Category: Middle East, World Affairs Views: 3425
3425
You Are an Arab; Imagine That
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"Why are Arabs always angry?" a reader recently asked me, in a message filled with sarcasm and thoughtlessness. I refrained from replying right a way, because he seemed little interested in listening. I couldn't help but wonder how he might feel if he himself was an Arab. So, I am writing back.
Imagine for a moment that you are an Arab.
For years you watch Palestinians being slaughtered, their land invaded and reinvaded, and for years witnessing the United States government block any attempt to punish those who aggressed upon the people whom you call "my people".
Not only have the United States' vetoes at the United Nations Security Council suffocated any initiative to deploy even unarmed observers to provide badly needed protection for Palestinians, but, thanks to billions of annual US funds, Israel manages to expand illegal settlements and provide its army with the greatest killing machines of all time.
Your human rights are never brought up unless an outside power is using the subject to inflict political pressure on your ruler. You're worth a press release by a human rights group once every blue moon, a release that no one bothers to read. You simply matter to no one.
You are an Arab and have been watching Iraq being invaded under the pretext that it possesses weapons of mass destruction, enough to annihilate civilization, as we know it. You are gripped by fear, not fearing the harm of the alleged weapons, but the disastrous attack and occupation of a battered country, one that you often called the center of your civilization.
Then, since you are still an Arab, you watch giant multinational corporations flood Iraq, to buy and sell its oil without the consent of its people. In fact, you witness Israelis flooding the "center of your civilization", seeking cheap oil and demanding pipelines that would go through their ports.
Meanwhile, Israel still holds millions of your Palestinian brethren hostage to curfews and checkpoints amid the constant fears of endless deadly strikes and assassinations.
To your surprise, you learn that no weapons of mass destruction are even found in Iraq. You hear top American officials say that Saddam might have in fact destroyed his weapons prior to the invasion. You hear another say Iraq is swimming in oil. You knew it all along and were shunned when you tried to explain what you had discovered.
You watch thousands of right wing missionaries flooding the weakened Iraq, vowing to convert your people to a religion that is not theirs. Others call your prophet a "devil" and your religion "evil" and demand that your school curriculum change to fit the agenda of some think-tank 15,000 miles away from your home, alien to your culture, language and heritage.
You learn of occupation soldiers mass raping your brothers and sisters in Iraq. The British daily mirror tells you that soldiers enjoyed themselves to the point that they took photos of raped men to commemorate the occasion, and were only uncovered by a chance.
You watch your people's history looted and set ablaze.
You cannot help but notice that American weapons were not only killing Iraqis, but Palestinians too. You learn that mostly American made weapons are the ones that claimed the lives of those Palestinian children you keep seeing on television.
You learned that the man who caused their death, Ariel Sharon has been granted a new title, "a man of peace" by President George Bush. You wonder if Bush realizes that Sharon's last nickname was the "Bucher of Beirut."
You try to escape. You invested in a small satellite dish and decide to watch mindless entertainment. To your surprise, you and your people are the hot topic for entertainment. In Hollywood, you are filthy, smelly, repulsive and backward. You deserve no respect. You are the bad "Ayrab", the devious womanizer whose death in the end of a movie must symbolize a happy ending.
You try to once more escape, this time you run away from oppression, poverty and your bitter memories. You sneak into France, to Italy, to Spain, to Australia, to the US. You think your college degree will open doors for you. They are all sealed and you find your self handcuffed and "shipped" back.
You lose it one day, and escape to Tora Bora in Afghanistan with all the other "angry Arabs." They are all killed when a "war on terrorism" is declared. You find your way through Pakistani villages to your home country and there you are caught and tortured. Once you even cross the desert to Iraq. There you are killed. Your body is left on the road leading to Baghdad for days.
Then your brother decides to chase after another destiny. He chooses another route for himself. He manages to live in the United States. He spends his nights writing letters to the editor expressing the rage you once felt. They are never published. He reflects on his feelings by keeping a journal filled with poetry, flags and pictures he draws of Palestinian children.
He hears US National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice threaten other countries in your region that they will be dealt with through a "made in America" solution.
Later that night, he watches a program aired by BBC called "Israel's Secret Weapons." The program says that Israel is the "world's sixth largest nuclear arsenal with small tactical nuclear weapons ... as well as medium-range nuclear missiles launchable from air, land or sea."
He also learns that Israel has undeclared biological and chemical capabilities and used an unknown gas against Palestinians in Gaza two years ago that sent hundreds of people to the hospital with severe convulsions.
No US official comments on the reports, except Mrs. Rice, who describes Israel as the United States' partner and exchanges friendly smiles and warm handshakes with those who developed such deadly agents when she is in Tel Aviv. Also, the overwhelming majority of the US Congress just finishes signing a letter to Bush demanding that he never pressure Israel.
Your brother writes a letter to the editor expressing his dismay, as he never did before. No one responds and the letter is never published. Instead, he resorts to his journal. He writes a poem filled with curses and angry phrases that didn't rhyme.
I still cannot help but wonder: If you were an Arab, wouldn't you be angry?
Ramzy Baroud is the editor-in-chief of PalestineChronicle.com and the editor of the anthology entitled "Searching Jenin: Eyewitness Accounts of the Israeli Invasion," now available at: www.palestinebooks.com
To buy "Searching Jenin: Eyewitness Accounts of the Israeli Invasion"
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Category: Middle East, World Affairs
Views: 3425
Views: 3425
Older Comments:
ZINEDINE FROM MOROCCO said:
Salamu alaikum,
How many times we have to explain to Muslims & non muslims that Japan, Israel & Europe enjoyed the assistance & support of the US to progress & to prosper. Remember ignorant peoples that Muslim countries are backwards not just because they dont want to change from within as Allah ordained them to do so but also because there is a historical western/zionist conspiracy & collaboration to prevent their progress. The forces of evils strive to destroy Islam & indianise Arabs.
We must put three fold the efforts of the Japanese to overcome our backwardness.
Wa salam,
Zinedine
How many times we have to explain to Muslims & non muslims that Japan, Israel & Europe enjoyed the assistance & support of the US to progress & to prosper. Remember ignorant peoples that Muslim countries are backwards not just because they dont want to change from within as Allah ordained them to do so but also because there is a historical western/zionist conspiracy & collaboration to prevent their progress. The forces of evils strive to destroy Islam & indianise Arabs.
We must put three fold the efforts of the Japanese to overcome our backwardness.
Wa salam,
Zinedine
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SABA FROM USA said:
As stated by a previous member, "Take Japan for example, bombed by US in 1945, it has risen to be one of the most dominating countries in the world with a capability of its voice being heard and maintaining global influence. Simpply because of its economic power. Everyother Westerner drives a Japanse car, and uses products known for their reliability and sophistication."
Although I agree with some of your statements, your statement concerning the advancement of economics is not complete. In Hitler's book, Mein Kampf, he stated that he would be able to exterminate the Jews despite their wealth because they did not have any political power. This is similar to us; according to study conducted by Stanford, about 11% of Muslims are engineers, 10% doctors and 20% students. We have wealth and live in comfort, but we lack political power. I believe that a Muslim society should be well-rounded and that our interests and priorities should benefit us to the fullest degree in addition to benefiting us in the next life. Furthermore, the rights of women should not be ignored. People were created with the ability to sustain themselves. We Muslims should practice Deen and by doing so, we will advance in this world. Just look at the predecessors before us; they established their deen; at the same time, they contributed to the advancement of their society. In essence, Muslims should be moderate Muslims (in the Islamic sense, not the definition that the Bush administration concocted).
Although I agree with some of your statements, your statement concerning the advancement of economics is not complete. In Hitler's book, Mein Kampf, he stated that he would be able to exterminate the Jews despite their wealth because they did not have any political power. This is similar to us; according to study conducted by Stanford, about 11% of Muslims are engineers, 10% doctors and 20% students. We have wealth and live in comfort, but we lack political power. I believe that a Muslim society should be well-rounded and that our interests and priorities should benefit us to the fullest degree in addition to benefiting us in the next life. Furthermore, the rights of women should not be ignored. People were created with the ability to sustain themselves. We Muslims should practice Deen and by doing so, we will advance in this world. Just look at the predecessors before us; they established their deen; at the same time, they contributed to the advancement of their society. In essence, Muslims should be moderate Muslims (in the Islamic sense, not the definition that the Bush administration concocted).
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SHAHEEN JATOI FROM USA said:
I think the article is excellent but there is another aspect of it that I would like to comment on, its the use of the term Arab, arab blood is in alot of veins that do not necessarily speak arabic as their mother tongue due to migration of Arabs into other islamic lands and their intermarriages into the other communities and settling in Balochistan, Sindh, Malaysia to name a few. So you would find a "sharif", a decendent of the Nabi (S.A.W) in Sindh (Makhdoom family in Sindh province of Pakistan) who call themselves Arabs, you would find a sharif in Malaysia with slanting eyes. So who is an Arab and why is this term being used to fragment a nation called the Muslim nation. in the time of the Nabi (S.A.W) there were no Arabs, Turks, Sindis, Persians, Kurds. Arab historians used the term "Muslim" in those days unlike now. This current situation of dangerous Arab nationalim arose due to Brits and mainly Lawrence of Arabia. Would Salahuddin describe himself as kurd or an Arab or simply Muslim do you think? he was a Kurd though. One of the gulf's Arab princes is married to a Sindhi lady right now( I won't name the country or the individual), so what would be his children, Arabs or Sindhis? Our Nabi Kareem didn't set up a Arab empire or nation, he set up a Muslim nation and right now our biggest problem is nationalism which we have compartmentalized into by the Faraj colonists.
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MUSLIM FROM USA said:
In response to Hammer,
please read an article on this web site titled "Is Islam against science?" The author makes several good points where he proves Islamic teachings endorse the pursuit of knowledge, hence the interest and progress earlier Muslims had was a direct influence of Islam.
The most famous and successful Muslim scientists and matematician did indeed make this same point, they were well respected in the Muslim community and were openly teaching and reaserching their subject matter. They were not as you suggest persecuted, nor were they forced to recant their discoveries like their European counterparts.
I have heard little of the Mutazalites, from the little I heard about them they were mainly renounced at the time for their theories of Allah's apperance and nature. I am looking into learning more about them, insha Allah.
