December 2003 Archives

"German authorities said on Tuesday they had uncovered plans by suspected Islamic extremists to launch a suicide car-bomb attack on a military hospital in the northern city of Hamburg." This from News24.com, with thanks to Nicolei.

"Dirk Nockemann, the Hamburg senator responsible for internal affairs, said the militant Islamic group, Ansar al-Islam, which is alleged to have links to al-Qaeda, was likely to be behind the plans. Citing United States intelligence sources, he said members of the group had planned a suicide-bomb attack, while an alternative target was the major US Rhein-Main air base in central Germany.

"Security at the hospital was immediately stepped up on Tuesday and surrounding streets sealed off. . . .

"The military hospital has 305 beds and handles some civilian services as well as military patients. US authorities believe Ansar al-Islam has links to Al-Qaeda, the extremist network responsible for the September 11 2001 attacks in the United States. The group's stronghold in northern Iraq was devastated by US air strikes in early April during the US invasion of Iraq. However, US commanders have said Ansar al-Islam has made a strong comeback, infiltrating Iraq from Iran and setting up operations in the Baghdad area.

"German intelligence services believe about 100 Ansar al-Islam militants are in Germany, mainly in the south of the country."

Few non-Muslims in America seem to recognize the realities of the institutionalized oppression that non-Muslims must endure under Islamic law. But the Vatican seems to be becoming quite aware of these realities: "Too many Islamic countries treat their Christian minorities as second-class citizens and bar them from building churches while Western states let their Muslims build mosques freely, according to a senior Vatican official." This from Reuters, with thanks to Nancy Block.

"Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, who recently retired as the Vatican's foreign minister, told the French Catholic daily La Croix Wednesday that Christianity and Islam faced 'an enormous task' of learning to live together in mutual tolerance. Tauran was the latest and highest-ranking Catholic official to voice concern about Vatican relations with Muslims, an issue seen as central for whoever succeeds the ailing Pope John Paul.

"'There are too many majority Muslim countries where non-Muslims are second-class citizens,' said Tauran, the church's top diplomat for 13 years before he had to step aside on being made a cardinal by Pope John Paul in October. Stressing the need for respect for minorities, he singled out 'the extreme case of Saudi Arabia, where freedom of religion is violated absolutely -- no Christian churches and a ban on celebrating Mass, even in a private home. Just like Muslims can build their houses of prayer anywhere in the world, the faithful of other religions should be able to do so as well,' the French-born cardinal said.

"Leading church figures have increasingly expressed concern about Islam in view of friction between Muslims and Christians in Africa and the Middle East and the difficult integration of Muslim minorities in traditionally Christian Europe.
La Civilta Cattolica, a Jesuit journal published with Vatican approval, said last October Islam had a 'warlike face' throughout history and charged Muslim countries such as Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Pakistan discriminated against Christians.

"This was seen as a departure from the more balanced approach the Vatican has taken toward the Muslim world, where it usually stressed both positive and negative aspects of its relations. In Rome that same month to celebrate Pope John Paul's 25th anniversary as pontiff, several cardinals cited relations with Islam as a key issue for the next papacy, akin to the Communist challenge at the beginning of the Polish pope's reign.

"The head of the United States bishops' conference, Bishop Wilton Gregory, spoke of potential religious violence. Referring to Islam in the West and in Africa, he said: 'It's growing in places it didn't exist before and it is growing in places where Christianity is growing. The world cannot afford a violence that is born of religious intolerance.'

"Saudi Arabia has rejected criticism of its ban on churches, arguing the Vatican would not let mosques be built on its land. Abid Ullah Jan, a Pakistani writer based in Canada, wrote that the Civilta Cattolica article signaled the Vatican had 'joined the ranks of intellectual warriors who are battling Islam with renewed zeal since the fall of the Soviet Union.'

"Since becoming cardinal, Tauran has taken a lower-profile post as Vatican librarian but has also been appointed to several important Church commissions for foreign affairs, Catholic doctrine, Eastern churches and bishops' appointments."

While most American textbooks present a whitewashed and incomplete picture of Islam -- one that has bordered on outright proselytization in some cases -- textbooks in the Islamic world do not tend to return the favor. "Virulent anti-Semitism, calls for Jihad and support for the elimination of Israel are entrenched in every level of Syria's school system, according to a study released by B'nai Brith International of 68 Syrian school textbooks spanning grades 1-12." This report is from the Jerusalem Post, with thanks to Jean-Luc.

"Conducted by the New York-based Center for Monitoring the Impact of Peace, the 30-page study titled, 'Jihad, Jews and Anti-Semitism in Syrian School Texts,' found that Syrian children are taught to hate Jews and Israel with such ferocity that genuine reconciliation between the two peoples appears unlikely in the near future.

"The study also highlights Syria's contradictory role in the international arena. Listed as one of seven sponsors of international terrorism by the US State Department, Syria also holds the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council and co-chairs its Human Rights Commission, based in Geneva.

"Among the many examples of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment provided in the study, which looked at government-funded texts only, is an excerpt from a 10th grade social studies text that describes Zionism as 'a racist-imperialist-colonialist-aggressive-expansionist political movement.' In an 11th grade reader, Zionism is termed the 'new Nazism' and a 'model of racist evil.'

"Eighth-graders are taught that, 'It is known that the Jews of today do not have any connection to Palestine,' and sixth-graders learn that 'The Prophet [Mohammed] knew about the treacherous intention harbored in the Jews' souls.'

"By age 15, Syrian children are read in their Islamic studies textbooks that Jews deserve to be liquidated: 'Co-existence with them or having them as neighbors, is an enormous danger that threatens Islamic and Arab existence with destruction and extinction. Their criminal intention should be turned against them by way of their elimination.'

"Calls for 'martyrdom' and terrorism are also tracked in the study. An Islamic studies text for grade-5 students describes praises Palestinian youth for 'rushing towards death, trying to reach it ahead of one another,' and 6th-graders learn: 'There is neither excuse nor forgiveness for the one who refrains from Jihad for the cause of God, for the purification of Palestine of the Jews.'

"B'nai Brith executive vice president Dan Mariaschin said that the study highlights the dim prospects for peace between Israel and Syria. 'Without education for peace, not incitement, good relations between Syria and Israel are unlikely,' he said." That's an understatement.

"Al-Qaeda has turned its terror sights to the sea, targeting luxury cruise liners in an expansion of its 'jihad' against the West." This from News.com.au, with thanks to Jean-Luc.

"Owners of the recently launched $1.3 billion Queen Mary 2 yesterday confirmed threats of terror hang over its maiden voyage early next year."

Jemaah Islamiya, the Indonesian radical Muslim terrorist group, has been widely reported as wanting to establish an Islamic state in Southeast Asia, incorporating Malaysia, Indonesia, Mindanao, and other areas. But Australia has usually been kept out of the equation -- until now. According to News.com.au, "occupation of Australia's Top End is a key goal of terror organisation Jemaah Islamiyah, a leading London-based academic has claimed.

"Anthony Paul, from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said the al-Qaida-backed terror organisation wanted to incorporate northern Australia into a Muslim state that would also include South-East Asia. Writing in the respected Malaysian-based New Straits Times, Mr Paul said north Australia was part of Jemaah Islamiyah's plans for regional domination.

"Mr Paul compared JI's strategy to export global revolution with the former Soviet Union's expansionary plans. 'Instead of a world dominated by communist nation states, al-Qaida's vision is of a vast new Islamic nation -- a single caliphate (Muslim state) stretching from southern Spain to the Philippines. Jemaah Islamiyah promotes a more localised manifestation of the same dream -- a caliphate for South-East Asia and northern Australia.' . . .

"The NT Government yesterday called for the Federal Government to maintain a steady security focus in northern Australia. 'From our point of view the Federal Government needs to keep a firm focus on northern Australia because of its location,' a spokesman said. 'It can't just think of capital cities to the south, because we're close to the major population centres of the north.'

"Solomon MHR David Tollner said: 'The Federal Government's focus is very much to the north and it has shown a commitment to maintaining sound relations with our near neighbours.'" I hope he doesn't mistake "sound relations" for dhimmitude. (Thanks to Jean-Luc.)

"Hamas and Islamic Jihad have vowed to step up their attacks against Israel in the aftermath of Thursday's killing of the head of the armed wing of Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip." This from the Jerusalem Post, with thanks to Jean-Luc.

"Leaders of the two groups said over the weekend that the killing of Muqled Hamed and two of his companions in an IAF rocket attack on their car dealt a fatal blow to efforts to arrange a temporary truce with Israel."

So in response to the killing of the leader of the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, they are no doubt going to blow up more people on buses and restaurants. The fact that so many people don't see what's wrong with that picture is an index of the general decline of civilization.

A reader named "Abu Bara" has posted the following as a comment to an earlier article here. He writes as a Muslim calling people to Islam; this is dawah, the indispensable precursor to jihad.

I tend to think the message was really written by a Muslim, as it sounds like many similar calls that I have read over the years. Also, it contains many small things that would be unusual for a non-Muslim posing as a Muslim to know how to formulate properly.

Please note in particular Abu Bara's statement that "Muslims are obliged to defend themselves under strict guidelines set down by Allah(swt) if the criteria is met then such defence is permissible. The acts of 9/11 fulfilled this criteria and hence were totally justified, there is no argument amongst the Islamic Scholars regarding this."

Note also that he invites questions. If, therefore, you have ever wanted to ask a radical Muslim anything -- about justifying 9/11 or anything else -- now's your chance.

"Islam calls all people to Tawheed: To believe that there is none worthy to worship follow or obey in truth except for Allah(swt) and accept Muhammad(saw) as His Final Messenger.

"If we look to the world we find that everything is weak, limited or dependant. Man is weak; plants depend on sunlight; the sun is powered by nuclear reactions that are themselves limited.

"At present we are all living in societies where the Law of God is not present, where man has taken legislation into his own hands rejecting his Creator both explicitly and implicitly. Consequently when the Law of God is not executed corruption spreads as Allah(swt) has informed us in the Koran. Today we see this in the form of homosexuality, alcoholism, Sexually transmitted diseases, money laundering via interest based transactions...the list is endless.

"As Muslims we believe the only solution is to refer to our Creator who has given us the answers through Koranic revelation and Prophetic revelation. We reject all other ways of life and then believe in Allah(swt) His names and attributes exclusively:

"[2:256] Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth(Islam) stands out clear from Error(non-Islam): whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.

"All of a Muslims actions are purely for the sake of Allah(swt) not from personal desire hence when judging actions such as 9/11 reference must be made to the text to see whether it conflicts. Muslims are obliged to defend themselves under strict guidelines set down by Allah(swt) if the criteria is met then such defence is permissible. The acts of 9/11 fulfilled this criteria and hence were totally justified, there is no argument amongst the Islamic Scholars regarding this.
Humanity for example stems from mans ration and desire, if we look to man for answers and obey and follow him we will stray. Allah(swt)created man and he has commanded all of mankind to worship follow and obey Him exclusively.

"[3:85]If anyone desires a religion other than Islam, never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of those who have lost.

"[3:185] Every soul shall have a taste of death: And only on the Day of Judgment shall you be paid your full reward. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have attained the object of Life: For the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception.

"If you have any questions, by all means post them and i will do my best to answer them.

"Come to the call of Islam,

"Saiful Islam."

Even though revelations had already come out about the Ford Foundation's involvement in funding terrorist groups, Alyssa A. Lappen's Front Page piece today is eye-opening. Some of the new information even involves Khaled Abou El Fadl, the prominent Muslim academic who was recently embroiled in an imbroglio with an Egyptian newspaper he says misquoted him.

Read it all: it is full of enlightening information (plus an abundance of supporting links). But here are a few highlights:

"To most Americans, it may seem unlikely that the U.S. Constitution could -- or should -- ever be revised to conform to strict Islamic law. But an educational program funded by the Ford Foundation has explored that very possibility, challenging our right to unfettered freedom of speech. The program, administered by the woefully misnamed Constitutional Rights Foundation, asks students to ponder how the Constitution could be amended or otherwise interpreted to prohibit blasphemy against Allah. . . .

"Just how piddling are the offenses in question? Ask a group of young party-goers in Seattle. They printed a flyer advertizing a "rave" and unknowingly decorated it with a verse from the Koran. Ali-Salaam Mahmoud, head of the Sea Tac, Washington Majid As Salaam mosque demanded the rave promoters recall and destroy their 50,000 brochures. The rave promoters did not comply, but 400 Seattle Muslims organized a taxi work stoppage in protest. Several Jewish and Christian leaders supported the offended Muslims. . . .

"In Islam, cursing Allah or misusing the Koran is equivalent to blasphemy. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the legality of the offending brochure. Even if the rave promoters had knowingly used the Koran script, their right to distribute it would still be protected. No U.S. citizen is required to defer to this or any other religion; indeed, the Constitution confers on Americans the right to ridicule religion if they choose. . . .

"The Los Angeles-based Constitutional Rights Foundation was established in 1962 to 'instill in our nation's youth a deeper understanding of citizenship' and 'values expressed in our Constitution and Bill of Rights.' Its $3 million annual budget creates and distributes teaching materials ostensibly to support the Bill of Rights. However, CRF's Service Learning Network in 2002 issued online 'diversity' teaching units featuring terrorism and Islam sections--plus a whitewashed history of Islamic law and a proposed blasphemy amendment to the U.S. Constitution. CRF created the Islamic Issues segments for the winter 1998 edition of its quarterly newsletter.

"Its final Islamic study unit does ask students to consider Islamic views on the Salman Rushdie case--and a proposed blasphemy amendment to the U.S. Constitution stating, 'The First Amendment shall not be interpreted to protect blasphemous speech. States shall be free to enact anti-blasphemy laws as long as they prohibit offensive speech against all religions.' Students are asked to define blasphemy, explain the 'strong' Islamic reaction to Rushdie's novel, and assume the role of a U.S. Senator considering the amendment. They are not asked to discuss the Sharia punishment for blasphemy, which traditionally has been death. Such condemnations occur to this day. . . .

"The same Ford Foundation that funded anti-Semitic NGOs at the UN Conference Against Racism in Durban also finances CRF's Service Learning Network. . . . UCLA Islamic law professor Khaled Abou El Fadl was academic reviewer for CRF's 1998 Origins of Islamic Law unit, reissued online in 2002. He read the other units as well, according to Hayes, who adds that he continues to advise CRF on Islamic history together with University of Southern California Middle East 'expert' Lori Brand and UCLA associate history professor Michael Morony. Curiously, Hayes says the adviser for the blasphemy unit 'did not want to be identified.'

"In May 2003, El Fadl's reputed 'moderation' earned him a seat on the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (CIRF). In November 2002, he reported receiving death threats a year earlier, after writing that the September 11 attacks reflected a crisis at Islam's core. In April 2003, in a 10,000-word Boston Review essay El Fadl claimed that Sharia 'fulfills the criteria of justice and legitimacy,' is 'based on the rule of law,' and binds the governed to governor. Sharia 'deprives human beings of arbitrary authority over other human beings,' he claimed, and could therefore provide a 'normative stance' considering 'justice and diversity to be core values' of a democratic constitutional order.

"Sharia offers no democratic foundation, however. Far from protecting diversity or justice, Sharia historically has provoked and sanctioned oppression and wholesale genocide of non-Muslim minorities. Such policies continue to this day in Islamic countries like Pakistan, Sudan and Indonesia, where Muslims perpetrate genocide against Christian and other minorities with little sanction." But I doubt you will find Professor El Fadl acknowledging that.

Michael Ray Stubbs

"Philippine authorities said Tuesday they were set to deport two American brothers arrested for suspected links to terrorism and for allegedly meeting charity groups believed to be al-Qaida fronts in the country." So says AP.

"One of the men, Michael Ray Stubbs, worked as a heating and air conditioning technician at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory -- a major nuclear weapons lab outside San Francisco -- for about 10 years ending in 2000. Officials said the FBI was looking into whether he had access to sensitive information.

"Michael Ray Stubbs, 55, and his brother James, 56, a convert to Islam, were arrested on immigration violation charges Dec. 13 in the town of Tanza in Cavite province, 21 miles southwest of Manila, the Bureau of Immigration said.

"The brothers denied any wrongdoing when they appeared at a news conference in handcuffs. Immigration Commissioner Andrea Domingo told reporters Tuesday that James Stubbs met with members of the Abu Sayyaf Muslim extremist group, as well as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front separatist movement, two groups loosely linked by Philippine officials to al-Qaida.

"'These are all fabricated lies,' James Stubbs shouted as Domingo addressed the news conference. An irritated Domingo responded: 'This is the Philippine government. They're violating immigration laws and they're being charged and they are going through immigration proceedings.'

"The brothers, born in Missouri, would be deported to the United States as 'undesirable aliens ... based on intelligence reports that they were seen meeting with known leaders of various terrorist cells in the country with links to al-Qaida,' the immigration bureau said. Domingo said they were under surveillance before their arrest.

"The two had tourist visas but also carried documents indicating they were soliciting funds for the construction of Muslim schools and mosques, Domingo said. She said there was no evidence linking the two to any past or planned terrorist plots, but said James Stubbs allegedly called for the overthrow of the U.S. government in statements to local authorities. James Stubbs said he has a Filipino wife and was in the Philippines because she was pregnant.

"A naval intelligence officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said U.S. officials were concerned that Michael Ray Stubbs may have passed sensitive information from Livermore to his brother. Susan Houghton, a spokeswoman for the Livermore lab, confirmed that Michael Ray Stubbs used to work there for about 10 years until 2000. 'We are aware of what the Philippines officials did,' she said. 'We have been working closely with the FBI on this issue since he was arrested in the Philippines a few weeks ago.' She said Stubbs' clearance was terminated after he left on medical leave in March 2000.

"The U.S. Embassy declined to comment on the allegations. Spokeswoman Karen Kelley said she understood the brothers retained legal council to address the charges.

"According to Philippine military intelligence reports, James Stubbs left his job as a teacher in California to study Arabic in Sudan. He met in May with several charity groups suspected of being al-Qaida fronts and founded by Mahmoud Afif Abdeljalil -- believed to be a close associate of Osama bin Laden's brother-in-law. Abdeljalil was arrested in September in the southern Philippine city of Zamboanga on charges of having an expired visa. After he was interrogated, he was ordered deported.

"The charities were not immediately identified, but the immigration bureau said they were used to channel funds to al-Qaida cells in the Philippines."

Reuters offers a harrowing account of life for Christians in today's Iraq. In accordance with dhimmi restrictions on selling alcohol, liquor salesmen are being targeted by radical Muslims. Meanwhile, Iraqi police turn a blind eye to Muslims committing genuine offenses.

"Bashir Toma Elias was killed by a single shot to the head in the middle of Basra's bazaar on Christmas Eve as he prepared to head home to celebrate with his wife and five children. The killing of the Iraqi Christian alcohol merchant sowed fresh fear in a community afraid of increasing religious intolerance in mainly Shi'ite Muslim southern Iraq.

"His widow Jihan cried hysterically outside the Chaldean Church in the affluent Manawi Pasha neighbourhood after Christmas Mass, held in the morning because the lack of security prevented holding a midnight service. 'We buried Bashir and our priests are celebrating while we are being slaughtered,' said 40-year-old Jihan. 'Where is the peace they preach?'

"Bashir, 48, was the latest liquor store trader fatally shot in the country's second largest city since the fall of Saddam Hussein's government in April. Residents say the killer escaped as passers-by looked on, in a city still plagued by crime and mob rule despite the British military presence. Since the war that toppled Saddam, armed groups have looted and set ablaze several liquor stores in the once freewheeling city, where Shi'ite religious parties now wield power and seek to impose strict moral regulations, similar to Iran.

"More than 400 liquor stores run by Christians, the only community allowed to sell alcohol under the former Baathist government, were forced to close in the immediate aftermath of the US led occupation of Iraq. Basra was once a cosmopolitan trading centre and playground for rich Kuwaitis and Saudis who flocked to its casinos and nightclubs in the midst of an austere region where alcohol was banned.

"'Alcohol selling has changed from Christians to Muslims. Now it's Muslims who sell after taking the trade from us,' said an embittered Joseph Hanna, a Christian property developer and hotel owner who blames militant Shi'ite groups for the killings. 'We fear for our lives and our interests from the extremist Shi'ites who are targeting us as Christians,' said Misak Victor, another liquor merchant.

"Iraqi Christians are terrified of armed Shi'ite groups, which have names like God's Vengeance, God's Party and the Islamic Bases Organisation. Their members roam the streets to chase mobsters, drug addicts and prostitutes, exacting their brand of what they call God's law.

"The number of parties carrying Islam's banner is a force to reckon with in the post-Saddam political order, holding sway in local councils and competing with a beleaguered police force in imposing order in the unruly streets. Abdullah Faisal, head of the Islamic Bases Organisation, says Islam venerates his young 'martyrdom seekers', who have a mandate from God to stamp out vice.

"But Faisal says the killings of liquor traders were carried out by undisciplined militant Islamic groups and that Islam opposed the summary executions witnessed in Basra. 'Some Islamic movements have challenged liquor merchants. There was burning and killings,' he said. 'Religion doesn't allow this even though we confront vice and crime.'

"Unlike the majority Shi'ites long persecuted by Saddam Hussein, many Christians found that Saddam's Baath party and its secular pan-Arabist nationalist ideology tolerated them. 'We never saw harm under Saddam Hussein,' said Tareq Boutros, a former liquor store owner who now runs a garment business.

"Christian Iraqis fear that militant Shi'ite militias want to impose an intolerant brand of Islam on minorities and rival Muslim sects. They say Shi'ite power in postwar Iraq has allowed them to dominate a new police force, which they say is corrupted by a mix of local mobsters and militant Islamic parties. 'You now find police in the streets, but I am certain if a murder takes place in front of them they would not deal with it. If you talk to a police officer he will tell you I cannot do anything,' said Sami Shamas, a mathematics teacher.

"'Those who sell drinks are killed but thieves who steal homes or kidnap girls are left free,' said an angry Christian who refused to give his name.

"Families cite growing intolerance in Basra's society at large, with schoolgirls and female university students under intimidation from teachers to wear the veil. 'Our daughters are being fought. They are telling them you have to wear a veil and become a Muslim,' said Abdulahad Wissam, a Christian who runs a chain of household goods stores.

"Fears of worse to come have prompted more than 2,000 families from the community of at least 100,000 Christians in the city to pack up and leave. Most headed to northern Iraqi cities such as Mosul where their ancient communities trace their ancestry, their leaders say. 'A lot of Christian families have left for Mosul and Baghdad,' said goldsmith Naji Ahanyous. 'If this situation continues there will not be one Christian in Basra.'" And that's just the way the Shi'ites want it.

"General Electric has felt the heat of a 'significant' number of Paul Harvey listeners and has decided to resume advertising on the newsman's radio program after initially pulling its commercials due to complaints about a negative comment the broadcaster made about Islam." This from WND.

"As WorldNetDaily reported, in a Dec. 4 news item in which the legendary newsman described the bloody nature of cockfight gambling in Iraq, he said: 'Add to the thirst for blood a religion which encourages killing, and it is entirely understandable if Americans came to this bloody party unprepared.' The Washington, D.C.-based Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR, subsequently demanded an apology from Harvey, which was broadcast by a substitute anchor on the daily program Dec. 9. . . .

"Gary Sheffer, spokesman for GE, confirmed that a radio ad for a lighting product was pulled from the show. The company decided to restore its advertising last week, however, after hearing from people upset with the initial decision. 'We have had significant feedback from Mr. Harvey's listeners,' Sheffer told WorldNetDaily. He says those contacting GE have expressed support for the newsman and asked that the advertising be restored."

"Jerry Bussell, Governor Kenny Guinn's adviser on homeland security, tells The Associated Press that the airspace over the Las Vegas Strip will be closed New Year's Eve.

"A spokeswoman with the US Department of Homeland Security says the agency has received the state's request to close the airspace and is coordinating any action with the FAA. A spokeswoman with McCarran International Airport says the ban, known as a temporary flight restriction, will implemented on New Year's Eve from 9:00 PM to 3:00 AM. The TFR will involve a ten nautical mile radius from the center of McCarran Airport. The TFR will not affect commercial airliners or medical, police or military flights. Private planes and tour helicopters will not be allowed to fly in the restricted air space. McCarran will remain open and operational.

"Las Vegas has been mentioned as a possible terrorist target, but officials have yet to say that was the reason behind the ban. Authorities are expecting more than 200,000 people to flock to the Strip this New Year's Eve."

We'll get a sense of whether or not dhimmitude has entered the hallowed halls of the Supreme Court on January 9, when the high court "will discuss whether to hear arguments in a case in which a Muslim sued Mississippi over the Confederate battle emblem in the state flag." This from AP, with thanks to Nicolei.

"Lower federal courts had rejected John Ellis Briggs' argument that the Mississippi flag contains a Christian symbol - the St. Andrew's Cross - and that the symbol represents state endorsement of a particular religion. Briggs' lawsuit seeks punitive damages of up to $77.77 million. It also seeks to have the symbol 'removed from display in public places.'"

This is pure judicial terrorism. It's abundantly clear that neither Mississippi nor any other state endorses Christianity; to target an arcane symbol that nobody understands as a symbol of Christianity (it's much more likely to inspire thoughts of the Confederacy) and to demand punitive damages on this basis is -- at best -- craven opportunism. It also stinks more than a little of dhimmitude, recalling the classic prohibition in Islamic law against Christians displaying crosses.

"Since 1894, Mississippi's flag has contained the Confederate battle emblem, a blue X with 13 whites stars over a field of red. Experts differ on whether the X in the Confederate battle emblem is the St. Andrew's Cross. David Sansing, professor emeritus of history at the University of Mississippi, said Monday what people have claimed for years is the St. Andrew's Cross is not. 'What is in the Confederate battle flag is a blue saltier. The St. Andrew's Cross is a white diagonal cross on a blue field,' Sansing said. 'The man who designed the (Confederate battle) flag makes no reference to the St. Andrew's Cross.'

"Sansing said the designer of the flag described it to Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard as a blue saltier on a red field with one star for each of the 13 Southern states. Sansing said the St. Andrew's Cross dates back to the Middle Ages and represents the X-shaped cross on which the apostle Andrew was crucified. Andrew was the patron saint of Scotland. The St. Andrew's Cross is Scotland's national flag. 'So, he's (Briggs) wrong to begin with. It's not a Christian symbol,' Sansing said.

"Briggs filed suit in federal court in Gulfport in 2001. A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit in 2002. Briggs appealed to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled against him in June. The 5th Circuit said it could not accept that 'every X, or every X the straight-line connection of whose four points would form a square, is predominantly a religious symbol.'

"Appeals Judge Will Garwood, writing for himself and Judges E. Grady Jolly and Jerry E. Smith, said it was clear that a community's display of the flag was not an endorsement of religion. Garwood said the debate over the flying of the Confederate battle flag, or its being a part of a state flag, has centered on its symbolism of the Confederacy and to what extent the symbol extolled or excused slavery. 'None of this concerns any religious symbolism related to any presence of the St. Andrews Cross in the flag,' Garwood wrote.

"Garwood said that in 1894 - and in 2001, when voters declined to change the flag - the Mississippi flag included the canton corner of identical design that was created by Confederate generals in 1861. He said the design was used by Confederate forces throughout the Civil War and became well known, at least throughout the South. Garwood said those decisions had no religious intent."

"Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network is deeply 'involved' in international drug trafficking and is using the money to buy arms, and possibly radioactive material for use in a 'dirty' nuclear bomb, according to senior US officials.
'Bin Laden does not mind trafficking in drugs, even though it is against the teaching of Islam, because it is being used to kill Westerners,' said a Defence official." This from SifyNews, with thanks to Nicolei.

The article says of bin Laden: "'He has allies and associates who are not members per se but who move products for him and take drugs and buy arms and give the arms to al Qaeda,' the official said.

This is no surprise; we have seen it before. The Taliban's Abdul Rashid banned hashish "because it is consumed by Afghans and Muslims," but stated: "Opium is permissible because it is consumed by kafirs [unbelievers] in the West and not by Muslims or Afghans."

Despite his profit margin, however, Osama bin Laden or his ghostwriter didn't hesitate in November 2002 to excoriate the U.S. for its drug use: "You are a nation that permits the production, trading and usage of intoxicants. You also permit drugs, and only forbid the trade of them, even though your nation is the largest consumer of them."

Sify continues: "Al Qaeda's drug operation came to the surface earlier this year when three boats operated by al Qaeda linked persons and carrying two tons of hashish, 85 pounds of heroin and 150 pounds of methamphetamines were seized, the officials were quoted as saying by 'The Washington Times'.

"Though the intelligence community still does not have a firm grasp on the scope of al Qaeda's drug operations and how much money it raises, estimates are in the millions of dollars.

"Bin Laden, officials said, reaps the profits in two ways. His allies regulate smuggling routes out of Afghanistan into Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan and other countries, essentially placing a tax on each shipment to let it pass. Or, alternatively, al Qaeda takes the drugs as payment and uses them to buy arms.

"The officials said that there are also unconfirmed intelligence reports that al Qaeda has bought radioactive material for use in a 'dirty bomb'--a conventional bomb packed with radioactive material."

"Two American brothers were arrested for possible links to terrorism, a Philippine official said Monday." This from AP, with thanks to Nicolei.

