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Exposing the role that Islamic jihad theology and ideology play in the modern global conflicts

Catholic scholar: “Equality is foreign to Islam…under Islamic law, someone who is an ‘infidel’ could be put to death”

Jul 25, 2015 10:47 am By Robert Spencer

Fr Samir Khalil SamirThe UAE has adopted a new law that forbids “all forms of discrimination based on religion, caste, creed, doctrine, race, colour or ethnic origin” — a move that shows, according to Fr. Samir Khalil Samir, that the UAE “has decided not to stick to religious legalism.” In other words, it could only reject “all forms of discrimination based on religion” by moving away from a full acceptance of Qur’anic mandates such as the one that commands believers to be “merciful to one another, but ruthless to unbelievers” (Qur’an 48:29).

Fr. Samir Khalil Samir stands out among Catholic authorities in being unafraid to speak honestly about the nature and magnitude of the jihad threat. Most others are too concerned with pursuing an illusory and counterproductive “dialogue” with Muslim leaders to do so. Even worse, some Catholic bishops in the U.S. have even worked actively to silence voices that are speaking honestly about why Muslims are persecuting Christians in the Middle East, thereby condemning their people to ignorance and complacency about this threat. Yet their cherished “dialogue” hasn’t saved even one Christian’s life or kept even one church from being burned.

“A new anti-discrimination law is a step forward in terms of religious freedom,” by Samir Khalil Samir, Asia News, July 24, 2015:

Beirut (AsiaNews) – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has adopted a new law that bans “all forms of discrimination based on religion, caste, creed, doctrine, race, colour or ethnic origin,” Fr Samir Khalil Samir told AsiaNews. This is a “step forward,” according to the Egyptian Jesuit, one that runs counter to what other countries do in the region, many of which  are still under the thumb of Islamic totalitarianism.

The UAE’s openness compared to other Muslim nations is further evinced by the presence of 24 churches on its territory, partially built with funds provided by local rulers. As a local bishop once said, “The UAE is the only country where Christians are well treated”. It is no accident that many Christians who live in Saudi Arabia travel to Abu Dhabi for Christmas and Easter celebrations (pictured).

The country’s openness is also rooted in demographics. Foreigners represent about 85 per cent of the resident population, 5 per cent Westerners. Others come from Pakistan, Iran, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines and are employed mostly as labourers or domestic servants.

Christians are said to be 10 per cent, but none of them is an Emirati citizen. Muslims are mostly Sunni, but there are also local Shia communities, which make up 15 per cent of the Muslim population.

For Fr Samir, one of the main features of the country is its high level of literacy, 90 per cent, a very high figure for the Middle East. For females aged 15 to 24, the average is 97 per cent, and 93.6 per cent for young people. What follows are Fr Samir’s thoughts about the new law.

In the Arab and Islamic worlds, where discrimination is commonplace, a law against discrimination is a rare thing. In Arab and Muslim countries, Islam is the state religion and other faiths are at best tolerated. Equality is foreign to Islam. Yet, this anti-discrimination legislation does just that; it provides equality, replacing totalitarian notions.

As Christians living in the Islamic world, we do not ask for toleration; we want full citizenship. We insisted on it at the 2010 Synod on the Middle East. Christians ought to be equal citizens like everybody else. In Islamic countries, the various constitutions make several distinctions between Muslims and non-Muslims; between Muslims and dhimmis (protected people); between men and women; between Arabs and other ethnic groups.

Under the new law, “all forms of discrimination based on religion, caste, creed, doctrine, race, colour or ethnic origin” are outlawed. This means that in the UAE, discrimination based on Islam is banned.

The Sunni-Shia divide has been a fault-line around which many wars have been fought in the Arab world. With the new law, equality will be guaranteed among people, largely inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This is a step forward.

It is important to note that another positive element is the fact that the laws anti-discrimination provisions will also cover written communication, broadcasting (TV) and social medial. UAE leaders are well aware of the ubiquitous presence of such media; hence, they have decided to deem “a criminal act” all forms of discrimination in them or hate spread by them.

No to religious hatred

With the new law, calling someone else ‘infidels’ (takfir) is punishable. Why? Because under Islamic law, someone who is an ‘infidel’ or an ‘unbeliever’ (kafir) could be put to death. Although the same law prohibits the killing of Christians and Jews because they are ‘dhimmi,’ protected, this does not apply to pagans, atheists or members of other religions. Under Islamic rule, infidels enjoy no protection. He or she can either convert to Islam or be killed. The Islamic State group has used this principle, and used it to kill Christians (even if it is against Islamic law).

