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BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...

23 Dec 05 - 01:24 AM (#1633549)
Subject: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: GUEST,beardedbruce

"CAIRO, Egypt (AP) -- The leader of Egypt's main Islamic opposition group said Thursday the Holocaust was a "myth," and he slammed Western governments for criticizing disclaimers of the Jewish genocide."


"Similar comments by Ahmadinejad earlier this month sparked an international outcry. The Iranian president called the Holocaust -- in which an estimated 6 million Jews were killed -- a "myth" and said Europeans have used it to create a Jewish state in the heart of the Islamic world. (Full story)

He also said Israel should be "wiped off the map."

Arab governments and media did not condemn Ahmadinejad's remarks."


http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/africa/12/22/muslim.brotherhood.ap/index.html


23 Dec 05 - 01:27 AM (#1633550)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: GUEST

What's new, no offence.


23 Dec 05 - 04:15 AM (#1633596)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Gervase

Islamic does not fully equate to Arab, just as Christian does not fully equate to Western. There are plenty of moderate Arab voices around.
In the current climate, however, their views are not as newsworthy to the western media (particularly the US media) as those of the hawks and tub-thumpers.
So what point, exactly, is Bearded Bruce trying to make? Is he hoping that we'll all leap up and say "Yee Haw, these crazy rag-heads, they're all mad. Let's just nuke 'em. Heck the only good Ayrad is a dead Ayrab."? What a super way to foster understanding and trust between cultures!
A shame, though, that the US military planning and diplomatic circles seem to be full of intellectual pygmies like Bearded Bruce.


23 Dec 05 - 04:18 AM (#1633597)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Paco Rabanne

Gervase,
       Shouldn't you be plastering something?


23 Dec 05 - 04:22 AM (#1633599)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Wilfried Schaum

Well said, Gervase. The average and reasonable is not mediaworthy.
I know a lot of Arabs - Muslims and Christians - with very moderate opinions, but they will never make it to the newspapers.


23 Dec 05 - 04:26 AM (#1633600)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: freda underhill

I agree, Wilfried.


23 Dec 05 - 04:39 AM (#1633608)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Gervase

Sorry, fted, you're right! I did use the word 'hawk', though, so there's a plastering reference...


23 Dec 05 - 04:44 AM (#1633613)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Terry K

Ah, but would beardedbruce's bullshit work as well as cowshit?


23 Dec 05 - 04:48 AM (#1633615)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: GUEST

Gervase,

So, rather than critisize the person MAKING the statement,you attack me for bringing it to your attention. That sounds like the limit of your intellectual ability.


"Arab governments and media did not condemn Ahmadinejad's remarks"


23 Dec 05 - 05:40 AM (#1633642)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Gervase

No, you clot, I was merely asking why you brought it to our attention. And the reason was...?
I've noticed that you seem to do an awful lot of cut and paste on CNN links. I'm afraid that doesn't make you an informed commentator on foreign affairs.
In case you still don't get the message, What is your point?


23 Dec 05 - 08:28 AM (#1633722)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: PeteBoom

I've run into a fair number of people in the States who would agree with the sentiments expressed. Of course, they'd be a little perplexed to discover they'd agreed with an "Aa-rab" and may react in an eratic fashion. They have "proof" that all the people who go on about the "so-called Holocaust" are part of the left-wing-liberal-Jewish conspiracy.

I wonder if Rush Limbaugh knows he's a liberal?


23 Dec 05 - 10:01 AM (#1633780)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: M.Ted

Bearded Bruce has a point, but, since he knows nothing about Middle Eastern politics, and is unable to formulate or express his own ideas, he cuts, pastes, and rants, hoping that people will understand--which they don't-

There is an incredible amount of anti-Israeli/anti-Jewish feeling in the Middle East--and it is increasing.