"Michael Ray Stubbs and his brother James, a convert to Islam, have been held at an undisclosed location since they were arrested earlier this month 21 miles southwest of Manila, an immigration intelligence official said on condition of anonymity.

"The official said the brothers were of Middle Eastern origin but gave no other details. It was not clear what charges they could face or why authorities believe they may be linked to terrorism.

"The two were to be brought before the media on Tuesday, when more information was expected. It was also not known where they were from in the United States. The U.S. Embassy could not immediately be reached for comment."

"Saudi nationals helped Saddam Hussein recruit and finance al-Qaida insurgents as part of preparations to confront U.S. troops in Iraq." This from WND, with thanks to ohmyrus.

"Iraqi officers who have been interrogated by the United States and coalition officials reported the Saudi role in recruiting and training of al-Qaida units in Iraq. The officers said Saddam, through Saudi contacts, had invited al-Qaida insurgents to form suicide and other units to stop the U.S. military in March.

"Saddam's contacts with al-Qaida, the officers told interrogators, preceded the group's Sept. 11, 2001 strikes on New York and Washington. They said Saudi envoys arranged for al-Qaida insurgents to enter Iraq and begin training in camps around Baghdad."

"'Europe is becoming a Muslim continent,' a new public relations booklet prepared by the World Zionist Organization warns." This from Haaretz, with thanks to Nicolei.

"The booklet, a Hebrew-language copy of which was obtained by Haaretz, was prepared for a conference of leaders of Orthodox communities worldwide that opens today in Jerusalem, and will be distributed to all of the approximately 200 rabbis and community leaders in attendance. Entitled 'A Guide to Anti-Semitism and Terror for Diaspora Communities,' the booklet was prepared by the WZO's Spiritual Services for the Diaspora unit, 'with the goal of raising awareness of the issue,' according to unit chairman Rabbi Yehiel Wasserman.

"The booklet states that dialogue on the basis of mutual concern for religion is impossible with Muslims, even moderates, because Islam has no common theological concepts with Judaism.

"Regarding the dangers posed by Muslims in Europe, the document states that 'what began 40 years ago as an innocent migration by the unemployed' has become 'an attempt at conquest aimed at changing the face of the Western world and history.'

"The document warns in particular against contact with young, Western-educated Muslims, claiming many have been 'born again' as extremists."

This is the bitter fruit of multiculturalist education that exhorts young people to recover their ethnic heritage and cling tightly to their traditions. When these are Islamic traditions that reject secularism, what will be the outcome?

"Wasserman said the booklet is still undergoing revisions and that some of these statements will be 'softened.'

"Muslim anti-Semitism is expected to occupy a prominent place at the conference. Rabbi Yitzhak Haleva, the chief rabbi of Turkey, said yesterday that the attacks on two Istanbul synagogues last month was the first evidence of the existence of Muslim anti-Semitism in Turkey. Immediately after the attacks, he added, some people began blaming the Jews, but these accusations died down following the bombings five days later of the British consulate and the Istanbul headquarters of the HSBC Bank.

"The French rabbis attending the conference, meanwhile, were divided over a recent statement made by the country's chief rabbi, Joseph Sitruk, in which he urged French Jews to wear hats rather than kippot (skullcaps) in 'sensitive' areas, such as subway stations, in order to avoid anti-Semitic attacks. The chief rabbi of Paris, David Messas, said yesterday that Jews 'should be proud of their Judaism' and simply avoid places where a kippa might endanger their lives.

"With regard to the French government's decision to pass a law that would forbid students to wear kippot, headscarves or large crosses in schools, Messas and the other French rabbis said that if the law passes, they will tell their congregants to obey it and go to school bareheaded.

"However, although French rabbis have joined Muslim leaders in opposing the law, Messas believes that it will ultimately aggravate Jewish-Muslim relations, because 'the Jews, unlike the Muslims, will accept the law, and therefore, we will again find ourselves on opposite sides of the fence.'"

"Comedians and dramatists delight in 'pouring scorn' on Christianity but are 'timid' about mocking Muslims, a broadcasting watchdog chief said yesterday." This from the Telegraph, and Nicolei.

"Islam was accorded far more respect on television and radio than other religions because satirists were 'cautious' and 'self-censoring' when faced with the prospect of causing offence to Muslims, said Lord Dubs, chairman of the Broadcasting Standards Commission.

"'In portraying Muslims they have held back, they have censored themselves, they are timid,' the Labour peer said. 'I have seen them pour scorn on Christianity more than on other religions. Christianity is an easier and more acceptable target followed, to a lesser extent, by Jews and Hindus.'

"His remarks come on the eve of an announcement by the BSC that it is to impose one of the stiffest penalties it can draw on after Channel 4 re-broadcast a remark by Jamie Oliver about 'Jesus --ing Christ'.

"The BSC had already upheld a complaint that the comment, made by the celebrity chef in an episode of the fly-on-the-wall series Jamie's Kitchen, was offensive to Christians. The regulator was angry when the offending remark was aired again in an unedited repeat of the programme.

"A spokesman for Channel 4 said the repeat went out later than the original programme, at 10pm rather than 9pm, and it had been thought that the audience at the later time would not be offended. In a rare intervention of this kind by the BSC, Channel 4 will be forced to broadcast the commission's new adjudication on air and have it published in a newspaper.

"The commission is subsumed from today into the new super-regulator Ofcom. Lord Dubs admitted that the BSC had also shown bias in favour of Muslims. 'We have tried to treat the religions equally. I doubt we have succeeded. I think we have shaded a bit on the side of Islam,' he said.

"The Right Rev Richard Holloway, the former Bishop of Edinburgh and a member of the BSC board, said Oliver's remark would never have been aired had it been about the Prophet Mohammed.

"'There is much more sensitivity to disturbing Islam,' he said. 'It is partly because the Muslim community does not have a tradition of humour about religion, although Christian leaders will stand up for things that are fundamentally important.'" Christians are also unlikely to kill those who offend them.

"Western-made terrorists motivated by Marxist, anarchist and neo-Nazi ideology are forming alliances with jihadists and are planning copycat-style attacks and others utilizing funding from Islamists, according to intelligence sources, reports Joseph Farah's G2 Bulletin.

"While old-line non-Muslim terrorists seem to have been in hibernation, since Sept. 11, 2001, they are waking up to the need to act and the availability of funds from al-Qaida and other similar jihadist groups, according to the premium, online intelligence newsletter.

"Danger spots were recently identified in Europe, Asia and North America. Recent assessments indicate that daily reports on the success of Islamic terror in disrupting normal life are creating an urge within the ranks of western terrorists to return to action.

"Such groups dominated the terror scene in the 1960s and 1970s. The U.S.-led wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the resistance to globalization, xenophobic tendencies and anti-Semitism have all combined to pour oil on old flames, encouraging new alliances as a result.

"Experts attempting to draft the profile of non-Islamic terrorism in the 21st century are turning their interest toward militant Muslims' efforts to recruit terror contractors and to use the services of European terrorists and anarchists.

"Intelligence sources say they expect the jihadists to sub-contract terrorist attacks to small cells of two to three people familiar with their modus operandi. These groups sometimes operate in gangs of more than 10 individuals. European-style terrorism differs from the Islamic jihad type in that it often targets individuals to be assassinated or kidnapped. It has also been marked by taking large groups of innocent hostages for negotiation purposes.

"Jihad organizers are acquainted with the sleeper terror groups of Europe and North America, and they know these groups are in dire need of funds. These 'underground' groups need to travel and change their identities frequently.

"Sleeper terror groups are careful not to deal directly with money laundering, drug dealing or organized crime. This is due in part to ideological beliefs, but more because of the need to keep a low profile, away from the eyes of law enforcement agencies.

"Interrogation of non-Muslim terrorists apprehended during the last two years in Europe and Asia, reveals a desire to become copy-cats of the Islamic jihad and a growing need to be placed once again on the international scene. Intelligence agencies are beginning to dust files of old-style terror organizations, which some agencies now describe as the 'Red Jihad.'

"Israeli, British, Turkish and Greek counter-terror experts, have warned of signs pointing to jihadi groups trying to establish contacts with European and American organizations. The technique of hiring terror services, or partnerships with other terror operators was once popular with the Palestinians. The results of these unholy unions in the past have been the Air France hijacking by a group of Arabs and Germans to Entebbe, Uganda, in 1976, the Lufthansa hijacking to Mogadishu in 1977, and the Japanese Red Army attack on Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv in 1972.

"Al-Qaida, Jamaah Islamiah and Wahabbi groups see nothing wrong in using non-Muslims to further their cause. As the origin of most anti-terror activities focuses mainly on the Middle East and Asia, it is clear a western terrorist could be more successful in penetrating a number of security and defense circles. In cases of a precision attack against individuals or institutions, European or American Caucasian terrorists will be more successful in disappearing from the radar screen.

"Over the years, scores of Europeans, Americans and Asians, have been trained in Arab terror bases in Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Iraq. A number of those were later involved in attacks on international air traveling, including airports. . . .

"In a related development, last Month, G2B reported Carlos the Jackal, the legendary terrorist of the 1970s, has converted to Islam and pledged his allegiance to Osama bin Laden.

"Carlos, aka Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, has just published a book in French to announce his conversion to Islam and present his strategy for "the destruction of the United States through an orchestrated and persistent campaign of terror."

"Titled 'Revolutionary Islam' and published under the name Ilich Ramírez Sánchez-CARLOS, the book urges 'all revolutionaries, including those of the left, even atheists,' to accept the leadership of Islamists such as bin Laden and so help turn Afghanistan and Iraq into the 'graveyards of American imperialism.' . . .

"Carlos claims that terrorism is 'the cleanest and most efficient form of warfare.'"

Jihad Watch director Robert Spencer's new article, "The Conspiratorial Mind of the Arab World," is available today at FrontPage magazine.

"Saudi Arabia has arrested two Islamic suicide pilots who were preparing to fly two light aircraft into a packed British Airways (BA) jet, a British Sunday newspaper said, quoting a senior opposition politician." This from The Age, with thanks to Nicolei and Mrs. Obelix.

"The suspected suicide pilots were arrested in the last few weeks after they were found red-handed with aircraft loaded with explosives near Saudi Arabia's main airport in the capital Riyadh, The Mail on Sunday said.

"'My understanding is that they were found on the flight line and that the plan was to fly them into a passenger jet either about to land or take off,' said Patrick Mercer, the opposition Conservative spokesman for Homeland Security, according to the newspaper.

"Mercer, who said he had been informed of the plot by an 'unimpeachable' source, intended to raise the matter at the House of Commons immediately after MPs returned from their Christmas break on January 5, the newspaper reported.

"Mercer claimed, according to the same source, that the Saudi authorities tried to cover up the incident near King Khalid International Airport and withheld information from authorities abroad."

Reader "my.joy18" has kindly forwarded to me an Arab News question and answer piece entitled "Sept. 11 Attacks Nothing but Terrorism." Alas, I have been occupied with many other things the last few days, and didn't immediately put it up. Now it is gone without a trace. I wonder if that has anything to do with its content: it declares that while the September 11 attacks were terrorism because they targeted innocent people, in Israel it's a different story. "To resist Israel by all means available to us is justified under divine and human law." Including, evidently, blowing up innocent people on buses and in restaurants, and gunning down little babies.

As ghastly as this sounds, it is in accord with Islamic law, which does indeed forbid the killing of the innocent -- provided that they are not aiding the war effort. Apparently the author of this answer shares the widespread view among Islamic scholars that there are no innocent non-combatants in Israel: by virtue of simply being there, everyone in the country is a kafir harbi, an unbeliever at war with Islam. Thus everyone in the country is fair game.

As a favor to the folks at Arab News, I'll preserve the article for posterity in its entirety here:

"Edited by Adil Salahi

"Q. Could you please tell me whether the Sept. 11 attacks were acts of jihad or terrorism? Would those who were killed in them be martyrs? What about other acts such as those done by Hamas and similar groups?

"S. Hanif

"A. Islam does not approve of indiscriminate killing in any situation. When Muslim armies went out to war in the early period of Islam, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) and his successors like Abu Bakr and Umar gave them clear instructions.

"They ordered the army not to kill a child, a woman, an elderly person, a priest or anyone who is not engaged in the fighting or helping the enemy fighters. The attacks on the US that took place on Sept. 11 involved hijacking planes and flying them into buildings.

"The passengers in the planes were innocent bystanders and the people in those buildings were the same. Those who launched this attack did not consider them so, because they followed a mistaken view that everyone who pays taxes to the US government is aiding war against Islam. This view is seriously defective, because people have to pay taxes or they will be in great trouble with their government. Besides, to ask every citizen in the world to have an informed opinion on the justice of our cause and then to take an attitude of peaceful disobedience to their government is to live in a dreamland. Had people been able to judge things in this way, they would all be very religious. God says in the Qur'an that He could have made all mankind a single community, but He has not done so. So, how can we impose our views or beliefs on people?

"I cannot understand how a Muslim could justify boarding a plane, intending to kill all its passengers by flying it into a building used by thousands of civilians. This is simply terrorism and cannot be justified under Islamic law. The operations launched against Israeli occupation are totally different. They are undertaken against occupiers who have turned the local people, Muslims and Christians, from their homes and lands, desecrated mosques and terrorized the population into leaving their land. To resist Israel by all means available to us is justified under divine and human law. It is indeed Israel and its supporters that are engaged in a gigantic and continuous act of terrorism."

The Sharia mandates second-class status for non-Muslims, and forbids a non-Muslim man to marry a Muslim woman. This provision seems to have come West already: "A Grant County man has been charged with trying to kidnap his sister from her Sedro-Woolley home in what police believe was an attempt to punish her for marrying outside her Muslim faith." This from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

"Khalil Nassar, 21, and a 24-year-old acquaintance, Antonio Cortez, were charged Wednesday with attempted kidnapping, said Robin Webb-Lakey, a Skagit County senior deputy prosecutor. Nassar also was charged with felony harassment. The two men told police they were simply planning to visit Nassar's sister, according to an affidavit signed by Sedro-Woolley Police Sgt. William Tucker and filed in Skagit County Superior Court. Nassar and Cortez were arrested Monday morning after a police officer found them parked a block away from the sister's apartment in downtown Sedro-Woolley, police Lt. Doug Wood said.

"The two men were in a rented van. Police found rope, gloves, coveralls and a hardhat in the vehicle, according to the affidavit. Police believe the coveralls and hardhat were to be used as a disguise, Wood said. The two men remained in jail Friday pending payment of bail, set at $250,000 for Nassar and $150,000 for Cortez.

"The 18-year-old sister called police in Sedro-Woolley in early December to complain that she and her 19-year-old husband, who is a Christian, were being harassed by her father, according to Tucker's statement to the court.

"Previously, the Grant County Sheriff's Department had investigated complaints made by both families while the couple lived in the Moses Lake area, according to court documents. The couple was engaged at the time. Both families told Grant deputies that the other threatened them.

"The young couple relocated to Sedro-Woolley, but the woman's family continued to call her cellular phone and ask for her to return, according to Tucker's statement.

"During one of these conversations, the woman taped her brother saying he would return her to her family 'dead or alive,' Tucker said in his affidavit. Nassar's father, Sadallah Nassar, told the Skagit Valley Herald that the accusations were false. 'My son went to visit his sister. That's it,' Sadallah Nassar said. 'He wanted to see how she's been, how she is, nothing else.'

"Police reports also say the two men who were arrested told officers they were only in the area to visit the young woman, but officers were bothered by inconsistencies in the two men's stories, according to court records. 'We determined they made a substantial attempt to retrieve her,' Wood said.

"In some conservative strains of Islam, marrying outside the faith is particularly problematic for women. Farhat J. Ziadeh, a University of Washington professor emeritus who specializes in Islamic law, said from the Muslim perspective that Islamic law exists to ensure a continuation of the faith. 'The man is the head of the family and the children follow the man's religion and they don't want anyone to be cut off from Islam,' Ziadeh said."

"Sabih Kahn, 18, founder of a Muslim football league, right, prepares to throw the ball as teammate Muhammad Akhtar, 18, heads down field for a pass during a training session at Heritage Park in Irvine, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003. Critics say names of some of the teams such as Intifada, which is used by Palestinian fighters, and Mujahideen glorify terrorism. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)"

Radical Muslims are fighting around the world to institute Sharia law, with its institutionalized oppression of non-Muslims -- dhimmitude. A new glimpse at what a Sharia state would look like comes from Kuwait, where "an Islamist parliamentarian has said he was coordinating with other MPs to ban music education at schools in Kuwait as 'anti-Islamic and a waste of time'." This from News.com.au, with thanks to Nicolei.

In Islam Unveiled I explore some elements of the Islamic legal tradition that lead radical Muslims today to consider music sinful. Here is more confirmation that what I was writing about wasn't ancient historical, or some eccentric invention of the Taliban.

"MP Daifallah Buramia al-Mutairi, in a statement received today, said he could submit such a proposal to parliament, which is due to start a debate on the emirate's education policies next week.

"'Music lessons use up the students' time without any benefit. Parents do not send their children to learn how to play music, but for useful scientific education that is good for them and for their nation,' the MP said.

"Mutairi was a medical doctor before he was elected to parliament for the first time in July's general elections, backed by his tribe for his religious views. Arguing that music contravened Islam, Mutairi said he would propose substituting music lessons with Islamic education."

Amir Butler, Executive Director of the Australian Muslim Public Affairs Committee (AMPAC), has written an op-ed in the Jakarta Post entitled "Trotsky's idea clearly similar to forced democracy upon Muslim World."

Well, I wouldn't have thought of comparing Bush to Trotsky, although Woodrow Wilson has crossed my mind. But the main point of Butler's editorial is that democracy and Islam are not compatible -- an opinion shared by many Muslims, as I have pointed out many times.

Says Butler: "On Nov. 6, George W. Bush announced that America, through it's interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan was leading a 'global democratic revolution'. That he should have made such remarks on the eve of Leon Trotsky's birthday -- the architect of 'global socialist revolution' -- was of course just coincidence.

"However, the similarities between Trotsky's idea that socialism should be spread at the barrel of a gun and the idea that democracy can be forced upon the Muslim world through violent occupation and threat of invasion are obvious."

Of course, the Jews are behind all this: "Contemporary American foreign policy is Trotsky's revenge. The neoconservative movement that holds Washington in its thrall is itself merely a warmed-up version of Trotsky's Fourth International. As Michael Lind wrote in Britain's The New Statesman (April 7, 2003), the neocons are 'products of the largely Jewish-American Trotskyist movement of the 1930s and 1940s, which morphed into anti-communist liberalism between the 1950s and 1970s and finally into a kind of militaristic and imperial right with no precedents in American culture or political history.'" (Thanks to Nicolei.)

At long last, a group of Islamic scholars is going to cut through all the confusion and explain what the word jihad really means: "The Council of Religious Ministers for Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore (MABIMS) will publish a comprehensive working paper for explaining Jihad (crusade or holy war) to their Ummah (followers of Islam) by its target date next year.
Such a move is needed to avoid confusion and will also serve as a guideline for Muslims, especially young Turks, who could be misguided by certain elements, caused by lack of definition to the phrase's real meaning." This from Borneo Bulletin.

The article makes a start: "Jihad is a religious conviction for able Muslims towards defending the integrity of Islam. Those who may die because of Jihad are promised good returns and paradise in the afterlife."

Hmmm. If someone could die during jihad, it must involve more than just a personal spiritual struggle. Heck, it may even involve violence. (For an overview of what Muslims really teach about jihad, see my book Onward Muslim Soldiers.)

By Joe Kaufman and Beila Rabinowitz

In December 2002, the Washington Post published an alarming report stating that "U.S. intelligence officials had identified approximately 15 cargo freighters around the world that they believed were controlled by al Qaeda or could be used by the terrorist network to ferry operatives, bombs, money or commodities over the high seas." It further stated that, since September 2001, the U.S. maintained a list of up to 50 al Qaeda "mystery ships."

The greatest fear, according to the Post article, is a scenario where one or more of these vessels would be used to blow holes in cruise ships, as what happened to the USS Cole and the French oil tanker Limburg, both off the coast of Yemen.

One American location that has been of particular concern regarding this is Miami, where just recently a 50-foot wooden freighter, undetected by authorities, ran aground whilst 220 undocumented Haitian passengers took to the shore. Bruce Stubbs, an ex-Coast Guard captain and now security consultant asked, "If the Coast Guard can't stop 200 people on a freighter from coming into the port of Miami, how can they stop a terrorist with a dirty bomb?"

This question becomes that much more difficult to answer, when the port you're discussing is governed by those that possibly harbor sympathies for the attackers themselves.

Khalid Salahuddin, or Brother Khalid as he is affectionately known, is the Deputy Director for the Seaport of Miami. He received the position via an appointment from Director Chares Towsley, shortly after scandal had rocked the port when illegally diverted port funds had made their way into Democratic Party coffers.

As Deputy Director, Salahuddin's responsibilities are many. He solicits Miami business via cargo and cruise ships; he attends and participates in various diplomatic functions, including trade missions, symposiums, news conferences and government briefings, with members of the international community; and he oversees port employment.

That last part came under scrutiny in late 2001, when an NBC 6 news report emerged questioning the hiring practices of the port. In it, it was stated that, out of 1300 members of the three major Longshoremen's unions listed in port records checked, every one in five were convicted felons in Florida, with offenses that included "attempted murder, armed robbery, assault and battery, trafficking in cocaine, grand theft, auto theft, and sex with a child."

When confronted about this, Salahuddin had this to say: "From our standpoint, what benefit would it do to kick him out on the street? We see none"

The report also had something ominous to say about easy access to the port. Jim McDonough, Florida Drug Control Director stated, "I think we have to be very prudent about who we put in the hen-house. We generally don't put the wolf in the hen-house, based on the promise that reform has taken place."

But almost two years later, is the wolf still guarding the hen-house?

Aside from being the Deputy Director of the port, Salahuddin is also the imam of what is said to be the oldest and largest mosque in South Florida, Masjid Al-Ansar. That in itself doesn't pose a problem, but his views and affiliations do.

Before coming to "the pure teachings of al-Islam," and before becoming a "true believer," Salahuddin was a member of the Nation of Islam, the organization headed by the virulently anti-Jewish and anti-American Louis Farrakhan.

This bit of information is found on a website for the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), which is selling a tape featuring Salahuddin. ISNA is an organization that serves as "an umbrella group for hundreds of Islamic organizations in North America, some of which promote the Islamic fundamentalist doctrine of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad" (Steven Emerson, American Jihad, 2002). Upon his death, Salahuddin gave a memorial speech for Hamid Iqbal Siddiqui, an East Zone Representative for ISNA.

The other individual featured on this video is Maulana Shafayat Mohamed, the spiritual leader of Darul Aloom, the Islamic center where "dirty bomber" Jose Padilla worshipped and where Imran Mandhai and Mossa Jokhan are said to have plotted attacks on a National Guard armory and South Florida electrical power stations.

On February 16, 2002, Salahuddin officiated a fundraising event sponsored by the American Muslim Association of North America (AMANA), a group whose website boasts anti-homosexual material and contains a graphic link to www.islamonline.net, a site which features religious/legal opinions in support of suicide bombings.

On September 21, 2002, Salahuddin was one of the main speakers in an event sponsored by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). CAIR was formed by three leaders of a front for the terrorist organization Hamas and has had numerous high ranking members suspected of and convicted of terrorist activity. The Executive Director of CAIR, Nihad Awad, has stated that he supports Hamas.

Other speakers at this event were:

• Muhammad Musri, who like Salahuddin also has his speeches sold by ISNA, believes about Arab Christians that claim they converted from Islam that they "are lying and that they were actually Christians all along" and that "they are using tales of conversion to get financial backing from evangelical ministries." And he took a jab at Christianity, when he said, "We don't want the Muslims to end up with 700 determinations of Islam."

• Zulfiqar Ali Shah, the ex-Ameer (President) of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), an organization which "proclaims in writing its support for jihad, or holy war, against the 'enemies of Islam'" and whose "hatred of Jews is so fierce that it has taunted Jews with a repetition of what Hitler did to them." Ali Shah gave a lecture on how "stories and descriptions [in the] Old Testament" have been "corrupted by the hand of man" and how "many teachings presently in the Old Testament actually go against all human logic and morality."

• Hassan Sabri, the imam of the Islamic Center of South Florida, who came to the U.S. via the Palestinian territories on a "special travel document" that expired 16 years ago. On April 6, 2002, Sabri attended an anti-Israel rally outside the Holocaust Memorial in Miami Beach, where allusions to Nazis and genocide were broadcast. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) called the references "a disgusting trivialization of the Holocaust."

• Mohammed Qazi, the Orlando President of the American Muslim Alliance (AMA), a group that has been described as "Radical Islamic activists." Hillary Clinton returned a $50,000 donation the AMA had made to her New York Senatorial campaign for statements made by members of the group she deemed "offensive and outrageous."

• Sayed Hemayed of the Muslim American Society (MAS). The July 4, 2003 edition of the MAS's on-line publication, The American Muslim Magazine, features an article titled 'Reaching the Roots of Terrorism,' which validates terrorism, including suicide bombing, as "a reaction to injustice."

• Ahmed Bedier, the Florida Communications Director of CAIR, who used his position, on numerous occasions, to defend Sami al-Arian. Al-Arian was arrested for his role as the North American leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist organization, was found to have aided in the murder of Americans, and has screamed "Death to Israel." Bedier has openly complained that the post 9/11 climate "has been an effective tool to silence anti-Israeli views in the country."

• Altaf Ahmad Ali, the Florida Executive Director of CAIR, who used a joint press conference with the FBI to defend 9/11 mastermind, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. Ali, on a radio show just one month after 9/11, wavered on the question of whether or not the people that died in the 9/11 attacks were innocent.

• Parvez Ahmed, the Florida Chairman of the Board of CAIR, who is the registered agent for the Independent Writers Syndicate, an organization created by CAIR which distributes violent and hate-filled commentaries to publications throughout North America. It syndicates such radical Islamist authors as: Hesham A. Hassaballa, Arsalan Tariq Iftikhar, Riad Z. Abdelkarim, and Fedwa Wazwaz.

• Khalid Hamza, the co-founder of the Islamic Center of Boca Raton, a mosque that's website features material from a web based book ('This Is The Truth') that is published by the Al-Haramain Foundation, a Saudi-backed organization that raised millions of dollars for the terrorist group Al-Qaeda. Hamza was denied tenure from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) for "misstating his qualifications on his resume and behaving unprofessionally in the classroom" and used a Texas A & M University internet forum to defend Sami Al Arian.

• Rafiq Mehdi, the imam of Masjid Al-Iman, the mosque where 'dirty bomber' Jose Padilla converted to Islam and where Adham Hassoun worshiped. Hassoun was the Florida registered agent for Benevolence International Foundation, a charity "charged with financing Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda terrorist network."

• Akhtar Hussein, an attorney who had his license suspended in 2002 for improper council in two cases, one involving cocaine distribution and the other involving possession of firearms and car theft, and who had his license suspended in 1994 for two years, due to his own felony conviction. Hussein was also the lawyer for Adham Hassoun. He called the government's case against Hassoun "ridiculous."

Khalid Salahuddin's mosque is tied to another attorney with troubles. The registered agent for Masjid Al-Ansar is Nashid Sabir, a lawyer that has numerous business dealings with ex-State Representative Willie Logan. In 1997, the Bar admonished Sabir for missing a key hearing for one of his clients. In 2001, the Bar found probable cause to believe he violated ethics rules in the 1997 deportation case of a Dominican man. And in 2002, Sabir was reprimanded for professional misconduct regarding an immigration case.

And just like Akhtar Hussein, Sabir also provided legal services to a radical. In 2002, Sabir was the lawyer for convicted terrorist Imran Mandhai (see above). But that makes sense, because, while he's the registered agent for Masjid Al-Ansar, he's also a Founding Director and the Assistant Secretary for Darul Aloom, Mandhai's house of worship.

The website of Masjid Al-Ansar contains only two outside links, one to Yahoo Maps and one to iviews.com, a site that features rabidly anti-Jewish and anti-American writings. Prior to being arrested earlier this year on firearms and conspiracy charges in relation to a group associated with al Qaeda, Randal Todd "Ismael" Royer served as iviews.com's Washington Bureau Chief.

All of these things must be taken into account, when considering the sensitive nature of the position Khalid Salahuddin holds at the Seaport of Miami.

On Oct 15, 2003, a forum was held by the Coordinating Committee on Public Safety to discuss Florida's unique security concerns. The meeting, which was attended by law enforcement and state government officials, highlighted the Port of Miami's vulnerability to attack. A proposal was put forth regarding the building of a "security wall" around the port. However, when the time comes, no wall can hold out the terrorists, when they have a sympathizer sitting in charge, right on the inside.

Joe Kaufman is the Chairman of Americans Against Hate. You could visit Joe's personal interactive website, at joe4rep.com. Beila Rabinowitz is an international journalist and translator. (Thanks to Faithfreedom.org.)

A letter to AP was recently sent to Jihad Watch from the author of the Letter to Reuters:

"Dear Editor:

"Your 'Year in Photos' has six glaring omissions, therefore, six major distortions. You chose 6 photos depicting 'Palestinian' suffering at the hands of Israelis but none of Israeli suffering at the hands of 'Palestinians.' I call them six distortions because they convey the false message that 'Palestinians' suffer and that Israelis are the cause. They omit the reality that Israelis are the victims of 'Palestinian' attacks and are trying to defend themselves. They omit the truth that if the terror ceased, the Israelis would be out of their face in almost no time.

