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

An exchange on Israel and the “Palestinians” between Fr. Samir Khalil Samir, S.J. and Robert Spencer

Jan 15, 2017 12:55 pm By Robert Spencer

Father Samir Khalil Samir, SJ is Professor of Islamology and Middle East Christianity at the Pontifical Oriental Institute. He recently sent me a lengthy letter in which he wrote: “J’apprécie beaucoup ce que vous écrivez sur l’Islam” (I appreciate very much what you write about Islam). He does not, however, appreciate very much what I write about Israel and the “Palestinians,” as he made clear in that letter and has now reiterated in a comment he left at Jihad Watch this morning:

Father Samir Khalil SAMIR, SJ says

January 15, 2017 at 8:12 am

All the insults that I read in some of the comments are shameful and unworthy of this site.

1) Pope Francis is a man who seeks to build PEACE among peoples. What he said about Islam as “a religion of PEACE” was not correct, as I explained to him in my personal meeting with him for 30 minutes on Monday, 6 June 2016. I also gave him my book “Violence and non-violence in the Qur’an and Islam” and 3 other articles from me on the question. Its objective is to restore the dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Muslim world, interrupted for nearly 6 years, and it has succeeded: the meeting is scheduled for the month of February in Cairo.

2) His meeting with President Mahmoud Abbas goes in the same direction: it is about building together PEACE. The State of Palestine exists, recognized by the United Nations, just as the State of Israel exists. It is not the USA that decides whether or not a state exists, but the United Nations, notwithstanding certain readers. However, the State of Palestine never invaded the State of Israel, or occupied a single square meter of that State. On the other hand, the State of Israel invades periodically the State of Palestine, occupies a part of it after having driven the Palestinian inhabitants. In my opinion, the invading State (whatever it is) is a terrorist state.

3) Pope Francis — who is neither American, nor Palestinian, nor Israeli — does not judge with feelings, but according to the INTERNATIONAL LAW. If we want to live in PEACE –and this is the primary goal of every reasonable citizen –, INTERNATIONAL decisions must be respected, even if they are questionable. They could be discussed, but as long as they exist they must be applied. I am convinced that PEACE is possible between these two States, and that the majority of Palestinians and Israelis want it. They must be helped to achieve it by scrupulously respecting INTERNATIONAL decisions, even if it means reviewing certain points.

4) Finally, it is a serious mistake to mix religion with this question, as a great many of the citizens of the two States unfortunately do. It is a question of INTERNATIONAL politics, which can only be resolved by INTERNATIONAL Law. It is not a matter of sentiment or sensitivity. The problem is POLITICAL, it is not sentimental or religious.

Father Samir Khalil SAMIR, SJ (Professor of Islamology and Middle East Christianity at the Pontifical Oriental Institute)

To that I responded:

Robert Spencer says

January 15, 2017 at 12:32 pm

Fr. Samir:

Thank you for your comments.

1. He appears not to have heeded your wise counsel in regard to the nature of Islam. What good is a “dialogue” with the Muslim world when it is based on false pretenses?

2. In reality, the Arabs (the “Palestinians” had not yet been invented, as they would be in the 1960s by the KGB and Yasir Arafat) rejected a Palestinian Arab state in 1948, and the surrounding Arab states invaded the State of Israel with the intention of destroying it. By your own statement that “the invading State (whatever it is) is a terrorist state,” Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Saudi Arabia are terrorist states for invading Israel at that time. Your claim that “the State of Israel invades periodically the State of Palestine” ignores the fact that these “invasions” are preceded in every case, without exception, by rocket attacks by “Palestinians” against Israel, murders of Israeli civilians that are celebrated by “Palestinians,” etc. The fact is undeniable that if the “Palestinians” laid down their arms, there would be peace, while if the Israelis laid down their arms, there would be a new genocide of the Jews, as is frequently called for on official Palestinian television stations.

3. Your claim that the majority of “Palestinians” want peace is belied by surveys showing that “Palestinians” overwhelmingly favor the imposition of Sharia (which would deny Christians basic rights), as well as suicide bombings: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/may/1/pew-poll-palestinians-favor-suicide-bombings-shari/

4. As you no doubt know well from your study of Islam, in Islam the religious and the political cannot be so easily separated.

Kindest regards,
Robert Spencer

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Filed Under: Catholic Church, Featured, Palestinian jihad, Robert Spencer Tagged With: Fr. Samir Khalil Samir


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Comments

  1. umbra says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 1:05 pm

    Good slap down.

    • Craig says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 4:19 pm

      “the invading State (whatever it is) is a terrorist state.”

      Jordan invaded Israel.
      Egypt invaded Israel.
      Lebanon invaded Israel.
      Syria invaded Israel.
      Saudi Arabia invaded Israel.
      Iraq invaded Israel.

      Apparently the Father doesn’t know Middle East history. It is too easy to show the ignorance of these simpleton pundits.

      • Lesley says

        Jan 15, 2017 at 5:45 pm

        Well if we’re talking about invading states, then we should drive the Muslim ummah out of every place on Earth except Mecca in Arabia. That sounds reasonable 🙂

        • Sibila says

          Jan 15, 2017 at 10:35 pm

          Correct, Lesley. Soon, very soon, French, Germany, Italy, GB etc etc will be “invading states” when their French, German, Italian, GB etc etc police and riot forces enter into no-go French, German, Italian, etc etc Muslim zones.

      • umbra says

        Jan 16, 2017 at 7:30 am

        Perhaps he has chosen to forget parts of middle eastern history.

    • Custos Custodum says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 8:26 pm

      The Palestinians should focus on what they are rightly famous for:
      making watches and chocolate.

      • Muhammad's Ghost says

        Jan 16, 2017 at 12:11 am

        …and here I thought that was the Swiss…

      • JIMJFOX says

        Jan 16, 2017 at 6:50 am

        Presumably you make some extremely oblique and obscure reference to SWITZERLAND??
        Please explain what goes on in your bizarre mind?

        • gravenimage says

          Jan 16, 2017 at 5:36 pm

          Jim, I think Custos Custodum was being sarcastic about the “Palestinians”, not insulting the civilized Swiss.

    • LR says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 11:51 pm

      Intelligent response and debate are not about ‘slap downs’.

      I sure would love to see more decent ‘dialogues’, and ‘debates’ such as this in the MSM.

      • umbra says

        Jan 16, 2017 at 7:28 am

        It would be a debate if the s.j. had shown a sufficient level of intelligence in discussing the topic. However, his reasoning, logic and arguments appeared to be infantile. Hence, countering his arguments was a slap down.

      • David King says

        Jan 16, 2017 at 2:30 pm

        Ha, that’s funny. Intelligent debate in the MSM. Good one.

        • LR says

          Jan 22, 2017 at 1:30 am

          Exactly…the MSM doesn’t have them…Sure wish they would..