It is true that Israel hasn't always been exactly what you'd call a good neighbor, and also true that the Palestinian/Israeli situation has an unfortunate history that has tainted both sides. Given that, though, Israel is a small country in a big region, and plays little to no role in the day to day lives, and poitics, of most Arabs and Moslems--

The reality is that there is little political or economic stability in the Middle East, and where it exists at all, it is at the price of great social, political, and religious repression. There are hundreds of political groups vying for power, and, as we well know, the easy way to gather a following is to create a vile, despicable, and evil enemy, and lead the fight against it--

Because of the unfortunate Palestinian situation, Israel is a great target, and all the racist, anti-Semitic lies that have been so useful for Western demigogues are being dredged up and put to use again--That's the point--


23 Dec 05 - 10:10 AM (#1633787)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: CarolC

You are quoting extremists, beardedbruce. Moderate "Arab" voices are all around you. If you want to hear them, take your earplugs out (and take your blinders off).


23 Dec 05 - 10:14 AM (#1633789)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: CarolC

BTW, Moderate "Arab" governments and media did indeed condemn Ahmadinejad's remarks. I saw several stories that were specifically about those condemnations. For CNN or anyone else to say otherwise is a lie. And you are helping them to spread that (prejudiced) lie, beardedbruce.


23 Dec 05 - 10:33 AM (#1633801)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Gervase

Thank you M.Ted; a succinct and sensible summary. And worth more than half a hundred odd snip'n'pastes from Bearded Bruce.


23 Dec 05 - 10:37 AM (#1633804)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: GUEST,rarelamb

The notion of an Jewish state in Germany was interesting. Since the Germans killed so many Jews, shouldn't they take responsibility for the creation of a Jewish state on former German territory?


23 Dec 05 - 10:40 AM (#1633807)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: artbrooks

Iranians are not Arabs.


23 Dec 05 - 12:10 PM (#1633870)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Grab

Bruce, I went Googling to support your assertion that "Arab governments and media did not condemn Ahmadinejad's remarks."

The Saudis did
An Iranian paper did
A nice summary of the situation from the AP, including rejection of the comments by a Palestinian paper linked to the Palestinian Authority - although in general this makes it clear that most hid it on the inside pages without comment.

For my part, I'm waiting for a moderate BeardedBruce voice...

Graham.


23 Dec 05 - 12:19 PM (#1633876)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Peace

"shouldn't they take responsibility for the creation of a Jewish state on former German territory?"

That dog won't bark. Israel has been and will continue to be a State, right where it is. Since 1948. That good enough for you?


23 Dec 05 - 12:21 PM (#1633877)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Peace

PS Likely many of the 'moderates' are afraid to voice their moderation--maybe worried about a bullet in the head. Can't blame 'em for that worry.


23 Dec 05 - 01:34 PM (#1633939)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: CarolC

No they're not, Peace. The moderates spoke up quite clearly. beardedbruce and the people he gets his news from choose to ignore those voices because moderate voices don't help them promote their war agenda.


23 Dec 05 - 01:40 PM (#1633943)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Peace

I don't know that BB was putting forth an agenda. However, I don't understand why he'd want to start a thread with old news.

I am also aware that some people/news stations and papers were very courageous in taking a stance against that idiot in Iran. Hope you and yer hubby have a wonderful Christmas, Carol.

PS If you would, please ask yer hubby for me what the herb is that Newfies put in stuffing. I have eaten it, love the taste, and been going nuts for three days trying to remember what it is. Thanks.


23 Dec 05 - 01:41 PM (#1633945)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: GUEST,rarelamb

I agree with you that Isreal will stay where it is. But don't you find it at least a little interesting? I mean it would seem like it would be fitting, don't you think? Punishment fit the crime and all that. We wouldn't be having all of this bruhaha for the past half century if a Jewish state were in former German territory.


23 Dec 05 - 01:42 PM (#1633948)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Peace

Would you care to live in a country that was responsible for the slaughter of six million of your people?