"You might have attempted a little reality just to create the impression that you worried about that other false concept: balance. But, being journalists, I don't have to lecture you about your job. You know your responsibilities. You also know the truth but you prefer to conceal it. The fact is, there is no 'balance' on the two sides. The 'Palestinians' promote, enthusiastically support and carry out terror against Israelis. Their own polls indicate that their support for terror is a societal phenomenon. You prefer to conceal the barbarism of the perpetrators by portraying them as victims.

"Still, for the sake of presumed 'balance,' you might have at least indicated that the 'Palestinians' contribute a little something to their misery by making Israelis miserable as well. You might have shown images of Jewish children dying in their strollers, for example, bombed out buses with the remains of scattered schoolwork, or destroyed restaurants splattered with blood or body parts. Actually, for this latter image, you could have appealed directly to the Palestinian Authority. They gladly would have obliged you with photos of their traveling exhibit of the Sbarro Pizza Parlour bombing! They are proud of it, you know. They actually took it on an international tour. You might have caught that one. You say you missed it? Sorry, I don't mean to tell you how to do your job.

But, your silence tells me you don't care for that idea. Well then, try this angle: Displaying photos of Israeli medical teams saving the lives of terrorists alongside their Jewish victims. And what about Arab and Christian victims of suicide bombers? It does happen, you know. After all, Arabs and Christians ride Israeli buses, go to restaurants, etc. If you don't wish to emphasize Jewish suffering at the hands of 'Palestinian' terrorists, why not Arab and Christian suffering? There is no such thing as a 'smart' suicide bomb, you know. The shrapnel goes everywhere. One of the most dramatic images I have ever seen, and one you, apparently, missed, is an x ray of a victim of a suicide bombing. These make great works of art. They are innovative as well. Nothing like them has ever been seen before in history! Imagine, a human brain, kidney or heart studded with nails, nuts and bolts--the shrapnel shows up very well in print and could have made a dramatic impression. The only thing you can't see is the rat poison. But, best of all, you cannot tell from the film if the victim is Arab, Jewish or Christian!

But, if you only want to focus on 'Palestinian' victimhood, here's another idea: 'Palestinian' victims of summary execution by 'Palestinian' police. Their tortured and mutilated corpses are displayed in public-- to serve as an example to others-- and you can even photograph them with toddlers at play in the foreground. And, if you want to appeal to your feminist readers, why not a photo of a victim of an honor killing or a mutilation? The husband, brother or son who wielded the knife or vial of acid would not shy away from being photographed with his victim. He would, no doubt, however, insist on wearing his black or other colored mask in case he turns out to be a person of note. Still, it would be a poignant photo. Actually, you would have two victims: 1) The victim of the execution; and 2) The executioner. Yes, he is a victim too! His evil wife, mother, sister or cousin victimized him by tarnishing his honor. In killing her, he made a personal sacrifice to restore honor to the family name. So, not only is he a victim, he is a martyr! Moreover, the mask is a badge of courage and comes in handy for other activities as well. Trust me, you are missing some great photos! But, if you really want to score with the feminists, you can get photos of women executioners, too, like the one of the mother who killed her daughter for being raped and impregnated by the girls two older brothers. If you had been quick on your feet, you could have gotten her to pose with the corpse. Once she killed her daughter, the neighbors started talking to her again, so she is considered a heroine in her village. A photo would have done her proud. The point is, there is no shortage of subject matter and if you like depicting 'Palestinians' as victims, you needn't confine yourself to the suffering inflicted upon them by Israelis.

But, forgive me, for I digress. In fact, this is nothing but talk. You are not going to take my suggestions to heart. Why risk being accused of conspiracy in a Zionist plot to depict 'Palestinians' as terrorists and Israelis as victims? Much too dangerous. You know what almost happened to the Italian journalist who smuggled out the film of the two Israelis who were torn to pieces by the victimized 'Palestinian' mob a few years ago. She had to flee for her life! The Italian TV station that employed her subsequently issued a letter of apology to the Palestinian authority for having broadcast the incident. The Palestinian Authority actually printed the letter in the government-controlled press! You didn't know that? Come on! You're journalists. It's your job to know! You say you didn't?

Incidentally, there was a great photo of two Arabs displaying the entrails of their human prey before a frenzied, hysterical mob going wild at the sight of Jewish blood. Now that was a winner! You missed that one too? Oh well, whatever....

P.S. If you would like to know why I surround the word 'Palestinian' with quotation marks, here are a few reasons:

The Palestinian Identity

Statement by Zuheir Mohsein, Member of the Supreme Council of the PLO:
"There are no differences between Jordanians, Palestinians, Syrians and Lebanese. We are all part of one nation. It is only for political reasons that we carefully underline our Palestinian identity, because it is in the interest of the Arabs to encourage a separate Palestinian identity in contrast to Zionism. Yes, the existence of a separate Palestinian identity is there only for tactical reasons. The establishment of a Palestinian state is a new expedient to continue the fight against Zionism and for Arab unity."

Trouw (Dutch newspaper) March 31, 1977:
"One always finds in Palestine Arabs who have been in the country only a few weeks or a few months...Since they are themselves strangers in a strange land, they are the loudest to cry: 'Out with the Jews!'...Amongst them are to be found representatives of every Arab country: Arabs from Transjordan, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Egypt, the Sudan and Iraq." (Ladislas Farago, Palestine at the Crossroads (New York: Putnam 1937) p17

The Jordanian Foreign Minister said (Adwa'min pp. 4-5):
"Jordan is Palestine and Palestine is Jordan, and Jordan hails every Palestinian who seeks to do his duty to his cause and his country."

Declaration of the 8th Palestinian National Congress:
"Jordan is linked to Palestine by a national relationship and a national unity forged by history and culture from earliest times? The creation of one political entity in East Jordan and another in Palestine would have no basis either in legality or as to the elements universally accepted as fundamental to a political entity." (R. Hamid (ed.) Muqararat al-majlis al-watani al-filastini 1964 Resolutions of the PNCs 1964-1974, Beirut, PLO Research Centre, 1975, p178 Declaration of the 8th Palestinian National Congress)

"This (Jerusalem) for them (the Arabs) was not in 'Palestine'? For the Arabs (And the Turks) the whole of the region lying between the Taurus Mountains and the confines of Egypt, and between the Mediterranean and the edge of the desert, was 'Syria' a term which had been in use since remote antiquity." (Sir Geoffrey Furlonge, Palestine is My Country, The Story of Mussa Alami (New York, 1969) p. 7

Abdul Malik Dahamshe, an Israeli Arab Knesset member, said at a solidarity visit in Damascus, Syria [David Makovsky, Jerusalem Post, January 24, 1995]:
"Palestine and Syria are one homeland. The Arab people will win by the
sword; the victory will be won by the Jihad of the Arab world."

Statement by Auni Bey Abdul-Hadi to the Pell Commission in 1937:
"There is no such country as 'Palestine'; 'Palestine' is a term the Zionists invented!"

Arab MK, Abdul Darawshe said [Jerusalem Institute of Western Defence, Bulletin 3, August 15, 1997]:
"There is no difference between one Palestinian and another. We are all
Palestinians and we are all Syrian Arabs."

Statement by Ahmed Shuqeiri, to the UN Security Council in 1949:
"It is common knowledge that Palestine is nothing but southern Syria."

Salah Khalaf (Abu Iyad) number two in the PLO leadership (Al Sachrah, Kuwait, Jan. 6, 1987):
"We will take Palestine and turn it into a part of the greater Arab nation."

We noted the Ford Foundation's no-strings-attached support for Palestinian terrorists last month; now, Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) has taken note as well. Opinion Journal notes that "in response to a Jewish Telegraphic Agency series detailing Ford's support for Palestinian NGOs crusading against Israel, the Iowa Republican has announced that the Senate Finance Committee will review the matter."

One matter he should review is that of "PNGO--an umbrella group of 90 Palestinian NGOs that's also received more than $1 million from Ford. Its director is quoted as admitting that PNGO gets almost no Arab support and that Ford is its biggest funder. Yet this is the same group that denounced as 'unacceptable' a U.S. government requirement that Palestinian NGOs partnering with tax-exempt American charities sign a pledge promising that no funds would ever find their way to 'advocate or support terrorist activities.'" (Thanks to Nicolei.)

From the Daily Times of Pakistan: "Rashid says Muslims can't deny jihadi culture."

"Rashid" is Federal Information Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad. He "told a Pakistani television channel on Friday that one of the attackers of Thursday's suicide bomb attack on President Musharraf seemed to be a foreigner. He also said the jihadi culture in Pakistan could not be changed and he who denied jihad had no place in Islam, adding 'But whether or not it is jihad can only be decided by the State.'

So there cannot be jihad against Musharraf, I suppose? I suspect opinions on that in Pakistan will differ.

Meanwhile, about the "jihad culture" in Pakistan, another piece in the Daily Times says that "law-enforcement agencies have identified 45 religious organisations believed to have links with international jihadi networks or thought to be involved in terrorist and sectarian activities in Pakistan, sources told Daily Times on Friday.

"According to the sources, major groups believed to have links with Al Qaeda, like the Harkatul Jihad-e-Islami (HJI) and Jamiatul Mujahideen Al Alami have not been banned yet. They not only had roots in Pakistan, but also in Kashmir, Myanmar, Bangladesh and the Philippines, sources said.

"HJI chief Qari Saifullah Akhtar, who reportedly lives a in some Gulf state, was allegedly former Taliban leader Mulla Umar's advisor and believed to have a direct link with Al Qaeda. The sources said several of his organisation's several activists who were arrested by law-enforcement agencies for terror attacks in Karachi had divulged this information.

"The sources said Harkatul Mujahideen Al Alami, which was accused of an attack on President Pervez Musharraf last year in Karachi and the suicide attacks on French engineers, was formed by the HJI, Harkatul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LJ) and Jamiatul Mujahideen Al Alami." (Thanks to Nicolei.)

MEMRI has published extracts from sermons in Palestinian mosques over the last three years. Anyone wanting real answers to hoary questions such as Why Do They Hate Us? and How Do They See Us? should read this material carefully.

Says compiler Steven Stalinsky: "Each Khatib (preacher) is a paid employee of the Palestinian Authority (PA). The sermons are broadcast live every Friday at noon from mosques under control of the PA and are shown on PA television." He lists the sermons' common themes, including "calls for the destruction of the U.S., the perceived American Crusader war against Islam, honoring Shahids and the rewards of the martyrs, educating children to martyrdom, and antisemitism, including calls for the killing of Jews."

A few extracts:

"Allah willing, this unjust state will be erased - Israel will be erased; this unjust state, the United States, will be erased; this unjust state, Britain, will be erased." -- Sheikh Ibrahim Madhi

"Allah, destroy the U.S., its helpers and its agents. Allah, destroy Britain, its helpers and its agents. Allah, prepare those who will unite the Muslims and march in the steps of Saladin. Allah, we ask you for forgiveness before death, and mercy and forgiveness after death. Allah, grant victory to Islam and the Muslims..." -- Mufti of Jerusalem and the Palestinian Territories, Sheikh Ikrimeh Sabri

"Allah the almighty has called upon us not to ally with the Jews or the Christians, not to like them, not to become their partners, not to support them, and not to sign agreements with them... Allah, deal with the Jews, your enemies and the enemies of Islam. Deal with the Crusaders, and America, and Europe behind them..." -- Dr. Ahmad Abu Halabiya

I know that some Palestinian Christians are aware that they are included in this group. I also know that some aren't.

"If, God forbid, something happens to Iraq, the aggression and the Crusade will turn tomorrow against the Koran... God forbid, his second assault is on the Koran, [he wants] to change verses and to mess with Allah's book, to Americanize the region, Americanize the religion, Americanize the Koran, Americanize Muhammad's message... To my brothers in Iraq, to the President of Iraq, to the Iraqi leadership, to the Iraqi people... Strike, my brother; may your right arm, oh proud Iraq, be strong... strike Allah's enemies with it. Strike with it the enemies of humanity... from the pulpits of Al-Azhar and other mosques around the world, that any Muslim who does not stand by Iraq and support it against the American-British-Crusaders cruel attack... Allah, grant victory to the Iraqi army... Allah, defeat America and its allies... Allah, purify the Islamic soil from the American and British treason and defilement... Allah, make their possessions a booty for the Muslims, Allah, annihilate them and their weapons, Allah, make their children orphans and their women widows..." -- Sheikh Muhammad Abu Al-Hunud

"If we go back in the time tunnel 1400 years, we will find that history repeats itself... Byzantium represents America in the west... America will collapse, as Byzantium collapsed in the west... The Prophet [Muhammad] could, by means of unbroken ranks, conquer Byzantium, the greatest power compared to today's America - and this without a single martyr falling from among the Muslims... The Prophet could, by means of the unity of the Muslim ranks and its awakening, defeat the America of that time, as we will defeat America as long as it supports our enemy, as long as America insists on being against our people and against our cause and our holy places, and against our people and our leadership... Indeed, we consider America to be our No. 1 enemy... America is our No. 1 enemy, and we see it as our No. 1 enemy as long as we learn from the lessons of the Battle of Tabouk [which took place in October 630 AD] :'Make ready for them whatever you can of armed strength and of mounted pickets' [Koran 8:60]. We are prepared and ready, but victory is from Allah..." -- Sheikh Ibrahim Mudeiris

"[Even when] a martyr's organs are being chopped off, and he turns into torn organs that spread all over, in order to meet Allah, Muhammad, and his friends, it would not be [considered] a loss... This is the honor given to our martyrs, the martyrs of the Islamic nation, who were killed due to their loyalty to Allah... The sacrifice of convoys of martyrs [will continue] until Allah grants us victory very soon. The willingness for sacrifice and for death we see amongst those who were cast by Allah into a war with the Jews, should not come at all as a surprise... Oh believing brothers, we do not feel a loss... The martyr, if he meets Allah, is forgiven with the first drop of blood; he is saved from the torments of the grave; he sees his place in Paradise; he is saved from the Great Horror [of the day of judgment]; he is given 72 black-eyed women; he vouches for 70 of his family to be accepted to Paradise; he is crowned with the Crown of glory, whose precious stone is better than all of this world and what is in it..." -- Sheikh Isma'il Aal Radhwan

Sheikh Isma'il is speaking, of course, of the kind of martyrs who commit murder and are killed in the process.

"Blessings to those who wage [Jihad] with their body... Blessings to our Shahids who sacrifice their souls easily for the sake of Allah... Blessings to the happy Shahids within the entrails of the green bird in Paradise. Blessings to the Shahids whose sins are forgiven with the first drop of their blood." -- Sheikh Ibrahim Mudeiris

"Know that a Shahid [who falls] on this land is considered more than one Shahid someplace else. Yes, there are traditions that a Shahid here [in Jerusalem] is worth 70 Shahids in a place other than this good land..." -- Sheikh Ibrahim Mudeiris

"We tell them: in as much as you love life - the Muslim loves death and martyrdom. There is a great difference between he who loves the hereafter and he who loves this world. The Muslim loves death and [strives for] martyrdom. He does not fear the oppression of the arrogant or the weapons of the blood-letters. The blessed and sacred soil of Palestine has vomited all the invaders and all the colonialists throughout history and it will soon vomit, with Allah's help, the [present] occupiers." -- Sheikh Ikrimeh Sabri

"A young man said to me: 'I am 14 years old, and I have four years left before I blow myself up'... We, the Muslims on this good and blessed land, are all - each one of us - seekers of Martyrdom... The Koran is very clear on this: The greatest enemies of the Islamic nation are the Jews, may Allah fight them... Blessings for whoever assaulted a soldier... Blessings for whoever has raised his sons on the education of Jihad and Martyrdom; blessings for whoever has saved a bullet in order to stick it in a Jew's head..." -- Sheikh Ibrahim Madhi

"Shame and remorse on whoever refrained from raising his children on Jihad... Blessings to whoever waged Jihad for the sake of Allah; blessings to whoever raided for the sake of Allah; blessings to whoever put a belt of explosives on his body or on his sons' and plunged into the midst of the Jews, crying 'Allahu Akbar, praise to Allah, There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His messenger'... Allah, show us a black day for the Jews, like the day of 'Aad and Thamud. [14] Allah, turn them into pillage for us. Allah, we strive for martyrdom for your sake..." -- Sheikh Ibrahim Madhi

"I feel the martyr is lucky because the angels usher him to his wedding in heaven. I feel the earth moves under the occupiers' feet... There is no doubt that a child [martyr] suggests that the new generation will carry on the mission with determination. The younger the martyr - the greater and the more I respect him... They [mothers of martyrs] willingly sacrifice their offspring for the sake of freedom. It is a great display of the power of belief. The mother is participating in the great reward of the Jihad to liberate Al-Aqsa... I talked to a young man... [who] said: '... I want to marry the black-eyed [beautiful] women of heaven.' The next day he became a martyr. I am sure his mother was filled with joy about his heavenly marriage. Such a son must have such a mother." -- Mufti Sheikh Ikrimeh Sabri

"Palestine will be, as it was in the past, a graveyard for the invaders - just as it was a graveyard for the Tatars and to the Crusader invaders, [and for the invaders] of the old and new colonialism... A reliable Hadith [tradition] says: 'The Jews will fight you, but you will be set to rule over them.' What could be more beautiful than this tradition? 'The Jews will fight you' - that is, the Jews have begun to fight us. 'You will be set to rule over them' - Who will set the Muslim to rule over the Jew? Allah... Until the Jew hides behind the rock and the tree. But the rock and tree will say: 'Oh Muslim, oh servant of Allah, a Jew hides behind me, come and kill him.' Except for the Gharqad tree, which is the tree of the Jews. We believe in this Hadith. We are convinced also that this Hadith heralds the spread of Islam and its rule over all the land... Oh Allah, accept our martyrs in the highest heavens... Oh Allah, show the Jews a black day... Oh Allah, annihilate the Jews and their supporters... Oh Allah, raise the flag of Jihad across the land... Oh Allah, forgive our sins..." -- Sheikh Ibrahim Madhi

"All spears should be directed at the Jews, at the enemies of Allah, the nation that was cursed in Allah's book. Allah has described them as apes and pigs, the calf-worshipers, idol-worshipers... Whoever can fight them with his weapons, should go out [to the battle]; whoever can fight them with a machinegun, should go out; whoever can fight them with a sword or a knife, should go out; whoever can fight them with his hands, should go out; This is our destiny... The Jews have exposed their fangs. Nothing will deter them, except the color of their filthy people's blood; nothing will deter them except for us voluntarily detonating ourselves in their midst. They have nuclear power, but we have the power of the belief in Allah... We blow them up in Hadera, we blow them up in Tel Aviv and in Netanya." -- Sheikh Ibrahim Madhi, referring to the Qur'an's Suras 2:62-5, 5:59-60, and 7:166

"Oh beloved of Allah... One of the Jews' evil deeds is what has come to be called 'the Holocaust,' that is, the slaughter of the Jews by Nazism. However, revisionist [historians] have proven that this crime, carried out against some of the Jews, was planned by the Jews' leaders, and was part of their policy... These are the Jews against whom we fight, oh beloved of Allah. On the other hand, [what is our belief] about the Jews? Allah has described them as donkeys." -- Sheikh Ibrahim Madhi

"Oh Muslims, oh brothers, believers, everywhere, our Prophet used to deal in Friday's sermons with current events of his time and I will follow him and also discuss some religious rulings connected to the current international events following the [attacks] that took place in America on the 11th of this month. First, there is a religious legal rule that man is innocent, namely, in Islam, a human being is innocent until he is proven guilty. It is not allowed to blame a human being and then tell him 'prove you're innocent.' Therefore we tell America: 'It is forbidden to accuse a person before the beginning of the investigation.' Until now, the American administration could not present proof to convict the accused in the [attacks] in New York and Washington, [because] it is possible that there are other elements inside America who carried out these [attacks]." -- Mufti Sheikh Ikrimeh Sabri

Here's Mike Wallace of 60 Minutes with Arafat:

"[To Arafat]: Your state-controlled television carried a sermon by a sheikh telling worshippers that martyrs will go to paradise and marry 70 beautiful virgins. Do you believe that's a correct interpretation of the Koran?

"Arafat: I am not now in a position to translate for you what had been mentioned in our Koran."

Hanan Ashrawi played dodgeball with Tony Snow:

"Tony Snow: What I would like to do is read to you just a few statements that appeared on Palestinian TV on August 3 of this year, in a sermon broadcast over the television network, here is the quote: 'All weapons must be aimed at the Jews... Whom the Koran describes as monkeys and pigs. Whoever can fight the Jews with his weapons should go out to the battle; whoever can fight with a machine gun should go out; whoever can fight with a sword or knife should go out; whoever can fight them with his hands should go out... Nothing will deter them, except the color of their filthy people's blood; nothing will deter them except for us voluntarily detonating ourselves in their midst.' That is from Sheikh Ibrahim Madhi. Now, the question is, that being on your national TV, should people not view that as an endorsement of those tactics?

"Hanan Ashrawi:Well, frankly, I haven't heard this sermon, but had it been actually said, I certainly question the sources, but had it been broadcast, certainly I would condemn it.

"Tony Snow: We understand that, as a matter of fact, hate language is used by both sides. The unusual factor here is that it is on a television channel that you and the Legislative Council and Yasser Arafat control. You're responsible for the content...

"Hanan Ashrawi: No we don't control it.

"Tony Snow: You don't control your own television network?

"Hanan Ashrawi: No, no. There is no censorship or control on those and I never heard this speech, and I will have to take your word for it, although I would like to know your sources."

David Bedein writes at FrontPage about Christmas in the Palestinian Authority, noting that "this is the first Christmas since the Palestinian Authority adopted an official constitution based on Koranic 'Sharia' Law, which means that all Christians who live under the PA are now subject to Islamic Law.

"Over the past three years, while attention has focused on Israeli and Palestinian casualties of the current war, at least one hundred Christians who live in areas ruled by the Palestinian Authority have been arrested and imprisoned for holding church services or conducting public Christian
practices without authorization.

"Some of these Christians were set free when the Israeli army liberated the jails in the Palestinian Authority at the time of the Israeli army incursion into Palestinian cities in April, 2002. Those freed Christian prisoners from the Palestinian jails now take refuge by hiding throughout Israel, as they surreptitiously work to try to get their families out of Palestinian cities to join them and emigrate to any safe haven they can find in the West

"I have met with a few of these Christian Palestinians. One of them, whom I shall call Joseph to protect the confidentiality of his identity, described the ordeal that he has experienced. He and his brother live in hiding while badgering the US consulate for help to try to get US visas for their families, and have done so ever since their liberation by Israel more than 18 months ago. Joseph described to me how his family cannot openly practice Christian holidays in Bethlehem under the watchful eyes of the PLO's Islamic police force. After all, the only place in the West Bank where the PLO army currently operates is in the Bethlehem area. Joseph also described how the US-funded Palestinian public school system has become Islamicized, and how his late nephew was literally tortured to death at age 12 by his schoolmates because he expressed love and respect for his uncle as a practicing Christian.

"Last Spring, the Vatican Ambassador to the Holy Land, Archbishop Msgr. Pietro Sambi, known as the Papal Nuncio, warned a US Congressional delegation that the new Palestinian Authority's approved state constitution, funded by US AID, provided no juridical status whatsoever for any religion other than Islam in the emerging Palestinian Arab entity. The Papal Nuncio also expressed his concern to visiting US lawmakers that the PA had adopted 'Sharia' Islamic Law, based on the model of the 'Sharia' from Koranic edicts as practiced in Iran or in Saudi Arabia.

"Article (5) of the official Palestinian State Constitution reads as follows: 'Arabic and Islam are the official Palestinian language and religion. Christianity and all other monotheistic religions shall be equally revered and respected'. In other words, As Archbishop Sambi noted, 'other' religions such as Christianity, let alone Judaism, are only to be 'respected', while being denied any juridical status under the new Palestinian State Constitution.

"The status of Islam as the official religion of any future Palestinian Arab entity is also expressed in Article (7) of the official Palestinian State Constitution which states that 'The principles of Islamic Sharia are a major source for legislation. Civil and religious matters of the followers of monotheistic religions shall be organized in accordance with their religious teachings and denominations within the framework of law, while preserving the unity and independence of the Palestinian people.' The constitution's translation can be accessed on the home page of the website www.israelbehindthenews.com.

"Islamic nations which have adopted the 'Sharia' law, have mandated the absolute supremacy of Muslims over non-Muslims as matter of law, more than of simply of attitude.

"What worried the Archbishop was that all Christian churches and all Christian schools will be placed under the arbitrary authority of Islamic Fundamental Law, which allows nothing more than 'tolerance' of other religions at best.

"For the past seven months, the US embassy has been asked to comment on the US-funded Palestinian State Constitution. No response has been forthcoming from anyone in the US government, except for denials that it exists. Yet the author of the PA State Constitution, Mr. Nabil Shaath, affirms the existence of the PA State Constitution, as presented by the Vatican's ambassador.

"The PA state constitution's imposition of Sharia Islamic Law is most certainly in effect.

"Calls to the US embassy and US consulate to determine whether the US government is looking into the situation of Christians under the rule of the Palestinian National Authority have not been answered.

"After all, it was US AID which financed the creation of the PA State Constitution, which meant the imposition of the Islamic Law throughout the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority.

"Middle Eastern countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Iran which have adopted Sharia Islamic Law, have made life quite difficult for Christians. Under Sharia Islamic Law, Christians are considered 'dhimmis', second class citizens.

"A research study released last Christmas by the Jerusalem Center For Public Affairs entitled 'The Beleaguered Christians', notes that in Egypt, 'Muslim, but not Christian, schools receive state funding....It is nearly impossible to restore or build new churches....Christians are frequently ostracized or insulted in public, and laws prohibit Muslim conversions to Christianity.'.

"That same study notes that Saudi Arabia 'is one of the most oppressive countries for Christians. There are no churches in the whole country. Foreign workers make up one-third of the population, many of whom are Christians. For their entire stay, which may be years, they are forbidden to display any Christian symbols or Bibles, or even meet together publicly to worship and pray. Some have watched their personal Bibles put through a shredder when they entered the country.' In Iran, 'the printing of Christian literature is illegal, converts from Islam are liable to be killed, and most evangelical churches must function underground.'

"Bethlehem is understood by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus. When Israel retook control of Bethlehem in 1967, the majority of Bethlehem's residents practiced various denominations of the Christian faith. However, with Israel's withdrawal due to the Oslo Accords and after less than ten years of Palestinian Authority rule the Middle East has witnessed a dramatic exodus of Christians from the city. This Christmas, less than 5% in the city of Jesus's birthplace is Christian. The mainstream media have hesitated to report that fact.

"President George W. Bush's administration has envisioned a democratic Palestinian entity that is devoid of terror. Instead, officials of US AID have fostered a constitution which envisions creation of the Islamic totalitarian state of Palestine, completely devoid of religious freedom and human rights.

"This Christmas, an Islamic army occupies Bethlehem. This Christmas, no Church can operate in Bethlehem without Islamic approval. And Christians in the Palestinian Authority are not seeing a Merry Christmas as a result. This is the legacy of what the US AID has facilitated, with or without the knowledge of the White House."

Yes, there was a militant Muslim organization in Knoxville, Tennessee, that was helping fund jihad in Bosnia and Chechnya in the 1990s, but it's no longer active. See? Nothing to be concerned about at all. KnoxNews reports that "a former member of a secretive Islamic fundamentalist organization in Knoxville helped funnel money to militant fighters in Bosnia and Chechnya during the 1990s, but local Muslims said Tuesday the group is no longer active." (Thanks to Nicolei.)

"Mustafa Saied, a former University of Tennessee student and member of the Muslim Brotherhood, told the Wall Street Journal in a story published Tuesday that money raised at the Annoor Mosque ostensibly for poor civilians actually went to Muslim warriors."

In Onward Muslim Soldiers I explore the thought of Muslim Brotherhood founder Hasan Al-Banna, as well as that of one of its greatest exponents, Sayyid Qutb. I also details its ties to Hamas and other modern-day terrorist groups.

"Knoxville Muslims raised $6,000 to pay for tents, Saied told the paper, but in 1995 a representative of the Benevolence International Foundation, a Chicago-based nonprofit, told him a portion of the money was diverted to fighters in Bosnia and Chechnya. FBI Special Agent James Van Pelt of the Knoxville office said he isn't aware of any criminal prosecution of any people or groups arising from the activities described in the article. 'If something like that would happen today, the person could be guilty of (giving) material support to terrorists,' Van Pelt said.

"The foundation's leader pleaded guilty in 2002 to buying supplies for fighters in the two countries. The U.S. Treasury Department alleged the group also had ties to al-Qaeda, though the charges were dropped as part of a plea agreement.
The paper reported that Saied was part of an active group of Muslim Brotherhood members in Knoxville before he left the campus in 1996, a few credits short of graduating. The Muslim Brotherhood is an international fundamentalist political group.