The new legislation goes furthers and outlaws acts that promote ‘religious hatred’ even if no direct hateful action is undertake. Thus, anyone or any group that promotes hatred can expect heavy punishment.

In the past, hate crimes were not banned under the law. Now this is the case, and this is something a daring step to take. And we in the West might have a thing or two to learn. Consider all the contempt people have for migrants in Europe, or blacks in the United States. In your countries, hate is mostly racial in nature. In our region, in the Middle East, hate is always about religion.

The law also outlaws support for violent foreign groups, especially by making monetary donations. My guess is that this is a finger indirectly pointed at Saudi Arabia and Qatar, who are known to finance radical Islamic groups.

By doing this, the UAE has taken a step forward with regard to religious freedom, still the exception to the rule in Muslim countries. I think we should support them as much as we can. It is crazy to criminalise someone only because he or she is different.

Such progress is just a first step, and it is mostly confined to the religious sphere. There is still a lot of work to do in the realm of political and in the justice system. In the UAE, human rights are upheld unevenly. Freedom of expression is limited (like in every country in the region). Prisoners are really badly treated. The courts are not fully independent.

Foreign workers are not guaranteed any rights. They are often treated like slaves, especially women working as domestics. This is really serious, considering the fact that foreigners represent 85 per cent of the resident population of the UAE.

Still, the new law is very modern. I have the impression that the UAE has decided not to stick to religious legalism, and that this is the result of better education. One of the most positive features of this country is its high literacy level. The average is 90 per cent, a record in the Middle East. Among females between 15 and 24, it is 97 per cent. Among young people, it is 93.6 per cent.

Let us hope that others will follow this first step, and that more Arab and Muslim countries will do the same.

 

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Filed Under: Catholic Church, Featured, Islamic supremacism, Muslim persecution of Christians, United Arab Emirates Tagged With: Fr. Samir Khalil Samir


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Comments

  1. Manuel Paleologus says

    Jul 25, 2015 at 11:11 am

    Congratulation to the brave Fr. Samir Khalil who puts to shame many Catholic hierarchs and many priests who chosen to be silent in the face of historical persecution of Christians all over the world.
    Many refrain from denouncing Islam for what it is. We can see here in America what policy the Catholic bishops adopted-not only silence but trying to present islam as a religions of peace and love among people.

    We need clergies like Fr. Samir. Why are they afraid? We need zealous missionaries.

    • Lynn says

      Jul 26, 2015 at 8:13 am

      The ELCA is using ISNA provided materials for teaching or leading discussions. I called and asked about their source and they were not happy with my call. They were not happy I said they were nothing more than dhimmis already to islam. They do not want to know the truth. I called both the Seattle office and the Chicago office.
      Lutherans, question your Pastor. Mine is totally ignorant about islam. They didn’t know what taqiyya meant. They did not know what slander means in islam… GOD is most disappointed in his followers.

      • RonaldB says

        Jul 26, 2015 at 12:45 pm

        So, what the hell is the ELCA? I’d appreciate it if you put yourself in the place of readers who might not have your specific backgroun.

    • M S case says

      Jul 26, 2015 at 6:52 pm

      Great good God in Heaven!!!!! Mr catholic scholar, They have been putting infidel’s to death for centuries. Wake the rest of the catholic world up to this fact…clue the pope in first. Maybe he will pass it on before isis comes after him and Rome and all the ancient structures around Rome. Seems like I remember an isis spokesperson saying something to that effect..

  2. The Countess says

    Jul 25, 2015 at 11:18 am

    Well, really, how can you be committing blasphemy when you don’t believe in the faith?

  3. clap says

    Jul 25, 2015 at 11:43 am

    The question Is will this law be enforced.

    • Huck Folder says

      Jul 26, 2015 at 1:13 am

      “Under the new law, “all forms of discrimination based on religion, caste, creed, doctrine, race, colour or ethnic origin” are outlawed. This means that in the UAE, discrimination based on Islam is banned.”

      I don’t see ‘gender’ in that list. I carry no candle for the alphabet-soupers; indeed I would carry a snuffer or bellows because of the outrageous brown-nosings of moslems and islam, and Israel-bashing and antisemitism practiced by them.

