Eid mubarak! The Zionists are duly denounced, Karzai appeals to the Taliban, and peace is breaking out all over! “Leaders mark Eid al Fitr with calls for peace – and warnings,” by Jonathan Adams for the Christian Science Monitor, September 21 (thanks to James):
Muslims the world over continued celebrations of Eid Al-Fitr Monday, marking the end of the Ramadan period of fasting and abstinence. The faithful began the holiday on Saturday, Sunday or Monday, depending on their sect….
Some national leaders used the holiday to issue political messages, with some calling for peace and others denouncing opponents. In some communities this year’s festivities were marred by fears of swine flu or political unrest or violence….
In Iran, the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei used his Eid al-Fitr sermon to blast Israel, Western powers, and the foreign media, the Times of London reported. Mr. Khamanei said Zionism was “gnawing into the lives of the Islamic nations” and “spreading through the invading hands of the occupiers and arrogant powers.”
In Afghanistan, President Hamid Karzai used his Eid speech to extend an olive branch to Taliban militants, according to Pakistan’s Daily Times….