  2. Capitalist-Dad says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 1:06 pm

    If the Father’s statements reflect the moral thinking of the Catholic Church, it is no surprise that so many formerly loyal Catholics are looking for alternatives.

    • no_one says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 3:00 pm

      If you do research you may find out that Orthodoxy is the true Christianity. This is confirmed every year on Orthodox Holy Saturday at the Resurrection church in Jerusalem. RCC tries to hide this fact.

      • John C. Barile says

        Jan 15, 2017 at 3:31 pm

        Eastern Orthodoxy is is not orthodox Christianity in its entirety. I wholly profess the historic Creeds of the Church, too. The Western Church was never quite so compromised by caesaro-papism as the Eastern.

        [I’m happy to observe the liturgical year according to the Gregorian Calendar–the Julian Calendar lags behind the solar year one day every 400 years. Oh, but you suppose, perhaps, that it’s the work of Antichrist, of whom Daniel said, “He shall change the Times and Seasons”–that, however, is what Mohammed, in his final sermon, did–declaring the periodic intercalary month of the Jewish Calendar to be “unbelief,” thus foreshortening the Muslims’ year by more than 11 days and decoupling their year from the cycle of the seasons.]

        • John C. Barile says

          Jan 15, 2017 at 5:33 pm

          I mean to say that Eastern Orthodoxy is not the whole of orthodox Christianity.

      • ed cox says

        Jan 15, 2017 at 3:45 pm

        Baptist trace there roots back to Christ .

        • no_one says

          Jan 15, 2017 at 4:08 pm

          No. They don’t have apostolic roots.

        • gravenimage says

          Jan 15, 2017 at 7:10 pm

          no_one, it appears your only purpose here is proclaim everyone who does not belong to your denomination a false Christian. This is not very helpful–or even very Christian.

    • John C. Barile says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 3:41 pm

      The muddled thinking behind such statements is not the hallowed moral thought of the Church; not that of Augustin, Ambrose or Aquinas.

  3. IQ al Rassooli says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 1:07 pm

    Dear Robert

    I would like to have your thoughts as to WHY even after the holocaust, most European leaders in Academia, Politics, Media and Clergy while “Mea Culpa” the holocaust continue demonizing Israel and Israelis while completely ignoring the very FACTS you addressed Samir Khalil whose Christians have been and continue to be EXTERMINATED under Francis watch without a single condemnation?

    Sincerely

    IQ al Rassooli
    Kafir & Proud!

    • Custos Custodum says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 8:36 pm

      Cannot speak for Mr. Spencer but here is a possible answer:

      Most “Intellectuals” are ultimately interested in total, unrestrained POWER over others.

      Israel – although deeply socialist – is anti-communist and above all upholds the principles of an ethnic nation-state in opposition to multi-national totalitarian rule by an unelected elite.

      In other words, the very existence of Israel (and a few other proudly nationalistic countries such as Russia, Hungary, Poland, China and Japan) is an affront to the ambitions and world-view of totalitarians.

      Unlike those other nationalist countries, Israel is seen as peculiarly embodying a specific religion – Judaism. In fact, most Israelis seem to be just as secular as Western Europeans, but hate-inducing “nationalism” is largely in the eye of the leftoid beholder.

  4. Dan says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 1:15 pm

    And just how many UN members are dictatorships, muslim or otherwise?

    Of course they’re going to “recognize” Palestine.

    And hate Israel.

    And the U.S.

    The U.S. pays 20% of the UN’s budget, and has one vote out of the 193 member nations.

    Just stop freaking paying it and tell the UN they can go set up shop in Africa, the Middle East, or one of the countries THEIR meddling has messed up.

    • no_one says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 3:06 pm

      I agree. No tax payer money for the UN. Use them on health care for Americans.

      • TruthWFree says

        Jan 15, 2017 at 4:37 pm

        I agree. Shut it down. The UN does more harm than good…and appears to be controlled by the Muslim/Islamic OIC, a large part of the reason Israel is getting condemned in the UN.

        • Tom W Harris says

          Jan 16, 2017 at 3:15 pm

          Drone the UN. d

    • gravenimage says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 7:12 pm

      True, Dan. The UN has been supporting tyrannies for decades now–and it should not surprise, given how many members are unfree countries.

      • Linde Barrera says

        Jan 16, 2017 at 12:28 pm

        To gravenimage- Thank you for your comment of Jan. 15, 2017, 7:12 pm. You stated the truth. And if you and I and so many others know this as well, what could be the motivation of “world leaders” who ignore this fact? The lies, deceptions and “protections” surrounding Islam just boggle my mind.

        • gravenimage says

          Jan 16, 2017 at 5:44 pm

          Yes, Linde–the UN whitewashed Communist savagery for years, and now is doing the same for Islam.

          When I was a child I loved the idea of the UN, and hoped it would lead to world peace. I was also proud the UN had been founded in my city of San Francisco. Even then, I should have realized that there were too few democracies in the world to make the UN a really civilized body.

  5. misiu says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 1:17 pm

    Very interesting dialogue! I do hope that both parties continue in the spirit of truth and charity. I believe that Mr. Spencer’s retorts deserve some scrutiny be Father Samir Khalil SJ.

    In terms of providing a coherent perspective to the current state of international events, I believe that Mr. Spencer is much more convincing thus far. And this is unfortunate given the somewhat increasingly worrying picture he paints.

    • Achmed says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 3:03 pm

      I would hardly call Mr. Spencer’s reply a “retort” Rather, it was a reply, to a letter that he received. Moreover, it was polite and truthful.

  6. Lucia Bartoli says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 1:33 pm

    Robert, I am Catholic and pro-Israel and anti-UN
    I can only say that the words “Jesuit” and “liberal” have become-over the years-synonymous with the secular progressive line of thinking. I’ll leave you with this–the pope and this priest are both Jesuits. Bless your in for the work you do in bringing forth truth.

    • John C. Barile says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 2:57 pm

      And the prudential judgments of both pope and priest are seriously flawed in the present circumstances. Arab nationalism distorts Fr. Samir’s thinking, and a Marxian cultural milieu clouds this Pontiff’s. I’m Catholic, too.

      Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish State, constituted as a modern representative Democracy, within recognized, secure, and defensible borders, is the basic requirement for a just and lasting peace. That’s what objective morality, and a just application of existing international law prescribes.

      You, Father Samir, sir, reduce “UN” and “INTERNATIONAL LAW” to shibboleths, recited as if they were imbued with talismanic power.

      The Western Wall, the Jewish Quarter with its venerable synagogues, the Jewish cemetery on the Mount of Olives, Mount Scopus and its access, the Etzion bloc, the Syrian bridgehead on the upper Jordan liberated by Israel, Rachel’s Tomb, the Cave of the Patriarchs, the Jewish presence and rabbinic schools in Hebron–Israel has legitimate claim to these, dating to the Mandate, as well as waste lands and state lands of former Mandatory Palestine (was there ever any other Palestine–short of being an Ottoman backwater?).