23 Dec 05 - 02:17 PM (#1633987)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: CarolC

Thanks, Peace. And to you as well. I answered your question about the herb in this thread...

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=87486&messages=12


23 Dec 05 - 02:22 PM (#1633993)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: GUEST,rarelamb

Not in the country of Germany. But a new country on lands forfeited by the Germans.


23 Dec 05 - 02:24 PM (#1633995)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Peace

Savory. THANK YOU.


23 Dec 05 - 05:40 PM (#1634114)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: beardedbruce

"Bearded Bruce has a point, but, since he knows nothing about Middle Eastern politics, and is unable to formulate or express his own ideas, he cuts, pastes, and rants, hoping that people will understand--which they don't-"


And your evidence of this bigotted opinion?


As for the QUOTE that
"Arab governments and media did not condemn Ahmadinejad's remarks"
THAT was what was on CNN- which I guess I am now responsible for. So, start sending me money, since you think I am CNN.

Again, I see NO criticism of the comment, just of me for mentioning it... Seems like that tells somnething about the people responding here.


23 Dec 05 - 06:28 PM (#1634149)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: CarolC

CNN started the lie, and you passed it on, beardedbruce. Just because you haven't seen or heard the criticisms from moderate Arabs doesn't mean they didn't happen. I saw them right after the Iranian president made his remarks. I have holiday preparations to make right now, so I don't have time to hunt them up for you. But if your views about Arabs aren't prejudiced, you won't have any problem with taking the time to find them yourself, rather than automatically believing the worst.


23 Dec 05 - 07:11 PM (#1634193)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: GUEST

CarolC,

The statement that the other governments had not commented may be false- I do not know- BUT the statement BEING QUOTED I have seen no indication is other than what was said.

"You are quoting extremists, CarolC. Moderate "Israeli" voices are all around you. If you want to hear them, take your earplugs out (and take your blinders off). "

Be carefull- from now on, this can be MY reply to ANY critism you make of Israeli statements. I was looking for refences to Arab press denunciations of the statement, but have been met with more bigotry than even YOU have claimed is being placed on Moslems.

Gab,
Thank you for the refences.

"DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Arab governments appeared reluctant Thursday to condemn Iran's president for calling the Holocaust a "myth" used by Europeans to create a Jewish state in the heart of the Islamic world.

While official Arab reaction in such cases is usually slower than international reaction, any issue involving a defense of Israel is a thorny one for Arab governments, who risk appearing to side with Israel against a Muslim nation.
The comments by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, broadcast live Wednesday on state-run Iranian television, drew quick condemnation from Israel, the European Union and the United States.

However, in the United Arab Emirates, the top three Arabic-language newspapers buried the remarks deep in their Thursday editions, with no commentary. Newspapers in the country are government-controlled.

In neighboring Saudi Arabia, government-controlled newspapers picked up the statements from international news agencies and ran them on inside pages. They did not comment on them.

Arabic language newspapers circulated widely in the Arab world, such as the London-based Al-Hayat and Asharq Al-Awsat, carried the news on their front pages, but also without editorials."



"CRITICAL STATEMENT

Iran's hardline press largely rallied round the president's first Holocaust remarks but the Islamic Iran Participation Front, Iran's leading reformist party, printed a critical statement in the liberal Sharq daily on Wednesday.

"Provocation...and starting this sort of talk, which benefits neither Iranians nor oppressed Palestinians, will only increase consensus on supporting the (Israeli) regime and will unify the approach against Iran," it said. "

quotes from 2 of the 3 blue stickies- the third did not work.

So, WHERE are all those moderate Arab voices, so I can read their side?


23 Dec 05 - 07:22 PM (#1634208)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: GUEST

Peace,

"However, I don't understand why he'd want to start a thread with old news. "

This was 22 DECEMBER, 2005. If you see an article about Nazis having a rally yesterday, would you call it old news just because they also helkd rallies 70 years ago?