There are many books written on the subject of whether Islam is for or against the progress of knowledge, some written by Muslims, some by orientalist, and some others by non orientalist scholars. If you choose to read the works of those whose views are clearly antagonistic toward Islam, then you will have all of your prejudices confirmed, but if you are willing to broaden your horizons and take the chance of reading from Muslim sources or non orientalist scholars, than you will insha Allah find a great deal on Islam and its history that you have not heard of.
please read an article on this web site titled "Is Islam against science?" The author makes several good points where he proves Islamic teachings endorse the pursuit of knowledge, hence the interest and progress earlier Muslims had was a direct influence of Islam.
The most famous and successful Muslim scientists and matematician did indeed make this same point, they were well respected in the Muslim community and were openly teaching and reaserching their subject matter. They were not as you suggest persecuted, nor were they forced to recant their discoveries like their European counterparts.
I have heard little of the Mutazalites, from the little I heard about them they were mainly renounced at the time for their theories of Allah's apperance and nature. I am looking into learning more about them, insha Allah.
There are many books written on the subject of whether Islam is for or against the progress of knowledge, some written by Muslims, some by orientalist, and some others by non orientalist scholars. If you choose to read the works of those whose views are clearly antagonistic toward Islam, then you will have all of your prejudices confirmed, but if you are willing to broaden your horizons and take the chance of reading from Muslim sources or non orientalist scholars, than you will insha Allah find a great deal on Islam and its history that you have not heard of.
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MUZ FROM MALAYSIA said:
Assalamualaikum and Good Day to all,
Very glad to hear our friend, Jonathan Storm really interested in dialogue on Arab - Americans/Israel relation.... and thanking u for let us know about your opinion . I'm Malay living in Malaysia, then let me inform u from my opinion as Muslim.
1) U r correct - United Nations has created the Israel State. Our gripe on Israel not UN. Try u thinking on the root of this problem.Its coming from Jews who want the one 'state' and bigger land for their own people. Jews is Israel... not UN.
2) What i know about Israel history: When UN declared the state of Israel, the land overthere is under British control. Arabs had lived in Palestine for over 2,000 years of the Jewish diaspora, without Arab permission their land have to give to Jews because of British want that way. so which is occupied territory?
3) Now the idea is "u attacked our children, women and our home, so we attack u back!"
Did u watched from TV that palestinean are defenseless. They just throwing rocks to Isreals army and Isreals reply with M16. They did not have the strenght to attack Israel Soldier face to face, that why they go to Israel - hide then bomb because this is the only way to attack back.
4) Thanks to America because they willing to give billion of dollars but did u think about how much the return? Its double. That why America willing to do because of the profit is more....
5) I prefer that Iraqi people or Arab people to topple Saddam by their own hand, not outsider from another continent..... r u sure that Iraqi is free now? If yes...did u saw from your own eyes not from BBC eyes or CNN eyes?
6) I suggest to you that u should read the news from Islamic country on Islamic view on this matter.
Anyway thanks for interested to know. Maybe u can read and study the Al-Quran (Koran)or any book about Islam (must written by Muslim) ....hopefully u can get the guidance,knowledge or idea on why most of muslim didnt like a
Very glad to hear our friend, Jonathan Storm really interested in dialogue on Arab - Americans/Israel relation.... and thanking u for let us know about your opinion . I'm Malay living in Malaysia, then let me inform u from my opinion as Muslim.
1) U r correct - United Nations has created the Israel State. Our gripe on Israel not UN. Try u thinking on the root of this problem.Its coming from Jews who want the one 'state' and bigger land for their own people. Jews is Israel... not UN.
2) What i know about Israel history: When UN declared the state of Israel, the land overthere is under British control. Arabs had lived in Palestine for over 2,000 years of the Jewish diaspora, without Arab permission their land have to give to Jews because of British want that way. so which is occupied territory?
3) Now the idea is "u attacked our children, women and our home, so we attack u back!"
Did u watched from TV that palestinean are defenseless. They just throwing rocks to Isreals army and Isreals reply with M16. They did not have the strenght to attack Israel Soldier face to face, that why they go to Israel - hide then bomb because this is the only way to attack back.
4) Thanks to America because they willing to give billion of dollars but did u think about how much the return? Its double. That why America willing to do because of the profit is more....
5) I prefer that Iraqi people or Arab people to topple Saddam by their own hand, not outsider from another continent..... r u sure that Iraqi is free now? If yes...did u saw from your own eyes not from BBC eyes or CNN eyes?
6) I suggest to you that u should read the news from Islamic country on Islamic view on this matter.
Anyway thanks for interested to know. Maybe u can read and study the Al-Quran (Koran)or any book about Islam (must written by Muslim) ....hopefully u can get the guidance,knowledge or idea on why most of muslim didnt like a
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MUSLIM FROM USA said:
To Hammer,
I would like to refer you to an article in this web site called "Is Islam against science?" The author has made the point that Islamic teachings through the Qur'an and hadiths encourage the pursuit of knowledge and there are many historical accounts in the earlier years where it was highly encouraged to pursue knowledge. Many of the famous philosophers, scientists and matematicians were religious Muslims and credited the teachings of Islam in leading them to further their knowledge.
As for the Mutazalites, I have never heard of any of the important scientists and matematicians belonging to their sect. Plus, I am not aware they were engaged in scientifical thought, but from what I heard about them they were mainly involved in conjecture to Allah's appearance, which is very discouraged in Islam.
I agree with you that Muslims did benefit from other civilizations, but that proves my point. The fact that Islam teaches us to further our knowledge has motivated earlier Muslims to translate ancient Greek works.
It is easy to blame Islam for the actions of Muslims. It would take too much effort and time to learn Muslims' side of the story, especially when many in the west have only heard negative information on Islam since childhood. I have met many westeners who hated Islam and could not understand why Muslims still belonged to such a religion. Then they sought to understand why. To their surprise the Islam they learned from orientalists and other hateful scholars, was very dissimilar from the Islam they learned from Muslims. I have met Muslims who were former Atheist, Christians, Jews, Hindus and Budhists, all had awful opinions of Islam, some hated Muslims with passion and now they have accepted Islam.
It is obvious to me a lot of your knowledge on Islam is based on works of people who hold negative view of the religion. If you truly want to understand Islam I advice you to read books written by Muslims or talk to Muslim sch
I would like to refer you to an article in this web site called "Is Islam against science?" The author has made the point that Islamic teachings through the Qur'an and hadiths encourage the pursuit of knowledge and there are many historical accounts in the earlier years where it was highly encouraged to pursue knowledge. Many of the famous philosophers, scientists and matematicians were religious Muslims and credited the teachings of Islam in leading them to further their knowledge.
As for the Mutazalites, I have never heard of any of the important scientists and matematicians belonging to their sect. Plus, I am not aware they were engaged in scientifical thought, but from what I heard about them they were mainly involved in conjecture to Allah's appearance, which is very discouraged in Islam.
I agree with you that Muslims did benefit from other civilizations, but that proves my point. The fact that Islam teaches us to further our knowledge has motivated earlier Muslims to translate ancient Greek works.
It is easy to blame Islam for the actions of Muslims. It would take too much effort and time to learn Muslims' side of the story, especially when many in the west have only heard negative information on Islam since childhood. I have met many westeners who hated Islam and could not understand why Muslims still belonged to such a religion. Then they sought to understand why. To their surprise the Islam they learned from orientalists and other hateful scholars, was very dissimilar from the Islam they learned from Muslims. I have met Muslims who were former Atheist, Christians, Jews, Hindus and Budhists, all had awful opinions of Islam, some hated Muslims with passion and now they have accepted Islam.
It is obvious to me a lot of your knowledge on Islam is based on works of people who hold negative view of the religion. If you truly want to understand Islam I advice you to read books written by Muslims or talk to Muslim sch
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KHADIJAH KHALID FROM USA said:
Assalam Alaikum Mr. Ramzy Baroud
editor-in-chief of PalestineChronicle.com
the editor of the anthology entitled "Searching Jenin:
I read your article and I am totally sympathetic to how most Arabs feel. But I would like to take it one step further. How does it feel to be a Muslim. We are definitely persecuted by our religion and we may not even look Arab. I remember the date that USA marched into Iraq, my supervisor yelled out KILL THE BASTARDS! Here am sitting a few feet away from him, a muslim! I see you have written a poem, well ironically Allah has blessed me with some ability since Feb 2002. Please send that poem to my address. I would love to see what you have written. Great job. It is so easy to break down a dygnaty of a people then mass murder them. Look the USA did it with AMerian Indian, so why shouldn't the rest of the world do it for Arabs. Allah Hafiz
editor-in-chief of PalestineChronicle.com
the editor of the anthology entitled "Searching Jenin:
I read your article and I am totally sympathetic to how most Arabs feel. But I would like to take it one step further. How does it feel to be a Muslim. We are definitely persecuted by our religion and we may not even look Arab. I remember the date that USA marched into Iraq, my supervisor yelled out KILL THE BASTARDS! Here am sitting a few feet away from him, a muslim! I see you have written a poem, well ironically Allah has blessed me with some ability since Feb 2002. Please send that poem to my address. I would love to see what you have written. Great job. It is so easy to break down a dygnaty of a people then mass murder them. Look the USA did it with AMerian Indian, so why shouldn't the rest of the world do it for Arabs. Allah Hafiz
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A.REHMATH ALI said:
Assalaumu Alaykum.
I agree that great injustice is being carrying on in palestain.But during our Hajj during 2002 We found the young boys age group of 15 and above are smoking and the treatment with Hajjies are generally not fair.The Hajjies out of enthusiasm brin dates,Zum Zum water and a few articles from the holy land.Infact in Air India flights 60 kilos of luggage was allowed,whewreas Saudi Airways only 20 kilos were allowed.The Airport authorites charged for every extra kilo.I wish with all our sympathies treat Hajjies and treat them well.
Further It is my ardent request to conduct awareness programmes to show how much hazzardious of tobaco.