      • Carolyne says

        Jan 16, 2017 at 12:42 pm

        I really like and agree with your point, Mr. Barile, suggesting that the terms “UN” and “International Law.” have some magical power in the minds of people like Fr. Samir and the Pope. A rabbit’s foot might bring more magic, although not to the rabbit. who ends up with only three.

        • John C. Barile says

          Jan 16, 2017 at 6:26 pm

          Thanks, Carolyne. Yeah, they all seem to think that, if they chant the words often enough, evil and oppression will end–or that, at the very least, they’ll prevail in their argument.

          Jerusalem is Israel’s heart, the seat of her government, and her very essence, her soul.

    • Achmed says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 3:05 pm

      The pope is, last I was told, the HEAD of the Roman Catholic Church. Is he, or is he not, considered by that particular institution as the vicar of Christ?

      • no_one says

        Jan 15, 2017 at 3:09 pm

        The head of the real church is Christ. Pope is the reason some denominations say catholics are heretics. If you do reasearch you can find the true ancient church. It is not RCC. The real church has real monastics on Mt. Athos. Study what happens in Jerusalem on Orthodox Holy Saturday. It never happens on the catholic one.

        • Carolyne says

          Jan 16, 2017 at 12:45 pm

          I have seen several references now about what happens on Orthodox Holy Saturday in Jerusalem. Exactly what does happen? Does someone’s head explode? Does water turn into champagne? Is it June in January? Just what is this magical and mysterious occurrence?

        • gravenimage says

          Jan 16, 2017 at 5:53 pm

          I hate to encourage him, Carolyne, but here is the reference:

          https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Fire

          Even if one decides to take this at face value, the idea that it somehow renders all non-Orthodox Christians to be false Christians is a real stretch.

        • Carolyne says

          Jan 16, 2017 at 6:33 pm

          Thank you Gravenimage. I think that that proves “There’s no businesslike show business.”

      • Kepha says

        Jan 15, 2017 at 11:48 pm

        The head of the church is Jesus Christ, and his vicar is the Holy Spirit (see John chapters 13-16).

        • John C. Barile says

          Jan 16, 2017 at 6:47 pm

          Yes, you’re right. And yet I concede the honorific, “Vicar of Christ” to a rightful Pope. I would In a representative and derivative way–an embodiment of the Holy Spirit–as I would style St. Peter as Christ’s vicar–not the person, but the teaching office he holds. I think of the Church herself–in a complete, full sense–as such an embodiment or instrument.

          You are certainly better instructed in Systematic Theology than I could possibly be, but in a different vernacular–the Reformed tradition, after Calvin and his confreres.

          Being Catholic, it doesn’t come down to a question of either/or for me.

  7. billybob says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 1:33 pm

    “Finally, it is a serious mistake to mix religion with this question, as a great many of the citizens of the two States unfortunately do. It is a question of INTERNATIONAL politics, which can only be resolved by INTERNATIONAL Law. It is not a matter of sentiment or sensitivity. The problem is POLITICAL, it is not sentimental or religious.”

    With all due respect, saying that doesn’t make it so. Islam is a supremacist religion built on a foundation of Jew hatred. The unholy quran calls the Jews “descendants of apes and pigs”. Hamas, for one, has no respect for INTERNATIONAL Law. They don’t recognize the right of Israel’s existence. This is the problem – the religion of the Palestinians and their death cult. They will never give peace to the Jews, no matter what concessions are offered them. They are enraged by the existence of Israel. In their minds, all Jews should be dhimmis and feel themselves subdued. INTERNATIONAL Law can be wrong. The UN is often controlled by the powerful Organization of Islamic States block in conjunction with the left progressive countries like England and France, who are all anti semitic. If it weren’t for American vetoes, Israel would be long ago demolished by your precious INTERNATIONAL Law. INTERNATIONAL Law is not infallible.

    • maghan says

      Jan 16, 2017 at 7:03 am

      A very uninformed man. He keeps talking about “international law”. Well, why doesn’t ignoramus not go back and study the Palestine Mandate of 1922–article by article. There are references there to Israel and Trans-Jordan. No reference at all some fictional Arab state named Palestine.

      Old Adage: a little learning is a dangerous thing.

      • Warren Raymond says

        Jan 16, 2017 at 5:42 pm

        “International law” = shari’a. Look into it. Those who invoke it mean shari’a.

    • Carolyne says

      Jan 16, 2017 at 12:49 pm

      “INTERNATIONAL LAW,” is not worth the paper it is written on. It depends on who’s ox is being gored. It is nothing more than a matter of opinion. Opinions differ.

    • gravenimage says

      Jan 16, 2017 at 5:55 pm

      True, billybob.

  8. Jon Sobieski says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 1:39 pm

    The Church is so screwed by this scholar. Since when is international law sacrosanct? Screw the pals. They started a war. They lost. To the victor goes the spoils.

    • Achmed says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 3:08 pm

      I truly like … REALLY like your moniker …. Just add the “IV: to it ,, as the “III” was taken by one of the saviors of Europe.

      • TruthWFree says

        Jan 15, 2017 at 4:45 pm

        Like his moniker and his statement. This priest seems to equate International Law on the same level as scripture. I’m Catholic and sick of people like this priest and those priests who say “we all worship the same God”…WE DO NOT! The Muslim allah god is Satan…”the father of all lies”. Jesus Christ John 8:44.

  9. lagitane says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 1:46 pm

    Two things need to happen to resolve this situation. One – Israel must compensate those individuals who were displaced at any time during or after 1948. Forget this group or that. I am speaking from a libertarian perspective. Two – the Palestinians must recognize the state of Israel. It has been in existence since 1948 and is not going anywhere. If the two sides can do those two monumental things, then working out the details will follow.

    • RonaldB says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 3:09 pm

      Libertarianism does not work in a milieu of rampant nationalism and identity politics. I used to be a libertarian but now think Trump makes more sense, and he is not a libertarian or classical economist.

      If both of your solutions, compensation of former inhabitants, and the formal recognition of Israel by one or two of the Palestinian entities, were implemented, it would not bring peace to the region, for the reasons:

      1) The terrorists terrorize Israel not to get compensation, but to advance Islam;
      2) The Palestinians want a country not to conduct their own affairs, but to use as a platform against Israel.

    • Achmed says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 3:09 pm

      ” …. Israel must compensate those individuals who were displaced at any time during or after 1948 …”

      Spoken like a TRUE (special emphasis added) islamophiliac. Or, even worse, a mohammedan.

      • John C. Barile says

        Jan 15, 2017 at 3:59 pm

        Of course, nobody says anything about reparations for the 600,000 Jews expelled from Arab lands in the immediate aftermath of Israel’s establishment in 1948.

    • gravenimage says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 7:23 pm

      lagitane wrote:

      Two things need to happen to resolve this situation. One – Israel must compensate those individuals who were displaced at any time during or after 1948.
      ……………………………

      lagitane, you do realize that Muslims themselves told Muslims to leave Israel in 1948? This was supposed to be temporary, as Muslims destroyed Israel–that did not happen.