      Given islam’s paranoid attitudes to the ‘gay’ crowd, it would be very difficult for them to include that.

      And do the BoH™ and other sundry islamic ramblings get a free pass? Are the frequent and various anti-Jew and -Christian pronouncements not discriminatory? And they are spewed five times a day by ‘the faithful’. Are they not also printed, spoken seen on TV and the Internet…?

      We shall see.

      Trust. But verify.

  4. abad says

    Jul 25, 2015 at 12:01 pm

    Fr. Samir Khalil has my respect for his honesty. So few Catholic leaders are brave enough to speak the truth about Islam. Another one is Franklin Graham. He is right in saying we need to shut our borders to Muslim immigrants.

    • Ray Lanfear says

      Jul 25, 2015 at 8:09 pm

      Good comment.t is time to forget about political correctness and watch out for all Mosques, and the Inmans that preach the hate and violence toward America with their Quran and Sharia law.

      The “Trojan Horse” is here and in your neighborhood. Its time to investigate all Mosques before further homeland attacks occur on our military, far too many Inmans preach hate and violence toward America. How many more attacks will it take until America gets the message?4 Marines and one sailor are dead, as a direct result of the Mosques, Islam and the Quran what more is there to know?Have studied Islam and the Quran for several years now, have been inside Mosques and spoken to their Inmans. Let there be no mistake about it. Islam, from its beginning, has been a religion of the sword. The concept of Holy War (Jihad) mandated by Allah, requires all of Islam to completely subdue the earth through military and violent conquest. The Quran says it all. When will America wake up? One sad sick religion. They place a premium on death versus life. They will never grasp the concept of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness on earth. Women are treated as a sub class under Islam with no rights at all. They will never adapt to our customs and culture but rather want to force Islam and Sharia upon the World.. And if they can take a Jew, Christian or infidel to their death along with them, they view it as an honor. Like it or not, politcally correct or not, we are at War with Islam. And until America recognizes that fact, more tragic deaths will result. Sharia law will continue to expand. . Mosques are hiding places for terrorists and we have 3400 plus in America. Read the truth here about Islam and the Quran and Sharia. Get a copy of “heretic” by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. a former Muslim that speaks from experience.. Violence is inherit in Islam. it is not a religion of peace. When they are praying 5 times per day they are praying for death to Jews Christians and infidels and most people are clueless. The threat is real folks. Read the book now and get the real truth. Also google “theprojectmuslimbrotherhood” and see their plan to destroy America from within. Again read the book “Heretic” a must read for all America, for truth about Islam.

  5. Linde Barrera says

    Jul 25, 2015 at 12:02 pm

    To clap- Father Samir is an “Egyptian Jesuit”. I dont know if he is living in the UAE or is living in Egypt. The report came out of Lebanon. I would like to read an interview from a Christian pastor living in the UAE 7-9 months from now to ascertain if this law is being enforced, which I surely hope it is.

    • Salome says

      Jul 25, 2015 at 6:38 pm

      I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s living in Rome. He’s certainly not your average Jesuit.

  6. PRCS says

    Jul 25, 2015 at 12:03 pm

    “Even worse, some Catholic bishops in the U.S. have even worked actively to silence voices that are speaking honestly about why Muslims are persecuting Christians in the Middle East, thereby condemning their people to ignorance and complacency about this threat.”

    I disagree with this!

    Are American Catholics unable or forbidden to watch television, read a newspaper, or access the Internet?

    What American Catholic relies only on the Church’s statements about Islam?

    Surely the American Catholic community knows that their religious leaders are cowards and are lying about Islam.

    Why don’t American Catholics stand up to those leaders; demanding that the truth about Islam and the religious cleansing underway in Muslim countries?

    Are American Catholics really just sheep?

    What are the Catholics who visit JW telling THEIR clergy about the issue?

    • Alarmed Pig Farmer says

      Jul 25, 2015 at 12:54 pm

      Are American Catholics really just sheep?

      Yes, but with a qualification: secular progressive sheep. American Catholics have just about completed their mass migration to the position of French, Belgian, German and Italian Catholics. Think of this migration as a kind of a Hijrah, but one carrying a styrofoam crucifix over the shoulder.