"Rosalind Gwynne, faculty adviser to the UT chapter of the Muslim Student Association said she was surprised to find out the Muslim Brotherhood had been active on campus. There can be as many as 300 students in the association at any one time, and the mix can vary from year to year, she said. Knoxville's mainstream Muslims said they weren't aware of the group's presence here either. 'I've lived here for 30 years, and this is the first time I ever heard about it,' said Hanan Ayesh, a founder of the Annoor Academy, a Muslim school.

"Most of those involved in the Muslim Brotherhood here were foreign students who get involved in Islamic politics before moving back to their countries of origin, said Mostafa Alsharif, a lifelong Knoxvillian. 'The majority of Muslims in the United States couldn't care less about the Muslim Brotherhood. They're going to stay in the United States. There's no need to be affiliated with something like that,' Alsharif said. Alsharif said the Muslim Brotherhood isn't active here anymore. 'It's not the reality of what's happening in Knoxville today at all,' he said.

"The lengthy Wall Street Journal article detailed Saied's activities in Knoxville nearly a decade ago. Now an adherent of a less strident form of Islam, Saied is an executive at a Florida environmental-testing firm. Said's tale offers a glimpse into how secretive organizations like the Muslim Brotherhood operate in the United States. 'Anti-American sentiment is usually reserved for closed-door discussions or expressed in languages that most Americans don't understand,' Saied told Wall Street Journal reporter Paul M. Barrett. 'While such rhetoric has been drastically reduced since 9/11, it is still prevalent enough to be a cause for concern.'"

Calling CAIR's Ibrahim Hooper: Ibrahim, my friend, what is CAIR doing to counter such rhetoric?

"Saied told Barrett he and other fundamentalist Muslims would meet once a week to drink tea and eat sweets while discussing fundamentalist Islam in secret. Saied said the Knoxville chapter viewed violence as something 'we don't do here, unless necessary.'

"Saied told Barrett he feels guilty about his years as an extremist and is applying for U.S. citizenship. He worries, according to the article, that areas of 'venomous hatred toward Western society' persist on some campuses and in certain Islamic communities."

Islamic communities aren't alone on this one. There is a great deal of venomous hatred toward Western society on college campuses among non-Muslim students.

"Some in the local Muslim community fear that reports of such extremist activities -- even those that occurred nearly a decade ago -- will prompt other Americans to persecute law-abiding Muslims. Ayesh said she sometimes feels like she had more freedom when she first came to America 34 years ago than her children have today."

It's easy to throw around unfocused accusations. Mrs. Ayesh, do you have time for a couple of questions? Please detail some instances of persecution of law-abiding Muslims in America. I know that CAIR lists many, but quite a few of those have turned out be much less than what CAIR claims to be. Illegal immigrants don't count, although even in their case I don't equate deportation with persecution; in any case, you said "law-abiding." Also, and more importantly, please explain: exactly what could you do 34 years ago in America that your children can't do now? And one last thing: exactly what are you and you fellow moderate Muslims doing to eradicate Islamic radicalism -- or even the anti-American rhetoric referred to above -- from the American Muslim community? I'll look forward to your answers; you can contact me here.

"A military leader of the radical group Islamic Jihad and four other Palestinians were killed on Thursday, and seven people wounded, when Israeli helicopter gunships fired missiles at a car here, Palestinian medical sources said." This report is from News24.com, with thanks to Jean-Luc.

"Islamic Jihad leader Moqbel Hamid was killed when a missile struck the car in which he was traveling, the sources said. The Israeli army said in a brief statement that it had targeted Hamid.

"'During an operation in the Gaza Strip this evening, the car of a senior Islamic Jihad official responsible for a series of deadly attacks' was targeted, a statement said."

Did the attack on Maher cause the postponement?

"An Egyptian security court has postponed sentencing in the trial of 23 Egyptians and three Britons accused of plotting to oust Arab governments." So says Al-Jazeera, with thanks to Nicolei.

"They stand accused of belonging to and trying to reactivate the banned Islamic Liberation Party, and aiming to overthrow governments in the region. The group, which emerged in Jordan in the early 1970s, seeks to restore the caliphate - one Islamic government for all Islamic states - through military coups across the region. The accused face up to 10 years in prison if found guilty. . . .

"In July, the supreme state security court said the verdict would be pronounced in December, but the presiding judge declared on Thursday that a final decision would be taken on 25 March, without giving a reason for the delay.

"'There is only one God and Muhammad is his prophet,' cried some of the accused as they were led from the court after the adjournment. . . .

"'It's possible that the attack on the Egyptian minister (Maher) could be behind the delay,' said Homira Nisbett, wife of another accused, Ian Malcolm Nisbett.
Maher was assaulted on Monday by a group of Palestinians, who called him a traitor while he visited the flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem.

"'The delayed verdict following the attack on Ahmed Maher worries us, notably because it coincides with the arrests in the past 48 hours of 80 people accused of belonging to the Liberation Party,' said defence lawyer Montasser al-Zayat."

The tiny minority of extremists, repudiated and despised as they are by the vast majority of Muslims, is printing the faces of its heroes on trading cards. And the kids love 'em: "Palestinian children are collecting cards showing gunmen and soldiers the way American kids trade baseball cards, and some educators are concerned that the uprising hobby is helping to breed a new generation of militants." So says AP, with thanks to Nicolei.

"The cards are an enormous hit, according to Majdi Taher, who makes them. He said that 6 million cards have been sold over two years and 32,000 albums this month alone in the two main population centers of the northern West Bank - huge numbers in a territory about 1 million Palestinians live, and he plans to expand his business.

"The card craze reflects reality in the West Bank, where three years of Palestinian-Israeli violence has become the dominant reality for children. Israeli soldiers enforce curfews, confining residents to their homes, and often carry out raids in towns and villages, looking for militants. Sometimes children throw rocks at Israeli soldiers or are caught up in exchanges of gunfire. At least 319 Palestinian children under the age of 18 have been killed in the conflict.

"In the West Bank, Palestinian militants carry their weapons openly on the streets and gain the adulation of the young. More than 100 Palestinian suicide bombers have carried out attacks against Israelis, becoming folk heroes in their home towns.

"The collectable cards depict real-life Middle East action figures familiar to the children: An Israeli soldier shooting a large gun, a soldier forcing Palestinians off their land, a small Palestinian child dressed in militant's clothing holding a toy gun and Palestinian boys throwing stones."

The cards also have gained approval in high places: "The albums are sold in cardboard boxes shaped like Israeli tanks and include a dedication from Nablus governor Mahmoud Alul. A child who fills an album with all 129 pictures can win a computer, a bicycle, a watch or a hat.

"Some teachers and parents are concerned about the new fad, trying to forbid their children from buying the pictures, saying they are teaching children violence and forcing them to grow up too quickly. 'I take hundreds of these pictures from children every day and burn them,' said Saher Hindi, 28, a teach at a Nablus elementary school. 'They turn children into extremists.'

"The desire to fill the albums has captivated children in Nablus and Ramallah, teachers say, keeping them from their homework as they spend all their money on the cards. It's a business success for Taher, who said he plans to expand the sale of the cards and albums to other West Bank towns. The former candy salesman said he means for the album and pictures to be a history lesson. Children who are now seven cannot remember incidents from the start of the fighting three years ago, Taher said.

"'I am writing the history of the intefadeh (uprising) in pictures,' Taher said. 'I collected these pictures from journalists, and I want people to remember this all their lives.'"

Las Vegas -- as a symbol of Western decadence -- has surfaced in the past as a target of Islamic terrorism, and now it has come up again: "U.S. government officials said yesterday they believe some of the passengers boarding one of the three Air France flights from Paris to Los Angeles that were canceled this week because of security concerns might have intended to hijack it and crash-land in Las Vegas or another city along its flight path." So says the Washington Post.

"Police in Paris questioned 13 people who had checked in for two Air France flights that were canceled Christmas Eve because of a terrorism warning from U.S. authorities, but no evidence of wrongdoing was found, the French Interior Ministry said. All 13 were released.

"But U.S. officials said they are suspicious about some of the passengers who did not show up at the airport to claim their seats on the ultimately aborted Flight 68 from Paris to Los Angeles. One of those who did not appear for the Christmas Eve flight apparently is a trained pilot, one U.S. official said.

"'We still have an interest in talking to those people who didn't show up,' said one U.S. official knowledgeable about the investigation. 'There might be more to come on this.' Despite French statements suggesting some of the American fears about the Air France flights were unfounded, U.S. government officials said they believe they might have averted a terrorist attack by arranging for the flights' cancellation. Officials said they feared that al Qaeda operatives planned to hijack one of the flights and use the plane as a missile to attack a site on or near its route.

"Moreover, U.S. officials said intelligence indicators suggest that al Qaeda might have set other terrorist operations in motion that do not involve aviation and are not centered in California. As on other occasions when terrorist fears are heightened, U.S. officials said their main concern is that al Qaeda might use a chemical or biological weapon, or a radiological 'dirty' bomb.

"'Our fear is that other things are going on' that have nothing to do with jetliner flights in or out of U.S. airports, said one U.S. official briefed on high-level intelligence. 'The concern is that there still could be a lot of activity that was underway.'

"Another government official with access to the classified reports said U.S. security officials 'are really concerned something major will happen' despite the cancellation of the three incoming and three outgoing Air France flights between Paris and Los Angeles on Christmas Eve and yesterday. One scenario embraced by a number of U.S. security officials is that al Qaeda operatives were in the final stages of planning an attack in this country, and were awaiting final direction from al Qaeda superiors to proceed."

In connection with scholar Bernard Lewis's strange misapplication of the Qur'anic verse declaring that there is "no compulsion in religion," Bassam Madany of Middle East Resources has kindly directed me to his article " Bernard Lewis on 'Triumphalist Religions.'"

In it, Madany points out that Lewis's equation of the missionary impulses of Christianity and Islam is theologically and historically inaccurate, as well as severely misleading in today's political climate. Madany is a Christian (as am I), but anyone, Christian or not, who is not wearing idelogical blinders can see that there is a serious difference in the teachings of the two religions on these matters. Many like to imagine that all religions are equivalent in their ability to inspire murderous impulses; for anyone to point out that the facts are otherwise is not a function of Christian or any other faith, but simply of an ability to look honestly at the facts of the case.

Madany begins by expressing his admiration for Lewis: "In the June 2003 issue of WRFNET.com web journal, I shared a summary of 'An In-Depth Interview' with Bernard Lewis, the well-known scholar on Islam and the Middle East, which had appeared on the cable channel C-Span 2, in April 6, 2003. I ended my article, with an analysis of the interview and some critical remarks. Much as I have admired this author's way of telling the story of Islam across the last fourteen centuries, I was dismayed by his silence on certain dark aspects of this civilization, especially its treatment of the conquered peoples. I had hardly finished my work on that article, when I noticed that the May 2003, issue of The Atlantic Monthly, had an article by Bernard Lewis with the rather shocking title, 'I'm Right, You're Wrong, Go To Hell: Religions and the Meeting of Civilization.'

"Again, I must reiterate how much I like the works of Bernard Lewis. His style, whether in writing, or in speaking, is gripping. He excels in telling the story of different peoples and their specific civilization. His goal is to explain, elucidate, and instruct. This is very praiseworthy at this juncture in world history when so many trouble spots in the world happen to be within the household of Islam.

"Having said this, I am both chagrined and disappointed that this great scholar tends, in this Atlantic Monthly article, to posit equivalence, between Christianity and Islam, in their respective outlook on the world, and more specifically, as they sought and still seek, to win converts to their specific faiths.

"To begin with, Bernard Lewis reminds us that, 'only two civilizations have been defined by religion. Others have had religions but are identified primarily by region and ethnicity.' These two religions are Christianity and Islam, they 'are the two religions that define civilizations, and they have much in common, along with some differences.'

"Having thus set Christianity and Islam apart from the rest of world religions such as Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, professor Lewis classifies the latter as relativist religions, while the former two as triumphalist religions. 'For some religions, just as "civilization" means us, and the rest are barbarians, so "religion" means ours, and the rest are infidels. Other religions, such as Judaism and most of the religions of Asia, concede that human beings may use different religions to speak to God, as they use different languages to speak to one another. God understands them all... The relativist view was condemned and rejected by both Christians and Muslims, who shared the conviction that there was only one true faith, theirs, which it was their duty to bring to all humankind. The triumphalist view is increasingly under attack in Christendom, and is disavowed by significant numbers of Christian clerics. There is little sign as yet of a parallel development in Islam.'

"Professor Lewis regards Islam and Christianity as triumphalist religions. Both faiths consider all 'others' as infidels. While, according to him, some Christian leaders are nowadays 'disavowing' the triumphalism that has marked Christianity throughout history, there is no such parallel movement among Muslim leaders. In our globalized world, triumphalism (whether Christian or Muslim) is not conducive to world peace. In order to put across his thesis in the clearest way, Bernard Lewis sums up his disapproval of triumphalism, both in Islam and Christianity, with these words:

"'For those taking the triumphalist approach (classically summed up in the formula "I'm right, you're wrong, go to hell"), tolerance is a problem. Because the triumphalist's is the only true and complete religion, all other religions are at best incomplete and more probably false and evil; and since he is the privileged recipient of God's final message to humankind, it is surely his duty to bring it to others rather than keep it selfishly for himself.'

"The first point I would like to make is that, great as the scholarship of Bernard Lewis is, his lumping together of the 'triumphalism' of the two religions is neither proper, nor objective. One has to be careful in categorizing the faith of others. As a Christian, I find the title of his article very offensive. It is a caricature of Christianity to sum up its attitude to the 'other' as being, 'I'm Right, You're Wrong. Go to Hell.'

"Throughout history, Christians, beginning with the apostolic age, sought to win converts through preaching and witnessing. It was none other than the Risen Lord that gave his church the marching orders: 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.'
Matthew 28:18b-20 (NIV)

"The greatest missionary of the First Century was Paul. After his conversion, his life was dedicated entirely to the spread of the faith and the organization of churches in the Mediterranean world. He described his mandate in the opening words of his Letter to the Romans: 'I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.' Romans 1:16 (NIV)

"Paul's message consumed him. He was absolutely convinced that the Risen Savior had entrusted with the message that brings salvation to all kinds of people regardless of their ethnic or religious background. As to the primary means for converting 'others,' God had ordained the preaching of the Gospel. In his First Letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote, 'For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.' 1:21 (NIV)

"In contrast with this peaceful spread of Christianity, Islam spread primarily through conquest. When studying the history of Islam back in Syria in the late forties, my teachers at the Syrian College used to glory in the 'Futuhat' (Conquests) of the Arabs. By 732 A.D., one century after the death of Muhammad, Islam had conquered territories stretching from Spain in the west, to India in the east. While Christians and Jews were allowed to remain in their respective religions, pagans were forced to Islamize. Furthermore, the People of the Book (as Christians and Jews were called) had to submit to some stringent rules that greatly limited their freedoms. Originally, the Christian populations of the Middle East formed the majority of the population, but a few centuries later, they became minorities in such areas as Syria, Palestine, and Egypt.

"Professor Lewis should not have posited equivalence between Christianity and Islam as far as the method for gaining converts. As a historian, he should know better than that!

"The second point in my criticism of the article of Bernard Lewis is that he fails to see the great contrast between what he calls the 'triumphalism' of the two religions. Yes, Christians do believe in the ultimate triumph of the Gospel. Their faith is summarized in these great words of Revelation 11:15b 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.' (NIV) And in one of the most familiar passages of this NT book, we hear the heavenly choir sing these triumphant words: 'Hallelujah! For Lord God Almighty reigns.' 19:6b (NIV)

"Islam, throughout history, has been triumphalist. Notwithstanding its many setbacks, especially after the leader of modern Turkey, Kemal Ataturk, abolished the caliphate, Muslims have never ceased to believe in the final triumph of their faith. I still remember reading a poster in the window of a Palestinian grocery store in a suburb of Chicago, these Arabic words: 'Al-Islam li-sa'adat al-bashariyya' i.e., Islam is for the happiness of all mankind.

"Today, the inevitable triumph of Islam remains the core belief of the radical Islamists. They do not and would not hesitate to use any means to bring about the triumph of Islam, even if that meant total confrontation with the rest of the world.

"On the other hand, if Christianity is described as a triumphalist faith, its triumphalism is related to an eschatological event. While the gospel has many implications and applications for the here and now, its complete fulfillment takes place beyond the horizon of this world order. Nowhere is this made plainer than in Romans 8. Let's listen to that great confession of Paul as he describes the ultimate triumph of the Christian faith: 'I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits with eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. ... For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. For who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.' Romans 8:18-21, 24, 25 (NIV)

"I was on the air for thirty-six years preaching and teaching the Word of God in Arabic. I was fully aware that most of my audience in North Africa and the Middle East were Muslims. I heard from many, many of them, mostly appreciating what I was teaching on the basis of the Book that their tradition praises. Throughout all these years, both in broadcasting and in correspondence with Muslims, it never, ever, entered my mind that my approach or attitude could have been summed up in the strange formula used by Bernard Lewis in his Atlantic Monthly article. My personal commitment to the Augustinian and Calvinist traditions kept me from ever resorting to such a crude formulation of the Christian message. I could have never even thought of 'I'm Right, You're Wrong. Go to Hell.' My method was irenical, and not confrontational, as I proclaimed the 'Injeel,' the Good News of salvation. My preaching was summed up in the familiar words of John 3:16, 'For God so loved the world...' My responsibility has always been to be faithful to the Biblical message. I did not coerce listeners to faith in Jesus Christ, since I believe that conversions are the sole prerogative of the Holy Spirit. He is, as the Nicene Creed puts it 'the Lord and Giver of life.'

"Yes, I do believe in the ultimate triumph of my Christian faith. But I know that this triumph will not come because of any military campaign, or through any worldly means. The victory of Christ over the world will become visible to all at his Second Coming. Paul described the triumph of Jesus Christ in this memorable words: 'Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father.' Philippians 2: 9-11 (NIV)

"Therefore, there is no equivalence between Christianity and Islam, neither in their core beliefs, nor in the way they conceive of history, and its End. Much as I still appreciate the works of Bernard Lewis, I was compelled to write this article because his thesis in this article is flawed, both historically and theologically."

Evidently American Muslims in New York, Washington, and Los Angeles should keep their bags packed: six weeks after warnings for Muslims to leave those cities were posted on radical Muslim websites, they have appeared again. WorldNetDaily reports that "known al-Qaida affiliated websites are warning Muslims to leave New York, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles ahead of massive attacks it claims have been planned for those cities.

"The statements, posted on sites such as Al-Lewa - Arabic for 'The Banner' - are part of the alarming increase in 'chatter' among terrorist operatives in recent weeks cited by Homeland Security officials for raising the terror threat level to high, or orange, reports the New York Post. Officials told the paper the CIA, FBI and National Security Agency consider the messages 'pieces of the overall puzzle.'"

Another possibility is that the recent warnings are actually the same as those that surfaced in November: "Counterterrorism experts uncovered and translated statements boasting of an impending wave of terror that started Nov. 15 after the suicide bombings in Istanbul, Turkey. 'The next al-Qaida attacks will be most violent and will target the U.S.,' read one claim translated by Rita Katz, director of the SITE Institute. 'Our Muslim brothers in America, this is our final warning. We ask you, as fast as you can, to leave the following cities immediately: Washington, D.C., New York City, Los Angeles,' read a second message posted Thursday by a group calling itself the Islamic Bayan Movement.

"According to the messages, the jihadists apparently are pleased with the terror alert issued by government agencies and the anxiety it prompts for travelers this holiday week. Katz said one message published quoted al-Qaida's mouthpiece, the Global Islamic Media Society, in saying it took delight that Americans are now 'living in a state of anxiety and constant fear.'

"'You will forget about Manhattan events. Be prepared,' the statement concluded."

Now that it has come to light that Pakistan may have given nuclear secrets to Iran and North Korea, we must ask what may have been the motivations of those who did so. In an editorial entitled "Jihad and loss of internal sovereignty," the Daily Times of Pakistan acknowledges that jihad was likely to have been high on the list.

The editorial focuses on two news items: "According to a Foreign Office spokesman in Islamabad, investigations show that 'certain individuals might have been motivated by personal ambition or greed' in facilitating possible nuclear technology transfers from Pakistan to Iran. The government says it will take to task anyone found involved in such activity. In another interesting report, we learn of a top Chinese 'terrorist' by the name of Hasan Mahsum who was shot dead in Pakistan's South Waziristan area during a military operation last October. Mr Mahsum was supposed to have links with Al Qaeda.

"Two conclusions can be immediately drawn from these news items. First, that the sale of our nuclear secrets was probably more a result of lack of state control over individuals working in our nuclear establishment than any conscious or permitted state policy. Two, the killing of Hasan Mahsum should surprises us about the extent of penetration of our country by persons accused of terrorism by the countries of their origin. Both cases point to a lack of internal state control and jurisdiction in the past decade."

This lack of internal state control, says the editorial, became particularly acute in connection with jihad ideology: "Internal control was lost after the compulsion of importing warriors led to their immunity from the law inside Pakistan. Once such immunity was granted through special agencies handling jihad, larger sections of the state began to be included in it. Jihad, when it is not declared by the Islamic state, tends to eat at the fabric of the state's sovereignty. Just as foreign mujahideen had a free run of the country, the personnel involved in the strategy of jihad gradually assumed immunity. In this context, the nuclear programme became an integral part of the strategy of deniable proxy jihad. In 1999, for example, when scientists from our nuclear establishment were decorated on Pakistan Day, most of them were proud to sport flowing beards, overtly displaying their political and religious viewpoint!

And: "In her second tenure, Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto got the ISI to register the 'foreign' mujahideen in Peshawar in the wake of Egypt's complaint that Mohammad Shawky al-Islambouli, a brother of the killer of President Anwer Sadat, was being sheltered there. The ISI came up with 5,000 names: 1,142 Egyptians, 981 Saudis, 946 Algerians, 771 Jordanians, 326 Iraqis, 292 Syrians, 234 Sudanese, 199 Libyans, 117 Libyans and 102 Moroccans. The world now knows how Pakistan became the bridge between Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan and the 'takfeer'-based Algerian-FIS breakaway organisation called the GIA whose terrorists had lived in the guesthouses in Peshawar. There is also an established connection with Iraqi Mulla Krekar's Kurdish organisation whose members also came to join the jihad in Peshawar. Krekar, originally Najmuddin Feraj Ahmad, taught at Islamabad's Islamic University where he also met Abdallah Azzam, Osama's man in Peshawar. The University routinely employed Egyptian fundamentalist clerics in its faculty. Ramzi Yusuf, the first bomber of the Trade Center in New York, frequented the hostel of the University and this appeared in the Pakistani press. Similarly, one can explain how the Indonesian terrorist Hambali, the Bali bomber, and his brother wound up in Karachi. There are hundreds of examples of how the country simply gave away its internal sovereignty. Pakistani scientists and doctors began going to Afghanistan and meeting Osama bin Laden in the wake of the international terrorists. Just like the jihadi leaders who vowed divine rage, most of them were in it for money. Doctors were found in Lahore with huge amounts of dollars in their possession.

"If 9/11 had not happened and the UN Security Council had not forced Pakistan to reimpose internal controls, more and more Pakistanis would have found their way into the toils of global terrorism. We already have our plate full. We have to clean up and return to normalcy after years of chaos. But first we must correctly grasp the enormity of the task ahead of us."

Abu Bakar Bashir

Here is an example of why Muslims and non-Muslims so often talk past each other: Abu Bakar Bashir, the Indonesian Muslim leader who is or has been the head of the radical Muslim group Jemaah Islamiyah (although he denies it) has said that "the Bali bombers and an Indonesian bomb-maker killed by the Philippine military in October were not 'terrorists' but God's fighters." This from AFP, with thanks to Nicolei.

A man with this perspective could easily say that Islam condemns terrorism. But he would believe that "terrorism" is a label used by the West to discredit jihad warriors such as the heroic Osama bin Laden. And indeed, this is just the view of Abu Bakar Bashir:

"Fathur Rohman al-Ghozi, who recently became a martyr, is a jihad [holy war] fighter, not a terrorist," Bashir told a gathering of prisoners at Salemba prison in Central Jakarta that journalists and his supporters were allowed to attend.

Convicted Bali bombers "Imam Samudra, Mukhlas, Amrozi and his friends are not terrorists either, they are fighters of the army of God," Bashir said, who is serving time for immigration offences. Bashir, 65, also praised Osama bin Laden as a Muslim fighter. He has praised bin Laden, head of the Al Qaeda terror network, in the past but his public accolade for Bali bombers was the first.

A court in Bali has sentenced Samudra, Amrozi and Amrozi's brother Mukhlas to death for their roles in the Bali bombings, which killed 202 people, mostly Westerners, on October 12, 2002. Self-confessed bomb-maker Al-Ghozi, a senior operative of the Jemaah Islamiah (JI) extremist network that is linked to al-Qaeda, was killed by Philippine troops in October after escaping from a Manila jail three months earlier. The JI network is blamed for a string of bloody attacks including church bombings which killed 19 people on Christmas Eve 2000, the Bali blasts on October 12, 2002, which killed 202 people and the August Jakarta Marriott hotel blast that claimed 12 lives.

But as far as Bashir is concerned, it's all -- that's right -- America's fault.

Bashir said Indonesian Muslims had been targets of slander from the United States, which he warned the authorities not to support. "I warn police if they remain supportive of the US, they can laugh now but will later cry for the rest of their lives," he said.

Bashir even blames his jail time on the U.S.:

Earlier in the day Bashir's lawyers filed a petition to the Supreme Court against an appeal court ruling that he must serve three years in jail. In September he was convicted of treason through taking part in a JI plot to overthrow the government. But the court said there was no proof that he headed the JI terror network, as prosecutors alleged. The appeal court this month cleared Bashir of treason. It upheld his conviction for immigration offences and forging documents but cut his jail term from four years to three. His lawyers want him cleared of all charges. Bashir has denied any links to terrorism and said he was framed by Washington because he campaigns for Islamic sharia law.

A Muslim leader in Australia has publicly taken issue with a radical Muslim fatwa that instructs Muslims not to wish Christians Merry Christmas or to join in the celebrations of the unbelievers in any way. Unfortunately, however, other Muslims in Australia have defended the radicals.

"Australia's radical Muslims are trying to sabotage Christmas, according to the nation's most senior Islamic leader, Sheikh Taj Din al-Hilali." This from news.com.au, with thanks to Agent Azure.

"The accusation from the Islamic mufti is based on a Wahabist edict from Saudi Arabia, which he said had been circulating among Australia's fundamentalist Muslims. The edict tells conservative Muslims how they should respond to Christmas, which is not celebrated by followers of Islam.

"Sheikh al-Hilali said the strongly worded edict, issued some years ago, amounted to religious intolerance and would not be supported by mainstream Muslims. 'Other Australians would look at people who believe this as people who live on Mars, not Earth,' he said.

"The edict says Muslims must not greet anyone with the phrase 'Merry Christmas' and must not return the season's greetings to anyone who offers them.

"It also says that Muslims must not:

"Offer or accept any food or drink linked with the celebration of Christmas.

"Send greeting cards for or import or sell anything related to Christmas.

"Put up Christmas lights or keep Christmas trees or have any signs relating to the Christmas season.

"According to Sheikh al-Hilali, the edict also asks: 'How can you Muslims participate with Christians in their festivals and celebrations? How can you greet them on this occasion in relation to the falsehood in their religion which is a symbol of their misguided, disbelieving creed? Isn't that giving support from you for their false religion?'"

These kinds of restrictions on Muslims not only participating in Christmas, which would be understandable, but even extending good wishes to Christians, are actually rather common worldwide. You can even find them among Muslims in the United States. This one is from Illinois (with thanks to "Allah.") They are, of course, manifestations of the same assumptions of superiority (of Muslims) and corruption (of Christians) that give rise to the institutionalized oppression of dhimmitude.

"But several fundamenalist sheikhs who have seen the edict disputed Sheikh al-Hilali's interpretation. They said the edict was not intended to spoil Christmas for Christians, but merely to keep Muslims away from a celebration their religion does not recognise.

"Although many religions did not recognise the Christian celebration of Christmas, Sheikh al-Hilali said all Muslims needed to be tolerant of other people's faiths. Sheikh al-Hilali, a moderate Muslim, has been highly critical of Australia's fundamentalist Islamic leaders, who he said had been weak in condemning terrorism and had 'followed in the footsteps of Osama bin Laden'.

"'They want that reputation - to appeal to simple Muslims - that they are people applying jihad. These people bring a rigid and incorrect understanding of Islam to Australia and they bring harm to their religion,' he said in an interview with The Australian. Sheikh al-Hilali's criticism of the Christmas edict is a further reflection of the tension between mainstream Muslim leaders and fundamentalist clerics.

"Fundamentalist Muslims, who adhere to a strict and conservative version of Islam, make up only a small proportion of Australia's 280,000 Muslims. But this small group is the main focus of ASIO." That would be the Australian Security Intelligence Organization.

By Bassam M. Madany

In the aftermath of World War II, several changes had to be made to the map of the world. For example, the boundaries between Germany and Poland were adjusted, and what used to be East Prussia became part and parcel of Poland. The Indian subcontinent was partitioned in 1947 by Great Britain into India and Pakistan. That resulted in great upheavals and bloodshed. Many Muslims left India for the new Islamic state, while most Hindus who found themselves in what became Pakistan, had to relocate and settle in India. Eventually, almost all of the old and new nations learned to accept each other's existence. Not so in the Middle East where one situation has defied solution. I refer to the Palestinian-Israeli problem.