      And as John C. Barile notes, many Muslim nations expelled their entire surviving Jewish after the founding of Israel–about 900,000 people. Most of them left with nothing but the clothes on their backs–no one ever talks about reparations for them.

      More:

      Two – the Palestinians must recognize the state of Israel. It has been in existence since 1948 and is not going anywhere. If the two sides can do those two monumental things, then working out the details will follow.
      ……………………………

      That will never happen. Both Hamas and Fatah have the outright destruction of Israel enshrined in their constitutions.

      The goal of destroying Israel is classic Jihad. Muslims there have no desire for a “two state solution”.

    • Custos Custodum says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 8:54 pm

      Israel should insist on a Right of Return for hundreds of thousands of Jews expelled from Arab and North African countries, with full compensation for property lost at the time (much of which is now in prime locations in major cities).

      The corrupt, war-mongering UNRWA that keeps Phakestinian populations festering and breeding as third-generation “refugees” needs to be shut down and dismantled.

      Residents educated under Phakestinian rule have mostly been poisoned by Jew hatred and for this reason. As it is impossible separate out those not terminal affected by this mental affliction, no Phakestinians can ever be allowed to live in Israel or other civilized countries.

      The most humane solution is to create a homeland for them e.g. in Sudan.

    • Kepha says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 11:58 pm

      Three–The Arab states, in which most of the Falastin Arab refugees of 1948, must naturalize the Arab refugees and their descendants. That is one of the glaring asymmetries in the Middle East; especially when considering how all those Jewish children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of the Maghreb, Egypt, Yemen, Mesopotamia, and Syria who are now a very large portion of the Israeli Jewish population have always been no-questions-asked Israelis.

      While the plight of the Falastin refugees is one of the sticks commonly used to rhetorically beat the American dog, the fifteen-times-accursed USA has naturalized more victims and descendants of an-Nakhbar than any seven Arabic-speaking countries put together with the exception the PA, Jordan, and Israel itself (the last treating the Arabs who stayed as voting, property rights-holding citizens). I will further add that it seems that the PA is reluctant to allow those families originating inside pre-1967 Israeli territory from having full rights in the West Bank and Gaza.

      Apologists for the bad behavior of everyone from Chinese Communists to Falastin Arab terrorists seems to repeat, “Imagine an ancient, proud civilization attacked/humiliated/maltreated by…” Very well. Now that the USA has elected Trump, and Europe sees a surge of anti-PeeCee populism, maybe the Third Worlders should consider their own apologetics, and recognize that the majorities of the North Atlantic World (including immigrants who are assimilating) may well be throwing up their own form of nationalism in the face of a predatory and destructive Islam.

      • gravenimage says

        Jan 16, 2017 at 6:03 pm

        Good points, Kepha.

    • maghan says

      Jan 16, 2017 at 7:11 am

      Well, what about all those Jews expelled from the Arab settler states of North Africa and the Middle East? Should they be compensated?

      The sly British who established the Palestine Mandate should have arranged for population transfers. Such has occurred in Europe post WWII and most strikingly in the case of India and Pakistan in 1947. Muslims did not want to live with the infidel Hindus so they savagely created their own Mohammedan state. Populations were then exchanged.

    • Golem2 says

      Jan 16, 2017 at 12:49 pm

      They do not deserve a penny in compensation for running away from land that did not belong to them

  10. Westman says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 1:48 pm

    “3) Pope Francis — who is neither American, nor Palestinian, nor Israeli — does not judge with feelings, but according to the INTERNATIONAL LAW. ”

    Don’t we ever get tired of this “Internationsl Law” subterfuge? There is no such thing as International Law that binds all nations to a given set of laws. Name one law to which all nations subscribe under “International Law” – just one.

    So-called “International Law” has its origins in tribunals, organized by the victors against the losers of wars; particularly starting with WWII. It has become an attempted product of the UN, with its own ICC (court) to which only some members subscribe. The USA does not.

    It has a very poor record of being able to get compliance or cooperation and is more of a politician’s buzz-word than a reality. They love to talk about the “violation” of International Law then do nothing or won’t sign on to the ICC.

    When politicians and religious leaders start throwing out “International Law” they are counting on populist ignorance to think it has any real authority; using it to bolster their weak arguments like a teenager asking for permission by saying, “everyone does it”.

    What there is of, “International Law” is only by agreement and cannot be enforced outside of agreeing parties. It’s uselessness is a good thing – otherwise it would rob the sovereignty of nations. Let’s hope the US never signs on.

    Pope Francis is a benevolent Dhimmi-dummy – and Father Samir Khalil Sami, you can quote me.

    • james.mich says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 2:32 pm

      International law did not begin after WW2 – it’s much older than that. As this article shows: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09073a.htm Distaste for particular applications of it should not lead us reject the thing itself. It is not a form of victor’s justice, though the post-WW2 war crimes tribunals, which were themselves dependent on the “law of nations”, are one of its best-known manifestations. It is the basis for international treaties, concordats of the Church with nations, decisions on claims about disputed fishing rights, and so forth. And the Church has contributed to it.

      • maghan says

        Jan 16, 2017 at 7:15 am

        OK, so get out your history Atlas and tell us about the Palestine Mandate of 1922–sanctioned by International Law. Agree or disagree with what that bit of International Law states.

    • dumbledoresarmy says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 4:22 pm

      As far as I can see, right now, whenever “international law” is invoked in connection with the relentless mohammedan jihad against the jews (which jihad targets, of course, the Jewish state of Israel, but is not confined to that state, it attacks Jews wherever they are, just as it did before a sovereign Jewish state was reconstituted on part of the traditional ancestral lands of the indigenous middle-eastern House of Israe), and *also* whenever ‘international law’ is invoked in any other case where Muslims are ginning up grievances against this or that Infidel party, what is *meant* by ‘international law’, at least in the mouths of any doublespeaking mohammedans and their dhimmi enablers, catspaws and proxies is nothing other than the Sharia of Islam.

      • gravenimage says

        Jan 15, 2017 at 7:27 pm

        Very true, DDA.

    • Elaine McMurren says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 6:28 pm

      There is nothing benevolent about Bergoglio. He is working overtime to destroy the One True Faith. If you want to know what a real Catholic sounds like, go to 1Peter5 and read the recent interview with Bishop Athanasius Schnieder. ⚜

      • Kepha says

        Jan 16, 2017 at 12:01 am

        “The elders among you I exhort, who am also an elder…” (I Peter 5:1). Why, the first Pope sounds strangely like a primitive Presbyterian! 😉

        • John C. Barile says

          Jan 17, 2017 at 3:23 pm

          A presbyter then, a presbyter now, Uncle. {emoticon}

    • Custos Custodum says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 8:59 pm

      “International law” is a matter of agreement by participating countries.