      • PRCS says

        Jul 25, 2015 at 2:31 pm

        I always appreciate your humor APF, but as a Catholic–what do you tell the clergy about this.

        I was born in St. Paul (St. Barnabas Hospital) to a Catholic family–no longer a member–so have no idea how an adult Catholic would make such concerns known.

    • abad says

      Jul 25, 2015 at 6:51 pm

      “Are American Catholics really just sheep?”

      No.

      I can tell you that, growing up in a Roman Catholic family, we were not of the “ignore all sources of knowledge to the exclusion of what the Pope says” persuasion. Neither did my brother and I – despite our many years of parochial classes between us (he went on to public junior high and high school, while I attended Catholic schools – only mingle with Roman Catholic kids. Quite the contrary. I had Protestant friends and Jewish friends in junior high. Likewise with my brother. Ditto with my parents. Unlike immigrant Muslims, Catholics can and do tend to migrate in areas for solidarity (Polish Catholics, Irish Catholics et al) but as individuals, are more likely to have friends of other faiths.

      My father died a year prior to 9-11, and my mother, a few years later, neither one of them would have agreed with the Pope’s statements on Islam. I feel their views on Islam has nothing to do with Roman Catholic history and Islam but rather Islam today – both were well educated, well informed, and neither had a good word to say about Islam.

      • PRCS says

        Jul 26, 2015 at 3:35 am

        Thank you for that.

        But if you are still a practicing Catholic, what do you tell the clergy about Islam and their failure to tell the truth?

  7. mike says

    Jul 25, 2015 at 12:14 pm

    I’ll have to see it to believe it. Remember, it is OK for a Muslim to lie if it helps promote Islam.

    • Agent of Liberty says

      Jul 25, 2015 at 12:52 pm

      Yes taquiyya, UAE is using taquiyya deception as the rest of the world is being stealthily popularized by muslims. The UAE is putting on a show of taquiyya. Let’s have a mohammad cartoon drawing contest there. I’ll never trust muslims.

      • lebel says

        Jul 25, 2015 at 4:16 pm

        Among the believers we call this super taqqiyah, we go through all the trouble of making a law to fool naive infidels into thinking we don’t want to rape and behead them (not necessarily in that order). Very few use super taqqiyah as it’s difficult to keep the sham going long…

        Luckily, jwatchers know what Muslims are up to.

        • gravenimage says

          Aug 2, 2015 at 1:55 am

          Once again, the appalling lebel sneers at good people who oppose Muslim savagery.

    • Angemon says

      Jul 25, 2015 at 1:17 pm

      mike posted:

      “I’ll have to see it to believe it.”

      Likewise.

      • Huck Folder says

        Jul 26, 2015 at 1:17 am

        When you believe it, you will see it.

  8. Alarmed Pig Farmer says

    Jul 25, 2015 at 12:39 pm

    Scientific Inquiry and a Simple Experiment

    It takes a Catholic scholar to figure out that an Infidel can be put to death for his religion? Hey, I’m a Catholic nobody, and I figured that out about an hour into my first reading of the Holy Ko-Ran. This Islam ain’t rocket science, but somehow it’s always presented as a riddle wrapped inside a mystery folded within an enigma that lurks in the depths of a metaphysical query.

    Now that Fr. Samir Khalil Samir has got his authoritative Catholic scholar ass all worked up in a tizzy, he should do a test. He should dress up as a Moslem, drive into Mecca during the Hijra, come out of his Moslem hotel in his black and white frock, and step onto the street carrying the Holy Bible under his right arm, and take the brief walk over to Stoning of the Devil wall and see what happens.

    I look forward to seeing the results of this clever experiment.

    • Westman says

      Jul 25, 2015 at 10:15 pm

      I don’t think that would be a fair test since this article is promoting new anti-discrimination in the UAE. The test would be walking down the street in the UAE with a bible in say 6 Months from now. I didn’t see where Fr. Samir Khalil Samir had anything good to say about Saudi Arabia. Maybe I missed it?

  9. mortimer says

    Jul 25, 2015 at 1:08 pm

    Fr. Samir Khalil knows the Islamic texts, Islamic history and the meaning of both…unlike most RC leaders. They should invite Fr. Samir Khalil to brief the Pope and the cardinals about Islam.

