Hani Al-Siba’i takes for granted the devaluation of women in the Islamic culture, and chooses to berate Rima Karaki for her insolence rather than take note of the fact that time is short and make his point. It’s unfortunate, because in the first part of the interview he is talking about Christians joining Muslim groups, and adduces the example of Christians in the Sixties joining Leftist “Palestinian” groups. Those were, of course, not Islamic groups, but secular political groups made up mostly of Muslims. Al-Siba’i seems to be saying that they were really fronts for an Islamic agenda — and indeed, the Leftist “Palestinian” groups such as the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine have always been useful servants of the jihadis.
“Lebanese TV Host Rima Karaki Cuts Short London-Based Islamist’s Interview following Insolent Remarks,” MEMRI, March 2, 2015:
On March 2, 2015 on Lebanon’s Al-Jadeed/New TV, program host Rima Karaki abruptly ended an interview with Islamist Hani Al-Siba’i, who was speaking from London, after he refused to answer her questions. After stating “I will not answer the way you like, because I’m here to serve the idea in which I believe,” he went on to tell her to “shut up” and added, “It’s beneath me to be interviewed by you. You are a woman…”
The Egyptian London-based Islamist Al-Siba’i, who directs the London-based Al Maqrizi Center, has been in the UK since 1994; he fled Egypt after being convicted of plotting terror attacks.
Following is an excerpt from the interview:
Al-Siba’i: “What kind of behavior is this?!”
Karaki: “Please don’t get all worked up. We respect you and know you want to give a complete answer. Unfortunately, we have limited time –”
Al-Sibai: “I agreed with Mr. Ibrahim Harbi –”
Karaki: “Fine, go on. They’ve given us more time.”
Al-Siba’i: “I agreed with him that you wouldn’t cut me off.”
Karaki: “Enough with that, go on –”
Al-Siba’i: “You think you’re so high and mighty?!”
Karaki: “Go on, but do not call me names.”
Al-Siba’i: “I am serving the idea in which I believe.”
Karaki: “In this studio, I run the show. For your own benefit, I’m telling you that we are running out of time. If you are going to elaborate so much, we won’t have time for other questions. If we start discussing history, we won’t have enough time for our topic. Now, it’s up to you. If we have time, you will answer all the questions, but I will be the one to decide.”
Al-Siba’i: “You can decide as much as you like, but I will do whatever I want.”
Karaki: “Okay, let us hear your answer. Let’s get back to the topic rather than waste time arguing.”
Al-Siba’i: “Are you done? Shut up so I can talk. I am talking so that people can understand – ”
Karaki: “How can a respected sheikh like yourself tell a TV host to shut up?!”
Al-Siba’i: “I am respected whether you like it or not –” Karaki: “Enough. Let’s wrap this up.”
Al-Siba’i: “It’s beneath me to be interviewed by you. You are a woman who – ”
Karaki: “Just one second. Either there is mutual respect, or the conversation is over.”