      If any country decides that some aspects of “international law” are contrary to its major interests, then such “international law” will be abrogated or ignored, sometimes publicly, more commonly tacitly.

  11. Mirren10 says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 2:17 pm

    It will be interesting to see if Father Samir responds to Robert’s excellent points re ‘The Palestinians’, but I won’t hold my breath.

    His comment is a revealing reiteration of the endemic anti-Semitism of many within the Catholic Church, dressed up in the pretty new dress of ‘anti-Zionism’.

    Given that Father Samir appears to understand the fundamental anti-Semitic tenets of Islam, this pig-headed determination that Israel should accept a ‘solution’ designed to destroy her is really quite wicked. He cannot claim lack of knowledge !

    • gravenimage says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 10:40 pm

      Yes, Mirren–he also sneers at the idea that one can defend against Jihad terror militarily. He also claims that the real problem was the creation of the state of Israel, as though Muslims had not been oppressing and murdering Jews and Christians in the region before this:

      GOING TO THE ROOTS OF THE PROBLEM

      War has never produced lasting results. Radicalism is not fought by war, less still the supposed “terrorism.” All politicians recognize the need to go “to the roots of the problem” which dates back more than fifty years. It has yet to be confronted…

      The problem is neither between Jews and Muslims, nor Jews, Christians and Muslims, although it is obvious that the religious dimension has never been absent in the politics of the Middle East. This is not a war between Jews (supported by Christians) and the Muslims. This is not an ethnic war between Jews and Arabs. No! The roots of the current problem in Lebanon are neither religious nor ethnic. The roots of the problem are purely political, and all else (including culture, sociology, economics) is simply drawn upon to support or reinforce the respective positions.

      The problem goes back to the creation of the state of Israel and the partition of Palestine in 1948 decided by the superpowers without taking into account the population already present in the (Holy) Land. There resides the real root of all the wars that followed. To repair a serious injustice committed in Europe against a third of the world Jewish population, Europe (supported by the superpowers) decided to commit a new injustice against the Palestinian population, who are innocent of the martyrdom of the Jews. The original decision-making was shaped largely as reparation by the superpowers for doing little or nothing to end a systematically organized persecution against the European Jews as a “race.”

      http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/80221?eng=y

      Of course, this is quite false. The idea of the Jewish homeland much predates the Holocaust, and Samir’s pretending that Jews did not live in the Levant is ridiculous.

      He goes on to compare Hamas to the EU–which is just grotesque. Whatever problems the EU has had, all members are essentially civilized nations, not Jihad terror groups.

      • maghan says

        Jan 16, 2017 at 7:21 am

        Plus, he completely ignores how almost the whole of West Asia became “Arab lands”. How? By invasion, land theft, rapine, and murder. Then the whole conquered area became subject to Arab cultural imperialism: erasure of languages and religions to be replaced by Arabic and Islam. Just as the Spaniards did in 1492 when the invader Arabs and their savage religion were driven out, so too the invaders must be driven back to Arabia and civilized society be returned.

    • vlparker says

      Jan 16, 2017 at 11:37 am

      Yes, it seems like the Padre doesn’t like Jews too much. The same old, “it’s all the fault of Israel and the US” nonsense. As Robert said, if the Palestinians laid down their arms there would be peace. If Israel laid down their arms there would be a Jewish genocide.

      It’s interesting that he admits that islam is not a religion of peace and yet insists that the UN, whose largest voting bloc is the 56 member Organization of Islamic Cooperation which pretty much sets the UN agenda, be the arbiter of all disputes. He also says, “International decisions must be accepted even if they are questionable.” So, in other words, he who can garner the most votes should rule the world, whether or not his agenda is in keeping with human rights.or totalitarianism. How democratic of him.

      The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. – Edmund Burke

  12. Salome says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 2:33 pm

    Nice one, Robert. Further, ‘INTERNATIONAL’ decisions that are questionable need not be respected, especially by poor folk such as us who do not have any prospect of influencing them. The UN is a corrupted version of whatever it was originally intended to be, and you are right to call it out. And, since Fr Samir is probably reading my comment (although it hardly bears the attention), I would like to say that I have read and and high regard for numerous of his published statements in the past. I would also say that when people start shouting (in print) ‘PEACE’, I worry, because I am old enough to remember the ‘Peace Studies’ movement of the 1980s and 90s, which was actually just a front for Marxist indoctrination. Peace is not properly achieved by having democratic nations lay down their arms so that they can be overrun by dictatorships.

  13. VRWC member77 says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 2:43 pm

    How about this little detail called Gaza in 2005, Mr. Samir? Also, does Mr. Samir understand the “palestinian”rage regarding Israel going from dar al-Islam back to dar al-Harb? Move the UN to the Gaza strip and have the “palestinians” fund its operations.

    You have much more patience with these fools than I could ever have, Robert and I thank you for that.

  14. Achmed says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 3:14 pm

    Although, Mr. Spencer’s response was polite, erudite, and truthful … he needs to realize … Samir Khalil Samir’s letter was just ….

    A Roman Catholic clergyman bein’ a Roman Catholic clergyman.

  15. Scott says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 3:26 pm

    I do not understand.
    This guys a christian from the middle east.
    Does he not see what islam has done to all others there.
    It is like they live in fantasy land.

    • gravenimage says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 7:35 pm

      I’m afraid there are quite a few Christians in the Middle East who are either in denial about the threat of Islam, or who in some cases have so embraced their dhimmitude that they adopt the hatreds of their Muslim masters.

      • maghan says

        Jan 16, 2017 at 7:23 am

        They are just afraid of that curved knife slicing off their heads.

        • gravenimage says

          Jan 16, 2017 at 6:06 pm

          Largely true.

  16. RonaldB says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 3:33 pm

    Father Samir is similar to many of the people on the Trump right or Trump populist supporters. They recognize the evilness of Islam, oppose any Muslim immigration, think that the Muslim Brotherhood is actively subverting the government and culture of the US, and yet they still refer to Israel as an oppressor and aggressor, and to the Palestinians as victims.

    Kevin MacDonald, who I believe is a Jew, kind of, is typical of this kind of person
    http://www.theoccidentalobserver.net/2017/01/zionist-extremism-as-product-of-the-internal-dynamics-of-judaism-part-1/

    but even MacDonald recognizes that to protect a culture and a people, you have to employ measures that are harsh when threatened. The fact is, if Israel followed UN resolutions, and abided by is referred to as “international law”, Israel would not exist. The whole concept of law was developed for people who share a cultural identity. The law is employed to enforce cultural norms, codified by a political process. But, once you deal with people who do not in any form recognize your law, the whole concept of law breaks down.

    The funny thing is that as some people talk more about the violent measures which may be necessary to enforce the cultural identity of the US, they become more judgmental of Israel.

    I suspect with Father Shamir, you have to take the good, a realistic knowledge of Islam, and throw away the bad, an idealistic, unreal concept of the force and effect of the structure of “international law”.