  10. Jaladhi says

    Jul 25, 2015 at 1:29 pm

    Those who have lived with masses of Muslims and have seen their true religion murderous Islam can speak the truth and are not afraid unlike the wWestern leaders who are total cowards and they continue lying just like the Muslims.

    Ask any common man, Hindu or Cristian living in India and they will tell you the truth about Muslims. Don’t ask the media and elites who lie like the PCMC crowd here and won’t admit the true nature of Muslims/Islam. In the name secularism the educated elites always hide the truth about about Islam and Muslims.

  11. voegelinian says

    Jul 25, 2015 at 1:54 pm

    Father Samir shows subtle signs of dhimmi reflexes himself. For example:

    “With the new law, calling someone else ‘infidels’ (takfir) is punishable. Why? Because under Islamic law, someone who is an ‘infidel’ or an ‘unbeliever’ (kafir) could be put to death. Although the same law prohibits the killing of Christians and Jews because they are ‘dhimmi,’ protected, this does not apply to pagans, atheists or members of other religions. Under Islamic rule, infidels enjoy no protection. He or she can either convert to Islam or be killed. The Islamic State group has used this principle, and used it to kill Christians (even if it is against Islamic law).”

    Father Samir must know that this is wildly inaccurate. It’s not “against Islamic law” to kill Christians. Why is he saying this?

    • Cedric says

      Jul 26, 2015 at 10:25 am

      Maybe he simply meant that as People of the Book, Christians are offered a third choice besides conversion and death namely the dhimmi status.

      • voegelinian says

        Jul 26, 2015 at 1:58 pm

        Nope. That would be to unconscionably and grotesquely sanitize the dhimma pact, under which it it perfectly lawful — and happened innumerable times throughout history — to lynch and/or massacre any People of the Book under various specious pretexts of having violated that pact. If a Muslim is walking down the street and a Jew or Christian walking the other way happens to bump into him or doesn’t step out of the way fast enough, the Muslim can cry out that an Ahl al-Dhimma has violated the pact and has insulted a Muslim. A lynch mob will form to beat and torture the Person of the Book in question, the legal authorities will move in to make it official. Shame on Father Samir for leavening his report with a lie for which the blood of countless Jews and Christians cry out over the ages and right into our bloody presents.

        • Jay Boo says

          Jul 26, 2015 at 11:17 pm

          voegelinian, I don’t suppose that you will be riding around the UAE on your high-horse anytime soon.
          Shame on you.

  12. Ray Lanfear says

    Jul 25, 2015 at 8:08 pm

    t is time to forget about political correctness and watch out for all Mosques, and the Inmans that preach the hate and violence toward America with their Quran and Sharia law.

    The “Trojan Horse” is here and in your neighborhood. Its time to investigate all Mosques before further homeland attacks occur on our military, far too many Inmans preach hate and violence toward America. How many more attacks will it take until America gets the message?4 Marines and one sailor are dead, as a direct result of the Mosques, Islam and the Quran what more is there to know?Have studied Islam and the Quran for several years now, have been inside Mosques and spoken to their Inmans. Let there be no mistake about it. Islam, from its beginning, has been a religion of the sword. The concept of Holy War (Jihad) mandated by Allah, requires all of Islam to completely subdue the earth through military and violent conquest. The Quran says it all. When will America wake up? One sad sick religion. They place a premium on death versus life. They will never grasp the concept of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness on earth. Women are treated as a sub class under Islam with no rights at all. They will never adapt to our customs and culture but rather want to force Islam and Sharia upon the World.. And if they can take a Jew, Christian or infidel to their death along with them, they view it as an honor. Like it or not, politcally correct or not, we are at War with Islam. And until America recognizes that fact, more tragic deaths will result. Sharia law will continue to expand. . Mosques are hiding places for terrorists and we have 3400 plus in America. Read the truth here about Islam and the Quran and Sharia. Get a copy of “heretic” by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. a former Muslim that speaks from experience.. Violence is inherit in Islam. it is not a religion of peace. When they are praying 5 times per day they are praying for death to Jews Christians and infidels and most people are clueless. The threat is real folks. Read the book now and get the real truth. Also google “theprojectmuslimbrotherhood” and see their plan to destroy America from within. Again read the book “Heretic” a must read for all America, for truth about Islam.

