Rice was shaken,' he said.
President George W Bush has by and large been uncritical of anything Israel has done. "But Americans turned against him when Bush took a blocking position on a ceasefire. Americans were not sympathetic to this position. But while they were critical of Israel, it did not mean opinion shifted in favour of Hezbollah," Gallucci said.
9/11 served as an ideal 'opportunity' to enter Iraq as it provided linkage with talk of the presence of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs). Gallucci, who had access to the intelligence reports due to his then-position in government, said he also believed that Iraq had WMDs. However, he soon changed his mind a when it became clear that weapons were not being regenerated.
"It was all incorrect. There was no linkage to Al Qaeda, no linkage to 9/11 and no WMDs. Generally, I think people were duped by the Bush administration," he stated.
Gallucci's career with the US State Department included service on the UN Special Commission on Iraq. (UNSCOM).
...
However, there is little demarcation between the thinking of the American public and the Bush administration when it comes to Iran. "Iran is characterised as a country that supports terrorists. It is a hegemonic threat to countries in the Gulf," Gallucci said.
Calling nuclear weapons a key issue vis-à-vis Iran, Gallucci said: "If negotiations do not take place, if no sanctions are imposed, the Bush administration would get worried."
And if the US resorted to force to break Iran given the present scenario, "possibly" the American people would support such a move.
This man teaches America's minds full of mush...
Pertinent Links:
1) Americans sympathise with Israel: Scholar