    • gravenimage says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 8:28 pm

      Do you not realize that Donald Trump has actually been very supportive of Israel?

      • RonaldB says

        Jan 16, 2017 at 4:12 am

        Of course I know Trump supports Israel. I was speaking of some of the people who support Trump and whom I follow on Twitter and other media.

        • Carolyne says

          Jan 16, 2017 at 11:11 am

          You did not say “Some,” you said “Many.” I doubt there are “Many” Trump supporters” who would agree with your insulting remark.

        • RonaldB says

          Jan 16, 2017 at 12:56 pm

          I stand by “many”. You want to argue on semantics? Be my guest. But if you follow twitter and the comments, you’ll see “many” is a reasonable designation. I didn’t say “most”. “Most” is not an alternative for “many”, although “some” and “many” are not intrinsically incompatible.

          And I remind you that the tedious process of cutting and picking at nits was begun by you.

        • Carolyne says

          Jan 16, 2017 at 2:49 pm

          IMO “Many” means a “Substantial number.” I do not believe that a substantial number of Trump supporters feel as you claim. I certainly do not. It’s your nit to pick, however, so go to it.

        • gravenimage says

          Jan 16, 2017 at 6:07 pm

          If you say that’s been your experience. I haven’t run into it, though.

  17. Mockingjay says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 3:37 pm

    Robert Spencer – He’s like the racehorse that no one will compete against because they all know – and fear – what he can do if given the chance.

    – So usually, he is left trotting around the stable, which no doubt can get very frustrating for one who posesses such strength.

    But ever so rarely, someone does have enough courage and confidence to challenge him – in which case Robert gets to stretch his legs and immediately leaves the competition far, far behind.

    It’s great to witness.

    • gravenimage says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 8:32 pm

      +1

  18. Vic says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 3:52 pm

    Bravo, Mr. Spencer! Well said.

    I realize that many contributors to this site are busy but I would like to comment on the issue Fr. Samir brings up about relying on what International Law states about the rights of Israel. Yes, in this very secular world, most of our arguments that rely on historical, archaeological or biblical facts are repudiated by many, including Christians, organized churches and even Jews. So, then, many want to base their opinions and decisions on Intl Law. Most people speak of Int’l Law loosely as if there is some magic power in it and if questioned as to which law they are referring to, they can’t produce it or defend it. But, actually, there is indeed Intl Law that supports the rights of Israel to the land and their irrevocable right to settle it. I can only wish that more people would endeavor to find the truth and stand strong with Israel.

    I am attaching a link to one of the most lucid and coherent lectures given by one of the experts on International Law, Prof. Eugene Kontorovich who has studied the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for over 20 years. Please take the time to hear this lecture. He has many others on YouTube. https://youtu.be/ub2x5UvjUs4

    I would also like to recommend an excellent book “Palestine Betrayed” by Efraim Karsh that has the full historical narrative.

  19. Angemon says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 3:59 pm

    At the very least, Fr. Samir Khalil Samir got food for thought.

  20. Wellington says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 4:05 pm

    Spencer 1. Samir 0.

  21. TruthWFree says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 4:29 pm

    Thanks, Robert, for what you do. The Catholic Chuch leadership and priests like this and two that I talked to are leading thir flocks astray on Islam. They are blinded by Satan, as far as I am concerned. This allah god as you know is supposed to have revealed the Quran to Muhammad, and for this “allah god” to deny Jesus’ divinity and death on the cross leads me to conclude the allah god is Satan. This priest and many like him do not have enough spiritual discernment to know Islam is evil. The allah god lies against the eye witnessed Gospels. Jesus Christ said Satan is the father of all lies. Seems pretty clear to me that the Islamic allah god is Satan…and this Pope wants to reach out to Satan’s religion?

  22. mortimer says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 6:26 pm

    Bravo, Father Samir Khalil SAMIR!

    I am delighted that the pope’s ear is open to a man who ENTIRELY understands Islam.

    As for the fierce criticism of Francis, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM LAITY WHO HAVE STUDIED THE JIHAD DOCTRINE???

    Should they not be angered that the pope is MISREPRESENTING himself as an EXPERT ON ISLAM? He is not an expert, and it is offensively even stupidly apparent that Francis is committing a PREPOSTEROUS FRAUD to POSE as someone who understands Islam.

    The pope is losing respect because he is a POSEUR in the matter of Islam.

    • maghan says

      Jan 16, 2017 at 7:27 am

      To appease the cultural globalists they brought a knowledge-ignorant Hispanic Pope from Argentina.

  23. Lesley says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 6:26 pm

    Peace can only be negotiated if all parties involved are reasonable. The Muslim world is built on unreason, and aims for world domination.

    Negotiating “peace” with anyone who holds Mohammed as the perfect man is a fool’s errand that puts many innocent people in harm’s way.

    If international law contradicts common sense to the degree that it threatens the free world, then it is international law that must be revised, for the greater good.

    The Catholic Church has not only failed to advocate for Christians facing horrific persecution in the Middle East, but they have destroyed their credibility by their delusional, dhimmified proclamations about Islam being a religion of peace and establishing “dialogue”… which basically means smiling nicely at them while they rape and terrorize us and pretend it’s just lovely.

    Disgusting! Where is Christian militancy? Who wants to be part of a church that won’t even speak truthfully on behalf of what is good and right?

    Western secular societies have morals derived from Judaism and Christianity. We should be giving shelter to apostates, to Christians and Jews, and people who want to be free from the oppression of Islam– stand up what is good and right and decry what is evil and wrong (like child marriage and sex slavery and FGM and killing apostates and beheading, etc).

    The Catholic Church should use its influence to protect children and women getting raped by monsters instead of being so chummy with our abusers in the name of this unicorn called “peace.” For shame >:-((

    • mortimer says

      Jan 15, 2017 at 6:45 pm

      Lesley wrote: “The Muslim world is built on unreason”. This is exact. Obscurantism is the denial, if not the concealment, of established facts that contradict the ‘narrative’.

      Islam is based on absurdities such as the flat earth and other falsehoods of ‘Islamic cosmology’ which Allah himself proclaims as fact and which Mohammed endorses in the hadiths.

      The absurd, unscientific blunders in the Koran alone are sufficient to discredit Islam, since the words of the Koran are not ‘opinions’, but the direct speech of Allah. Since Allah’s direct speech is false, we must conclude that the Koran is a hoax by 7th century, semi-literate Arabs.

      • Lesley says

        Jan 15, 2017 at 9:49 pm

        Hear, hear, Mortimer!

  24. mortimer says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 6:30 pm

    Another Jesuit who ‘gets it’ is Fr. Henri Boulad, SJ, who wrote the following about POLITICAL ISLAM:

    “Islamism is not a caricature, nor a counterfeit, nor a heresy, nor a fringe or atypical phenomenon versus classical, orthodox, Sunnite Islam.