    • particolor says

      Jul 25, 2015 at 9:43 pm

      Raise the Drawbridge ! 🙁 The place is overrun with Rabid Jihadi and his 40 thieves !! 🙁

      • Huck Folder says

        Jul 26, 2015 at 1:21 am

        Clean the Augean Stables

        ************THEN***********

        Raise the Drawbridge.

    • Emjay See says

      Jul 26, 2015 at 9:16 am

      Ray Lanfear says
      A wonderful accurate comment. I hope more ‘Readers’ spend some time reading the Koran to check up on what the Koran ‘says’. Most of us Kafirs want to keep the peace but we find we are pushed out and little or no dialogue with any educated Muslim prepared to listen to our fears of ‘Muslim gone Mad’ . I’m lucky I have friends here in the UK who are Muslim and able to talk freely ONLY in their home, because they too are frightened what their fellow Muslims will do if they knew of their neighbours view..

      Last comment I heard tfrom him, they will torch the house and put the family to shame, my friend was scare!

  13. Smart Guy says

    Jul 25, 2015 at 9:47 pm

    Only 15 % of the population are indigenous?
    Now that sounds like they have already been taken over by the foreigners!
    No nation can survive by being such a minority. Go to Haiti. The slave owning population
    was wiped out by the blacks who were not the native population. The native population
    was already replaced by the slaves. So 15% think they can maintain control of the other
    85% ? It sounds like communism will take over the country.
    Changing the law so as to make everyone equal must be because of the rising hatred of the
    foreign workers and the fear of the rulers of a communist take over.

  14. Mark A says

    Jul 25, 2015 at 10:18 pm

    Good for Father Samir Khalil Samir. There are far too few Catholic clergy publicly saying these obvious truths about militant Islam. Most Catholic clergy take the politically correct “Islam is a religion of peace” approach and advocate accommodation and “inter-faith dialogue.”

    It’s refreshing to see a Catholic priest who tells it as it is on this topic

    I’ve read Fr. Samir’s book “111 Questtions On Islam” and recommend it without reservation to anyone reading this.

  15. Mark A says

    Jul 25, 2015 at 10:25 pm

    Very interesting to read what Father Samir has to say about the UAE.

    Robert, I’d also be very interested to hear your take on this.

  16. don vito says

    Jul 26, 2015 at 4:04 am

    Really Fr Samir, I must protest your wording about “contempt for blacks in the United States.” Do I have to go through the list of positions that have be held by black people in the US? How could black people be held in contempt and at the same time hold positions of power and influence. From Hollywood to the WH. Sports to medicine. News presenters to news makers. You owe the people of the US a sincere, abject apology, for making such inaccurate statement.

    • RonaldB says

      Jul 26, 2015 at 1:01 pm

      Yes don vito, you’re quite correct. Any black with the same qualifications as most whites will have not only equality but an advantage in most competitions.

      More generally, as admirable and courageous as Fr. Samir is, I would not take his opinions as a guide. For example:
      “In the past, hate crimes were not banned under the law. Now this is the case, and this is something a daring step to take. And we in the West might have a thing or two to learn. ”

      He is asking for statements against what he considers to be a race or religion to be made illegal, clearly against the US Constitution, and clearly what the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) has been advocating since its inception. Fr. Samir doesn’t think ahead to the fact that a critical discussion of Islamic theology would likely be illegal under this proposal.

      Further, the category of “hate crime” is an attack on true civil liberties. In the US, “hate crime” is used to tack on penalties to what was already a crime. But, if you have a crime and a victim, the penalty for the crime ought to be sufficient to deter the crime in the future. If the penalty is not sufficient, then it needs to be increased. I see no reason to add to a sufficient penalty simply because the crime was committed with race in mind. The victim is just as injured, or just as dead, ether way.

      The real goal of implementing “hate crimes” is to eventually separate the expressed motives from the intentional actions, and make motives, rather than actions, the target for prosecution.

      If you’ll excuse me, I do not believe we have anything in the least to learn from the legal system of the UAE. This is not to say I’m critical of the UAE, as they are responding to their situation. It’s simply not appropriate for Western governments with a completely different tradition and background.

      • ben traina says

        Jul 26, 2015 at 9:21 pm

        Yours is a sane response in this discussion

  17. steph says

    Jul 26, 2015 at 6:13 am

    The last paragraph has the key,, the solution is education, literacy give value to life, to modern thoughts and to the desire to make life better for ourselves and especially for our children ..