I agree that great injustice is being carrying on in palestain.But during our Hajj during 2002 We found the young boys age group of 15 and above are smoking and the treatment with Hajjies are generally not fair.The Hajjies out of enthusiasm brin dates,Zum Zum water and a few articles from the holy land.Infact in Air India flights 60 kilos of luggage was allowed,whewreas Saudi Airways only 20 kilos were allowed.The Airport authorites charged for every extra kilo.I wish with all our sympathies treat Hajjies and treat them well.
Further It is my ardent request to conduct awareness programmes to show how much hazzardious of tobaco.
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JONATHAN STORM FROM USA said:
I'm interested in email dialogue on the subject with an informed person. The topic can be Israel or Arab-American relations. It is hard for me to accept Palestinian claims against Israel for the following reasons:
1) It was the United Nations that created the Israeli state, so your gripe should be with them instead of Israel.
2) The so-called occupied territory came as a result of Arabs attacking Israel in 1967. Now the idea is "we attacked you and lost, now give us back the land from which we continually attack you from."
3) It is hard to sympathize with Palestinians when their militias target civilians. If they want international sympathy they should follow the pacifist approach of Martin Luther King Jr (USA) and Ghandhi (India) both of whom were successful in gaining civil rights and/or independence for their people.
4) I see that the USA is not appreciated by some of the world. That is hard to swallow when America gives billions of money to causes all over the world... and your leaders gladly accept it.
5) You would keep the noble Iraqi people under the boot of Saddam Hussein instead seeing them free.
6) You allow terrorists to associate the name of Allah and Islam with needless bloodshed and violence without speaking out against them.
Hopefully through a dialogue you and I can better appreciate the other side of view and enlighten one another. Feel free to email anytime.
About me... I am an educated American interested in matters of religion. I look forward to hearing from you.
1) It was the United Nations that created the Israeli state, so your gripe should be with them instead of Israel.
2) The so-called occupied territory came as a result of Arabs attacking Israel in 1967. Now the idea is "we attacked you and lost, now give us back the land from which we continually attack you from."
3) It is hard to sympathize with Palestinians when their militias target civilians. If they want international sympathy they should follow the pacifist approach of Martin Luther King Jr (USA) and Ghandhi (India) both of whom were successful in gaining civil rights and/or independence for their people.
4) I see that the USA is not appreciated by some of the world. That is hard to swallow when America gives billions of money to causes all over the world... and your leaders gladly accept it.
5) You would keep the noble Iraqi people under the boot of Saddam Hussein instead seeing them free.
6) You allow terrorists to associate the name of Allah and Islam with needless bloodshed and violence without speaking out against them.
Hopefully through a dialogue you and I can better appreciate the other side of view and enlighten one another. Feel free to email anytime.
About me... I am an educated American interested in matters of religion. I look forward to hearing from you.
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VR FROM U.S.A. said:
With all due respect.......How quickly it is forgotten that the US entered the war in the former Yugoslavia to help halt the genocide/mass rape of thousands of Muslims/Ethnic Albanians. And isn't Saddam Arab and Muslim and invaded Iran-a Muslim country? And are there not mass graves still being unearthed full of Shiites murdered by Saddam's regime? And hasn't Islam been "hijacked" by ARAB extremists? No country is perfect, no religion, no culture, no group of people are perfect. Look at yourself before condemning others-are you an example of peace? Does anger solve anything? Or ignorance for that matter? Anger only blinds and is easy to resort to, and I naively believe that most educated people are above that. I did not support the Iraq war, but the U.S.(esp. its people) is not the monster portrayed in alot of Middle Eastern/European media, just like peoples of the Middle East aren't all extremists/terrorists. I do not care for Bush(or his administration) either, but I am proud to be American and very thankful for the rights we have here. I hope as human beings, we can come to a peaceful resolution somehow.
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KITCHENSINK FROM JAPAN said:
First of all, please forgive my inadequate English. I just wanted to post a little bit of information concerning Mr.Hammer's posting. This is in no way any personal attack against his comments, but I would like to correct the part that states Japan to have been 'wealthy' during WW2. Although we weren't VERY poor at that time, nevertheless we were going through a serious economic depression, with banks going bankrupt, the prices of various products in serious inflation, and thus the government of Japan at that time decided that the only way to cope with the situation was by invading another country's products. Mainly oil, from countries in South East Asia. I in no way support Japan's actions for the cruel acts commited during that time, but I just wanted all the readers to know that we were just as poor as any other country, with most of the innocent citizens forced to take part in a war that couldn't possibly have been won, against a largely superior and wealthy country.
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MOHAMMAD NASIR FROM CANADA said:
Having lived in a middle east country for most of my life, I have indeed realised that a lot many muslims lose patience very quickly. Remember, these "evil" countries of the world US, Uk etc. are amongst the most progressive. They have fought wars and battles that the modern arabs and muslims cannot imagine. Hundreds of millions have been killed as a result of wars amongst themselves.
Yet they got over their problems. Today thay work in co-opreation. Their people are free.
In contrast take a look at the the arab and islamic world. Ruled by worthless leadership and populations that are wrangling over petty issues. The peoples of Islam are divided and segmented. The will to educate and develop economically is nowhere to be seen. All they require is a quick fix solution.
All in all, more muslims have died at the hands of fellow muslims than others. Look att eh Iran-Iraq war. Over 1 million dead, more orphaned and widowed. Afghanistan, the mujahideen relentlessly bombed their own people and towns to smithereens, worse than the Russians, Pakistan where thousands of Sunnis and muslims have died in a proxy war.
Muslim and Arab nations lie divided on small issues with nothing more then ego at stake.
There is no point in feeling sorry and just drum around singing your sorrowful state. The world has seen much worse than what has happened to us muslims thus far. We must band together, spread education and tolerance and therefore seek to develop technologically and economically.
At the same time the development of Islamic values must continue, with a common message of brotherhood, peace and love for fellow mankind.
Yet they got over their problems. Today thay work in co-opreation. Their people are free.
In contrast take a look at the the arab and islamic world. Ruled by worthless leadership and populations that are wrangling over petty issues. The peoples of Islam are divided and segmented. The will to educate and develop economically is nowhere to be seen. All they require is a quick fix solution.
All in all, more muslims have died at the hands of fellow muslims than others. Look att eh Iran-Iraq war. Over 1 million dead, more orphaned and widowed. Afghanistan, the mujahideen relentlessly bombed their own people and towns to smithereens, worse than the Russians, Pakistan where thousands of Sunnis and muslims have died in a proxy war.
Muslim and Arab nations lie divided on small issues with nothing more then ego at stake.
There is no point in feeling sorry and just drum around singing your sorrowful state. The world has seen much worse than what has happened to us muslims thus far. We must band together, spread education and tolerance and therefore seek to develop technologically and economically.
At the same time the development of Islamic values must continue, with a common message of brotherhood, peace and love for fellow mankind.
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SANDY FROM ENGLAND said:
Brothers and Sisters, i can not see the USA and it's allies acknowleging what is right or wrong, and how people become so desparate through being terrorised that they feel they need to fight back.
The USA and it's allies will always reject the fact that their agressiveness has caused people to be agresive back towards them.
I feel muslim countries and there leaders are not puting enough pressure on the rest of the world to stop crimes being comitted against palastine, iraq ect.
The USA and it's allies will always reject the fact that their agressiveness has caused people to be agresive back towards them.
I feel muslim countries and there leaders are not puting enough pressure on the rest of the world to stop crimes being comitted against palastine, iraq ect.
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ABDUL-JALIL MOHAMMAD said:
As-salaamu alaikum Muslims! Now, imagine that you are black, muslim, and live in amerikkka. It's not you that they dislike. It's the fact that you follow Islam. This is a war on Islam not on arabs so don't take it personnally. The Qur'an says: "Never will the jews or the christians be satisfied with you until you follow their way of life."
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AHMAD FROM PRIVATEQUESTION said:
So what about the Saudi Arabian as well as the other Arab goverments didnt they sell the dignity,blood,honour etc to the West and the Zionist, why do you go to the Americans and cry aww you are bad people you are sooo bad when their frontline soldiers are right here in your country are called Hosni & co Why dont you ask for the people to rise up against them. In my oppinion the Arab is getting what he deserves. as long as there is no real iman estabilshed (rejection of Tarughts(also the ploitical ones) with true belief in Allah there will be no honour to Arab muslims and muslims in general. Forget Arabism and follow the sunnah of Mohamad rasul Allah (SAS) and stop winging like a child Ohh I am sick of complaining aynd complaining without a real will to change the state of the Ummah.
DOWN WITH ALL ARAB LEADERS LETS RETURN TO TRUE ISLAM
DOWN WITH ALL ARAB LEADERS LETS RETURN TO TRUE ISLAM
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THE HAMMER said:
Dear Muslim,
Thank you for your reply. I will try to keep an open mind as you say and I hope that you can do the same. I think you are an intelligent person as you seem ready to discuss sensitive issues calmly.
Firstly, it is true that the Muslim world once led the world in learning and prosperity. But I don't think that Islam deserves the credit - at least not all of it. When Arab invaders created an empire from Spain to India, they met with more advanced civilizations - Byzantine, Persian and Indian. Much of Islamic civilization was learned from others.
The Arabs were keen to learn and employed Jews and Christians to translate Greek books. This led to a culture of rationality. The Mutazalites, influenced by Greek ideas, taught that human reason could be relied upon to seek the truth. They held sway for a time but were opposed by the Islamic fundamentalists who insisted that God's revelations are the only source of truth. If human reasoning and God's revelations contradict, then the latter must prevail.
Leading the charge for the fundamentalists were men like Al Ashari and Al Ghazali. Al Ghazali wrote, "The source of their infidelity was their hearing terrible names such as Socrates and Hippocrates, Plato and Aristotle."
While earlier Caliphs protected the Mutazalites, eventually the fundamentalists won. Science lost. By the way, the Caliphs were not the men of faith that many imagined.
For example, the Umayyad Caliph, Walid II once shot arrows at the Koran! Other early "Muslims" also appeared to be irreverent. Even the Prophet's Companions appear to me to be irreligious. After the Prophet died, they started fighting each other for wealth and power!
Space constraints compels me to end here with a quote from Ernest Renan:
"To give Islam the credit of Averroes and so many other illustrous thinkers, who passed half their life in prison, in forced hiding, ... is as if one were to ascribe to the Inquisition the discoveries of G
Thank you for your reply. I will try to keep an open mind as you say and I hope that you can do the same. I think you are an intelligent person as you seem ready to discuss sensitive issues calmly.