    To the contrary, I think Islamism is naked Islam, Islam without a mask and without paint, Islam perfectly consistent and true to itself, an Islam that has the courage and lucidity to go all the way to its ultimate conclusions and final implications.

    Islamism is Islam in all its logic and in all its rigour. Islamism is present in Islam as the chick is present in the egg, as the fruit is present in the flower and as the tree is present in the seed.

    But what is Islamism?

    Islamism is political Islam, the bearer of a project for a model society and whose aim is to establish a theocratic state based on Sharia, the only legitimate law—since it is divine—since it was revealed and enshrined in the Koran and Sunna—it’s a law that applies to everything.

    Here is an all-inclusive and all-encompassing project, one that is total, totalizing and totalitarian.”

    • maghan says

      Jan 16, 2017 at 7:29 am

      And primitive and savage too—and unbelievably cruel. If you follow Islam by the book, you get ISIS.

  25. jeff says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 6:57 pm

    There are no Palestinians, only Palestinianism. And, Palestinianism is Nazism.

  26. gravenimage says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 7:06 pm

    I hope no one minds my cross-posting–here are the comments I left on that thread:

    Father Samir Khalil SAMIR, SJ wrote:

    All the insults that I read in some of the comments are shameful and unworthy of this site.
    ………………………….

    Unless you can indicate otherwise, most of these comments are concerned with Pope Francis’s unwitting enabling of a terrorist state, and the harm this will do to the citizens of civilized Israel–including Christians there.

    More:

    1) Pope Francis is a man who seeks to build PEACE among peoples.
    ………………………….

    Unfortunately, legitimizing a terrorist state will not accomplish that, and good people have the right to point this out.

    More:

    What he said about Islam as “a religion of PEACE” was not correct, as I explained to him in my personal meeting with him for 30 minutes on Monday, 6 June 2016. I also gave him my book “Violence and non-violence in the Qur’an and Islam” and 3 other articles from me on the question.
    ………………………….

    I’m glad you realize this, Father Samir, and that you shared your findings with the pontiff.

    Being based in Egypt and Lebanon, I’m sure you have seen the depredations of Islam and the suffering it has caused up close. I’m sure you know how threatened the Christian community is throughout the Levant and Middle East–except in Israel.

    And yet, you appear here to blame Israel for defending herself against Hizb’allah, and to believe that hatred of Israel by Muslims is justified:

    “Fr. Samir: ‘A Decalogue for Peace in the Middle East’”

    http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/80221?eng=y

    In fact, you even said, “Praise be to God!” that Israel was unable ten years ago to destroy terrorist group Hizb’allah–you even put “terrorism” in sneer quotes. Very concerning.

    I disagree that the desire to destroy Israel has nothing to do with religion–this is, in fact, a classic Jihad, and is driven by the same Muslim supremacy that has devastated Christians in the birthplace of their faith.

    More:

    Its objective is to restore the dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Muslim world, interrupted for nearly 6 years, and it has succeeded: the meeting is scheduled for the month of February in Cairo.
    ………………………….

    “Six years”? Is this a reference to the papacy of Pope Benedict? All he did was assert–as is accurate–that Islam is not a religion of peace, a realization you say you share.

    And what has this “dialogue” every achieved, save to lull the victims of Islam, including Catholics, into a false sense of security so they can be further victimized by violent Muslims? Certainly, it has never led to Muslims becoming more peaceful–in fact, the rate of violent Jihad, including attacks on Christians, has been skyrocketing for decades.

    More:

    2) His meeting with President Mahmoud Abbas goes in the same direction: it is about building together PEACE. The State of Palestine exists, recognized by the United Nations, just as the State of Israel exists. It is not the USA that decides whether or not a state exists, but the United Nations, notwithstanding certain readers. However, the State of Palestine never invaded the State of Israel, or occupied a single square meter of that State. On the other hand, the State of Israel invades periodically the State of Palestine, occupies a part of it after having driven the Palestinian inhabitants. In my opinion, the invading State (whatever it is) is a terrorist state.
    ………………………….

    Israel is, in fact, under a constant state of siege from the “Palestinian” Muslims. Israel only responds when attacked.

    And it is notable that Muslims were not at peace with Israel pre-1967–if they were really happy then, surely this would have been the case.

    But the fact is that the “Palestinians”–Fatah and Hamas and their predecessors the PLO–have always openly had as their goal not a “two state solution”, but the outright destruction of Israel.

    This does not enable “peace”–unless your view of “peace” is a lot of dead Israelis.

    More:

    3) Pope Francis — who is neither American, nor Palestinian, nor Israeli — does not judge with feelings, but according to the INTERNATIONAL LAW. If we want to live in PEACE –and this is the primary goal of every reasonable citizen –, INTERNATIONAL decisions must be respected, even if they are questionable. They could be discussed, but as long as they exist they must be applied. I am convinced that PEACE is possible between these two States, and that the majority of Palestinians and Israelis want it. They must be helped to achieve it by scrupulously respecting INTERNATIONAL decisions, even if it means reviewing certain points.
    ………………………….

    Enabling the emboldening of Islam is not going to lead to peace, I’m afraid–just possibly the destruction of the Middle East’s only democracy, and the only place where Christians live in peace and security.

    More:

    4) Finally, it is a serious mistake to mix religion with this question, as a great many of the citizens of the two States unfortunately do. It is a question of INTERNATIONAL politics, which can only be resolved by INTERNATIONAL Law. It is not a matter of sentiment or sensitivity. The problem is POLITICAL, it is not sentimental or religious.
    ………………………….

    Muslims–including the “Palestinians”–regularly note that their desire to destroy Israel is rooted in Islamic Jew hatred. Really, the issues cannot be separated–except by ignoring the goal of Islam in seeking the destruction of Israel.

    https://www.jihadwatch.org/2017/01/vatican-opens-palestinian-embassy-ahead-of-critical-summit-in-paris#comment-1595391

    • Carolyne says

      Jan 16, 2017 at 11:21 am

      You are correct. In fact, the goal of destroying Israel IS the religion.

      • gravenimage says

        Jan 16, 2017 at 6:16 pm

        Thanks, Carolyne–it certainly is a significant part of it.

        • John C. Barile says

          Jan 17, 2017 at 3:30 pm

          Like I said before, GI, you suffer fools patiently [even me]–that’s why I like you so much! {emoticon}

        • gravenimage says

          Jan 18, 2017 at 2:01 am

          Thank you, John–and you are no fool.

  27. mortimer says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 7:15 pm

    Pope Francis naively believes that ‘legalism’ will resolve differences between Israel and Arabs. Border disputes are resolved by ‘NEGOTIATION’, rather than legal provisions. The Near East has been continuously invaded and conquered throughout history on the basis of might makes right.

    To speak of legalities, when the Pallies have consistently made war on Israel is beyond absurd.