23 Dec 05 - 07:24 PM (#1634210)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Peace

OK, BB.


23 Dec 05 - 07:25 PM (#1634211)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Peace

If you are BB. If not, OK anyway.


23 Dec 05 - 07:32 PM (#1634218)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: GUEST,beardedbruce

sorry about that. I am busy working on the TELKOM2 s/c , so that the (Moslem) Indonesians can have control of their own TV channels and not have to go throught other countries satellites. Have to give Al Jezhera a chance to mack it's viewpoint known, you know. So, no cookie...


I really do want to know what the moderates are saying- but have not been able to find all those comments that are supposed to be there. I ask for them, and am critisized for bringing up the topic. Perhaps I will have to act this way when3ever CarolC makes a comment I don't agree with, since she seems to think it is ok...


23 Dec 05 - 08:16 PM (#1634242)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Amos

One of the most overlooked tools of terrorism is the World Wide Web component of the Internet.

Here's some interesting research on terrorist uses of the WWW.


A


23 Dec 05 - 08:19 PM (#1634245)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: CarolC

"You are quoting extremists, CarolC. Moderate "Israeli" voices are all around you. If you want to hear them, take your earplugs out (and take your blinders off)."

Your ignorance of my posting history is showing, Guest, 23 Dec 05 - 07:11 PM. I quote moderate Israelis quite frequently. And most of the time, I get criticized for it by people here in the Mudcat.


23 Dec 05 - 08:20 PM (#1634246)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Peace

And in breaking news, an Imam in Iraq is accusing Al Jazeera of being run by the Mossad (or maybe 'tool' of the Mossad). I wish these religious fanatics would go meet their respective makers. (I include all of 'em in that statement, including Robertson.)


23 Dec 05 - 08:52 PM (#1634275)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: CarolC

BTW, feel free to criticize me next time I start a thread like this one if you disagree with it, beardedbruce.


23 Dec 05 - 08:57 PM (#1634281)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: GUEST

OK, Carol.

Happy Holidays


23 Dec 05 - 09:17 PM (#1634288)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: John O'L

Here,

here,

here and

here are some of the voices of Muslim moderates. There are many more.


23 Dec 05 - 09:25 PM (#1634294)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: GUEST,beardedbruce

first sticky-

"Copyright © 2003, NO to Political Islam Campaign
Last modified: 09/22/04 12:39 EST www.ntpi.org"

second sticky-

"Updates 01/08/05 : IslamicReform online"

third sticky-

nothing at all about the quote at the top of the thread- but there is this-
"In an article titled "Welcome to the BBC! However...," Tariq Al-Homayed, editor of the London Arabic daily Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, criticized the Arab media, especially the television channels, which, he said, had for years been acting irresponsibly and were "ideology-laden" and "revenge-seeking." Al-Homayed said that a BBC Arabic news channel would be welcome if its administration was not left to Arab media representatives who would run it in accordance with their own ideological orientations. Al-Homayed was referring primarily to Al-Jazeera TV, as well as to Hizbullah's Al-Manar TV and the Saudi Al-Majd channel. "

fourth sticky- "Posted November 12, 2005 " last posting




So, NO comments about the statement at all. But thank you for the sites- I will check back and see what they have to say. I do note that none of them are either Arab media or government, though. CNN statement is thus not yet proven false.


23 Dec 05 - 09:32 PM (#1634295)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: GUEST

Peace,

" I wish these religious fanatics would go meet their respective makers. (I include all of 'em in that statement, including Robertson.) "



I thought that in Christian theology, only those who get into HEAVEN get to meet God?


23 Dec 05 - 09:33 PM (#1634296)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: RichM

Peace, the spice that Newfoundlanders put in stuffing could be savoury- specifically Nfld savoury like that sold by
Mt.Scio Farm
PO Box 306
St. John's NF
Canada A1C5J9


23 Dec 05 - 09:43 PM (#1634300)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: RichM

Here's a site for Mt Scio Farm:

Mt Scio Farm


23 Dec 05 - 09:50 PM (#1634303)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: GUEST

dread thrift?