Firstly, it is true that the Muslim world once led the world in learning and prosperity. But I don't think that Islam deserves the credit - at least not all of it. When Arab invaders created an empire from Spain to India, they met with more advanced civilizations - Byzantine, Persian and Indian. Much of Islamic civilization was learned from others.
The Arabs were keen to learn and employed Jews and Christians to translate Greek books. This led to a culture of rationality. The Mutazalites, influenced by Greek ideas, taught that human reason could be relied upon to seek the truth. They held sway for a time but were opposed by the Islamic fundamentalists who insisted that God's revelations are the only source of truth. If human reasoning and God's revelations contradict, then the latter must prevail.
Leading the charge for the fundamentalists were men like Al Ashari and Al Ghazali. Al Ghazali wrote, "The source of their infidelity was their hearing terrible names such as Socrates and Hippocrates, Plato and Aristotle."
While earlier Caliphs protected the Mutazalites, eventually the fundamentalists won. Science lost. By the way, the Caliphs were not the men of faith that many imagined.
For example, the Umayyad Caliph, Walid II once shot arrows at the Koran! Other early "Muslims" also appeared to be irreverent. Even the Prophet's Companions appear to me to be irreligious. After the Prophet died, they started fighting each other for wealth and power!
Space constraints compels me to end here with a quote from Ernest Renan:
"To give Islam the credit of Averroes and so many other illustrous thinkers, who passed half their life in prison, in forced hiding, ... is as if one were to ascribe to the Inquisition the discoveries of G
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KAUTHAR FROM CANADA said:
I could not have said better myself, but the only problem is that we still have fear among the umah and that we love this life and hate the death, but inshallah the last victory will be for Allah. and all of you who are closing there eyes to really, just remember that there is a sister or a brother whose life was ended by faithless people and unjustly, or even worst a sister that is rape over and over and over again, or one that as lost her children, her husband, her father, siblilings, mother and anyone else she cares for. and what will you say to her when she asks you where are my brothers and sisters.
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MOHAMED SHIFAR FROM CANADA said:
I am wandering some time that I feel Arab Nationalism may be a one reason for the problems that are facing by Arabs. None of other country muslim cannot become a citizen of an Arab country.
Countries those who are leberal in cultural diversification are truly developing eg.US,even Isreal. Islam not promoting the nationalisim
Until Arab leaders realize this,there will be problems in their nations, specially from non muslims.
Countries those who are leberal in cultural diversification are truly developing eg.US,even Isreal. Islam not promoting the nationalisim
Until Arab leaders realize this,there will be problems in their nations, specially from non muslims.
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ZAINABOU EL-AMIN FROM USA said:
Peace and Allah's Blessings,
The vast majority of Americans can't imagine why anyone is angry period. Thank you for giving a view into that feeling of anger. Unfortunately, there is such a hopelessness in all that is in what you've said that I can't help thinking that observing the five daily prayers could be a comfort to anyone in the throes of these feelings. I certainty experience these feelings and know that attempts to drown them in anger do nothing for me. The person whose sarcasm drove you to write this is just as hopeless as the amalgam whose sentiments and feelings you give voice to. The former has no hope: He will die the misinformed racist with his hardened heart firmly in his chest while the latter has hope in Allah. My hope is the latter will find his way back to the middle path.
Allah's blessings be with you.
Zainabou El-Amin
The vast majority of Americans can't imagine why anyone is angry period. Thank you for giving a view into that feeling of anger. Unfortunately, there is such a hopelessness in all that is in what you've said that I can't help thinking that observing the five daily prayers could be a comfort to anyone in the throes of these feelings. I certainty experience these feelings and know that attempts to drown them in anger do nothing for me. The person whose sarcasm drove you to write this is just as hopeless as the amalgam whose sentiments and feelings you give voice to. The former has no hope: He will die the misinformed racist with his hardened heart firmly in his chest while the latter has hope in Allah. My hope is the latter will find his way back to the middle path.
Allah's blessings be with you.
Zainabou El-Amin
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LIAQUAT ASHIQ FROM USA said:
The article in it's entirity paint's a realistic picture of how the world has shut her eyes towards the muslims. In every aspect, wheather it be social, political or economical, muslims have been last to receive any benefit. Partly because the muslim leaders of the world are nothing but self interest serving goons. Look anywhere in the muslim world, no one dares to question rather standing in a line to shake hands with those who are the cause of menice in the world today. The world talks about the houlocost but what about the ethnic cleansing happening in Palestine, Kashmir, Bosnia and yes now the US.
Perhaps we have to look internally and seek some true evaluation of ourself. We become educated and we dream of living in the US and living a life of luxury while our brother or sister or son or daughter is being tortureded....murdered....raped.....but we shake are heads when and if we think about them and curse and act in disbelief. For example, an engineer, a muslim, works for a defense contractor helps create weapons of mass destruction in the name of peace and those weapons are sold to the goons and inept leaders of the muslim world. Then that same muslim engineer, to satisfy his/her own shortcomings, blames the muslim brothers and sisters of the world for not standing up in the face of their regimes.
Perhaps we have to look internally and seek some true evaluation of ourself. We become educated and we dream of living in the US and living a life of luxury while our brother or sister or son or daughter is being tortureded....murdered....raped.....but we shake are heads when and if we think about them and curse and act in disbelief. For example, an engineer, a muslim, works for a defense contractor helps create weapons of mass destruction in the name of peace and those weapons are sold to the goons and inept leaders of the muslim world. Then that same muslim engineer, to satisfy his/her own shortcomings, blames the muslim brothers and sisters of the world for not standing up in the face of their regimes.
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ABDUL RAHMAN SESAY FROM P R CHINA said:
I do agree with the content of the article. though not an Arab, I am aggrieved at the constant humiliation and persecution suffered by the Arabs.
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LEYLAH ROBINSON FROM ENGLAND said:
What can I do to help
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HAMMER said:
Dear Muslim,
Thank you for your reply. I will try to keep an open mind and I hope that you can do the same. I think you are an intelligent person as you seem ready to discuss sensitive issues calmly.
Firstly, it is true that the Muslim world once led the world in learning and prosperity. But I don't think that Islam deserves the credit - at least not all of it. When Arabs invaded and created an empire from Spain to India, they met with more advanced civilizations - Byzantine, Persian and Indian. Much of Islamic civilization was learned from others.
Thus Islamic civilization owed a debt to older civilizations just as the Christian civilization later learned from the Muslims.
The Arabs were keen to learn and employed Jews and Christians to translate Greek books. The Mutazalites, influenced by Greek ideas, taught that human reason could be relied upon to seek the truth. They held sway for a time but were opposed by the Islamic fundamentalists who insisted that God's revelations are the only source of truth. If human reasoning and God's revelations contradict, then the latter must prevail.
Leading the charge for the fundamentalists were men like Al Ashari and Al Ghazali. Al Ghazali wrote, "The source of their infidelity was their hearing terrible names such as Socrates and Hippocrates, Plato and Aristotle."
While earlier Caliphs protected the Mutazalites, eventually the fundamentalists won. Science lost. By the way, the Caliphs were not the men of faith that many imagined. They were men of the world and I suspect, quite a few were not true believers. They merely used Islam for the own ends.
For example, the Umayyad Caliph, Walid II once shot arrows at the Koran! Space constraints compels me to end here with a quote from Ernest Renan:
"To give Islam the credit of Averroes and so many other illustrous thinkers,who passed half their life in prison, in forced hiding, ... is as if one were to ascribe to the Inquisition the discoveries
Thank you for your reply. I will try to keep an open mind and I hope that you can do the same. I think you are an intelligent person as you seem ready to discuss sensitive issues calmly.
Firstly, it is true that the Muslim world once led the world in learning and prosperity. But I don't think that Islam deserves the credit - at least not all of it. When Arabs invaded and created an empire from Spain to India, they met with more advanced civilizations - Byzantine, Persian and Indian. Much of Islamic civilization was learned from others.
Thus Islamic civilization owed a debt to older civilizations just as the Christian civilization later learned from the Muslims.
The Arabs were keen to learn and employed Jews and Christians to translate Greek books. The Mutazalites, influenced by Greek ideas, taught that human reason could be relied upon to seek the truth. They held sway for a time but were opposed by the Islamic fundamentalists who insisted that God's revelations are the only source of truth. If human reasoning and God's revelations contradict, then the latter must prevail.
Leading the charge for the fundamentalists were men like Al Ashari and Al Ghazali. Al Ghazali wrote, "The source of their infidelity was their hearing terrible names such as Socrates and Hippocrates, Plato and Aristotle."
While earlier Caliphs protected the Mutazalites, eventually the fundamentalists won. Science lost. By the way, the Caliphs were not the men of faith that many imagined. They were men of the world and I suspect, quite a few were not true believers. They merely used Islam for the own ends.
For example, the Umayyad Caliph, Walid II once shot arrows at the Koran! Space constraints compels me to end here with a quote from Ernest Renan:
"To give Islam the credit of Averroes and so many other illustrous thinkers,who passed half their life in prison, in forced hiding, ... is as if one were to ascribe to the Inquisition the discoveries
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TAHA FROM SUDAN said:
this was so sad that it made me cry..
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SUHAYB ABDEL SALAM FROM CANADA said:
well when you are arab, you must also be very careful not to forget where the so called leaders try to take you. for example why are all the arab institutions showing unending coverage of Palestine(of course it is legitimate) but purposely ignoring the 120000 dead in Algeria, well the answer is quite simple: because in Palestine people are being killed by non arabs(even though arafat has a lot of people killed) but in Algeria it's young psychotic arab butchers that slaughter children!!! everyday!!!! but then who cares right??!! well i do, and being that 2 billion people are focused on Palestine well i talk about Algeria, Kashmir, and Tchetchenia.