    What the Pallies have done in virtually all negotiations is to enter the meeting with an intransigent ‘position’ that there should be no state of Israel. Pallies became Pallies in 1967 when Jordan lost the Six-Day War.

    If the Pallies refuse to recognize Israel’s existence as a Jewish homeland, then what’s the purpose of any negotiation with them?

    • John C. Barile says

      Jan 19, 2017 at 12:31 am

      How strange–a real paradox. Francis repeatedly blasts “legalism” when it comes to applying moral precepts within the Church’s own household.

  28. mortimer says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 7:38 pm

    Respecting the ‘legality’ of Israel settling re-conquered territories of the original Jewish homeland, the following Wiki quote is informative:

    Morris Berthold Abram, an American lawyer who was involved in drafting the Fourth Geneva Convention, argued that the convention “was not designed to cover situations like Israeli settlements in the occupied territories, but rather the forcible transfer, deportation or resettlement of large numbers of people.” International law expert Julius Stone, Professor of Jurisprudence and International Law at the University of Sydney, and Eugene Rostow, Dean of Yale Law School, argued that the settlements are legal under international law, on a number of different grounds. Stone held that it was legal for Israel to establish Nahal settlements, necessary for military purposes along the ceasefire lines and in the Jordan Valley. The fact that they had been established to initiate profitable agriculture was of no legal concern. William M. Brinton, an American international lawyer, held that Israel was “at least quasi-sovereign with respect to both areas [the West Bank and Gaza Strip] under principles of customary international law”, and deemed the settlements legal.

  29. gravenimage says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 10:25 pm

    Megyn Kelly just picked up this story:

    https://megynkelly.org/236264/an-exchange-on-israel-and-the-palestinians-between-fr-samir-khalil-samir-s-j-and-robert-spencer/

    • John C. Barile says

      Jan 17, 2017 at 3:33 pm

      Wow!

  30. B Deplored says

    Jan 15, 2017 at 10:49 pm

    Robert: It doesn’t matter what you answer!!!!!!
    !!!!
    We know that he knows the answers as well as anyone!!!!!!
    !!!!!
    It’s about keeping up the pretense of dialogue as to befuddle the less committed!!!!!!
    !!!!
    The purpose of “talks” is just to confuse the delorables with some false hope and force a political suicide agreement.
    !!!!

  31. vlparker says

    Jan 16, 2017 at 3:19 am

    The Padre’s letter is incoherent. First he says that Islam is not a religion of peace but then he wants to build peace with the muslim world? Huh?

    He says that the state of Palestine exists and the state of Israel exists. In that case we already have the two state solution so what’s all the fuss about?

    What’s international law? In the real world law comes out of the barrel of a gun. Just who is the international police force enforcing international law? Right now I guess it’s ISIS.

    Separate religion from politics? In the Islamic world? You must be joking.

  32. Singh the Sikh says

    Jan 16, 2017 at 5:07 am

    Needless to say, the pope holds an important job with immense responsibilities. It’s a highly influential seat of trust and power. It’s incumbent upon the holder of the title/position to understand the Islamist threat. If not for the sake of society in general, than at least his own folk whose largess supports his unwieldy and costly office.

    All it will take is reading a few passages of what the Koran has to say about Christians, and link that with current affairs, if pope is too lazy to read history. What’s happening to Christians across Moslem lands should enough of an eye opener. If not pope has become a danger to the very people he is paid to protect. Yes, he is paid.

    If he can’t see the Muslim threats and atrocities that occur daily, he is not fit for he position. We do not owe him any respect for turning a blind eye to Christian suffering. He deserves all the abuse and criticism heaped on him because he is both danger and a traitor who needs his ass kicked. We are dealing with gravely serious and deadly issue here. Many lives are stake. No time for pussyfooting or niceties. Call a spade a spade. In fact Robert is too diplomatic sometimes!

    • VRWC member77 says

      Jan 16, 2017 at 10:01 am

      Agreed, Singh. As far as I’m concerned Mario Bergoglio is a thuggish punk — that’s right Mr. Samar, I said it — with Marxist views, who is responsible for the deaths of many Christians and will be responsible for many more deaths until he either resigns or faces head on, the Islamic threat.

    • Carolyne says

      Jan 16, 2017 at 11:26 am

      Very astute, Mr. Singh. I agree with all you say about the Pope of Rome.

  33. FYI says

    Jan 16, 2017 at 7:26 am

    Fr Samir(a Jesuit I assume) does not seem to understand that his fellow Jesuit in Rome,Mr Bergoglio has publicly made an heretical statement equating the islamic “allah”( the koranic misinterpretation of the True Biblical version of God- a version that rejects Jesus and is in opposition to God’s commandments)with the Christian Version revealed in the New Testament.Bergoglio is no “holy father”:he should resign for causing grave scandal to catholics and Christians and for his nepotism(promoting his friends to cardinals-what a disgrace!)A professor Fr Samir may be, but like many a Jesuit,he has no knowledge of the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit nor any understanding prophetic reality.

    It seems Fr Samir is not acquainted with the Holy Spirit or the revealed truth about the false prophet Mr Bergoglio-predicted in Catholic prophecy(A field outside the scope it seems of the Jesuitical sophists):if only he had “eyes to see and ears to hear” then he would know the TRUTH about what is happening in Rome.Did he miss when Pope Paul VI said the “smoke of satan has entered the church”
    which we now see being manifested in the heretical lies of Mr Bergoliuo??

    Robert Spencer is 100% correct.Catholics like myself are fed up with the lying,dissembling,Christless
    judas Iscariot clergy and in particular the appallingjesuits.This Fr Samir clearly worships the ground of his “holy father”:a man who is a proven HERETIC.

  34. Richard Courtemanche says

    Jan 16, 2017 at 11:26 am

    These supposedly religious elites misguided or indoctrinated for centuries and now joining the pope in a politically-correct direction. Will the pope be the first contemporary elite dhimmi to be crucified!

  35. Carroll Nigg says

    Jan 16, 2017 at 12:36 pm

    As a Christian, I think the Reverend is confused. Jesus Christ was a Jew. The Catholic Church has always distanced itself from the Bible. It as well totally ignores History. As an ex-Catholic my love for Christ isn’t diminished by my abandonment of this Religion that has become a political machine.

  36. Champ says

    Jan 16, 2017 at 3:32 pm

    Father Samir Khalil SAMIR, SJ says

    January 15, 2017 at 8:12 am

    “All the insults that I read in some of the comments are shameful and unworthy of this site.”

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Therefore no one *dare* question the POPE. And how convenient to dismiss the unvarnished truth about the pope as “insults”, hmm …apparently the Father has grown comfortable defending the indefensible actions of the pope whereas many of us haven’t.

    • Linde Barrera says

      Jan 16, 2017 at 3:39 pm

      To Champ- I agree with you, Champ, about Father Samir. Looks like he cannot stand to read or hear the truth. Free speech obviously offends him. Tough tacks for him and his pope Franky. (Not my pope.)

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