23 Dec 05 - 09:58 PM (#1634306)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: GUEST

actually, not. Sorry.


23 Dec 05 - 10:12 PM (#1634311)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: John O'L

Sorry BB, I should have pointed out, I wasn't intending to refute the statement, just supply some examples of Muslim moderate thinking. Here are a couple more.

The Role Of Islamic Groups in the Political Reform Process

Conference on Islamic Reform


23 Dec 05 - 10:33 PM (#1634318)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: GUEST,beardedbruce

Thanks, John.


24 Dec 05 - 12:41 AM (#1634353)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: mg

a. I have seen and heard all sorts of moderate arab voices.


24 Dec 05 - 11:22 AM (#1634528)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: CarolC

Here's one...

http://www.islandpacket.com/24hour/world/story/2967011p-11642898c.html

"TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Saudis fumed Friday that Iran's hard-line president marred a summit dedicated to showing Islam's moderate face by calling for Israel to be moved to Europe, and the chief U.N. nuclear inspector said he was losing patience with the Tehran regime.

Even some of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's conservative allies in Iran were growing disillusioned, fearing he has hurt the country with his wild rhetoric. Iranian moderates also called on the ruling clerics to reel him in...

...One Saudi official, visibly angry, compared Ahmadinejad to Saddam Hussein and Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, whose renegade statements frequently infuriated other Arab leaders.

'The Iranian president seems to have lost his direction," said Gilan al-Ghamidi, a prominent commentator in Saudi media. "Iran should be logical if it wants to receive the support of the world. The president didn't score any points. He lost points.'"


I'll keep looking as time allows.


24 Dec 05 - 11:27 AM (#1634531)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Peace

Thank you for the link, RichM. Have a good Christmas.


24 Dec 05 - 11:42 AM (#1634540)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: CarolC

Here's another one...

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3185482,00.html

Saudi rejects Iran Holocaust comments

Saudi Arabia envoy to U.S. tells Washinton Post Holocaust is undisputed "historical fact"
Ynetnews

Saudi Arabia joined the world Thursday in condemning remarks by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that the Holocaust is a myth, with the Muslim country�s new ambassador to the United States saying the �horrific genocide� is an undisputed �historical fact.�

Western countries have condemned Ahmadinejad�s comments broadcast on Iranian state television Wednesday where he denied the Holocaust and suggested Israel be moved to Alaska.

"As far as Saudi Arabia is concerned, that's a historical fact, you cannot deny that, and people should move forward from that," said Prince Turki al-Faisal during an interview with the Washington Post.
Iran

The Iranian President prompted a diplomatic uproar with the west with a number of hostile comments against the Jewish State, which ranged from lambasting Israel must be �wiped off the map� to suggesting Germany and Austria offer Jews land to form a state in Europe.

"As far as Saudi Arabia is concerned, that's a historical fact, you cannot deny that, and people should move forward from that," Turki said.

The extermination of 6 million Jews by Nazi Germany during World War II "of course has affected our part of the world because much of the European and American sympathy for the Zionist movement stemmed from that horrific genocide," Turki told the Washington Post. "The occupation of Palestine since then has been a consequence of that," he added.

Defending the Arab World�s policy towards Israel, Turki said Arab states have "made our peace" with the creation of Israel. He evoked a Saudi peace plan adopted by the Arab League in 2002, committing Arab nations to a peace process with Israel should the Jewish State agree to concede land it captured during the 1967 war and the creation of the Palestinian state. The Arab World will in return recognize Israel�s right to exist and push for normalization.

"It is a done deal for us," he said. "We are not going to go back on that."


24 Dec 05 - 12:51 PM (#1634592)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: CarolC

BTW, if Guest, 23 Dec 05 - 08:57 PM was you, beardedbruce, Happy Holidays to you also.