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ASSALAM FROM SINGAPORE said:
To Michael who says that the arabs should blame the surrounding countries and to all MUSLIMS who balme their own countries for not acting for the Israeli crisis.read my view.If u have studied arab history then u will know that when the Israeli wanted to settle to palestine the arab leaders refused.There was CONSTANT war with Israel However with the help of money from Usa and Weapons from Britain and the idiotic approval of UN Israel won and gain more land.Remember that Egypt fought with Israel then they stopped(peace treaty) as a result the president was assasinated.He deserved it.Then why they stopped u may ask,The reason because the arabs are fighting a loosing war cos they the Israeli are supported by the USA and USA is their puppet.Imagine the scenario of Baghdad in Makkah How would u FEEL???And istead of statues being torn down the kabbah being torn down. So! Do not blame the arab leaders.I am not an arab but i am a muslim so stop insulting ur own leaders and cooperate wih them so that u may gain the barakah of Allah.It is not as if u are being treated like the jews in Egypt during phaoronic times.U are not treated like slaves by ur own leaders and are not beaten up or killed for not working or doing a something that they don't like.U all are pampered man!!!!The palestinians are not pampered they are treated like the Jews during pharoanic times.
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YUSUF FROM INDONESIA said:
the title and the opinion in this article is wrong, It should be "You are a Muslim imagine that". The whole moslem is like one body, if one part is hurt, the other parts feel it. There is no different whether you are an arab or not, if you are moslem..
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HAMZAH FROM USA said:
I would like to suggest that Fatima Awad's
response to this article become an article
on this web site, put in a place so others
can read it :)
peace...
I would like to suggest that Fatima Awad's
response to this article become an article
on this web site, put in a place so others
can read it :)
peace...
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SHADAB FROM INDIA said:
i agree that arabs have reasons to be angry.. but why this situation arises.. If you look at current arabs.. they are racists.. they dont consider non arab muslims as equals.. they think they are supreme.. they have nothing but oil.. that too those dumbheaded are not able to develop their own technology to extract oil.. they need western and israeli companies to extract oils.. they are the biggest consumers of western products.. they dont have a single company of their own which they can be proud of.. we non arab muslims care for these arabs but these arabs dont care for us.. they only talk of arab unity but we talk of muslims unity.. so these racists deserve this otherwise the almighty and just allah would not have let others torture them..
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MUSLIM FROM USA said:
To Hammer:
this is a response to your posts. From what I understand you seem to blame Islam as the reason why many Muslim countries are not prosperous or democratic.
If I were to follow your line of thinking, than Islam is also to be credited for the millennia of enlightenment and prosperity the Muslim world had. For many centuries Muslims lead the world in all facets of learning. Many Europeans used to go to the Islamic places of learning. There is no doubt that the Europeans benefited from this knowledge, for it was the major reason why Europe came out of the dark ages and into the reinassance. This is a fact noone can deny. So I ask you how you would rationalize this major contradiction?
Moreover, I would like to inform you that when the Muslim world practiced Islam and implemented the teachings of the religion in their rule of law, that was the time when the progress and enlightenment flourished. While today, in most Muslim countries the authority of Islam is not accepted by the ruling parties and in many instances it has been repressed. Please don't take the examples of Afghanistan or Saudi Arabia as following the Islamic Shariah. Only if you are very ignorant of Islam can you make that conclusion. They have abused the human rights of their citizens under the Islamic law and have a very narrow and incorrect interpretation of Islamic rule.
I appreciate the fact that people with negative understanding of Islam come into Islamic websites and read what we have to say. I respect you for it. I hope you are the kind of person who is willing to accept the truth even if it does not fit with your believes or understanding. I hope you are not the kind who come in with blinders on, in that case there is no evidence that could ever satisfy you.
this is a response to your posts. From what I understand you seem to blame Islam as the reason why many Muslim countries are not prosperous or democratic.
If I were to follow your line of thinking, than Islam is also to be credited for the millennia of enlightenment and prosperity the Muslim world had. For many centuries Muslims lead the world in all facets of learning. Many Europeans used to go to the Islamic places of learning. There is no doubt that the Europeans benefited from this knowledge, for it was the major reason why Europe came out of the dark ages and into the reinassance. This is a fact noone can deny. So I ask you how you would rationalize this major contradiction?
Moreover, I would like to inform you that when the Muslim world practiced Islam and implemented the teachings of the religion in their rule of law, that was the time when the progress and enlightenment flourished. While today, in most Muslim countries the authority of Islam is not accepted by the ruling parties and in many instances it has been repressed. Please don't take the examples of Afghanistan or Saudi Arabia as following the Islamic Shariah. Only if you are very ignorant of Islam can you make that conclusion. They have abused the human rights of their citizens under the Islamic law and have a very narrow and incorrect interpretation of Islamic rule.
I appreciate the fact that people with negative understanding of Islam come into Islamic websites and read what we have to say. I respect you for it. I hope you are the kind of person who is willing to accept the truth even if it does not fit with your believes or understanding. I hope you are not the kind who come in with blinders on, in that case there is no evidence that could ever satisfy you.
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HELLO FROM USA said:
Arabs have suffered but they cannot act like they are the only ones. Pakistani Muslims, Indonesian Muslims, Bosnian Muslims and Afghani Muslims are not Arab. Look at this 'war on terrorism'. All the Afghani men, women and children killed.
This is not a war against Arabs, it is a war against Muslims.
We must unite and stand against the enemy, establish khalifa as the Quran says and Arabs must stop acting as if it's their problem only because no one will get stronger if they feel sorry for themselves. The Ummah must unite!
This is not a war against Arabs, it is a war against Muslims.
We must unite and stand against the enemy, establish khalifa as the Quran says and Arabs must stop acting as if it's their problem only because no one will get stronger if they feel sorry for themselves. The Ummah must unite!
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FATIMA AWAD FROM USA said:
Being an Arab and a Palestinian and a Muslim, I am certainly angry with the state of the Arab world today. But I do not blame America or Britain for my feeling this way. I blame the backwardness of the Arab governments. The West would not think of touching Iraq or Palestine if they knew that they were facing nations that were willing to help each other in fighting the enemy. If the West saw the Arab nations united, they would not even think about declaring war on any Arab country. Unfortunately that is not the case. So although, we might be angry, we need to know where to direct that anger. Maybe we should be angry with ourselves every time we feel that we are not being true Muslims or Believers rather.Anger won't get us anywhere unless we use that powerful emotion to make changes starting with ourselves.We should not take out our anger on each other, but instead on Shaytan and his helpers. They want us to be angry and they will not stop their evil until they see some kind of retaliation directed toward them. They have fought two wars out of anger and revenge. why don't we do the same. Is it because we cannot or because we choose not to? Although we should not be aggressors, we should certainly defend our lands, freedom (as they say) and most importantly, the beautiful, most perfect, most worthy religion of Allah SWTA, Islam. What more do we have to lose when we have lost our lands and our freedom. All we have left is Islam and that alone will help us to regain what we have lost to the evil hands of transgressoors. Allah is testing us and we are failing. He will continue to test us. But, will we continue to fail? The answer lies in the hearts and minds of all Muslims everywhere. We need to be upholding justice. We need to show the world, through our actions, the example of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)so the majority of unprivilaged nations will be on our side, on the side of truth. Only then can we combat falsehood.The power lies in Islam, not in anger or anguish.
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ABDUL FROM USA said:
The heart of the matter is Arabs are angry because
they are the step-children of the planet. The can't get no respect and they feel that they should get ALL the respect because Prophet Muhammad (saw) came from their lands.
Why?
They are led by the most currupt, arrogant and pride filled people on the planet.
Arabs when living in according to Islam were the best civilization. This quickly went to their heads and the greedy amoungst them grabbed up the wealth of the nations and kept it for themselves.
To sustain their unIslamic pagen rule, the rulers bought the imam's who convinced the masses that remaining in the 14th century in education, economics, politics, and trade is the way to paradise.
So began the age of ignorance, poverty and hate in the Arab world. The result is a people divided, uninformed, lost, and weak and filled with hate.
In came the West, conqured them and enslaved them not with chains, but with their own brothers....as their KING, men who slaughter their blood brothers and nephews in order to keep power in their bloodline.
From that moment the Arab has done some of the most unislamic things in the name of Islam. These include but are not limited to:
Gross practice of hate and revenge.
The murder of innocent souls.
Paying reverence to the words of humans and ignoring the teachings of the Qur'an.
etc, etc, etc...
Arabs do indeed have just means for being angry, but they need to stop blaming the world and examine their ownselves.
Until they do, they will continue to be exploited and taken advantage of by the more powerful.
they are the step-children of the planet. The can't get no respect and they feel that they should get ALL the respect because Prophet Muhammad (saw) came from their lands.
Why?
They are led by the most currupt, arrogant and pride filled people on the planet.
Arabs when living in according to Islam were the best civilization. This quickly went to their heads and the greedy amoungst them grabbed up the wealth of the nations and kept it for themselves.
To sustain their unIslamic pagen rule, the rulers bought the imam's who convinced the masses that remaining in the 14th century in education, economics, politics, and trade is the way to paradise.
So began the age of ignorance, poverty and hate in the Arab world. The result is a people divided, uninformed, lost, and weak and filled with hate.
In came the West, conqured them and enslaved them not with chains, but with their own brothers....as their KING, men who slaughter their blood brothers and nephews in order to keep power in their bloodline.
From that moment the Arab has done some of the most unislamic things in the name of Islam. These include but are not limited to:
Gross practice of hate and revenge.
The murder of innocent souls.
Paying reverence to the words of humans and ignoring the teachings of the Qur'an.
etc, etc, etc...
Arabs do indeed have just means for being angry, but they need to stop blaming the world and examine their ownselves.
Until they do, they will continue to be exploited and taken advantage of by the more powerful.
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SAMIR DZAFERAGIC FROM BOSNIA-LIVING IN USA said:
This article is an excellent explanation of the oppressive policies US government is exercising against Muslims. The American people are bombarded by negative perceptions and propaganda directed toward Islam and its followers on a daily basis. The present administration in this country is determined to support Israel without regard on atrocities they commit against the Palestinians. This country is pressuring and bullying other peoples and countries to do certain things for the US. For example, over thirty countries were blackmailed into signing treaties with US that American citizens would not be extradited to the International Court for war crimes just a few days ago. Unfortunately, my country was one of the participants of this shameful act. The American dream is becoming an awful nightmare. American history is not as great as majority of Americans think. It is filled with blood, horrible massacres, injustice, discrimination, slavery,...and all this against people of color. Sadly, this rich American tradition and so called glorious history continues to live on.