    Go UAE

  18. Philip says

    Jul 26, 2015 at 6:35 am

    Before we get all excited about this sudden turn to ‘Enlightenment’, maybe we should read this for ‘perspective’…

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Arab_Emirates#Law

    Not quite so rosy after all…

    • Cecilia Ellis says

      Jul 26, 2015 at 6:49 am

      Philip, after reading the article provided by the link you posted, perhaps the scariest part is the very last line on the page: “This page was last modified on 25 July 2015, at 19:48.”

  19. duh_swami says

    Jul 26, 2015 at 7:28 am

    All religious people are supremacists…You all think your own religion is superior. And if you say so, you are a bigot…even if you may be right. That’s a hard box to climb out of…It’s not so much that you are religious supremacist bigots, that’s part of the package deal, it’s more important how you handle it. Some people handle it well, and some fail miserably…The pious of Islam will kill you over your supremacist arrogant attitudes because they think they will be rewarded by Allah. In short, the pious don’t handle their religious supremacist bigotry very well at all…

  20. VERITAS says

    Jul 26, 2015 at 8:47 am

    It is interesting that the headlines on this site focus on what various Catholics say versus the numerous protestant denominations or other religions than Muhammadism. Normally the headline is followed by some form of carping. Why the specific focus on Catholics?

  21. Dr.A.Anburaj says

    Jul 26, 2015 at 10:09 am

    Father Samir has dealt with an important issue.I thank him very much. But christianity is also a closed instiution like Islam. Islam does not recognise goodness/greatness/light in other non-Arab cultures all over the world.Islam is nothing But Arab imperialism. Similar is the case with christianity. X.tianity does not recognise greatness / light /God in other religious/spiriutal Organisations/Religions. Swami Vivekananda the Hindu Saint, shows the way to all lovers of God. EVERY RELIGION HAS PRODUCED MEN AND WOMEN OF MOST EXALTED CHARACTERS. I challenge Father Samir Do Calothic church recognise greatness/God in other religions/culture etc. Sure God /Sainthood/ being Honest / altruism is not the monopoly of any religious institution. Father Samir must propose a magnamimous legilation to all christian countries removing discrimination based on religion etc. There is more in the EYE of Catholic ?

  22. Edward says

    Jul 26, 2015 at 10:38 am

    “Fr. Samir Khalil Samir stands out among Catholic authorities in being unafraid to speak honestly about the nature and magnitude of the jihad threat.”

    If only we become cognizant of our self affirmed strengths to deter any challenges that the devil may conceive we will be the victors that our Creator wants us to be! Our innate mindset for self preservation is God’s gift given to us the moment of our conception. All we have to do is to be aware by affirming that you and I have that same defense mechanism attribute.

    I’m sure Fr. Samir is a well learned scholar in the issues concerning spiritual mind conflicts. More about him @: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samir_Khalil_Samir

    BTW, with his knowledge of the Middle East affairs he would be the most desirable choice candidate to be the next Pope! He knows what lurks in the evil minds of the Muslim world and also knows how to sidetrack their whims!

    • Edward says

      Jul 26, 2015 at 11:02 am

      Much more can be read about Fr. Samir Khalil Samir by doing a Google search on him. His bio and his current activities are found on many websites. I would think that Fr. Samir would a great asset to our next POTUS administration’s as an adviser.

      Our concrete thoughts should be in our minds that our next POTUS will be a devout Conservative.

  23. Uncle Vladdi says

    Jul 26, 2015 at 6:11 pm

    YAY! SECULAR LAW FINALLY TRIUMPHS OVER THEOCRACY IN ONE MUZI LAND!

  24. Vivienne Havalant (Leijonhufvud) says

    Jul 27, 2015 at 8:51 am

    This is truly good news, best news I’ve read today. Great stuff UAE for finally joining the 21st Century. Education is the key always has been and always will be.

  25. dumbledoresarmy says

    Jul 27, 2015 at 9:27 am

    Is anyone else having problems accessing part of the archives?

    I find that when I click on “More Posts” it jumps straight from stories on July 25 to stories from July 20, and everything in between I just *cannot* access no matter what I do.

    If I go to the archives and click on “July” it doesn’t cover the July 22-July 24 period either.

    It is *extremely* frustrating, because for various reasons I haven’t been visiting as often as I usually do, and now I am trying to ‘catch up’…and I *can’t*.

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