Back in 1946, the United Nations decided to divide the land of Palestine between its Arab and Jewish populations. The Palestinians and their Arab neighbors opposed the partition plan. So, when the State of Israel was born on May 15, 1948, war broke out between the nascent Jewish state and its Arab neighbors. Since then, several wars took place between the antagonists. Now, more than half a century later, peace in the Holy Land remains elusive. It is very hard to believe that ten United States presidents have had to deal with this problem, from Harry Truman to George W. Bush.

Personally, I have been aware of this unending crisis since my youngest days. One of my earliest recollections is my attempt to decipher the Arabic script of a headline in a Beirut newspaper in 1936. It dealt with a Palestinian leader, a forerunner of Yasser Arafat, who was leading a rebellion against the British that administered the Holy Land under a mandate given by the League of Nations. He and his followers were resisting the influx of European Jews into Palestine after the rising tide of anti-Semitism in Nazi Germany.

Then, for two summer seasons in 1943 and 1944, I worked (in Syria and Lebanon) as a civilian in a branch of the British Army, known as the RASC (Royal Army Service Corps.) My superior was a Jewish sergeant from Tel Aviv; the second in command was a Palestinian Christian corporal from Jerusalem, whose brother was a well-known singer on the radio station of the PBC (Palestine Broadcasting Corporation.) Both used to talk about their aspirations and dreams for the future. Once in a while I wonder what happened to them since 1948.

Years have passed, and I have been living in the United States since 1958. Geographically, I am far away from the Middle East, still I cannot forget the Palestinian problem. My entire ministerial calling has been with the lands of my birth. For thirty-six years, I broadcast the Gospel to the Arabic-speaking world of North Africa and the Middle East. Thousands of listeners used to correspond with me, and many of them were Palestinians.

In 1966 while traveling in the Middle East, I paid a visit to two elderly sisters who lived near the Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem. At the time, it was located in an area under the control of Jordan. Late in May 1967, I received an air mail letter from them, telling me about their fears as the war clouds were gathering. Hostilities between Egypt and Israel were imminent. Having no where else to go, they planned to stay in their little home. After the end of the Six-Day War, I saw pictures of the awful devastation that took place near the place where the two sisters lived. I never heard from them again!

Then, in June 2001, I received a heart-rending message from an Evangelical pastor in the West Bank. He told me of the sad incident that occurred as he and his family, were on their way to Jerusalem to attend the graduation of one of their sons. At the checkpoint separating their town from East Jerusalem, the Israeli Army stopped their car. The pastor and his family were not allowed to proceed further. They missed that very important occasion in the life of their son.

Why has this problem persisted, defying all attempted solutions undertaken by well-meaning world leaders? I have not stopped reflecting on this subject, reading about it, and around it. I say around it, since quite often, we tend to isolate this problem from its larger context. You see, this matter does not just involve Palestinians and Israelis; it has to do with the Islamic concept of the world. After the first Arab Islamic armies conquered the Middle East, North Africa, and Spain, they regarded the world as being either within Daru'l Islam, (i.e., the Household of Islam) or falling into the domain of Daru'l Harb, (i.e., the Household of War.) Once a specific area came within their domain, it had to remain Islamic for ever!

This brings me to comment on a very helpful book. The author is Bernard Lewis. For several years, he lectured at the University of London. Then he moved to the USA where he taught at Princeton University. He retired in 1986, but continues to write and lecture on Islam and the Middle East. He has authored more than two dozen books on this subject.

Professor Lewis' book, The Multiple Identities of the Middle East, was published by Random House, NY, in 1998. It offers some needed background for the understanding of the people and politics of the Middle East. One of its main themes deals with a complexity that arises from the fact that Middle Easterners identify themselves both ethnically and religiously. However, the religious element is and remains the dominant one. The root for this outlook is embedded in the history of the last 1400 years.

Within the vast Islamic empire, the conquerors classified people according to their religions affiliation. One was either a Muslim or a follower of one of the earlier religions. Muslims enjoyed all the rights and privileges accorded to them by the Islamic Shari'a Law. As for others, such as Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians, they were given the status of dhimmis, i.e., the "protected ones." This "protection" was actually a mere euphemism as it entailed many restrictions imposed on non-Muslims. Thus, one's identity was not primarily defined by an ethnic or geographic factor, but by one's religious faith. This classification continues to the present day. A Middle Easterner's primary identity resides in his or her religious faith; secondarily it is defined by the state within which he happens to live.

For example, on my Lebanese Identity Card, I was registered as a Protestant Christian. In the 99-member Lebanese Parliament (before the upheavals of 1975), we had one Protestant representative! The president of the republic had to be Maronite, i.e., of the Roman Catholic faith, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim, and the speaker of the Parliament, a Shi'ite Muslim. Usually, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs went to a Christian of the Greek Orthodox Church! This way of identifying Middle Easterners created a serious crisis whenever relations between the various religiously-defined groups were strained. Quite often, Muslims even though living within a distinct country such as Lebanon, felt that their ultimate identity (and therefore loyalty) resided elsewhere, within the Islamic Umma. That kind of allegiance practically nullified the modus vivendi that had existed in Lebanon since the 1920s, and that led eventually to the loss of freedom in a land that used to be known as the Switzerland of the Middle East.

As Bernard Lewis put it: "During the centuries-long confrontation between the states of Europe and the Ottoman Empire, the Europeans always saw and discussed their relations in terms of Austrians, Frenchmen, Germans, Englishmen, and other nationalities versus Turks; the Turks saw it in terms of Muslims versus Christians. In pre-modern Muslim writings, the parochial subdivisions of Christendom are given scant importance. In the worldview of Muslims, which they naturally also ascribed to others, religion was the determinant factor of identity, the focus of loyalty and, not less important, the source of authority" (P. 22).

In these words, we notice how the religious factor is of utmost importance in our relations with the Middle East or any nations within the vast Islamic world that surrounds it. Secular Western writers tend to ignore the critical importance of religion in Islam and what constitutes a Muslim's ultimate loyalty. They tend to forget the fact that in contrast with Christianity, Islam is an amalgam of religion, politics, and culture, in one indivisible entity. If this thesis is correct, and I believe that the history of the last 1400 years supports it, then we may ask: why do some writers and politicians continue to ignore this fundamental fact about Islam? Islam is more than religion, and has always maintained an exclusivist political worldview. It has no room for non-Muslim entities (i.e., states) to freely exist within the context of the Household of Islam.

The history of Pakistan affords us a modern example of why Muslims believe that they ought to live in an environment that is officially and legally Islamic. Before the end of the British rule, the most outspoken representatives of Indian Muslims requested the Raj not to leave before the partition of the subcontinent. As mentioned at the beginning of this article, this is why the Islamic state of Pakistan was carved out of India. That event signified that at the end of European colonial presence in Asia and Africa, Muslims would not tolerate living under non-Muslim rule. Since they identify themselves primarily as Muslims, their first loyalty goes to the Islamic Umma. Ideologically, Muslims feel at home only within Daru'l Islam.

Back to the book of Bernard Lewis. "In the modern world, the political role of Islam, internationally as well as domestically, differs significantly from that of its peer and rival, Christianity. The heads of state or ministers of foreign affairs of the Scandinavian countries and Germany do not from time to time foregather in a Lutheran summit conference. Nor was it customary, when the Soviet Union still existed, for its rulers to join with those of Greece and Yugoslavia and, temporarily forgetting their political and ideological differences, to hold regular meetings on the basis of their current or previous adherence to the Orthodox Church. Similarly, the Buddhist nations of East and Southeast Asia, the Catholic nations of southern Europe and South America, do not constitute Buddhist or Catholic blocs at the United Nations, nor for that matter in any other political activities.

"The very idea of such a grouping, based on religious identity, might seem to many modern Western observers absurd or even comic. But it is neither absurd nor comic in relation to Islam. Some fifty-five Muslim governments, including monarchies and republics, conservatives and revolutionaries, practitioners of capitalism and disciples of various kinds of socialism, friends and enemies of the United States, and exponents of whole spectrum of shades of neutrality, have built an elaborate apparatus of international consultation and even, on some issues, of cooperation. They hold regular high-level conferences, and, despite differences of structure, ideology, and policy, have achieved a significant measure of agreement and common action" (P.26).

"There are also large and growing numbers of Muslims living as minorities in countries with non-Muslim majorities in Asia and Africa, and latterly also in Europe and the Americas. For these minorities, especially in the democratic West, the question of relations between Muslims and others arises in a new and largely unprecedented form" (P. 112).

As we focus our attention on the Palestinian-Israeli problem, we have to recognize that the basic identity of a Palestinian Muslim is intimately connected with his religion. And since his religion has supplanted both Judaism and Christianity, neither of these faiths possesses any legitimate claim to land of Palestine. The underlying problem is theological, thus it remains radically different from all other international problems.

The secularized West cannot and does not understand this basic religious motif for the Palestinian's refusal to accept Israel as a valid political entity within the vast Islamic world. It is up to Christians to speak boldly about this subject, and to point out to all parties in this conflict that genuine coexistence in our globalized world is a must. The continual refusal to accept the existence of Israel as a sovereign state leads to more violence and to acts of terror that spill beyond the borders of the Holy Land.

"Guerrillas from Afghanistan's ousted Taliban militia and the al Qaeda network it once sheltered are using Pakistan as a sanctuary, the U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan said Wednesday." This from Reuters.

"Speaking at a police graduation ceremony, Zalmay Khalilzad also said senior al Qaeda members including Osama bin Laden and his deputy, Ayman al-Zawahri, Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar and Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar must be brought to justice.

"'The remnants of extremist Taliban, al Qaeda and Hekmatyar want to take Afghanistan to the bad old days,' Khalilzad said. 'They use Pakistan as sanctuary.'

"The Taliban and Hekmatyar have declared a 'jihad,' or holy war, against U.S. forces in Afghanistan and U.S.-backed President Hamid Karzai.

"The fate of bin Laden and al-Zawahri remains unknown, but they are widely believed to be hiding along the rugged Afghan-Pakistan border." Or somewhere below it.

"Afghan officials, including Karzai, have long complained Pakistan is not doing enough to clamp down on militants using its territory to launch deadly raids into Afghanistan. U.S. officials are usually less forthright, recognizing the importance of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's support for the U.S.-led war on terror.

"Pakistan has arrested hundreds of suspected guerrillas, including senior figures, and handed many over to U.S. custody, but senior officials say some militants could be hiding out along its remote Afghan frontier."

The reality of Christmas today around the world is the subject of Jihad Watch director Robert Spencer's new article "A Holly Jihadi Christmas," available today at WorldNetDaily.

The Wall Street Journal (under subscription, so no link) today contains a commentary by Jonathan Eric Lewis, "The Coptic Path." (Thanks to Jerry Gordon.)

In it, Lewis cuts through the politically correct misinformation that usually chokes of any discussion of the fact that the Coptic Christians Egypt are, "to put it with supreme understatement, less free than we are to practice the religion of [their] own choosing." Lewis states forthrightly that "for Egypt to democratize, it must end its discrimination against its Coptic population, arrest and prosecute the Islamic extremists who have repeatedly targeted the Christian community, and include the Coptic community in all aspects of civic and political life."

This would also constitute a useful question for the Council on American-Islamic Relations and other American Muslim advocacy groups: do you support equality of rights for the Copts in Egypt, and an end to restrictions on the freedom of Egyptians to convert from Islam to Christianity? If not, why not? And if not, do you someday hope to institute a system like Egypt's in the United States?

Lewis also stands out from most commentators in his accurate awareness of the realities of Islamic history -- including dhimmitude: "Having had to live under dhimmi, or inferior non-Muslim, status for much of their history, Copts nevertheless produced a rich corpus of theological literature for Near Eastern Christianity, particularly during the 13th-century Coptic Renaissance. It was not until 19th-century Ottoman reforms, however, that Coptic Christians were freed from their subservient status under Islamic rule and were released from paying the jizya, a discriminatory tax mandated for non-Muslims."

But they have still not been released from the discriminatory attitudes and practices that dhimmitude has ingrained into Egyptian culture.

"General Electric has pulled a lighting ad from Paul Harvey's syndicated radio show, heard here on WABC (770 AM), after receiving complaints from listeners over Harvey's comment that Islam 'encourages killing.'" This from the New York Post, with thanks to seafarious.

"Harvey, 84, made the comment Dec. 4 while describing cockfighting in Iraq. 'Add to the thirst for blood a religion which encourages killing, and it is entirely understandable if Americans came to this bloody party unprepared,' he said. Harvey apologized six days later through an on-air substitute - a day after GE pulled its ad (for a lamp).

"'We're considering whether to resume advertising [on the show],' a GE spokesman said yesterday. 'No decision has been made yet.'" Are they waiting for a go-ahead from the Council on American Islamic Relations?

Many times I have been confronted by people who tell me that the Bible contains incitement to violence too, and so the Qur'an's incitement to violence is either beside the point or disingenuously one-sided. Among many important and necessary answers to this is the fact that jihad terror exists no matter what evil anyone else may be doing, so it's just irrelevant to invoke the Bible. Another is the empirical fact that when people speak of "Ramadan violence," they generally refer to violence done by radical Muslims, while the common understanding is that "Christmas violence" refers to violence done not by Christians, but to them. There is good reason for this common usage: no matter how politically incorrect the fact may be, there is no global network of Christian terrorists, but there is such a network of Muslims. (There are other essential answers to the question regarding the Bible and the Qur'an, which I discuss at some length in Islam Unveiled.)

A summary of Christmas terror past and present, courtesy Elizabeth Kendal of the World Evangelical Alliance, with thanks to Freedom Now News:

"Christmas 1999: A series of terror attacks planned against Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land and Amman (Jordan) were thwarted.

"Christmas Eve 2000: At around 9 pm, 18 bombs exploded almost simultaneously outside churches in seven cities across central Indonesia, killing 15 people and wounding 96. Another 31 unexploded bombs were recovered.

"Christmas Day 2002: In Pakistan, three girls were killed and 14 believers wounded when two masked men dressed in burkas threw grenades into a church in the village of Chianwala, 65km northwest of Lahore. Explosives were also found near a church in the Pakistan capital of Islamabad.

"Christmas 2003 is equally foreboding:

"* INDONESIA: a Jakarta police chief has warned that intelligence information suggests Jakarta could well be the target of a bombing campaign this Christmas. Police officers will be stationed at more than 240 churches throughout Jakarta and its suburbs.

"* IRAQ: intelligence indicates that Iraq also may experience major terror attacks over Christmas, although reports admit it is unclear what the targets might be.

"* ITALY: security will be increased at some 8,000 major Christian sites in Italy, including St Peter's Square, after a warning from Mossad (Israeli Intelligence Service) that there was a 'high index of probability' that 'an important symbol of Christianity' would be the target of a terror attack between Christmas and New Year. The Via della Conciliazione, the main road leading to St Peter's Basilica, will be closed every night until 25 December, a precaution officials say was unprecedented.

"* SRI LANKA: the situation in Sri Lanka is extremely tense due to the death last week of the prominent and much revered Sri Lankan Buddhist monk Ven. Soma Thero, a champion of Buddhist nationalism. He was in Russia receiving an award at the time of his death. An autopsy revealed he suffered a fatal heart attack. However, Sri Lanka's 'Supreme Council of Monks' has called for his death to be investigated, saying they suspect foul play. Sri Lankan media have speculated there is a Christian conspiracy. According to the Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (EASL), tensions are running so high that churches across the nation are postponing Christmas celebrations. Ven. Soma Thero's funeral will take place on 24 December, Christmas Eve. EASL is requesting prayer for the nation."

MEMRI reports that recent editions of the Al-Qaeda magazine, The Voice of Jihad, contain debates on whether or not the organization should strike within Saudi Arabia. "There has been no dispute," says MEMRI, "over striking American or Western targets around the world - only regarding attacks within the kingdom."

A "high ranking Al-Qa'ida member," Abd Al-'Aziz bin 'Issa bin Abd Al-Mohsen, is quoted thusly: "Jihad members and Mujahideen sympathizers were divided: Some said we must attack the invading forces that defile the land of the two holy places [i.e. the Arabian Peninsula], and must cause the Americans to become preoccupied with themselves and their bases so they won't leave them to crush the countries and lands of the Muslims, country by country.

"Others said we had to preserve the security of this base and of this country [i.e. Saudi Arabia], from which we recruit the armies, from which we take out the young people, and from which we receive [financial] backing. It must therefore remain safe.

"My opinion is an intermediate opinion, between the two groups. It is true that we must keep the enemy preoccupied with himself and not give him a sense of security, because as soon as he secures his bases and his lines of supply, he will have an opportunity to use them to attack our brothers in different parts of the countries of the Islamic world. But we must prepare ourselves and be ready for this momentous event the best way we possibly can. We told them: 'Wait, we are readying ourselves.' Then we attacked the Americans.

"It is also true that we must take advantage of this country [Saudi Arabia] because it is the primary source of funds for most Jihad movements, and it has some degree of security and freedom of movement. But we must strike a balance between this and America's invasion of the Islamic world and its hobbling of the Jihad movement and even of other Islamic movements…"

Another Al-Qaeda member, Louis Attiya Allah (an alias), says that the negative effect of Saudi attempts to portray the November 8 Riyadh bombing as an operation against Muslims (which it doesn't seem to have been anyway) "is temporary and will disappear if, for example, the Mujahideen strike another blow in America. Then sympathy will return to what it was in the past, and may even increase."

Says Voice of Jihad editorial writer Suleiman Al-Dosari: "Our number-one enemy is the Jews and the Christians, and we must make ourselves available and invest all our effort until we destroy them – and we are capable of doing this if Allah allows us to – because they are the main obstacle to the establishment of the Islamic state."

Plus this, also from Louis Attiya Allah: "The world order must be removed from the region and defeated, first of all militarily. Then, the Islamic state must be reestablished, in accordance with the Islamic regime. . . . The experience [of an Islamic state] is real, and it existed 1,300 years ago. The peoples of the East ruled themselves and lived according to their own rules long before the West was in the region. There is nothing to prevent the revival of these rules, which are based on the Koran and the Sunna . . . No political program has a chance of succeeding if we do not defeat the West, militarily and culturally, and remove it from Muslim countries. Then, it will not be difficult for the nation, with the help of its tremendous resources, to rebuild life according to religious Islamic principles. We will become the masters of the world, as the world's economic fate depends on us because we have the resources the world needs and all the elements of controlling the world are in our hands."

And: "The Jihad movement in the Arabian Peninsula will not be stopped by the borders of the so-called Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, because the entity called by this name is an artificial entity that has no religious foundation. There is no religious consideration that prevents, for example, the transfer of Jihad outside this entity to Yemen or to the countries called the Gulf States. All these types of nation-states have no significance, and they have no [religious] protection preventing their removal when the Jihad goes into action."

And finally, another indication of how deeply these men have imbibed the 7th-century world of the Qur'an: "The main enemies of the nation, the Byzantines, will not come to their end until Judgment Day, and therefore there is no point in talking of stopping the battle… The most important thing is that the Mujahideen will safeguard the burning ember of Jihad. The more martyrs' blood is shed for the sake of this ember, the greater its light; it will burn the enemies more quickly and victory will draw near, Allah willing…"

The Byzantines? Last I looked the Byzantine Empire fell on Tuesday, May 29, 1453, the black day when jihadist invaders finally broke into Constantinople and massacred its gallant, vastly outnumbered defenders. But to Al-Qaeda, the world is and will ever be as it is in the Qur'an and the traditions of Muhammad (the 30th sura of the Qur'an is entitled Al-Rum — that is, The Byzantines). Those who dismiss these as motivating factors for radical Muslims should take note.

"Authorities raised the terrorist threat assessment over the weekend after new intelligence indicated that operatives of Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaida terror network, possibly trained and licensed to fly passenger jets, may now be pilots for some foreign airlines, ideally positioning them to carry out suicide attacks, U.S. officials told NBC News on Monday." This from MSNBC.

"Reinforced cockpit doors intended to thwart hijackers after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks would now protect any terrorist pilot at the controls, the officials said on condition of anonymity.

"Authorities would not describe the terror threats in detail publicly, but the U.S. officials told NBC’s Jim Miklaszewski that the threat alert would remain at 'orange,' or high, through the end of January, which they said was an indication of its seriousness."

Also, "new intelligence indicates that al-Qaida remains intent on attacking large gatherings of people with chemical or biological weapons, official said. They said law enforcement agencies were looking closely at two rural locations — one in the East and the other in the Southwest — that were believed to be high on the terrorist target list.

"Most troubling, the officials said, were indications that al-Qaida may already possess a radiological weapon, or so-called 'dirty bomb.' They did not elaborate.

"Experts said a potent dirty bomb could spread radioactive material for a half-mile in all directions. People in the fallout zone would be bombarded with radiation levels that they would not otherwise be exposed to from natural sources for a full year.

"While it may not particularly deadly, the psychological impact of a dirty bomb could be devastating, experts said.

"'The point of a dirty bomb is not mass casualties,' terrorism specialist Roger Cressey, chief of staff for President Bush’s Critical Infrastructure Protection Board from November 2001 to September 2002, said in an interview. 'It's much more to instill fear and panic into the general population.'"

Last night I completed an article about conspiracy theories running rampant in the Muslim world (watch for it soon), and this morning CBN News has a piece about the same thing.

"Rumors and conspiracy theories seem to run rampant through the Arab world.
Today, the rumor that may generate the most fear and anger is that the U.S. has launched a Christian holy war against Islam, with an intent to stamp out Muslims, and the story is being pushed by the Arab media."

Most significantly, "the stories are spreading through the airwaves by some of America's so-called allies in the region."

The article brings us some quotes from Al-Jazeera talk radio: "According to Egyptian Caller, Majdee Hussien, 'The Muslim nation has come under a criminal Christian and zionist invasion. The U.S. forces are accompanied by missionaries to kill the women and children in Iraq and to kill the Iranian pilgrims.' One Saudi Arabian, Ali Zoudeide, said, 'As it says in the Koran, they are going to fight you until you will abandon your religion.'"

Ali Zoudeide is not alone: millions of Muslims are looking to the Qur'an as revelatory of the contemporary situation, particularly in regard to Muslim relations with Jews and Christians. This breeds a deep suspicion that will be hard, if not impossible, to overcome.

"Jordanian police used an outdated arrest warrant two days ago in another foiled attempt to detain Siham Qandah, a Christian widow fighting to retain custody of her two minor children in Jordan." So says Compass Direct in an update of a story posted here some time ago.

But when police in the northern Jordanian town of Husn came to arrest Qandah on the evening of December 16, she was not at home with her daughter Rawan, 15, or son Fadi, 14. Qandah's lawyer inquired about the police raid yesterday morning at the Irbid civil court, only to learn that in fact the arrest warrant being used by the police was dated last June. Although the local court had decreed six months ago that Qandah must turn over her children to a Muslim guardian or be jailed, the arrest warrant has been blocked since September by a restraining order issued by a higher court in Amman.

In light of the known restraining order, it was not clear whether the police actually intended to arrest Qandah, or were simply part of another ploy by the children's court-appointed Muslim guardian to intimidate and harass Qandah.

After a flurry of telephone calls yesterday following the attempted police raid, a leading cleric in Jordan's ecclesiastical court summoned Qandah to Amman today and offered her legal representation by a new lawyer. He proposed that this attorney file a new case to challenge the validity of her late husband's alleged conversion to Islam. When Qandah replied she had no money to hire another lawyer, he assured her that all the costs would be covered.

So Qandah signed papers to give this new lawyer her power of attorney. While she was still in the priest's office, he telephoned a judge in the Islamic court, asking him to meet with Qandah while she was in Amman. When the Muslim official agreed, the widow went directly to meet with him and explain her case.

But on the way out of the building, she came face to face with Abdullah al-Muhtadi, her estranged brother and the very man trying to take her children away from her. She had not seen him for years, despite repeated court subpoenas for him to appear at legal appeals over the children's custody. But in an apparently deliberate confrontation in a public place, al-Muhtadi talked loudly and abusively to his sister for several minutes in the hall of the building, the widow said.

"He kept repeating loudly, 'Are you threatening me?' Qandah said, "while he was forcing me to talk with him in front of everyone passing by!" Qandah said she told her brother, "You have no right to take away my children. They are all I have left in this world." But he vowed he would fight to the end to get them, saying she had "no right" to have them. "I will prove that you are not a good mother," he told her. "You are trying to make them Christians. But they are Muslims, and they need to be receiving Islamic teaching."

After Qandah was widowed nine years ago, a local Islamic court produced a so-called "conversion" certificate, attesting that her soldier husband had converted to Islam three years before he died in Kosovo. Although both her children are baptized Christians, their father's alleged conversion forcibly changed their legal identity from Christian to Muslim.

Under Jordan's application of Islamic law, the courts were required to name a Muslim guardian for the children, in order to handle their orphan benefits. So since her brother converted to Islam as a teenager, Qandah asked him to fill this role.

However, over the next few years, al-Muhtadi began to appropriate some of the monthly orphan stipends for himself, and in 1998 he filed a lawsuit demanding custody of his niece and nephew so he could raise them as Muslims. In February 2002, Qandah lost her last appeal before the Supreme Court of Jordan, which awarded the children's custody to her brother.

Although al-Muhtadi is said to be a mosque prayer leader, the courts serving him with subpoenas to appear in subsequent cases filed by Qandah have declared they do not know his residence or whereabouts.

"Siham's brother has a number of other court cases filed against him for all sorts of illegal practices," one source told Compass. "He has had all these charges against him for years, but he has never been convicted of a single one. Her brother knows very well how to manipulate judges, to convince them he is a good Muslim who is only acting in the very best interests of his niece and nephew," the source said. "He has even convinced one leading judge that the $20,000 he withdrew from their orphans' trust fund had been used for the children!"

Qandah is convinced that her brother's motives are primarily driven by greed, although she fears that he also wants to marry her daughter to a Muslim once he gains custody of her. "Our government won't let Siham and her children leave Jordan, and they won't solve her problem here either," a friend of the widow said. "After nine years of fear and harassment, she needs to be allowed to live in peace."

Those are the words of a young Pakistani bemoaning the spread of the jihad ideology in his homeland. (Of course, it's the Americans' fault.) This comes from the Calcutta Telegraph.

The article asserts that the wind has gone out of the sails of the jihad movement in Pakistan: "The 'jihad project', a number of Pakistanis believe, is over. But they also think that their establishment does not seem to have fully realised this fact. The so-called jihadis have little support among the Pakistani masses. They are also realising that after 9/11, jihad is a word that shuts doors internationally."

Now, why would anyone have a problem with a struggle for self-improvement?

"Within Pakistan, the internal impact of the jihadi culture on society has been so great that youngsters are speaking out against it. Amra Ali, a young art critic, said: 'We were used by the Americans who first projected these jihadis as freedom fighters and branded them terrorists after 9/11. These terrorists that were created have had an impact on our society — today, there is a gun in front of every house. A Kalashnikov culture has taken birth in our society. Even our mosques need to be protected from the extremists.'"

If Amra Ali studied some history, he might realize that America did not create the jihadis. As I explain in Onward Muslim Soldiers, the modern jihad movement began in Egypt in the 1920s — but it considers itself to be in fundamental continuity with a movement that is as old as Islam itself.

Another young man, "Naveed Akhtar, a 27-year-old, went to the extent of saying: “I don’t think states should be based on religion. Earlier, Hindus and Muslims used to fight. Now, in our country, Muslims are killing each other. Up to the time of Partition, the difference between the Shias and the Sunnis, the Barelvis and the Deobandis did not warrant their killing each other. So where has this sectarianism come from? Who is giving these maulvis money to create strife in our society?”

"'The jihadis remain a force. But they cannot be a real threat without some support from the establishment,' Ghazi Salauddin, a senior journalist, said.

"Iqbal Haider, a former senator and human rights lawyer, felt the jihadi forces had damaged Pakistan. 'They have grievously hurt Pakistan’s international image, economy and society. What is the achievement of their so-called jihad? Our society has been brutalised by them,' he said.

"General Pervez Musharraf himself has been a target of these groups and after the latest assassination attempt against him, he has admitted to several other such bids in the past. Yet there are those in Pakistan who believe there is reluctance in sections of the establishment to let go of the jihadis. 'The pattern of this regime’s policy since 9/11 is to do under pressure the minimum necessary to keep Washington sweet. They have not realised that the jihad project is passé,' Rashed Rahman, former editor of The Frontier Post, said.

"This view is supported by the fact that even by its own admission, out of the 500 people that Islamabad has handed over to the US, 490 are al Qaida members and only 10 are Taliban. There are periodic bans on the jihadi groups but they resurface in a different garb. 'Two years ago, a ban was imposed on internal jihadi groups. But the regime chose to look the other way while these groups continued to function. Once again, two years down the road, pressure is mounting on Pakistan. So there is a fresh wave of bans, freezing of assets, etc. What is interesting about this new campaign is that except for the Shia leader, Allma Sajid Naqvi, accused of the murder of Azam Tariq, the leader of a virulently anti-Shia group called the Sipah-e-Sahaba, no other leader or member of a banned group has been arrested,' Rahman pointed out."

And why is that, exactly?