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AHMER FROM USA said:
Peace,
the article is based on a weak premise. How can you blame all your troubles on everything foreign. It's the arabs to blame if they cant rise against the tyranny of their own rulers. Look at the rulers, you will find qaddafi, fahad, mubarak. Who is to blame for the corruption and despotism of the royal families? Please wake up and try to get your house in order first than to blame everyone else in the world. Arabs should be angry at their own rulers first who have killed them more than an invading army. Syria, Tunisia, etc.... the list just goes on.. Where is freedom in those countries. I have seen more racism in Saudia than the US. It's a weak position to find excuses for your own anger. From the abuses at home right to the top, the entire society is gripped with fear and oppression, you need to write an article on that!
peace out
the article is based on a weak premise. How can you blame all your troubles on everything foreign. It's the arabs to blame if they cant rise against the tyranny of their own rulers. Look at the rulers, you will find qaddafi, fahad, mubarak. Who is to blame for the corruption and despotism of the royal families? Please wake up and try to get your house in order first than to blame everyone else in the world. Arabs should be angry at their own rulers first who have killed them more than an invading army. Syria, Tunisia, etc.... the list just goes on.. Where is freedom in those countries. I have seen more racism in Saudia than the US. It's a weak position to find excuses for your own anger. From the abuses at home right to the top, the entire society is gripped with fear and oppression, you need to write an article on that!
peace out
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MARIELLA FARJALLAH FROM MALTA said:
Assalama alaykom, I am not an arab, I am maltese,I pray for us Muslims to keep going strong whatever the circumstance, the prophet peace and blessing be upon him said that there will be time that Islam will be like charcoal in their hands for us muslims and I think this is the time. Islam is our salvation and we have to do our best to transfer it to others. The more people fight agains Islam the more it grows. Not only arabs are angry but people from all over the world as Islam is the greatest belief, we have to use our anger in a good way to destroy the enemy. Sometimes we have to blame ourselves for what the bad things which come to us cos we are not living Islam as we should, may God protect us from evil and lead us to the right path.
Thanks for giving me the chance to express mysleft.
Salam
Thanks for giving me the chance to express mysleft.
Salam
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TANIA KAYLISE FROM AUSTRALIA said:
i feel for anyone who suffered injustice.......i'm an american living in australia and i am unhappy wit wat america is doing...the palestinians hav suffered enough nad i urge u arabs to unite and overcome this injustice. i believe u r religion is good...and united u will be able to achieve something and get out of this predicament. good luck.
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RAIYAN SYED said:
I still cannot help but wonder: If you were an Arab, wouldn't you be angry? Obviously one need not be Arab to be angry. Many people live in despair and are therefore angry. Arabs are angry not simply because Israel occupies Palestinian territory, but also because of the Arab dictators that are governing their land. This author blames everything on the U.S. and Israel and is very biased. Look at the internal problems. Look at the futile civil society. Lack of jobs. Poor performance by the governments in Syria, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Algeria, and many more. Speak of the intolerance and lack of freedoms. No freedom to speak, none to vote, none to write. It's quite easy to blame everything on the West and Israel. What's much more difficult is to say, "Perhaps these factors (Israel) are determinants of our problem, but our own intentions, motivations and actions are also perhaps determinants." Maybe some people are self detrimental.
The author fails on all those accounts, to answer his own question. We all know the faults of the West and Israel, lets look at the intolerance and illegitimate governments that exist in the Arab world today. Governments that have stagnated growth and governments that have taken away rights granted to the people since ancient times; then tell me, why are Arabs so angry!
"Give me Liberty, or give me Death."
And the Arabs have no liberty---not because of the U.S., but because of their own leaders.
The author fails on all those accounts, to answer his own question. We all know the faults of the West and Israel, lets look at the intolerance and illegitimate governments that exist in the Arab world today. Governments that have stagnated growth and governments that have taken away rights granted to the people since ancient times; then tell me, why are Arabs so angry!
"Give me Liberty, or give me Death."
And the Arabs have no liberty---not because of the U.S., but because of their own leaders.
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MUSLIM FROM USA said:
Although, I do acknowledge the suffering of the Palestinian people and all the frustrations the Arab Muslims have, I have to remind the Arabs that the situation the Muslim world is in today is mainly their fault.
I am amazed that I have not been able to find one article talking about why the Arabs have caused the worst ills to the Muslim world since the prophest's time.
I am specifically talking about the betrayal of the Arab Muslims to the Ottoman Empire, the last bastion of Islamic Independence from the west, causing its final distraction. The Arab Muslims helped the Europeans against their own Muslims (which is categorally haram) because they gullibly believed Britain and France's promise of giving them independence. The promise was broken as soon as the war ended and they became colonized, then Israel was established and since then the Muslim world has been suffering. It is time the Arabs acknowledge they have caused this and continue to cause more afflictions to the Muslim world with their wrong understanding of the religion in which they believe suicide bombing and killing civilians, more commonly known as terrorism, as legitimate warfare. When it is clearly an abominable sin and an awful lie agaist Islam. Furthermore, this kind of acts only legitimizes those who hate Islam and furthers their agenda as we have seen time after time.
I am amazed that I have not been able to find one article talking about why the Arabs have caused the worst ills to the Muslim world since the prophest's time.
I am specifically talking about the betrayal of the Arab Muslims to the Ottoman Empire, the last bastion of Islamic Independence from the west, causing its final distraction. The Arab Muslims helped the Europeans against their own Muslims (which is categorally haram) because they gullibly believed Britain and France's promise of giving them independence. The promise was broken as soon as the war ended and they became colonized, then Israel was established and since then the Muslim world has been suffering. It is time the Arabs acknowledge they have caused this and continue to cause more afflictions to the Muslim world with their wrong understanding of the religion in which they believe suicide bombing and killing civilians, more commonly known as terrorism, as legitimate warfare. When it is clearly an abominable sin and an awful lie agaist Islam. Furthermore, this kind of acts only legitimizes those who hate Islam and furthers their agenda as we have seen time after time.
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FISAL ASIFF FROM CANADA said:
I agree wholeheartedly with the above mentioned article, but we must not allow ourselves to become overly pessimistic or helpless. We can all do something to counter the world negativity that we as Arabs are currently experiencing. I am a firm beleiver that 'the pen is mightier than the sword' and if all Arabs continue on this path we can eventually make a difference.
We cannot expect others to do it for us. Articles such as "You Are an Arab; Imagine That" are just the start. I know the article inspired me enough to speak out, so can others.
Fisal Asiff
Edmonton, Canada
We cannot expect others to do it for us. Articles such as "You Are an Arab; Imagine That" are just the start. I know the article inspired me enough to speak out, so can others.
Fisal Asiff
Edmonton, Canada
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MOHAMMED AAMIR SHAIKH FROM PAKISTAN said:
Keep fighting, ALLAH is with you, what we lack is the IMAN, TAQWAH, its us who were attracted with the CHARM of the evil west, and now we are having the return. It's very natural, we have put the sermons of our Prophet (SAW) put Quran back our shoulders, not following the directions which ALLAH (SWT) have provided in it.
However the article is painful may ALLAH give courage to the sufferers.
However the article is painful may ALLAH give courage to the sufferers.
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GABRIELLA LUETHIN FROM GREAT BRITAIN said:
Asalamu Alaikum
I am a convert from Christianity to Islam (alhamdulillah) and can only feel as a Muslim the injustices that are being done to my brothers and sisters. However, every Muslim and Arab can contribute something, however small, in order to bring change; economic boycott is one of them. I get really angry when I see that the Zionist store Marks & Spencer is a favourite among the Arabs. Boycotting companies who have links to Israel and support it financially can have a huge effect. And it does not hurt much. So what, if you cannot buy your favourite Nescafe anymore, or have to slap another shampoo on your hair rather than l'Oreal. This is one way we Muslims can help our brothers and sisters who are suffering under occupation. And in'shallah with Allah's help we will succeed.
I am a convert from Christianity to Islam (alhamdulillah) and can only feel as a Muslim the injustices that are being done to my brothers and sisters. However, every Muslim and Arab can contribute something, however small, in order to bring change; economic boycott is one of them. I get really angry when I see that the Zionist store Marks & Spencer is a favourite among the Arabs. Boycotting companies who have links to Israel and support it financially can have a huge effect. And it does not hurt much. So what, if you cannot buy your favourite Nescafe anymore, or have to slap another shampoo on your hair rather than l'Oreal. This is one way we Muslims can help our brothers and sisters who are suffering under occupation. And in'shallah with Allah's help we will succeed.
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JOHN FROM AUSTARLIA said:
Too Biased too one sided. You can't blame all your problems on someone else
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MICHAEL FROM USA said:
I am a christan and I cant see how god could ask any of us to do anything other than to sit down and find a way to peace. I dont think we should be in the middle east or take responsibility for the actions of those in the middle east. It is your country and region and should be left up to you to govern. As people of GOD it is up to us to find the way to peace and not the course of death and destruction. My God's will help us to find such a path. Allah be praised.
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CRYSTAL FROM USA said:
Subhan'Allah. As an american, jewish convert to islam, I cannot imagine I am arab. Though I can know I am a muslim. It has become all to obvious that there is no help in this world with the exception of Allah. Religious or secular ideologies will never express success on any battle field; polemics, intellectual or physical unless muslims remember who they are and WHOSE they are. We are from Allah and to Him we will return. Thank you for this well written article.
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MARJAN FROM AFGHANISTAN said:
Thank you for your article. People here in US are so brain washed with the false information by media and the media is their only source of information. It is amazing to see all these educated people with now wisdom or correct judgment, seems their education did not help them much.
I thank your for your article, and I hope the people who has the question about why Arabs are so angry get their answer from it and hope they have enough logic to understand the simple article.
Thank you,
Belqis
I thank your for your article, and I hope the people who has the question about why Arabs are so angry get their answer from it and hope they have enough logic to understand the simple article.
Thank you,
Belqis
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SAEED KHAN FROM USA said:
Remember that Almighty Allah sees and hears all.