"He said: 'It is a policy of "preservation" rather than elimination that the Pakistani establishment is following.' Rahman argued that a three-way nexus had developed between 'the domestic jihadis, the Afghan jihadis and the Kashmir jihadis — retaining one means retaining the others and abandoning one means abandoning the others'. Those supporting the jihadis 'had merely put their head down in Afghanistan when the Americans had blood in their eye and waited for the storm to pass. Then they quietly put together a fresh triangular alliance between the Taliban, al Qaida and Gulbuddin Hekmatyar who was resurrected from exile in Iran. That forms the backbone of the resistance in Afghanistan today', he added. 'The nexus between the different kinds of jihadis is now causing rancour with the Americans. In Afghanistan, they are at the receiving end of it. And vis-à-vis India, it does not fit in with their grand design for the region of promoting trade, investment and possibly hoping that India would act as a counterweight to the new emerging power of China.'

"Rahman felt that regardless of Musharraf’s secular credentials, 'because of international, regional and domestic pressures, the regime will find it increasingly difficult to revive and continue with its past policies towards the jihadis'."

This morning, FrontPage magazine's lead story is my exploration of Saddam's reasons for getting himself included in the genealogy of the Prophet Muhammad. It could well have been part of an attempt to position himself as the chief of the global jihadist movement, trumping the Taliban's Mullah Omar as Osama bin Laden's spiritual leader. The piece is called "Saddam: Former Leader of the Global Jihad?"

A letter that was recently sent to Reuters was kindly forwarded to Jihad Watch:

"Dear Editor:

"Why do you slant the news in favor of terrorists? Why do you call suicidal maniacs driven by the ideology of Jew-hatred and genocide 'activists' and 'freedom fighters'? You know they are funded by Saudi Arabia, Iran and other terrorist supporting countries. You know they have sophistocated weapons. Why do you not reveal their true intentions?

"Why do you conceal the facts about Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah etc? Why do you not mention that they are waging chemical and biological warfare against Israeli civilians? Surely you know that their bombs are laced with rat poison in order to compound suffering and insure death. Surely you know that many of the suicide bombers have AIDS, hepatitus and other diseases -- that is why they are chosen -- and that their tissue fragments become imbedded in the tissue of their victims. If you do not know about these details, why not interview Israeli emergency room doctors? They will tell you more than you want to know. They will show you x rays of victims with nuts, bolts and nails lodged in brains, hearts, muscle and other vital organs that cannot be removed surgically. Have you ever inquired of your 'freedom fighters' why they pack their bombs with shrapnel and lace them with poison? Is their love of liberty so great that shrapnel imbedded in babies' brains is a must? Why not ask these questions?

"Perhaps you have asked them in private, amongst yourselves. If you have not, then I give you more credit than you deserve. I cannot believe that you are so willfully ignorant that you have not already encountered this information on your own. It is not being hidden from view. Any idiot can stumble upon it. Then, if you do know these facts, why are you not stating them publicly? In your position, only public statements matter. It is your job to represent the facts. If you are in business to promote your political agenda and it is pro-'Palestinian' -- as it appears to be -- then say so publicly so that the world will not be fooled. Otherwise, you are merely propagandists, deliberately indoctrinating the unsuspecting with concepts of heinous irrationality. Do you really want people to believe there is a moral equivalency between a suicide bomber and its Israeli victims or the Israeli soldiers defending civilians against barbaric terror?

"Your denials are unacceptable. Too much evidence supports all of the assumptions presented here. Please respond."

"Egypt’s foreign minister, on a peace mission to Israel, was rushed to hospital after being attacked today by Muslims at the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem." This from The Scotsman.

Why was he attacked? Evidently for holding peace talks with Ariel Sharon: "Ahmed Maher had left talks with Israeli premier Ariel Sharon to pray at the Mosque, Islam’s third-holiest site, in the Old City.

"Witnesses said Muslim extremists shouted at him and tried to attack him. Bodyguards surrounded the minister and whisked him out of the compound. They said he was heard saying, 'I’m going to choke, I’m going to choke' as he was being taken away. . . .

"Israeli police said protesters threw shoes at Maher. Muslims remove their shoes at the entrance to mosques. . . . Earlier Maher held talks with Israeli leaders about resuming peace talks with the Palestinians."

The Yahoo group Daleel Al-Mojahid (Guide for the Jihadi) has gotten attention in the past few months for passing on threats against Americans. Those threats didn't turn out to be substantive, but the man posting there now offers an oblique excuse: "We promise you a big surprise coming soon which was delayed due to the stupid play of bush and his wizards in the black house."

The "stupid play" seems to have been the capture of Saddam. Daleel assures us that "Saddam is in Iraq and he is still in his right place, so keep on your jihad as we get ready to make a strong come back and diminish these crusaders in the right time at the right moment. From Chechnya to Afghanistan passing by Iraq we will defeat the United States of America with Gods hands and power, we will teach bush and his wizards and turn his magic upon them soon."

You see, the Americans just captured a "Saddam look-a-like." Then they were "taking him out of Iraq and making him go under 6 surgery's to his face which shows so clear in the pictures that were given out, in his eyes and in his cheeks and to his noose and the rest of the face!"

His "noose," eh?

With the terror threat is high this week, Daleel offers a glimpse into the jihadist mindset. Despite earlier wolf-crying episodes, he is full of new threats. One is addressed "to all the crusaders." It declares, "we have warned you alot of times to get out from our muslim lands and stop funding the jewish state but you dont listen and you will never listen."

Therefore, in the coming attack, "Sowrds [sic] of islam will strike the head of the big snake and cut it as we have cut its tale and slapt the rest of its body. and then the world will watch and say (how could a big and great empire like this fall on its knees with out a breath?) and we say what god says in his holy book the Quran (how many times has a small bunch of people been able to win a big and huge army with the word of god!!)." This one concludes: "alaah akbaar and to a new era of islam."

Another message adds: "We can tell you that the wire has been led up and it's in its final stages and nothing will stop it but God and the wisdom of the Arab rules and the non Arab rules, we can tell you that we are people from you and with in you, planning with you and have knowledge of all your planes."

Daleel is all heart. He even apologizes to the human race for what he says is to come: "we apologize from now to the human race from the hardship that will affect them as an aftermath to the attack, but it is a less hardship for us than to see continents slaved, we apologize in advance to the American people and to the European community's but you have stud [stood] hand in hand with your governments and left the Jews take control of the rest of the world."

He lists a number of demands that must be met in order to forestall the attack. These include "The complete and right away stop of your (masked) invasion of our Islamic lands in any part of the world east or west"; "The dismantle of the so called (United Nations and its council) in an international decision"; and "the pricing of oil is left to us and we promise you to make it available at a reasonable price for poor and for rich nations."

The conclusion: "We have given you the solution, so either you are with us or
against us, that's your way of thinking isn't it! But we know that you are not with us but you will be forced to be (and we have warned). It is not in our morals to attack you with such a big attack with out a warning, we wont do what you did to us times and times before under the rule of the devilish tree that was planted by (whom you know) feeding it and giving it water with your blessings as you enslaved your self's and your people under their rule.

"All you have to do now is to stand up for once a real stand for your own good and the good of your nation and people that will be attacked by total destruction (cave of darkness), and history will re-write that your punishment was a combined punishment of all the nations that came before you and walked your same path. And you will then cry like women in your underground caves.

The jihad will be televised: "And it will be fair enough for you to see that for us knowing that you will run away hiding in your underground caves, we will give you a prior few minutes notice before our blessed attack so that you will be able to watch your destruction with your own satellite as we would be by then have passed the sky's of the seventh sky to heaven and your nation to the fires of hell, and what and end for letting you govern them and move them to the direction of hell and what a direction!"

He ends up with the truly Satanic juxtaposition of "Praise to God almighty" with "Islamic Jihad Brigade (Black Death Squad)," of which he is apparently is claiming to be a member.

ADDENDUM: In light of a comment posted here, I thought I should clarify: I do not take the threats above seriously, although there seem to be other threats that have led to the heightened threat level. Aaron Weisburd at Internet Haganah has discovered that Daleel Al-Mojahid is posting from Dubai, and doesn't seem to have any real connection with Al-Qaeda. I present his ravings above not as the contents of a real threat, but (as I said above) as a glimpse into the jihadist mindset, which, alas, is shared by millions today. (One other thing: are real terrorists using the Internet? Sure.)

The fundamental hallmark of dhimmi status is the jizya, the special tax that non-Muslims have to pay in Muslim societies. While this tax is still part of the Sharia, it is enforced almost nowhere in the Islamic world today (although radical Muslims are laboring to change that). But the Palestinian Authority has hit on a new way to get the infidels' money: "The Palestinian Broadcasting Authority has sent letters in the past few days to international and Arab television and satellite broadcasting networks, notifying them of an unprecedented decision by the Palestinian Authority to charge fees from any networks wishing to broadcast on Christmas from the area near the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem." This from Haaretz, with thanks to Mary Beth Roderick.

"Fees will be charged all three dates of Christmas: December 24, for Catholics, Protestants and others; January 6 for Orthodox Christians; and January 18 for Armenians.

"The letter was sent by the deputy head of the authority, Ali Abu Rian. He explained that this year - as opposed to previous years - the Palestinian police and the Broadcasting Authority will supervise and arrange all the broadcasts from the Manger Square outside of the church. The fees will be $1,000 for users' fees and another $500 for film and sound crews for each of the three planned holiday dates.

"Every year dozens of television stations from all over the world broadcast the Christmas ceremonies from Bethlehem and the PA is expected to receive a large sum from the broadcast fees. In addition, the mass and ceremonies inside the Church of the Nativity will be produced and filmed exclusively by the official Palestinian television station, and no other stations will be allowed to film inside the church. . . .

"The price for broadcasting the Midnight Mass for each of the three different Christmas dates is $2,000 for foreign television stations, while the news agencies will be charged $6,000 for each date. According to the letter, print journalists and stills photographers will not be charged for covering the ceremonies. . . .

"Before the start of the intifada, the Palestinian Authority had charged for the exclusive pictures of the ceremonies inside the church, in which Yasser Arafat participated, but this year's letter added the charges for filming outside of the church in the area of Manger Square. This area is filled with hundreds of journalists every year.

"The Christian communities that are part of the ceremony are also incensed over the fees. One of the patriarchs who serves in the Palestinian Authority said, 'They are trafficking in Christian holidays, which should be available to every Christian.' The patriarch had previously raised the issue with Arafat, and sources say that in the past various groups had charged journalists for rights to broadcast.

"This year, for the first time since the start of the current intifada, a number of tourist groups are visiting Bethlehem, and hotel and shop owners in the city are hoping for some recovery in the holiday trade.

"Palestinian sources say that they approached Israel with a request a few weeks ago to allow Arafat to participate in the Christmas Mass this year, but the request was denied."

"Iran on Sunday criticized French President Jacques Chirac's 'extremist decision' to back a ban on Islamic headscarves and other conspicuous religious signs at schools." This from AFP, with thanks to LGF.

It's amusing to see the government of Iran calling any other entity "extremist," but it gets worse: "'We regard this as an extremist decision aimed at preventing the development of Islamic values' in France, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi said in his weekly press conference."

You know, I think Asefi is right. This decision is aimed at preventing the development of Islamic values. That is, Islamic values like government according to the Sharia, under which non-Muslims and women live under institutionalized oppression. Islamic values like stoning for adultery and amputation for theft. If those are the Islamic values that the French hope to prevent by banning the hijab, I'm all for them.

"This decision goes against civil rights and will undermine the image of France in the Islamic world," he added.

I expect that it will. I also am well aware of the terrible persecutions that non-Muslims in Iran have suffered under the rule of the Islamic Republic. If Asefi really cares about civil rights, let him fight to bring them to Iran.

That said, I must also note that civil rights, as has been said in other contexts, is not a suicide pact. The proposed banning of the Jewish kippa and Christian crucifix along with the hijab is just silly multiculturalist posturing. Neither of them constitute a statement that one supports the overthrow of French secularism. It is a pity that the French don't have the courage to acknowledge that there are significant elements of the French Muslim population that are totally opposed to secularism, and that since no such populations exist in the Christian and Jewish communities, no across-the-board action is necessary.

Peter Brookes in today's New York Post offers a useful summary of many recent stories about jihad recruitment in the West:

"After two years, al Qaeda and its allies continue to find new foot soldiers to wage a jihad against the West.

"Italian police, for instance, made multiple arrests in the last few weeks related to jihadist recruiting networks for Iraq (by al Qaeda franchise Ansar al Islam) and presumably elsewhere. The network had recruited at least 200 Islamic militants, 70 of them from Italy.

"Italian authorities say an Arab male suicide bomber from Italy helped conduct the attack on the U.N. headquarters in August that killed 22, including U.N. envoy, Sergio de Mello. And another from Italy attacked the al Rasheed hotel in October, where Deputy Secretary of Defense Wolfowitz stayed during a visit to Iraq.

"Terrorist recruiting often comes through Islamic religious schools and mosques, as well as through Web sites and Internet chat rooms. And the new recruits are coming from the darnedest places, in addition to Italy: France, Germany, Britain, Spain, Norway, Canada and the United States.

"Arab Muslim males living abroad are one natural recruitment target, but some others are more surprising: young Caucasians, Latinos, Black Muslims and even women. Legal residents and travelers with valid passports are especially appealing for al Qaeda's recruit because they arouse less suspicion and can move more freely across international borders.

"Elsewhere in Europe, pockets of potential trouble exist.

"* France's community of Muslim converts is a rising concern. In this predominantly Catholic nation, many decide to convert to Islam to buck the establishment, much as did the U.S. flower children of the '60s and early '70s. The French government estimates the number of converts at about 100,000. Frenchman Pierre Robert, known as the 'Blue-eyed Emir of Tangiers' was recently sentenced to life in prison in Morocco for recruiting and training Moroccan extremists after the May 16 suicide bombing in Casablanca that killed 45 people.

"* Two Britons of Pakistani descent were radicalized by Muslim clerics before carrying out bombings in Tel Aviv earlier this year.

"* Germany, home to 3.2 million Muslims and the way station of three of the 19 hijackers of 9/11, has concerns as well. Take Christian Ganczarski, a Caucasian German convert with ties to former al Qaeda operations kingpin Khalid Sheikh Mohammed: The French arrested Ganczarski in June as a suspected conspirator in the bombing of a Tunisian synagogue on the island of Djerba, which killed 21, in April 2002.

"Officials believe that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed used a number of non-Arab Europeans, including Swiss and Spaniards, to support the Tunisian synagogue suicide bomber Nizar Nawar and confuse authorities.

"In the United States, Jose Padilla, a Latino gang member convert originally from New York, was arrested in May 2002 in Chicago for plotting to detonate a 'dirty bomb' in the United States. He was reportedly recruited by Osama bin Laden's top lieutenant, Abu Zubaydah, and was directed by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. (Zubaydah was arrested in March in Pakistan.)

"The vast majority of Islamic converts, of course, don't become terrorists. But we should be aware that the pool of suspects isn't limited to Arab males from the Middle East.

"Law-enforcement officials note that many converts are ferociously ideological and anxious to show their zeal and worth to their new faith, including joining a jihad. Osama bin Laden reportedly views converts as an especially potent weapon and a unique talent pool for the cause.

"Perhaps the most surprising trend is the uptick in women terrorists. Islamist groups have long opposed female martyrs, but women are increasingly undertaking violent terrorist acts, according to Harvard University's Jessica Stern, a well-known terrorist expert. Because women are less prone to violence, they usually raise less concern among security personnel, making them ideal recruits for al Qaeda and other terrorist groups, Stern adds.

"All of this is not to say that everyone is suspect. But we do need to remain vigilant (especially during the holiday season). Though two-thirds of al Qaeda's senior leadership have been killed or detained since 9/11, a new generation of jihadis is stepping up to the plate for a swing at the ball. Sometimes these rookies hardly resemble the old team, but they're just as dangerous.

"We must adapt, just as our enemy is adapting. And, unfortunately, thinking outside the box for us is a continuing requirement, not a luxury, in the War on Terror."

One of the keenest analysts of the Middle East and jihad terrorism, Walid Phares, explains at FrontPage magazine the significance of the new Code Orange alert:

Phares notes that "one main sound bite" dominated the airwaves yesterday: "Beware of crying wolf." But he says that on the contrary, "the concern that repetitive calls for Orange alert may well weaken the whole system is a glaring consumer-driven fallacy. One of the strategic tools in the War on Terror is popular mobilization, which, combined with such an alert, can deter a terrorist strike by threatening to expose terrorist networks and their operations."

Phares makes a key point: "Because of our failing intellectual elites, we are having a hard time situating terror threats as they unfold. Many journalists perceive the Jihadist threat according to their own standards. In reality, however, we need to evaluate al-Qaeda's intentions based on their own mindset, not ours. We are facing a terrorist threat produced by a different political culture. The way it thinks, perceives its surroundings, and reacts to its environment is far from identical to ours, and the division is not religious or economic as much as it is ideological.

Also: "Al-Qaeda has a pattern of menacing Americans at home the closer they are to holidays -- or important national dates such as the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. That pattern was tested and is ideologically grounded. The war is against the 'infidels.' For international Jihadists, it is crucial to strike fear in the heart of the enemy during its peak celebration of happiness and religious fervor. And on more practical realms, the launchers of the 9/11 attacks are still banking on its dividends. They know that the horrific images of that day of infamy are still present in the minds of all Americans. The terrorists continue to use the psychological interests of the 'big day.' If they have a greater weapon, they would use it while preemptively terrorizing their victims."

And: "Bin Laden doesn't care about the presence of Saddam, but he cares about his absence. Who will inherit the zaama (leadership) of the jihad? To us, it doesn't seem important. To the Sultan of the holy war, it is crucial. Osama needs to strike at the heart of the enemy, to harvest the anger produced by the 'dishonor' of the captured Arab dictator."

This is another important point which I develop in a forthcoming article.

"Psychologically, and by jihad logic, bin Laden has to do something, and something big. Did al-Qaeda wait until last week to plan the potential inland attack? Not at all. The cells have mandated the planning ages ago. The decision to use their resources was made based on Jihadist strategic needs."

There is a great deal more. Phares's insights are head and shoulders above those of most commentators. Read it all.

As unbelievable as it may seem, The Suburban and Wayne Times of Pennsylvania reports that "last Friday the FBI informed Radnor Township Police that a 'credible threat' of terrorist activity existed against a business formerly located at 120 E. Lancaster Ave., Wayne.

"'When we have information of a possible threat we have to treat it very seriously,' said FBI Special Agent Linda Vizi, who declined to comment on any specifics due to the ongoing investigation.

"The FBI has said this threat will continue from Dec. 15 until Jan. 1. The threat has been made against a Christian satellite television service known as SAT-7, which relocated its offices from above the State Farm Insurance Company to Easton, Md., 'several weeks ago,' according to the township.

"SAT-7 bills itself as a satellite television service for Christians in the Middle East and North Africa. They also have offices in the United Kingdom, Lebanon, Egypt, Denmark and Cyprus."

Local officials are urging residents to go about their business as usual. That's good: we cannot allow terrorists to paralyze us.

"The SAT-7 Web site, www.sat7.org, explains their mission: 'The unrestricted ability to broadcast from satellite is of particular significance to the Christian communities of the [Middle East and North Africa]. They have the responsibility of witnessing to Christ in an area where increasing numbers of people are illiterate and many have been exposed to negative propaganda about the Gospel, the Christian Church and Christ himself.'"

Middle East Newsline reports that a major arms supplier to Muslim states has been North Korea. That nation "was said to have delivered 400 ballistic missiles to clients in the Middle East and sharply increased sales over the last year.

"The South Korean Defense Ministry told parliament in a report that Pyongyang delivered 400 Scud-class missiles to a range of Middle East countries since 1985. The report said the missile export constituted the largest source of hard currency for the Stalinist regime.

"The report said the best clients of North Korea were Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. The report did not say how much Pyongyang earned from the exports. But the Yonhap News Agency said the figure was $110 million.

"'Since the middle of the 1980s, North Korea has exported 400-odd Scud missiles along with missile-related parts to the Middle East region,' Defense Ministry spokesman Kim Ki-Beom, quoting the report, said."

During the 1990s, foreign jihadists streamed into Bosnia to wage jihad there. Many of these career warriors have now travelled to Iraq, but evidently not all of them: "Greece has determined that its national security interests are being threatened by Al Qaida-aligned Arab agents in Bosnia." This from Middle East Newsline.

"The Cabinet of Prime Minister Costas Simitis has convened to discuss what officials termed the threat from an estimated 2,000 Bosnian Arabs to the Olympic Games in August 2004. Officials said Western intelligence agencies have assessed that some of those Arab nationals could be training to carry out attacks on Israeli, U.S. or other targets during the Olympics in Athens.

"Officials said the threat of an Al Qaida-related attack will be one of the scenarios in a series of exercises scheduled to take place in February and March 2004. They said the United States has been pressing to revise security arrangements agreed upon a year ago.

"'Greece, as well as every other country, has the fundamental obligation to safeguard its internal and external security,' Greek Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos said. 'And it is evident that military planning for the country's security takes into consideration the simple fact that the country is a member-state of NATO and, consequently, our military planning takes NATO planning into consideration.'"

I have said for quite some time that the U.S. relationship with Saudi Arabia is going to have to be addressed, and addressed thoroughly, if we are going to be consistent in the war on terror. But there are few signs that this is going to happen anytime soon. Here is more evidence that Washington is still busy placating the House of Saud: "The Bush administration has termed Saudi Arabia as the worst violator of religious freedom in the Middle East, but refrained from placing the kingdom in a category that would have resulted in U.S. arms sanctions." This from Middle East Newsline.

"A State Department report cited Saudi Arabia as the most flagrant violator of religious freedom in the region. They said the Saudi kingdom continues to display hostility toward non-Islamic religions despite numerous U.S. appeals.

"'Freedom of religion does not exist in Saudi Arabia,' the report said. 'Muslims not adhering to the officially sanctioned version faced harassment at the hands of the [religious police].'

"But the report, dismissing a recommendation by a congressionally-mandated U.S. commission, avoided placing Saudi Arabia in a category termed 'countries of particular concern.' The six countries in that category have been subject to a range of U.S. sanctions, including a ban on the delivery of U.S. military platforms. Saudi Arabia is the biggest client of U.S. weaponry and has been negotiating several major deals to modernize the kingdom's military and National Guard."

Nicholas Kristof of the New York Times, reviews two new books on Islam in today's issue. Kristof, who famously portrayed suspected terror group leader Sami Al-Arian as "a rumpled academic with a salt-and-pepper beard," actually takes issue with Demi's biography of Muhammad on the grounds that "it comes across not just as respectful, which would be fine, but as reverential. For example, Demi recounts as fact that Muhammad was visited by the angel Gabriel during Ramadan in 610, and then under divine inspiration began to recite the Koran. Sure, Muslims believe that, but I felt funny reading this aloud -- as historic fact -- to my 6-year-old daughter."

I don't know why Kristof chose to read a hagiographical biography of the Muslim Prophet to his daughter in the first place, but I think this statement is interesting. Statements of Islamic belief presented as fact were just what parents objected to in the recent textbook case in California. It's good to know that the parents who complained that this sort of thing shouldn't be done in public schools would have an ally in Kristof.

Kristof continues: "'Muhammad was called upon to be God's messenger,' Demi writes, 'to make known God's will to the whole of humanity and to show the way to human dignity, progress and real happiness.' On the next page, the Koran is described as 'the eternal and infallible word of God.' Hmm. Why not just say that Muslims consider the Koran to be the infallible word of God, and leave it at that? Multiculturalist parents may want to expose their children to the world's major religions, but I doubt they want to indoctrinate them."

Precisely. This exact distinction must be made in America's public schools.

Kristof: "It's a pity, because there's an intellectual struggle in America now about how to portray Islam. Some conservatives, particularly evangelical Christians, see it as 'a very evil and wicked religion,' as the Rev. Franklin Graham put it. Some Arabists insist that Islam is warm, fuzzy and far more tolerant than other religions, because it accepts Judaism and Christianity as legitimate and just believes they are incomplete. I fall somewhere between the camps. Islam clearly has a problem with fundamentalism and violence, and it hasn't adapted as well to modernity as some other religions. But the common American perception of overseas Muslims as violent hotheads is the complete opposite of the warmth and hospitality one mostly finds traveling in places like Yemen, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. It would have been nice to have an introduction to Muhammad or Islam that didn't seem to be written by propagandists for either side."

This is a false opposition. There is a good deal more nuance among critics of Islam, and particularly of Islamic radicalism, than one may surmise from Kristof's broad-brush evocation and dismissal of Graham. Moreover, to dismiss such critics as "propagandists" is not, of course, to engage the substantive issues they raise.

And to invoke "the warmth and hospitality one mostly finds traveling in places like Yemen, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia" is particularly unfortunate choice as a counterweight to the alleged prejudices of these critics. (Thanks to Avi Goldwasser and Jerry Gordon.)

Abderrazak Mahdjoub (AP)

"Authorities in Europe have shut down a network that recruited at least 200 Islamic militants to carry out attacks on U.S.-led forces in Iraq, Italian investigators told The Associated Press." Thanks to LGF.

Just in case you got any idea that these were mainstream Muslims, the report assures you otherwise: "The volunteers were drawn from Muslim youths living on the fringes of society in Western Europe, with loose connections to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida and Ansar al-Islam, a militant group in northern Iraq. One recruit from Italy may have been involved in a rocket attack on the Al-Rasheed Hotel in Baghdad in October, when the U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz was staying there, officials told AP.

"There are also suspicions that some of the Muslim militants have been involved in suicide attacks in Iraq, although there was no hard evidence, one senior Italian official involved in the investigation told AP, speaking on condition of anonymity. . . .

"Italian investigators said they believe they shut down the recruiting network in Western Europe with a dozen recent arrests of the ringleader, his aides and others in Italy and Germany who played peripheral roles. Western European officials can't rule out that the operation moved east, however, sending volunteers to the Middle East from Poland, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria, the senior Italian official told AP. . . .

"Europe has a large Muslim population, including some extremists, and is seen as a potential breeding ground for terrorism. The Italian probe is believed to be first to have traced the movements to the attacks against American targets since the United States invaded Iraq. August Hanning, head of Germany's foreign spy agency, has cited evidence that Islamic extremists have left Britain, Bosnia and Germany to fight in Iraq. 'We know of holy warriors who have gone to Iraq to fight the "infidels,"' Hanning told reporters last month. He refused to give details, but said the number was 'relatively small.'"

Of one suspect, Abderrazak Mahdjoub, a German official said a curious thing: "If he said, 'I'm going to Iraq to kill nonbelievers,' we would have arrested him, but if he says he's going to support his brothers, we can do nothing," said Heino Vahldieck, head of the Hamburg office in charge of tracking extremists." Do they think he was going to bring his brothers tea and blankets?

"Officials offered no hard evidence that Islamic recruiters have moved east, but there have been unsubstantiated reports of Islamic fighters training in Bosnia.
In October, Polish authorities arrested an Algerian terrorist suspect who was carrying a British passport when he was stopped at Krakow's airport. Authorities were looking for possible contacts in Poland while seeking details from foreign intelligence services."

Qaddafi

Al-Jazeera reports that "Libya has announced it is to eliminate all its weapons of mass destruction. The North African country's foreign ministry said in a statement Libya 'had decided on its free will to... completely eliminate the internationally banned weapons of mass destruction.'

"The statement said the agreement was reached after meetings with 'experts' from Britain and the United States. No details were immediately available on the nature of these meetings, where they took place and when. The text, of which an excerpt was obtained by Reuters, said the decision was in line with Libya's pledge to make the Middle East and Africa a nuclear-free area. . . .

"In a surprise announcement to the White House press corps, US president George Bush said Colonel Muammar Qadhafi had agreed, after nine months of secret dealings with Washington and London, to destroy all of his weapons of mass destruction. 'With today's announcement by its leader, Libya has begun the process of rejoining the community of nations,' said Bush. 'And Colonel Qadhafi knows the way forward,' he said. 'Libya should carry out the commitments announced today. Libya should also fully engage in the war against terror. . . . Libya has a troubled history, but America and Britain will be
vigilant," he said. "Libya can regain a secure and respected place among nations and over time can achieve far better relations with the United States."

Gee, this couldn't have anything to do with Saddam Hussein and Iraq, could it? (Thanks to Jean-Luc.)

Many have pointed to the Taliban's involvement in drug production as proof that the Islamic character of the regime was only window dressing. However, such analyses overlooked the sharp division between Muslims and non-Muslims that is an essential part of the radical Muslim world view. I illustrate this in Islam Unveiled, quoting Abdul Rashid, at that time the head of the Taliban’s anti-drugs control force: "Opium is permissible because it is consumed by kafirs [unbelievers] in the West and not by Muslims or Afghans."

Now comes evidence that Al-Qaeda is involved in the same dirty business: "A US warship has seized two tonnes of hashish from a small dhow in the northern Arabian Sea this week in what was believed to be an al-Qaeda smuggling operation." This from ITV, with thanks to Jean-Luc.

"The Navy said about Monday's incident near the Strait of Hormuz in which the guided-missile destroyer Decatur stopped the 40-foot boat: 'An initial investigation uncovered clear ties between the smuggling operation and al-Qaeda. . . . The smuggling routes are known to be used by al-Qaeda and four of the 12 crew members are believed to have links to the organization.'"

To: The UN Secretary, U.S.Congress, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

WE THE UNDERSIGNED wish to bring to the attention of the World Community the continuing plight of Coptic Christian Citizens living in the sovereign Nation of Egypt:

1.Coptic Christian Citizens of the Sovereign Nation of Egypt have been continually persecuted in Egypt. More than forty cold-blooded massacres have been committed against Coptic Christians in recent years, resulting in the injury and murder of men, women, and children, and untold loss of businesses and property.

2. On Friday November 7, 2003, in the village of Gerza-Ayiat-Giza, eleven Coptic Christian Citizens of the Sovereign Nation of Egypt were injured, and dozens of homes and businesses were burned by a mob of approximately 500 radical Egyptian Muslims armed with knives, sticks, kerosene and benzene. Fields and crops were also burned by this violent mob. Many of the injured who were bleeding and suffering with broken bones were unable to leave their homes to seek medical attention as they feared to leave their children while this violent angry mob was permitted to go unchecked. The local Police refused to document this event, and refused to allow local Coptic Christians to file complaints against the perpetrators of this attack. Not a single individual to date has been arrested or prosecuted for these crimes.

3. In October of 2003, more than 22 Coptic Christian Citizens of the Sovereign Nation of Egypt were arrested, many of them converts from Islam to Christianity. These Christians were beaten, interrogated and tortured. The women among them may have been raped. All of this has been done in an attempt by the Islamic Authorities to persuade these Christians to renounce their Christian Faith and return to Islam. Not a single individual was ever arrested or prosecuted for these crimes.

4. On August 19, 2003, over 300 Egyptian Soldiers were ordered by the local governor to destroy a fence surrounding the historic 4th century Monastery of St. Anthony in El Zaaferane, Red Sea Governorate in spite of the fact that this fence was authorized and constructed by the previous governor of the Red Sea, State Security and the Ministry of the Interior in 1991-1992. The monks in
residence at this Monastery used their bodies as shields to prevent the Egyptian Government Security Forces from attacking the Monastery.

5. On April 5, 2003, an Egyptian Army Unit attacked the Charity Isle of Patmos, a Coptic Christian Center, the sole purpose of which is to provide treatment and support for mentally and physically handicapped children and orphans. This Center is legally registered with the Egyptian Authorities. This attack was conducted with armed vehicles, a bulldozer and tear gas, against unarmed helpless children. Not a single individual was ever arrested or prosecuted for these crimes.

6. On February 11, 2002, a newly constructed and completed Coptic Christian Church was stormed by dozens of radical armed Muslim Egyptians. These individuals set fire to this newly constructed house of worship, and additionally set fire to 35 homes and 3 automobiles belonging to Egyptian Coptic Christians. Ten Coptic Christian Citizens of the Sovereign Nation of Egypt were wounded in this attack. In addition, these radicals also attacked two buses carrying parishioners to the church. Local police failed to arrive on the scene for more than four hours. Muslim radicals were observed preventing fire trucks from entering the village to extinguish the fire inside the Church. Not a single individual was ever arrested or prosecuted for these crimes with one notable exception. The Church Priest, Father Luka Ibrahim Sargious was arrested and questioned.

7. On February 24, 2001, over 100 Egyptian Policeman stormed and destroyed with bulldozers the Coptic Church of St. Bola located in Shobra Elkhaima after the local Bishop had asked for permission to hold prayers.

8. On Friday, December 31, 1999, New Year’s Eve, a dispute between a Muslim trader and a Christian shop-owner in the village of El-Kosheh erupted into violence, which resulted in the deaths of 21 Coptic Christians. Over 260 Christian homes and businesses were destroyed. During the violence local Police forces either stood passively watching the mayhem, or worse, became actively involved in the attacks. 96 suspects were arrested and “prosecuted” by the Egyptian Courts, however an Egyptian State Security Court acquitted all 96 suspects on February 5, 2001. The Sohag Criminal Court found four men guilty. One Muslim perpetrator received a sentence of 15 years for the killing of the sole Muslim victim, which in fact was in another village and not part of the El-Kosheh massacre. The other three men received two and one-half year sentences for setting a truck on fire. Not a single individual responsible for the deaths of these 21 Christians was brought to justice. This miscarriage of justice may now be viewed by the Muslim community as a green light to kill Christians in Egypt.

9. On August 14, 1998, two Coptic Christians were murdered, again in the village of El Kosheh. The Egyptian Authorities’ response to these murders was to arrest 1000 Coptic Christians, many of whom were tortured in an effort to force confessions. Local Coptic Christians insisted that the murderers were Muslim.

10. On March 13, 1997, hundreds of radical Egyptian Muslims attacked the village of Bahgoura, Nagi-Hammady. Nine Coptic Christians were killed. The homes and businesses of Coptic Christians were burned and destroyed. Not a single individual was ever arrested or prosecuted for these crimes.

11. On February 12, 1997, a group of radical Egyptian Muslims attacked and murdered 12 Coptic Christian Sunday School students praying inside their church in the village of Abu Quorcas. Not a single individual was ever arrested or prosecuted for these crimes.

12. On February 25, 1996, hundreds of radical Egyptian Muslims attacked the Coptic village of El-Badary, Asyut, looting homes, animals and crops, and destroying homes and fields. Seven Coptic Christian citizens of the Sovereign Nation of Egypt were murdered. Not a single individual was ever arrested or prosecuted for these crimes.

13. On October 10, 1994, a mob of radical Egyptian Muslims attacked the village of El-Qousya, Asyut, looting and destroying homes and businesses, resulting in the deaths of seven Coptic Christian citizens of the Sovereign Nation of Egypt. Not a single individual was ever arrested or prosecuted for these crimes.

14. On March 11, 1994, at St. Mary’s Monastery in the village of El-Mouharak, Asyut, a mob of radical Muslim Egyptians attacked and killed an Archpriest, a Monk, and three laymen in front of the Monastery. Not a single individual was ever arrested or prosecuted for these crimes.

15. On May 4, 1992, in the village of Manshyet El-Nasr, Dairout, Asyut, a group of radical Muslim Egyptians attacked and murdered 12 Coptic Christian citizens of the Sovereign Nation of Egypt in their field, looted their animals and crops.
Not a single individual was ever arrested or prosecuted for these crimes.

16. On May 12, 1990, in the city of Alexandria, a group of radical Muslim Egyptians ambushed and murdered a Coptic Priest and six other Coptic Christian citizens of the Sovereign Nation of Egypt. Not a single individual was ever arrested or prosecuted for these crimes.

17. On June 17, 1981, 22 Coptic Christian citizens of the Sovereign Nation of Egypt were burned inside their homes and businesses in the village of El-Zawia El-Hamra, Cairo, during religious rioting. The Egyptian Internal Minister at that time, General Hassan Abu Basha declared after his resignation from office that 81 Coptic Christian citizens of the Sovereign Nation of Egypt were killed, over one hundred were seriously wounded, and 80 homes were looted and destroyed. Not a single individual was ever arrested or prosecuted for these crimes.

1. 1. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT
Coptic Christian citizens of Egypt do not differ from their Muslim neighbors either ethnically or linguistically. All speak Arabic. All are Egyptian citizens.
According to the Islamic sharia Law, anyone who denounces his religion of Islam should be executed, his marriage annulled and his children and property confiscated.
The Egyptian constitution, second article states that “Egypt is a Muslim country and the Islamic Sharia law is the main source of legalization.” This statement contradicts article number forty as contained in the Egyptian constitution, which states that all “all citizens are equal regardless of color, creed, or religion.”
The Sovereign Nation of Egypt is a Signatory to the United Nation Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted on December 10, 1948 by the General Assembly of the United Nations without dissent, which states in part that:
Article 1: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
Article 3: Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of persons.
Article 5: No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, not to attacks upon his honor and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.
Article 18: Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance.
Article 20: (1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and
(2) (2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.
WE CALL UPON THE GOVERNMENT OF EGYPT to educate it’s Muslim population as to the rights of their Coptic neighbors to live in peace and security, free from harassment and violence, and to ensure that it’s Coptic Christian citizens are afforded the same rights as its Muslim citizens.
WE, THE SIGNATORIES OF THIS PETITION, CALL UPON THE EGYPTIAN GOVERNMENT:
To reveal to the World Community ‘the whole truth’ concerning the persecution of Coptic Christian citizens of the Sovereign Nation of Egypt, to identify all those responsible, either actively or complicity, for these continuing atrocities;
To arrest and bring to trial’ all suspects implicated in the murders of 21 Coptic Christians in the village of El Kosheh in 199/2000;
To provide all victims of the violence of El Kosheh with reparation and support for material and emotional loss;
To lay the foundations for Egypt which respects and promotes Human Rights for all its citizens without distinction.
WE, THE SIGNATORIES OF THIS PETITION, CALL UPON THE UNITED NATIONS TO FORMALLY CONDEMN THE EL-KOSHEH INCIDENTS AND TO FORMALLY CONDEMN ALL PERSECUTION OF COPTIC CHRISTIANS TAKING PLACE IN THE SOVEREIGN NATION OF EGYPT.
WE, THE SIGNATORIES OF THIS PETITION, CALL UPON THE UNITED NATIONS TO ESTABLISH AN INQUIRY COMMISSION TO FULLY INVESTIGATE THE EL-KOSHEH INCIDENT OF 1999,2000, AND TO PROSECUTE THE GUILTY THROUGH THE INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL.

WE, THE SIGNATORIES OF THIS PETITION, CALL UPON THE UNITED NATIONS TO ENACT A RESOLUTION DEMANDING THE IMMEDIATE CESSATION OF VIOLENCE, HARASSMENT, DISCRIMINATION AND RELGIOUS INTOLERANCE PERPETRATED AGAINST COPTIC CHRISTIAN CITIZENS OF THE SOVEREIGN NATION OF EGYPT.
WE, THE SIGNATORIES OF THIS PETITION, CALL UPON THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO WITHHOLD A MINIMUM OF $300,000,000 IN UNITED STATES TAXPAYER FUNDED FINANCIAL AID TO THE SOVEREIGN NATION OF EGYPT UNTIL SUCH TIME AS A FEDERAL COURT IN THE UNITED STATES RULES ON AWARDING PUNITVE DAMAGES AND COMPENSATION TO THE FAMILIES OF THE DECEASED, AND TO SURVIVORS OF THE EL-LOSHEH MASSACRE.
WE THE SIGNATORIES OF THIS PETITION, CALL UPON THE PRESIDENT OF THE SOVERIEIGN NATION OF EGYPT, HOSNY MUBARAK, REQUIRING THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF EGYPT CORRECT THE FLAGANT DENIAL OF JUSTICE WHEREBY ONLY THE ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF A MUSLIM BY MUSLIMS WAS PUNISHED IN REGARD TO THE EL-KOSHEH INCIDENT OF 1999/2000, WHILE THE MURDERS OF 21 COPTIC CHRISTIAN CITIZENS OF EGYPT WENT UNPUNISHED.
WE THE SIGNATORIES OF THIS PETITION, CALL UPON THE PRESIDENT OF THE SOVEREIGN NATION OF EGYPT, HOSNY MUBARAK, REQUIRING THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF EGYPT CARRY OUT AN INDEPENDENT INQUIRY INTO THE ACTIONS OF THE EGYPTIAN SECURITY FORCES IN 1998.
WE THE SIGNATORIES OF THIS PETITION, CALL UPON THE PRESIDENT OF THE SOVEREIGN NATION OF EGYPT, HOSNY MUBARAK, REQUIRING THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF EGYPT CONDUCT A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE EGYPTIAN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS INVOLVED IN THE EL-LOSHEH INCIDENT OF 1999/2000, PUNISH THOSE FOUND GUILTY OF OFFICAL MISCONDUCT, AND INQUIRE AS TO WHY THE LOCAL EGYPTIAN SECURITY FORCES FAILED TO STOP THE MASSACRE OR TO INTERVENE IN ANY WAY.
WE THE SIGNATORIES OF THIS PETITION, CALL UPON THE PRESIDENT OF THE SOVEREIGN NATION OF EGYPT, CARRY OUT THESE INQUIRIES INTO THE EL-KOSHEH INCIDENT OF 1999/2000, AND CONDUCT TRIALS INDEPENDENT OF THE LOCAL SECURITY FORCES AND LOCAL AUOTHIRIES.
WE THE SIGNATORIES OF THIS PETITION, CALL UPON THE PRESIDENT OF THE SOVEREIGN NATION OF EGYPT ENSURE THAT SUBSEQUENT INQUIRIES AND TRIALS BE CONDUCTED WITH THE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF PROMINENT HUMAN RIGHTS GUARANTORS AND INTERNATIONAL OBERVERS.
WE THE SIGNATORIES OF THIS PETITION, CALL UPON THE PRESIDENT OF THE OSVEREIGN NATION OF EGYPT, HOSNY MUBARAK, REQUIRING THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF EGYPT PUBLICALLY DROP ALL CHARGES AGAINST BISHOP WISSA AND FATHERS GABRAIL AND ANTONIOUS IN CONNECTION WITH THEIR PROTEST OF POLICE BRUTALITY IN 1998, RETURN THEIR BAIL, AND DISCIPLINE JUDGE AFIFY FOR HIS ABUSIVE COMMENTS ABOUT THEM WHEN THEY WERE NOT ON TRIAL.

To sign this petition click here. (Thanks to Freedom Now News.)

Have you ever heard of the "Mother Theresa of Africa"? This name had been given to an Italian nun, Sr. Annalena Tonneli, who worked in Somalia for thirty years, "founding," according to the Barnabas Fund, "a TB hospital, orphanages and schools." Evidently a woman of such accomplishment was an affront to Islam: she was murdered in Borama, Somaliland, on October 5, 2003, "by two armed men in front of the hospital."

The Barnabas Fund also reports that "in another attack on 20 October, a British couple in their sixties, Richard and Enid Eyeington, working for SOS Children’s villages in Somaliland were shot dead by several gunmen in their home inside the school compound while watching television. Also, in November a Kenyan Christian working for the Seventh Day Adventist mission in Gedo, South West Somalia, was murdered by Islamist radicals. The attacks appear to be deliberately anti-Christian and anti-Western.

Another event earlier in the year illustrates the continuing power of traditional Islamic legal restrictions on conversion from Islam: "In February 2003 a radical Somali Islamist group, Kulanka Culimada, based in Mogadishu issued a press release in which they called for all Somali Christians to be treated as apostates from Islam who ought to be killed. This was in response to a bold move by the tiny persecuted Christian community in Somalia that had sent several delegates to peace talks currently being held in Nairobi (initiated in 2002) to demand the right of freedom of religion and assembly, political representation, and free movement. The Christian representatives were shouted down by Muslim delegates who insisted Somalia had no Christians and who declared Islam to be the official religion of Somalia. This seems to mirror prejudices widely held by Muslim Somalis which justify violence against Christians, both indigenous and expatriate. . . .

"Most Somalis, over 99.5%, are Muslims who regard Christianity as a foreign religion of their historic enemies in Ethiopia and of their former colonial masters the Italians and the British. There is a long history of conflict between Muslim Somalis and Christian Ethiopians, so anti-Christian sentiment runs deep. Most Somalis take it for granted that a true Somali is a Muslim and converts to Christianity must be traitors. . . .

"Aid and mission work by Christian bodies in the colonial period resulted in a tiny Christian community of between five hundred to a thousand, mainly in the south. Church property and institutions were nationalized in 1972 and all mission work was stopped in 1974. Many Christian Somalis have fled abroad as a result of the wars, chaos, civil strife and instability which followed the collapse of Somalia in 1991. Christian churches were driven underground and have suffered much persecution. A number of believers have been imprisoned and martyred over the years. Evangelism is prohibited, and believers worship on Friday to avoid association with foreign Christianity. Most church buildings have collapsed and are in ruins." (Thanks to bgordon.)

"Authorities are evaluating a surge of information related to possible terrorist threats to a number of cities in the United States, including New York City, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., ABCNEWS has learned.

"Threat information is coming from intelligence intercepts, interrogation of recent detainees and other methods, sources say. Intelligence and law enforcement officials are currently evaluating the threat information.

"Sources say the threat to New York City possibly involves a female suicide bomber, but no specific target has been identified and intelligence sources are still evaluating the credibility of this threat. The New York City Police Department released a statement saying it has 'no credible intelligence pointing to a specific or imminent terrorist threat' in the city.

"In the threats received for other cities, including Los Angeles and Washington, no mode of attack has been identified and no location or specific cells were named. Senior officials from the Department of Homeland Security, intelligence and law enforcement have a planned meeting Monday to evaluate the recent surge in information related to possible terror threats.

"'We have remained concerned about the volume of reporting of threats and that is why the Department of Homeland Security has sent out several bulletins over the past few weeks to homeland security officials and law enforcement personnel, urging all to continue be on heightened state of alert especially, as we enter the busy holiday season,' White House spokesman Scott McClellan said today at a news conference."

Mullah Krekar

Global jihad alert: The Norway Post says that "Arabs have been recruited in Norway for war against the Americans in Iraq. This is the opinion of Italian police, who have been questioning Mullah Krekar in Norway, Aftenposten reports.

"Mullah Krekar was Monday questioned by Italian investigators in an Oslo court. Senior public prosecutor Erling Grimstad confirms that the questioning has taken place. The opinion of the investigators is that Krekar's group Ansar al-Islam has cooperated with Al Qaida in recruiting arabs in Norway and other countries for fighting against the American forces in Iraq.

"Mullah Krekar said that he doubted that such recruiting has taken place, and he is 100 per cent sure that no one from Norway has travelled to Iraq. The newspaper Washington Post wrote Wednesday that the Italian investigators believe the terrorist organization Al Qaida and Ansar al-Islam cooperate on a network which recruits Arab volunteers for the fight against the US in Iraq.

"They believe this recruiting has been going on in both Italy, Germany, Spain and Norway." (Thanks to Nicolei.)

The tiny minority of extremists in Thailand has taken to naming babies "Saddam Hussein." This from The Australian, with thanks to Nicolei.

"'He's a cross between a hero and a tyrant, but we choose to remember his good side,' Rohcidee Lertariyapongkul, chairman of the Muslim Youth Association of Thailand, was quoted as saying in the Bangkok Post. 'One way to do it is to let our babies bear his name.'" How generous!

"Thailand is predominantly Buddhist, but its southernmost provinces are Muslim-dominated. Some Thai Muslims don't believe the man captured near Tikrit, Iraq, and purported to be Saddam is really him, and dismiss the capture as US propaganda, Rohcidee said.

"Navi Tohyor, a 36-year-old father from the southern province of Narathiwat, said he and his wife have named their newborn son Saddam. 'What Mr. Saddam did is right and legitimate,' Mr Navi said. 'He stood up against the US, the foreign invader. He's a fighter, not a bandit. I'm proud to name my son after him.'"

Beila Rabinowitz & William A. Mayer write in PipeLine News about the Florida Conference, kicking off today, that I discussed here on December 3:

The Universal Heritage Foundation will today, they say, "give locals an opportunity to combine both the fun of the Magic Kingdom with Islamic fundamentalism and the Muslim Caliphate." Rabinowitz and Mayer note a "sudden venue change," as well as "the conflicting nature" of the explanations offered for this change, and ask: "What are these people trying to hide?"

They continue: "The UHF is an Islamic 'propagation' center founded by the Islamic Circle of North America and the Muslim American Society - two of the largest and most radical Muslim organizations in the United States. . . .

"The 'Islam for Humanity' conference flyer proclaims a message of brotherhood and understanding. . . . However, UHF director Zulfiqar Ali Shah and president Ashraf Shaikh who are hosting more than 25 participants, seem to have a decidedly different agenda. The roster of these participants reads like a Who’s Who of militant Islam and many of them represent institutions and organizations linked to international terrorism.

"Actually to be perfectly factual, the roster of only a few days ago read more like the sinister Who’s Who list than the current one, and there is a reason for that. The organizers of the 'Islam for Humanity' event know that they are being observed, and are making changes along the way to attempt to blunt in advance the growing criticism that the presence of such notorious people naturally brings about.

"'We want to awaken the conscience of America: because if you remain on the side of injustice, the wrath of God will come,' he told the crowd. 'Please all Americans, do remember that, that Allah is watching everyone. If you continue doing injustice, and tolerating injustice, the wrath of God will come.' - Muzammil Siddiqui, the former president of Islamic Society of North America, Imam of the Islamic Society of Orange County in California and hastily removed, previously scheduled speaker at the UHF Conference.

"There are others.

"'In a similar vein, CAIR board member Imam Siraj Wahaj calls for replacing the American government with a caliphate, and warns that America will crumble unless it "accepts the Islamic agenda." Wahaj, it should be noted, served as a character witness for Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman, the Muslim cleric convicted for his role in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.' Front Page Magazine March 5, 2003 – Wahaj was also a scheduled speaker at the Conference who now appears to be AWOL from the event.

"Possibly the most controversial 'special guest' speaker scheduled - Saudi Sheik Abul Rahman Al-Sudais – has been apparently pulled also. Al-Sudais is the head Islamic cleric of Saudi Arabia. He has called upon Muslims to 'kill Jews and American worshippers of the cross.' . . .

"Critics, including terrorism expert Steven Emerson, accuse the American based Islamic group [Islamic Circle of North America] as having ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. The Muslim Brotherhood is the ideological godfather of all radical Islamic movements - including Hamas and Bin Laden's Al-Qaeda.

"Documents show Hamas officials have participated in previous ICNA events. UHF director Zulfiqar Ali Shah is past president of the ICNA. Ali Shah was also the principal at the Sunrise School of Islamic Studies whose co-founder, Mohammed Javed Qureshi, was 'dirty bomber' suspect Jose Padilla's direct supervisor at a local Taco Bell. . . .

"Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) not one usually associated with spreading right-wing conspiracy theories, said that, 'The Wahabi presence in the United States is a foreboding one…My fear is that if we don’t wake up and take action now, those influenced by Wahabism ’s extremist ideology will harm us in of yet unimaginable ways.'

"Regarding the Universal Heritage Foundation's patron organization, the ICNA [Islamic Circle of North America] counter terrorism expert Steven Emerson stated that: 'The ICNA’s hatred of the Jews is so fierce that it taunted them with a repetition of what Hitler did to them.' In his book - American Jihad - Emerson writes that, 'The ICNA openly supports militant Islamic fundamentalist organizations, praises terror attacks, issues incendiary attacks on western values and policies, and supports the imposition of Sharia [Islamic code of law].' . . .

The article concludes by examining "the ongoing story of Pastor Lee Wasson’s Kissimmee Christian Academy. The Academy provides a faith-based curriculum from second grade through high school. Unfortunately, the Academy’s 6 acres of fenced grounds are adjoined by a 25 acre parcel that, by happenstance, serves as the location of the UHF compound. . . .

"Together, the 31 acre combined properties comprise what used to be David People’s South Eastern Academy - a travel & culinary school - which eventually filed for bankruptcy. It was in this bankruptcy proceeding that Super Stop Petroleum Company became the landlord to both UHF and the Kissimmee Christian Academy, the chief corporate officer of Super Stop?

"Denise Qureshi. There is a possible alias with the name however, Muhammed K. Qureshi is another possibility. Qureshi [or the Qureshis, as the case may be] own an impressive list of holdings, at least one, apparently with Shahida A Siddiqui. . . . Since the Pastor’s landlord became Qureshi’s petroleum company, he has been continuously harassed and the particular form of harassment has taken its toll on the students, the parents and the financial health of the school.

"Eviction proceedings, inexplicable power outages, cessation of running water followed by suspicious floods – all seemingly calculated to take place at or near the first of the month when tuitions are due, have resulted in the student population falling by nearly 50% since mid-summer, when the new land lord took over.

"Wasson has a lease through the end of the school year, yet the harassment continues. Because of circulating rumors of possible violence many parents are not allowing their children to even venture near the school, this Friday [the day the UHF event is slated to begin] simply because of their fear of possible extremist repercussions, so the school will again have to close, imperiling the educative process, not to mention the school's already shaky finances.

"Keeping in mind that the location of the conference was changed after this statement, this is how Pastor Lee Wasson synopsizes the story. 'The Islamic conference in Kissimmee Florida is being held on property purchased by a "petroleum" company in south Florida. It is a 31-acre former college campus. This petroleum company has been trying [unsuccessfully so far] to evict our Christian School and small church from one of the buildings there. We lease a 10,000 sq. ft. building right in the middle of where this conference is scheduled and where Universal Heritage is opening their college. They have actually pictured our building on their website and call it the "Islamic Training Center." We have sued them. Now, according to the Islamic group as told to me today by Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah, the Universal Heritage Foundation has no association with the petroleum company save an old friendship with the company president which led them to the property.'"

ADDENDUM: William A. Mayer of Pipeline News, a coauthor of this piece, has written in to note that the link we had was to a site that had reprinted this piece without permission and to give us the correct link. Apologies and thanks to Mr. Mayer; the link is now repaired.

"Shurat HaDin - Israel Law Center Director Nitsana Darshan-Leitner has written to United States Attorney General John Ashcroft alerting him to the fact the Palestinian Security Service commander assigned to investigate the October bombing attack on American personnel in Gaza was very likely the terrorist who planned it." So says IMRA, with thanks to LGF.

"Gaza Commander Col. Rashid Abu Shabak's has been entrusted by the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation with hunting down the terrorist cell responsible for the October 15, 2003 bombing which left three Americans dead.

"The three Americans, John Branchizio, 37, of Texas, John Linde Jr., 30, of Missouri, and Mark Parsons, 31, of New Jersey, were security personnel guarding a convoy of diplomatic vehicles which was attacked by Palestinian Arab terrorists who detonated a powerful roadside bomb at the Beit Hanoun junction in Gaza. The Americans were visiting Gaza to interview candidates for Fulbright scholarships.

"Darshan-Leitner's letter accuses the Palestinian commander of being the mastermind behind numerous terror attacks perpetrated by Yasser Arafat's Fatah organization in Gaza. Shurat HaDin urges the Department of Justice to investigate Abu Shabak's involvement in prior roadside bombings.

"Not surprisingly, there have been no arrests made by the Palestinians in the
current investigation."

"Despite a higher risk of birth defects, marriages and eventual offspring from unions between nephews and nieces will not be banned in the Netherlands." Why not? "Marriages between cousins are particularly common in Turkish and Moroccan communities and [Health Minister Hans] Hoogervorst said a ban would be 'disproportionate' and impossible to enforce." This from Expatica News, with thanks to seafarious.

Hoogervorst "said he considered the risks of birth defects would be overshadowed by the violation of the personal freedom of choice if he banned marriages between first cousins. . . .

"Besides the slightly higher chance of birth defects, the chance of baby mortality is three to five times higher than non-cousin marriages. The [Christian Democrat] CDA is also concerned about hindered integration and forced marriages. . . . Meanwhile, Minister Hoogervorst said nephew and niece couples stand a 5 to 7 percent chance of having a handicapped child, 1.5 times more than 'normal' couples. He said the difference was not large enough to warrant a ban, representing a deep interference in personal lives. . . .

"CDA MP Sterk also said the party's concerns could not be easily brushed away and that it still saw sufficient reason for a ban. But Minister Hoogervorst said marriages between cousins were deeply entrenched in Turkish and Moroccan culture."

What do you think will happen when other deeply entrenched features of Muslim culture start to make their way into Western Europe? Will European officials balk at stoning for adulterers, or will they explain how deeply entrenched this practice is in certain Muslim countries?

Hysteria? Fear mongering? Consider this: Hani Ramadan, a prominent Muslim leader in Switzerland and brother of the famed European Muslim spokesman Tariq Ramadan, was dismissed from a teaching position in Geneva after publishing an article in the French journal Le Monde in September 2002, defending stoning as punishment for adultery.

AMECA
American Middle-East Christian/Jewish Association
P.O. Box 8152, Hemet, CA 92545
909-766-8820; sak@direcway.com

December 17, 2003

Dear Dr. Laura,

AMECA will conduct a First Amendment Rally in honor of you, Congressman Cass Ballenger and Paul Harvey, re: CAIR. Also we will bus survivors of Sudan to the outreach to show how radical Islam still enslaves humans.

AMECA: we are all Americans -- many of us fled the Middle East. We are Christians and Jews. To guarantee peace and safety, we are working together with Courageous Christians United, the premier expert in the entire U. S. on First Amendment Outreaches. This will be coordinated with the police.

We need your help. A few timely spots on your show will help rally many of your friends to this First Amendment Outreach. Not just for us but CAIR too: that everyone -- including CAIR -- might come to learn that in America we ALL can enjoy our First Amendment Rights, intimidation and extortion free!

As time permits, will you help publicize this outreach on your show? Please call us with any questions.

Thanks, God bless, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Semper Fidelis!
Steve Klein, CEO, CCU.
AMECA
American Middle-East Christian/Jewish Association

A FIRST AMENDMENT OUTREACH for:

1. Support for Dr. Laura Vs CAIR

2. Support for Congressman Cass Ballenger Vs CAIR

3. Support for Paul Harvey Vs CAIR

4. Slaves under Islam: The Sudan Slavery Tragedy.

WHERE: CAIR office, 2180 West Crescent Ave, Anaheim, CA.

WHEN: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 19, 2004. A Federal Holiday. 10:30 - 12:00 Noon.

WHY: To support all who are being intimidated by CAIR.