He will right every injustice in his time. These atrocities should not happen to anyone regardless of race or religion.Mankind is (a large portion)an arrogant and ungrateful creation.Let us wrongdoers all be aware of a painful chastisement from our Lord.Almighty Allah has sent us many Messengers and His Guidance. Truth is plain from falsehood and Right is plain from wrong. It's our choice-Choose Wisely.
He will right every injustice in his time. These atrocities should not happen to anyone regardless of race or religion.Mankind is (a large portion)an arrogant and ungrateful creation.Let us wrongdoers all be aware of a painful chastisement from our Lord.Almighty Allah has sent us many Messengers and His Guidance. Truth is plain from falsehood and Right is plain from wrong. It's our choice-Choose Wisely.
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ZS FROM USA said:
Assalamalikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
I am not an Arab but still upset because I am a muslimah. MashaAllah article is very well written.
It filled my eyes with tears, but we shouldn't blame any body. We should blame ourself, because of our own misdeed, we are in such a horrible state. We left our beautiful religion and trying to follow the west. If we want to change our state, we need to submit ourself completely to Allah Subhanatala and follow His commands. Then only we will be victorious. I remind myself first and other muslim brother and sister to hold on tight Quran and Sunnah of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him).
May Allah guide us all to the straight path and relieve our burden. Ameen
Fe Amani Allah
I am not an Arab but still upset because I am a muslimah. MashaAllah article is very well written.
It filled my eyes with tears, but we shouldn't blame any body. We should blame ourself, because of our own misdeed, we are in such a horrible state. We left our beautiful religion and trying to follow the west. If we want to change our state, we need to submit ourself completely to Allah Subhanatala and follow His commands. Then only we will be victorious. I remind myself first and other muslim brother and sister to hold on tight Quran and Sunnah of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him).
May Allah guide us all to the straight path and relieve our burden. Ameen
Fe Amani Allah
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USMAN FROM USA said:
This article has filled me with despair. What is it that I can do to help? Why are we so quick to fight? Why can't we be patient so that in due time we are capable of fighting? Why is it that our own leaders betray us? Why is that our own leaders suppress us? Why is that our leaders succumb to a "super power". I am filled with confusion and hopelessness. Our countries do not lack the minds to help us grow? I live in USA. What am I suppose to say when they ask that if I don't like United States aggression on others, why do you live here? The pathetic arab leaders in arab countries has left me with despair. Can't we just have one man who is honest, who we could look to and say atleast we have a lion amongst ourselves who would defend us in need? Who wouldn't stand in our way to help our country! Who wouldn't bow down to so that he could get an pat on his back with an american stamp. All we need is one country, one strong country who can give us a voice to fight back. All we need is one honest man with power. Honest! Abraham Lincoln once said "If you want to test a man's character, give him [POWER]!" We need true leaders amongst ourselves. Those who argue we should Gandhi is totally propostourous. The Native americans who were here in this country tried that peaceful way. Most of them have died and extinct. Those who have lived are under the rule of the same race. Peaceful ways can't work everytime! They say that pen is mightier than sword. Fight in the name of Liberty and Justice through the power of the mind. Your enemy will only fight you knowing he would win. If we are strong enough, who would dare fight us!
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THE HAMMER said:
Why are Arabs always angry?
To answer this question, Arabs should ask themselves another question, "Why are we such losers?"
Arabs and Israelis fought 4 wars and Arabs lost all of them. The wars were fought between numerically superior Arab armies against a smaller Jewish force. Yet they lost. Is it because of US supported Israel? The answer is no. The US supplied with weapons only for the last war. In 1967 for example, Israel fought with French weapons. Furthermore, US help is no guarantee for victory. Just ask the former South Vietnamese regime.
The Arabs lost because Israel had superior technology, a developed economy better education, organization, leadership and cohesion. The Israelis are sophisticated enough to sustain a fairly wealthy democracy under enormous pressure from its hostile neighbors. No Arab country has succeeded in this. Bush is trying to create one in Iraq. Good luck to him. It's nearly mission impossible.
Why is it that the Arabs failed to develop their economies? If they had strong economies, Israel cannot possibly defeat them. Is it because of the Crusades, as some whiny Arabs like to blame? Wealthy Japan was once devastated by WW II, a more recent event. Is it because of Colonialism? Why are all Arab governments incompetent and corrupt dictatorships? Is it because the USA propped them up?
Take a look at Christian Chile and idol worshipping East Asia. Once they had dictators too, allied with America. Now they are rich and democratic. So Arabs cannot blame America for their corrupt and incompetent dictators. Why is it that Christians and Buddhists managed to prosper but Muslims so far cannot? The answer (I will come back to this later) to this question will partially explain the anger in the Arab world. But not all of it.
To answer this question, Arabs should ask themselves another question, "Why are we such losers?"
Arabs and Israelis fought 4 wars and Arabs lost all of them. The wars were fought between numerically superior Arab armies against a smaller Jewish force. Yet they lost. Is it because of US supported Israel? The answer is no. The US supplied with weapons only for the last war. In 1967 for example, Israel fought with French weapons. Furthermore, US help is no guarantee for victory. Just ask the former South Vietnamese regime.
The Arabs lost because Israel had superior technology, a developed economy better education, organization, leadership and cohesion. The Israelis are sophisticated enough to sustain a fairly wealthy democracy under enormous pressure from its hostile neighbors. No Arab country has succeeded in this. Bush is trying to create one in Iraq. Good luck to him. It's nearly mission impossible.
Why is it that the Arabs failed to develop their economies? If they had strong economies, Israel cannot possibly defeat them. Is it because of the Crusades, as some whiny Arabs like to blame? Wealthy Japan was once devastated by WW II, a more recent event. Is it because of Colonialism? Why are all Arab governments incompetent and corrupt dictatorships? Is it because the USA propped them up?
Take a look at Christian Chile and idol worshipping East Asia. Once they had dictators too, allied with America. Now they are rich and democratic. So Arabs cannot blame America for their corrupt and incompetent dictators. Why is it that Christians and Buddhists managed to prosper but Muslims so far cannot? The answer (I will come back to this later) to this question will partially explain the anger in the Arab world. But not all of it.
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MIKE HALE FROM USA said:
You fail to mention the invading forces also included Father rapers and Mother rapers and the splendid joy each soldier took in killing innocent victims. That each soldier was given all the ammunition he could expend in the mass murders of Iraqi civilians. But when Saddam was gone why were the Palestinians thrown out of the apartments and houses they were living in and told by the Iraqi people to get out? The Arabs and the Palestinians were once seemingly whole and yet a dichotomy has taken place and Palestinians are now in a distinct class all by themselves. And apparently the whole world has been watching and doing nothing, including the Arab league. And your history has been looted and set ablaze by your own people.
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IRRELEVENT FROM WHY DOES IT MATTER said:
You talk just of Arabs. More Muslims were killed in Gujrat in a year than in Palsitine in the last 50. Applogzing and explain things from an "arab" point of view and making Iraq the center of "arab civilzation" not Islamic Civilization is very offensive. Articles like this show one of the largest problems with our Ummah today, natioanlism, espically Arab Nationalism.
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ROBERT RIVERA FROM USA said:
It seems that the question, "why are arabs always angry?", was not a sarcastic question, but a legitimate question. Being angy, at war or in conflict does not justify the killing of inocent civilian people, including your own people in suicide attacks. This is barbaric and uncivilized.
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RENEE FROM USA said:
As-salamu Alaikum, I agree that they have a right to be angry and i don't think anyone is pointing to the finger at whom is to blame. I agree with the statement that they should focus there energy on reconstruction and attempting to build there OWN govt.Only stating facts, the fact is the USA is occupying Iraq against the peoples wishes, the fact is despite precision bombing they have managed to destroy countless orphanages, mosques and kill thousands of innocent cilivians. So at the conclusion of all of these facts the question is if this where you would you be angry, the answer is yes. I would be.
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NOOR-UL ISLAM FROM USA said:
as salammu alaikum: prophet muhammad said when you accept islam you become an arab. somehow, the war you see is only there in the world where those of arab descent are, to you. but please open your eyes ane realize that being black in america and muslim is on the same footing if not worst. we have no rights but you come here to seek asylum. we were treated by all people with the same disrespect and no one even wanted to teach us about islam or except us with your degrees or without them. the same slavery that we came here with still exists in a different way and all the things it would take to assist in building the base for truth to flourish have been evaded because of the mistakes we make in life by assaulting each other. even as muslims we are segregated and who are the real terrorist. anybody that stands for truth. then you become a muslim, an arab and you are a threat. do you really understand. economically, the black people in america spend more money than anybody else and everyone targets them as stupid and foolish, plus all the other things which insult us as human beings. but instead of dealing with this as such why not use it to help heal the situation by taking the negative and changing it to positive. this is the only cure for a country where the lowest of the low have been brainwashed and crippled by everyone else in the world and who are more explosive in being a sleeping giant because of the conditions that exist, if you but understood. who is in jail and recieve the worst miseducation in the world. your point is well taken but, do you know anger. i know the way others use us. ignorace is bliss. turn up the volume so you can hear, please. you ever let any black arabs in your house who are american decent. shocking isn't it.
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DARLENE RILEY ( AMAL) FROM UNITED STATES said:
The truth stated within this article is very clear and one that should be listened to in the world today. It is a tragic fact that the United States has been a tyrannical and greedy entity in the world today and its support of Israel right or wrong ( mostly wrong ) since 1948 has had far reaching tragic conseqences not only for the Arabic world but for all who would seek justice and a new era of peaceful understanding between all nations and peoples.
Please, however, do not think that because the Government of the United States has taken this turn towards tyranny and Imperialism that all of its citizens are blinded by the current level of propaganda and hate mongering fostered by that government. There is a great number of honest citizens of the United States who see through the lies fostered for the sake of greed and Imperialism, and who long for a new era of understanding and work for true peace in the world.
Many in the United States see very clearly that Israel's injustice and aggression in the Middle East is at the very core of the problems that face the world today and many see that the United States support of Israels tyrannical aggression against the Palestinean peoples has been tragically unjust and unsupported by International Law. The war on Iraq, under the guise of the War on Terrorism, is only an extention of the greed and lust for Imperialistic power that has been evidenced in this unholy alliance of the United Sates and Israel.