WHO: American Middle-East Christians and Jews. Official Spokesperson: Mrs. Ezola Foster.

HOW: Because of all those of you who love The First Amendment.

Look for our Press releases to go out just before this First Amendment Outreach.

Contact: Steve Klein, sak@direcway.com 909-766-8820

Joseph D'Hippolito has a devastating op-ed in today's Orange County Register about suicide bombings, asking "Why do so many downplay suicide bombings that target Israeli civilians?"

"As December began, Rabbi Marvin Hier of the Simon Wiesenthal Center met with Pope John Paul II in Rome. Rabbi Hier was trying to convince the pope to declare suicide bombing 'the crime of the 21st century,' according to reports.

"For a man of the pope's stature -- a man who experienced the Nazis' brutal occupation of Poland and who lost friends to the Holocaust -- even to be reminded along such lines is telling.

"While the world wrings its hands over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and cries platitudes, it fails to acknowledge that the Palestinian campaign of suicide bombing is much more than terrorism.

"It's genocide.

"Perhaps humanity has been conditioned to think about genocide solely in terms of cattle cars, gas chambers, ovens and shouts of 'Heil Hitler!' Perhaps humanity doesn't want to be roused from fashionable illusions about its innate goodness.

"Yet what other word describes the desire to obliterate a nation by targeting innocent civilians on buses, in restaurants and markets, in cafes and discos? Though the Palestinians take a low-tech approach, their sadism surpasses even the Nazi assembly line of death. Suicide bombers routinely stuff such anti-coagulants as rat poison into their explosive vests -- so that those who aren't killed immediately bleed to death slowly -- and nails, bolts, screws and ball bearings as shrapnel to maximize their victims' injuries.

"During one suicide bombing, a nail pierced the skull of Eran Mizrahi, who was celebrating his 16th birthday in a Jerusalem restaurant. The injury left Mizrahi paralyzed and catatonic. 'It is common knowledge here that light injury can [mean] losing a limb,' Immanuel Legomski, a neurotherapist and rabbi, told WorldNetDaily.com. 'Serious almost always means most of these victims wish they were dead.'

"What kind of a culture would encourage such barbarism? A culture that celebrates death, where not even children are immune.

"Vendors in Gaza sell candy-filled replicas of grenades, which Associated Press photographed. Palestinian TV, monitored by Palestinian Media Watch, shows children hoping for shahada, or 'martyrdom.'

"'Shahada is a very, very beautiful thing,' said Walla, an 11-year-old girl and a panelist on a call-in show.

"'Every Palestinian child - say, someone aged 12 - says, "Oh Lord, I would like to become a shahid (martyr),"' added Yussra, another 11-year-old girl on the show.

"The Palestinian Authority's education ministry pollutes innocent minds through its textbooks, as a 2001 report by the Committee for Monitoring the Impact of Peace noted. One fifth-grade language text builds a lesson around this sentence: 'The jihad against the Jew is the religious duty of every man and woman.'

"Suicide bombing, therefore, is not just genocide against Israelis. It's genocide against an entire generation of Palestinians who unquestioningly accept a cynical government's manipulation of Islam. However, the West chooses to ignore these facts.

"In April, the World Council of Churches published a letter sent by an ecumenical group to the United Nations' Security Council. That letter about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict not only downplayed suicide bombing but also blamed Israel for it: 'Such violence directed against Israeli citizens, while abhorrent, does not justify the occupation which gives rise to such acts, nor the misguided incursions and assaults now under way in response to them.'

"Pope John Paul II, who originated the phrase 'culture of death' to condemn Western societies that tolerate abortion, contraception and capital punishment, has failed to so describe the Palestinian Authority. Otherwise, why would Rabbi Hier seek a papal audience?

"If the religious West doesn't register legitimate outrage, the secular West certainly won't. It would be pretty hard to stimulate the moral imaginations of Europeans, for example, when a poll shows 60 percent of them think Israel is the world's greatest threat to peace.

"When Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel was asked what humanity learned from the Holocaust, he cynically replied, 'That you can get away with it.'

"For the second time in 70 years, humanity is proving Wiesel correct."

I have received a lengthy statement from a gentleman named Trevor Stanley criticizing various aspects of Jihad Watch. You can find it in the comments section here. Ordinarily it is wise not to reply to critics, but this message is so lengthy and thoughtful, and it touches on issues that are not only inflammatory but also frequently misunderstood, that I thought it would be useful to reply here to Mr. Stanley, and in so doing perhaps to introduce a few helpful distinctions and clarifications.

Says Mr. Stanley: "You claim that no muslim group has ever renounced terrorism, or renouncing violence against innocents."

This is in fact not the case. I have never claimed that no Muslim group has ever renounced terrorism or violence against innocents. To make such a claim would have been preposterous, for I have had the same experience as Mr. Stanley, who says: "I have repeatedly found Muslim groups denouncing such violence." What Mr. Stanley may be thinking of is the fact that no Muslim group has ever renounced the doctrines of violent jihad that radical Muslims use to justify terrorist acts. But many of these very groups decry terrorism and simply don't think of what they're doing in that category; they see themselves as performing religious acts and regard "terrorism" as a label devised by the West to discredit them.

Stanley: "For one thing, there is a consensus of all four schools of Sunni Islamic Law that violence against innocents, or violence outside a state of war, is unacceptable."

That is correct, and I have affirmed it on this site many times (see the first sentence here, for example), as well as in my book Onward Muslim Soldiers. Unfortunately, however, this is not a blanket prohibition. The Shafi'i school of Sunni Muslim jurisprudence stipulates that "it is not permissible . . . to kill women and children unless they are fighting against the Muslims." The Hanbali jurist Ibn Taymiyya, a favorite of modern Muslim radicals, directed that "as for those who cannot offer resistance or cannot fight, such as women, children, monks, old people, the blind, handicapped and their likes, they shall not be killed unless they actually fight with words (e.g. by propaganda) and acts (e.g. by spying or otherwise assisting in the warfare)."

This loophole is exploited by Osama bin Laden and other radical Muslims to justify actions such as the destruction of the World Trade Center: the people in it, you see, were aiding America's putative war against Islam, and thus could lawfully be killed. I am not saying that the radicals' reasoning here is correct on Islamic grounds or universally accepted within the Muslim world, but only that it has an appeal based on traditional Islamic law.

Madeleine Bunting worries in The Guardian that France's ban of the hijab will lead to "many more years of confrontation between the French state and Muslims, and a dangerous reinforcement in the Muslim community of the perception of Islamophobia, of exclusion and persecution."

Bunting seems to disregard the confrontational nature of the wearing of the hijab in the first place, and of its character as an assertion of a political and social system profoundly at variance with that of France. That kind of confrontation is apparently just fine. (Thanks to "Allah.")

Here is more evidence that jihadis think of themselves as fighting a struggle that did not begin with them and will not end with them, but is part of a 1,400-year-old jihad: "Expecting their own capture or death, South-East Asian Islamic extremists sent their sons to Pakistan for training in how to attack Western targets so they could take over as the next generation of terrorist leaders." This from The Mercury, with thanks to nicolei and Jean-Luc.

"In a crackdown on the practice, five Malaysian students, including four teenagers, have been jailed without trial after raids on Islamic boarding schools in Karachi, which had sent them on field trips to get experience of Islamic militant operations. The students had weapons and explosives training in Afghanistan and Kashmir, and some met al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden before the US-led Afghan war started in late 2001, Malaysian police said.

"Three of the five students are the sons of members of an alleged Malaysian cell of Jemaah Islamiah - the al-Qaeda-linked terror network operating throughout South-East Asia - who were jailed two years ago. A fourth is the brother of a jailed militant suspect.

"Hambali, once operations chief for JI, arranged for some of his students to get Pakistan-based training, a senior Malaysian government official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Hambali has been in US custody since August, but ran an Islamic school in Malaysia for years before going on the run just before the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States. His plan was to train future JI leaders, with the students returning home by 2006 to take up jihad, or holy war, said another Malaysian official. . . . The five were indoctrinated in an extreme version of Islam in Pakistan and were learning how to attack US targets - including organising suicide missions - in Malaysia and elsewhere, authorities said. No specific plots were described.

"Under interrogation, the students said their instructors told them 'they must take up arms, especially against Westerners', the Malaysian security official said."

Our friends at Al-Jazeera report that "an international human rights organisation has condemned France for attacking freedom of religion." Thanks to nicolei.

The International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights said on Wednesday a proposed new law which would ban Islamic headscarves and other religious insignia in schools would contravene the most basic human rights. The stinging criticism came after French President Jacques Chirac backed the proposed law because he said France needed to safeguard its secular identity.

But the IHF said wearing the hijab is an essential part of a Muslim woman's religious identity, and the state cannot tell people how to dress unless others' human rights are being violated. 'For many Muslim women wearing a headscarf is a deeply personal choice and a sign of their religious conviction and has nothing to do with Islamic fundamentalism,' the IHF said in a statement.

Contrast that statement to this one from Islamic-world.net:

The Qur'an clearly and directly asks all human beings to surrender to God(Allah) in complete submission and accept His guidance in every field of activity. 'Oh you who believe! Enter into Islam fully and whole-heartedly, and follow not the footsteps of Satan, for he is to you an avowed enemy,"(2:208). Because Islam is a complete way of life this Divine Guidance is for all matters private and public, political and economic, social and cultural, moral and legal. In the Godless secular nations they require a separation of religion and state. Politics is to be made free from religious influence. In Islam politics is a necessary element of the religious domain. Allah has told us He is to be the sole determiner of what is right and lawful. 'Command is for none but God; He has commanded that you obey none but Him - that is the right path,' ([Qur'an] 12:40). And, 'If any do fail to establish and rule by what God has revealed, they are the unbelievers, the unjust or the evil doers,' ([Qur'an] 5:44,45,47)."

(Thanks again to nicolei.)

In light of this, French secularists are right to be concerned. As Al-Jazeera puts it, "ardent secularists fear the headscarf is an outward sign of a refusal to assimilate fully into French society." Indeed it is, for it is just one manifestation of a vision of Islam as a total way of life that also asserts primacy over the political and cultural spheres.

"Indonesia's capital could be the target of a bombing campaign during the Christmas and New Year festivities, a Jakarta police chief has warned." So says AFP, with thanks to nicolei.

"'Based on intelligence information that we have received, the prominent issue that needs to be addressed is bombings,' Inspector-General Makbul Padmanegara was quoted by the official Antara news agency as saying.

"Police officers would be stationed at more than 240 churches throughout Jakarta and its suburbs, he said, as police sought to prevent a repeat of Christmas Eve 2000 bombings which left 19 people dead across Indonesia. . . .
The US embassy last week warned that it saw a 'particularly high' risk of terror attacks in Indonesia over Christmas and the New Year.

"'The potential for additional bombings of places where Americans and Westerners are known to live, congregate, shop or visit...is particularly high during the weeks around Christmas through the New Year,' an embassy official said."

"Two Christians from Alexandria originally detained in October have been rearrested. They were first arrested as part of a widespread sweep targeting converts from Islam and those who helped them obtain new identities." This from The Barnabas Fund.

"Last night at 8.00pm local time, Aziz Zakher Sarkis and Sharif Kameel Nazer were taken back into custody. The two Christians were seized without a warrant. They are accused of helping Muslim converts to Christianity obtain new identities. Officer Sayed Zaki presided over the arrests and he is known for his particularly aggressive attitude towards converts. The two are being held without charge, and indeed no charges have yet been officially lodged against any of the original 22 arrested in late October, the rest of whom are still out on bail. In the wake of this latest development converts throughout Alexandria are now living in a state of dramatically heightened fear believing they could be next.

"The 22 were originally arrested for falsifying official documents. A Christian who converts to Islam in Egypt can receive new ID papers with a new Muslim name within 24 hours. However, it is impossible for a Muslim who converts to Christianity to change their name to a Christian one at all. Thus they will always be regarded as Muslims in the eyes of the law. This means that female converts to Christianity will be prohibited from marrying Christian men (also illegal under Egyptian law), any children will be treated as Muslims, and educated as such at school, and converts will have to be buried as Muslims. There are also a myriad of other matters making it virtually impossible for converts to follow their faith freely and safely whilst they retain an official Muslim name. Thus many converts feel compelled to apply for official papers using an assumed Christian name and thus lay themselves open to charges relating to the falsification of IDs." (Thanks to bgordon.)

During Afghanistan's Loya Jirga council to frame a new Constitution, chairman Sebaghatullah Mojadeddi, who has been described as a "moderate jihadi," aroused the ire of female delegates by reminding them of Qur'anic and Sharia provisions that discriminate against women.

According to the New York Times: "Don't try to put yourself on a level with men, he told the women. Even God has not given you equal rights, he added, because under his decision two women are counted as equal to one man. He was referring to a provision of Islamic law, itself displeasing to many women, that says that the testimony of two women is equivalent to that of one man in some cases. He did not bother to couch the sentiment in a legal context, presenting it instead as a general principle."

Said Rangina Hamidi of Afghans for Civil Society: "We all are kind of not only in shock, but also surprised that he said it. . . . For him to sit in a gathering of this importance, knowing the past history of women, the suffering. . . . It was uncalled for."

But what else could he say if Islam is going to be the foundation of a new Afghan government? Not only is the Sharia incompatible with equality of rights for women, but if Mojadeddi is consistent he will also declare that Allah has not given equality of rights to non-Muslims in Islamic societies either. As the cause of Sharia advances in Europe, this is something that everyone who believes in the equality of rights for all should note carefully. (Thanks to nicolei.)

"A Pakistani man, who received training to join Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorist network in Kashmir, has been sentenced in the US to ten-and-a-half years in prison." This from IndiaExpress. He is indeed Pakistani, but he has been in the U.S. studying electrical engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

"Mohammad Aatique, 31, was first to be sentenced among a group of 11 people indicted in Pennsylvania and Virginia in July for training with assault rifles. Aatique, an electrical engineer by profession, had entered into a plea bargain with the prosecution under which he pleaded guilty to going to Pakistan after September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to train with Laskhkar.

"Of the remaining suspects, three have pleaded guilty of weapons charges and the trial is set to begin in February next year. A US Federal Court in Pennsylvania yesterday gave Aatique mandatory 10 years sentence for firearms violations but only six months for conspiring to violate the US Neutrality act.

"He could have got five years on the conspiracy charge but the judge decided on a lesser prison term as he was considered among people in lower in hierarchy of conspirators. The government had raised no objections to the period of Aatique's prison term, apparently satisfied with his cooperation during the probe of what prosecution called 'the Virginia jihad network.'"

Al-Muhajiroun's Sheikh Omar Bakri (BBC)

In a recent article about jihadist and radical Muslim organizations on the Internet I mentioned Al-Muhajiroun, the British Muslim group headed by Sheikh Omar Bakri, an open supporter of Osama bin Laden who has declared that his goal is to establish an Islamic state in Britain.

Now Al-Muhajiroun has issued a press release about the capture of Saddam Hussein. Their site doesn't seem to be set up for direct links, so to find the release click on anything from the home page and then on Press Releases.

The release says that in order to understand "what really happened" regarding Saddam's arrest, "we need certain political foundations giving insight into events occurring around the world both past and present, such as the collapse of the Khilafah [Caliphate] in 1924 forming the basis of recent Muslim history, since this was a milestone signifying the last rule, solely in accordance with the Shari'ah, on State level. In addition, we must bear in mind how the kuffar (i.e. non-Muslims) have been conspiring against Muslims throughout history, indeed the struggle between Haq (truth) and Baatil (falsehood) has always existed since the time of the Messenger Muhammad (saw). It is also vital that any analysis be from the perspective of the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Messenger Muhammad (saw) and his prophecies i.e. that certain events will occur prior to the Day of Judgment. This will shed proper light on the global Christian Crusade, led by the USA, against Islam and Muslims."

This is common talk from radical Muslims: they all speak of wanting to restore the Caliphate -- the unified rule of the Islamic community worldwide by a single leader, recognized as Muhammad's successor -- expand Sharia rule everywhere, and wage jihad against Christians, Jews, and other non-Muslims. On the Internet, a piece like this, with its appeals to Islamic teachings and Muslim pride, stands as a recruitment tool for radical Islam.

The press release then gives a series of reasons why Al-Muhajiroun believes that Saddam was "not in fact arrested on Saturday the 13th of December 2003, but at least 10 days beforehand." The first one coincides with the most paranoid speculations of the far Left: "the delay in announcing the capture of Saddam Hussain by George Bush was timed to have the maximum impact for George Bush personally, His government generally and future plans for the region particularly."

Reason #5 hangs the case that this is a war on Islam upon Saddam's beard: "The US were keen to link the capture to Islam, Muslims and the so-called war against 'Terrorism'. This connection was obvious with talk of Saddam's beard, a clear Islamic symbol of a Muslim male and the Taliban. This is totally in line with their plea that they are fighting international terrorism (which their allies interpret as Muslim fundamentalist or Mujahideen). Psychologically, the beard being shown before and then after it has been shaved, together with Saddam being shown on his prayer mat, is vividly intended to motivate their own people, demoralize the enemy (i.e. Muslims) and destroy the Islamic inspiration. Especially when the supposed symbol of Muslim resistance (i.e. Saddam) is amazingly caught in a spider' hole."

Apparently Al-Muhajiroun missed the fact that Bush passed up going to church so as not to be seen speaking outside it about Saddam: "The link to a Christian victory against the perceived infidels, akin to the crusades of old, is the announcement just two days after the Christmas festivities were begun in the US, rounding off the Christian year with a victory for their Deen [religion] against the Muslims and Islam."

But Al-Muhajiroun is not downhearted: "However, the truth is that it was the Mujahideen who were fighting the US and UK occupiers all along and their Jihad will be much clearer now that the confusion caused by Saddam's presence has been removed. . . . The truth is that the Mujahideen have been carrying out wholesale bombing against the occupiers: some 42 operations a day. These operations are also 'suicide' ones, not a hallmark of the Iraqis but rather those who want to trade their life for paradise i.e. the likes of Al-Qaeda and other Mujahideen."

And finally: "Promised increased operations by the Mujahideen will underline the fact that the war in Iraq is and has always been one of Islam against Kufr (i.e. non-Islam) and that Terrorism translates for the US, UK and their allies as Islam and Muslims. However, despite Bush's antics news from the Muslim camp is that victory has been promised to the Muslims already by Allah (SWT) in this life and the next - it is just a matter of time before it is clear for all to see (Insha'allah)."

All this paranoid raving would be unworthy of attention were it not for the fact that people believe it, and have taken up arms on the basis of this kind of thinking. (Thanks to nicolei.)

Raussi Uthman, a Muslim who "who was convicted of hate crimes for burglarizing and burning down a Jewish temple three years ago, was sentenced Wednesday to 25 years in prison." So says AP.

Uthman "also must pay $856,278 in restitution."

The story says that "no one was injured in the fire at Temple Beth El in Syracuse, which caused more than $700,000 in damage."

Uthman worked from the CAIR playbook at the sentencing: "'This sentence has nothing to do with your heritage,' Judge Joseph Fahey told Uthman, who claimed he was being discriminated against. 'It is based solely on your conduct. It is the same sentence I would impose on a Nazi, Ku Klux Klansman or any bigot that would have burned down a house of worship. My only regret is that it can't be longer.'

Uthman's accomplice, Ahed Shehadeh, "who is serving a five-year sentence for burglary and aiding and abetting an arson, testified that Uthman dedicated the arson to God, crying out in Arabic, 'I did this for you, God!'

"Uthman's attorney argued the accomplice set fire to the temple to cover up their burglary, then implicated Uthman and concocted a religious motivation in order to cut a deal with prosecutors." Yes, of course. A simple burglary, that just happened to be carried about by two Muslims against a synagogue. What a coincidence!

Tatiana Menaker writes in FrontPageMagazine.com that "San Francisco State University has long been a major center of anti-Israel and anti-Semitic propaganda."

She reviews a university film festival, "Exploring the Israeli-Palestinian Issue through Film." Says Menaker: "What is strikingly serious in all these films is that if one were to count the most often used words, these words would be 'humiliation' and 'Kill the Jews!' Even in the most peaceful and idealistic documentary, made by a Jewish director, a young boy asked what he wants to do when he grows up is prompted by his father: 'Kill the Jews!' When asked to draw a picture of his future he draws himself killing Israelis. . . .

"Nathan Scharansky, an Israeli minister, can hardly be described as a person easily susceptible to panic. A dissident and political prisoner, he was not scared to stand alone against the KGB in a Soviet Gulag. But after touring six American Universities last month, he wrote that the situation 'on campuses in the United States and Canada is more serious than we think. And this is truly frightening.'

"So Jewish students are subjected to constant malicious anti-Semitic attacks disguised as pro-Palestinian, anti-Zionist rallies, at which the participants get so excited that they often start screaming Nazi-like slogans."

An influential group of Muslim scholars in Indonesia have declared that suicide attacks, and terrorism in general, is forbidden by Islamic law." So says VOA News. "Members of the Indonesian Ulama Council, which brings together Muslim scholars to discuss the implementation of Islamic law, say that killing - especially of innocents - is contrary to the teachings of the religion.

"The move comes after increasing criticism that Indonesia's powerful Islamic groups were doing too little to condemn terrorism in the country.

"The ruling says that killing innocent people is forbidden, and that seeking martyrdom with such actions as suicide bombings is only justified in war zones. It states clearly that Indonesia is not a war zone."

This is, again, weaselly. What if Indonesia becomes a war zone? It sure looked like one in Bali last year: "A regional terrorist group, Jemaah Islamiyah, or JI, has used Islam to justify a series of bloody attacks in Indonesia. They include last year's bombing of a nightclub on Bali, which killed more than 200 people, and August's attack on an U.S. run hotel, which killed 12.

"Captured members of the group say the attacks were part of a holy war against the West, particularly the United States. They accuse the West of waging a war against Muslims.

"The new ruling specifically excludes religious struggle, or jihad, which it says is an obligation of every Muslim when the religion is under attack.

"The ruling is unlikely to have a dramatic effect on JI and similar groups, but it is an important expression of the hostility the majority of Indonesians have toward terrorism and terrorists."

It is unlikely to have a dramatic effect on JI because they already have a detailed justification for their actions, based on Islamic theology. Until the ulama definitively refute this, they're just talking to themselves.

"The Dubai Supreme Court has set a landmark ruling declaring that deportation orders should not be removed on appeal whenever expatriates are found guilty of religious crimes. Expatriates are often sentenced to deportation after completing a punishment such as a jail term or fine. But when this sentenced is referred to the Appeal Court and Supreme Courts this can be removed.

"However, in the case of religious crime it should always be upheld, so long as the conviction stays." This from Gulf News, with thanks to nicolei.

"A special clause has been placed in the legal texts, making clear that a deportation order should never be reduced and should always be followed up.
A general rule stipulates deportation as a punishment for all types of religious crimes. The landmark ruling was based on the case of a Christian priest sentenced to a year in jail and deportation for 'evangelising' without gaining permission.

"On April 27, the Dubai Court of First Instance suspended the sentence for three years because of the age and record of the offender. Judges said they had shown leniency because the 54-year-old Filipino priest was unlikely to repeat his crime. The convict had been charged with opposing Islam and its teachings and calling on people to convert to Christianity by distributing publications, recordings and Bibles in public during Ramadan. The court impounded the publications and recordings but did not confiscate the Bibles.

"On May 25, the Appeal Court cancelled the deportation order and upheld the rest of the ruling. But the General Prosecution appealed that ruling in the Supreme Court, which set its new landmark ruling and confirmed the deportation order. The priest was reported to the authorities by an Egyptian government employee who told the police that the Filipino had given him a package containing recordings, pamphlets and brochures promoting Christianity, as well as a Bible.

"Agents of the Central Investigation Department moved in and arrested the priest in a sting operation." A sting operation.

The Herald Sun reports that "ASIO is monitoring more than 100 Australians whom it lists as suspects or 'persons of interest' in the war on terror.

"The security agency is also working to identify another mystery Australian who trained with al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. He is described only as blond and caucasian. It is unknown whether he returned to Australia, remained in the Middle East, or was killed in the Afghanistan war.

"The chief executive of security consultants Intelligent Risks, Neil Fergus, said there were several Australians identified as having trained with al-Qaeda, and about 100 Jemaah Islamiyah supporters in Australia who were known to authorities."

Although many doubt that Al-Qaeda has the ability to carry out a strike in Australia at this point, The chief executive of security consultants Intelligent Risks, Neil Fergus, says: "As shown in the past, al-Qaeda will not simply cease and desist; they have quite remarkable determination.'

"Of al-Qaeda sympathisers and camp trainees in Australia, Mr Fergus said: 'There are several people who have links, and in the main you would have to say they have been engaged in proselytising for the group and raising funds. Western intelligence services have gone to extreme lengths to identify all those who have trained in the camps, through sensitive sources or interrogation. The indications are there are probably at least a few other Australians who have trained in an al-Qaeda camp.'

"Mr Fergus said captured US Taliban fighter John Walker Lindh may have identified two Australians at an Afghanistan camp, not just Abu Jihad, whom he named as a Melbourne painter in a December 2001 FBI interview. He said Australian officials had originally believed one of those men to be Jack 'Jihad' Thomas, but that possibility now appeared less likely because the suspect was described as blond.

"'He (the suspect) may not have returned to Australia; trying to ID him is the first step, and trying to find his whereabouts,' he said." (Thanks to Jean-Luc.)

Recruitment for jihad in Pakistan: "A 15 year old Christian boy from the province of Sind has been kidnapped and taken to an Islamic religious school where he was beaten and forced to become a Muslim." This from the Barnabas Fund.

"Zeeshan Gill was kidnapped in broad daylight on the way home from school, on 7 November. He was taken to a madrasa (Islamic religious school), where he was beaten to submission and forced to say the Islamic creed. Henceforth, his captors informed him, he was a Muslim and if he tried to run away or return to Christianity, they would kill him. He was made to fast daily. Furthermore his captors even started to give him training in the use of guns and grenades.

"His anxious mother, Razia, who works in the Civilian Hospital Sargodha, Sind, was informed of his whereabouts three days later by the mosque attached to the school. She was informed that Zeeshan had willingly embraced Islam and would not be returning to her. In desperation she turned to local court officials who sent a bailiff to the madrasa. There he met Zeeshan and listened to his account, but the terrified boy simply repeated that he had converted willingly. The bailiff was not deterred and ordered the director of the madrasa to appear before court, with Zeeshan, on 14 November.

"Razia was present at the court hearing that day. When she listened to her son give evidence, she was amazed to hear him reiterate, in the apparent safety of the courtroom, that he had embraced Islam of his own freewill and would only go home with her if she converted as well! Razia begged the judge to let her meet Zeeshan alone. The judge replied that would be fruitless as her son was clearly a sensible boy and, even though a minor, had the right to become a Muslim. Since this was an irrevocable decision, she was now powerless, the judge informed her, to do anything about it.

"On 20 November Zeeshan was allowed to go home to collect his clothes; however the madrasa sent along an escort with him. Then four days later his captors told him that he was imminently to be sent on jihad in Kashmir, where he would have to 'spread Islam at 120kph'. His director let him go home to say his goodbyes - unaccompanied. It was at this point that Zeeshan felt able to reveal the truth to his mother, that he had been kidnapped, forcibly converted and held against his will.

"The family immediately fled southwards, where they were put in contact with the Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS) in Lahore, who in turn informed Barnabas Fund of Zeeshan's case." (Thanks to bgordon.)

"With the rise of Islamic fundamentalism since Saddam Hussein's ouster in April, many Christians in Iraq say their situation has worsened, and some now fear meeting together because of the security threat." This from WND.

"A prominent Christian judge was killed in Mosul, bombs were found at two Christian schools and many Christian students and families received threatening notes demanding conversion to Islam, the Christian Broadcasting Network reported.

"The number of Christians in Iraq, who comprise about 3 percent of the population, has dropped from nearly 2 million to about 800,000 since the end of the 1991 Gulf War.

"CBN said authorities defused a series of cluster bombs at two Christian schools one week after the Nov. 4 assassination of Judge Ismail Youssef, who was attacked outside his home in the northern city of Mosul.

"Students at the schools, one in Mosul and one in Baghdad, said they received notices warning they must convert to Islam or be killed, according to British-based Christian aid and monitoring group Barnabas Fund.

"An Iraqi Christian woman named Eman said a group of Muslim men approached her while returning home on a bus and ordered her to cover her head, CBN reported. 'They told me that if I didn't put on a veil, they would slaughter me,' she said. 'Can you imagine this? I am a Christian, and we don't believe in wearing the veil.'

"Another Iraqi Christian, Ameer, said just days after the war began, his family's Muslim landlord sent a group of men to the house and forced them to leave. 'They threw our furniture and all our belongings out on the street,' he said, according to CBN. 'It was so embarrassing. Now I have no home and nowhere to go. My family is very poor.'

"An Iraqi Christian named Samir said while he greeted Saddam's fall, like many others, his hopes have been dimmed because of fears a worse regime could take over, run by fundamentalists. Many fear an Iranian-type of government, run by radical clerics, he said.

"The Barnabas Fund said Christians all over Iraq have received a notice from Al-Badr, the militia of the main Shia group, the Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq, which has a representative on the 25-member Iraqi Governing Council established by the U.N.-led coalition.

"The notice reads:

"'In the name of God: the Merciful, the Compassionate