One of the tragedys of Modern times is that the Nation of Israel learned nothing from its abuses at the hands of Hitler and the Nazis. It is a fact that peoples who are abused are in the end faced with two choices. They can learn from their suffering and become better than their abusers, following the way of love and justice in the world - or they can become the mirror image of their abusers and abuse others in the same way that they were abused. Tragically, the Jewish Nation has chosen the latter.
Please, however, do not think that because the Government of the United States has taken this turn towards tyranny and Imperialism that all of its citizens are blinded by the current level of propaganda and hate mongering fostered by that government. There is a great number of honest citizens of the United States who see through the lies fostered for the sake of greed and Imperialism, and who long for a new era of understanding and work for true peace in the world.
Many in the United States see very clearly that Israel's injustice and aggression in the Middle East is at the very core of the problems that face the world today and many see that the United States support of Israels tyrannical aggression against the Palestinean peoples has been tragically unjust and unsupported by International Law. The war on Iraq, under the guise of the War on Terrorism, is only an extention of the greed and lust for Imperialistic power that has been evidenced in this unholy alliance of the United Sates and Israel.
One of the tragedys of Modern times is that the Nation of Israel learned nothing from its abuses at the hands of Hitler and the Nazis. It is a fact that peoples who are abused are in the end faced with two choices. They can learn from their suffering and become better than their abusers, following the way of love and justice in the world - or they can become the mirror image of their abusers and abuse others in the same way that they were abused. Tragically, the Jewish Nation has chosen the latter.
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SHAHIDAH MUHAMMAD FROM USA said:
As-Salaamu-Alaikum
As an American Muslim who have studied the history of the American Gov. I know what she is capable of. I feel that this is not only an attack on innocent Arabs, but ultimately an attack on innocent Muslim and Godfearing people of the world
As an American Muslim who have studied the history of the American Gov. I know what she is capable of. I feel that this is not only an attack on innocent Arabs, but ultimately an attack on innocent Muslim and Godfearing people of the world
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AHMED ASGHER FROM BAHRAIN said:
People like Sarajinsky live on another planet. The Zionist motto was to impress upon the West to be relocated to the "land without people for people without land". Yet the land had people, steeped in thousand years.
Not content with killing them enmasse, they drove the Arabs out - 750,000 of them - through sheer force of terror. Today the same regime kills children, demolishes homes, treats them like vermins, the list of atrocities goes on, yet Michael is in denial.
Jews of every persuation can freely emmigrate to Israel yet those who have lost their properties are denied the right of return. Kazaars, Felashas and now converts from amongst Peruvians are shipped to new settlements inside Palestinian land yet the indigenous people of the land are systematically pushed out. Mr. Sarajinsky still believes that Jews love to live with Arabs in peace. Only as slaves! Read this article please: http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,3604,770235,00.html
As for the land being promised to Jews by God. Well, that beats the lot. According to the account of Joshua - Old Testament, he was ordered by God to kill all men, women and children of Palestine so as it was given to Jews. This genocide according to Bible was carried out. What sort of god is this?
It is further proof that Palestine already had inhabitants.
The Zionists have taken Joshua as their hero and have never given up killing anyone who is not one of them. Now I am not anti-Jews but take a close look at history and see who is the transgressor.
When the whole world stands against you and you have no redress in the court of law and live with inhumanity for over 50 years, then expect a measure of violent retaliation, some of your own medicine. How dare you suggest we act like Ghandi - why not the Zionist act like Ghandi??
After Oslo there was no violence for a long time yet Israel continued its illegal settlements and abuse dishonouring their own word.
Not content with killing them enmasse, they drove the Arabs out - 750,000 of them - through sheer force of terror. Today the same regime kills children, demolishes homes, treats them like vermins, the list of atrocities goes on, yet Michael is in denial.
Jews of every persuation can freely emmigrate to Israel yet those who have lost their properties are denied the right of return. Kazaars, Felashas and now converts from amongst Peruvians are shipped to new settlements inside Palestinian land yet the indigenous people of the land are systematically pushed out. Mr. Sarajinsky still believes that Jews love to live with Arabs in peace. Only as slaves! Read this article please: http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,3604,770235,00.html
As for the land being promised to Jews by God. Well, that beats the lot. According to the account of Joshua - Old Testament, he was ordered by God to kill all men, women and children of Palestine so as it was given to Jews. This genocide according to Bible was carried out. What sort of god is this?
It is further proof that Palestine already had inhabitants.
The Zionists have taken Joshua as their hero and have never given up killing anyone who is not one of them. Now I am not anti-Jews but take a close look at history and see who is the transgressor.
When the whole world stands against you and you have no redress in the court of law and live with inhumanity for over 50 years, then expect a measure of violent retaliation, some of your own medicine. How dare you suggest we act like Ghandi - why not the Zionist act like Ghandi??
After Oslo there was no violence for a long time yet Israel continued its illegal settlements and abuse dishonouring their own word.
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JOHN NORMAN FROM UK said:
So what on earth is Ramzy Baroud and millions of his fellow Arabs and fellow Muslims doing in the West? why don't they just go home?
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OMAR FROM CANADA said:
Good article, too bad people like Micheal can't see the truth behind it
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OMAR FROM CANADA said:
Ummm, It's sad to see people who read articles, like Micheal Sarajinsky miss the bulk of what is being said. I agree that Muslims and Arabs have much disunity and need to address this issue sooner than later, but what about all the support Israel is recieving from the West ? Israel is painted as a victim nation, trying "hard" to bring peace to the region. Meanwhile, there are tons of crimes commited against the Palestinians currently and in the past. I am sure I don't need to get into them. As for Ariel Sharon being a man of peace, lets get serious here, he is nothing more than a war criminal who was elected into power. Now what would that tell you about the people who elected him ??? peace lovers ? I think not. As for your comment on "...for not incorperating and assisting Palestinian refugees." Why not ask, where did these refugees come from ? Why should they leave ? If they are refugees now, then that means that they were in Israel first. Funny how Jews from Russia have homes in Israel but native Palestinians don't. Also, stop using the argument that the Jews were promised this land ... blah blah blah it is old and carrys no weight.
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AHMED FROM USA said:
Arabs are Arabs. What can you say! They only know who to yell at the TV cameras. I believe the worst that ever happened to them is when they discovered oil. They still have not figured out what to do with all that wealth, besides wasting them in the billions. I think they will finally wake up when it runs out. Maybe then will they return to the Qur'an and the Sunnah. And when they finally realize that, that's when they will be able to solve their problems. Until then, there is very little hope.
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JORDAN ROBINSON FROM USA said:
Asalamu Alaikum,
Absolutely wonderful piece. As a Palestinian, all the frustration and emotion I feel everyday were addressed by this article. Well-written and articulated. Will show it to everyone I know!
Absolutely wonderful piece. As a Palestinian, all the frustration and emotion I feel everyday were addressed by this article. Well-written and articulated. Will show it to everyone I know!
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MOHAMED ALI FROM THE REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES. said:
I am not an Arab,but I am a Muslim.Though I am Thousqands of miles away from the palatinians i can hear their cries.I can hear the guns going of in the heart of Bagdad.Every night I pray the God,Almighty, to relieve them from biegn tortured every day. My eyes are always filled with tears.
My comment is that, why don't the arabs, (in that case any muslim government ) declare Jihad against these invading forces?why should we be the only people to be scolded at? why can't we get that pride and joy that our ancestors used to have.What can I ,as an individual, do to help the poor people(brothers and sisters)of Iraq,Palastine and Afganitan?
I hope my comments are in line with the regulations.I hope you will give an answer to my questions.
May God bless all the muslims.
My comment is that, why don't the arabs, (in that case any muslim government ) declare Jihad against these invading forces?why should we be the only people to be scolded at? why can't we get that pride and joy that our ancestors used to have.What can I ,as an individual, do to help the poor people(brothers and sisters)of Iraq,Palastine and Afganitan?
I hope my comments are in line with the regulations.I hope you will give an answer to my questions.
May God bless all the muslims.
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MICHAEL SARAJINSKY FROM AUSTRALIA said:
I would be angry if I were Arab because I would see that my Arab or Muslim brothers do nothing to help each other. In stead of blaming Israel for the problems mabye you should blame the surrounding Arab countries for not incorperating and assisting Palestinian refugees. Instead the 'angry Arabs' point the finger and blame instead of looking inward to make the situation of the refugees somewhat alot better. I can tell you Israel does want peace for both Israeli's and Arabs however the Arabs in their rage could think of nothing worse than living with Israeli's in peace.
With Israel's help the Palestinians could live a happy and prosperous life side by side with the people of the book. If they did not resort to violence and peacefully demanded a state in co-existance the ancient land of Israel promised to the Jews by god thousands of years prior to Mohammads dream of flying to the "furtherst mosque" one night, then the Palestinians would have a state. Look at Ghandi and Mandella, and then look at Arafat. Arafat could have been a historic figur in world history for bringing about peace in the holy land may have even been labelled saint-like, however with his terrorist ideology he will only be remembered for being a twisted and evil human.
Don't blame for your own mistakes.
With Israel's help the Palestinians could live a happy and prosperous life side by side with the people of the book. If they did not resort to violence and peacefully demanded a state in co-existance the ancient land of Israel promised to the Jews by god thousands of years prior to Mohammads dream of flying to the "furtherst mosque" one night, then the Palestinians would have a state. Look at Ghandi and Mandella, and then look at Arafat. Arafat could have been a historic figur in world history for bringing about peace in the holy land may have even been labelled saint-like, however with his terrorist ideology he will only be remembered for being a twisted and evil human.
Don't blame for your own mistakes.
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MUHAMMAD ANDIKA SYAHPUTRA FROM INDONESIA said:
As-salamu Alaikum.
Please, to be passion.
Allah will help ...................Allah Akbar
Please, to be passion.
Allah will help ...................Allah Akbar
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ABDUL FROM USA said:
i am for the article. but it's arabs fault. blaming it all on jewish lobby like u guys said, and they whine a lot. for God's sake, they have ALLAH on their side, they still have left the Sunnah, and most of their religion. they r lazy and r wana bees... they got the thing of women can only wer hijan and ear tigh pants and hirt. they suck. they do bi'dah and ugh!
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JANISSARY FROM CANADA said:
superbly written and one hundred percent true.
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