24 Dec 05 - 02:17 PM (#1634637)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: M.Ted

A bit late, Bearded Bruce, but my point is just that you tend to grab stuff and throw it out there with a "talk radio" comment, not wit--I suppose it works to provoke discussion, but it creates more heat than light, because you never present a coherent statement of your own, and people can drive trucks through the holes in your statement--

This is all fine for internet chat, but this issue needs more than BS, it needs understanding--


24 Dec 05 - 03:49 PM (#1634708)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)

"Whoever has saved a life, it will be as if he has saved the life of all mankind"
(Quran 5:32

Islam is not the problem, Extremist Arabs are the problem, but unfortunately they hide behind the Muslim religion.


24 Dec 05 - 05:48 PM (#1634774)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: beardedbruce

True, Dave.

I am still looking for Arab media comments on the two qotes. Thanks all for the sites provided so far.


24 Dec 05 - 06:43 PM (#1634805)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Peace

There are some, BB. But they ain't clawing at the gates to condemn that asshole's remarks about the Holocaust being a myth.


24 Dec 05 - 06:46 PM (#1634810)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Peace

Now another asshole is following suit:

The leader of Egypt's main Islamic opposition group said the Holocaust was a "myth," and he slammed Western governments for criticizing disclaimers of the Jewish genocide.

The comments by Muslim Brotherhood chief Mohammed Mahdi Akef -- made on the heels of his group's strong showing in Egyptian parliamentary elections -- echoed remarks made recently by Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, which sparked international outrage.

"Western democracies have slammed all those who don't see eye-to-eye with the Zionists regarding the myth of the Holocaust," Akef wrote in a weekly article meant as a directive to the group's followers on its official Web site.


24 Dec 05 - 06:48 PM (#1634811)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: GUEST

Actually, I have yet to see ANY ( besides the statements to the Washington Post, hardly Arab media) that complain the statements are untrue- just that they are counterproductive.

If there is such a groundswell of reasonable opinion, I would like to see some examples of it. All I have so far are OFFICIAL government and media acting as if the statements are true.


24 Dec 05 - 06:58 PM (#1634818)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Peace

Have you checked Al Jazeera?


24 Dec 05 - 08:03 PM (#1634845)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: GUEST

Al jezeera

The leader of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood has said that when he called the Holocaust a myth this week, he did not mean to say it never happened but wanted to highlight the West's attitude toward democracy.


The office of Muhammad Mahdi Akif, the "general guide" of the Islamist opposition group, said in a statement on Saturday that his remark on Thursday was meant merely to make a point about the West's attitude towards democracy and the Palestinians.

In a message on Thursday, Akif said: "Western democracy has attacked everyone who does not share the vision of the sons of Zion as far as the myth of the Holocaust is concerned."

.....

also

The head of the Muslim Brotherhood, the main opposition force in Egypt's parliament, has echoed Iran's president in describing the Holocaust as a myth.


"Western democracy has attacked everyone who does not share the vision of the sons of Zion as far as the myth of the Holocaust is concerned," Mohamed Akef said in a statement on Thursday.
   
Akef cited as evidence of Western intolerance the cases of Roger Garoudy, the writer who was convicted in France in 1998 of questioning the Holocaust, and David Irving, a British historian who faces similar charges in Austria next month.
   
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian president, caused an international uproar when he said in a speech on 14 December that the Holocaust was a myth.
   
An estimated six million Jews were killed by the Nazis and their allies between 1933 and 1945.

Last week Mohamed Habib, the deputy leader of the Brotherhood, asked about Ahmadinejad's denial of the Holocaust, said reports of Nazi attempts to wipe out European Jews might have been exaggerated.
   
"We don't have confirmed things to enable us to prove this matter or refute it," he said. "It needs documentation but what one can be sure of is that there were attacks on the Jews but not by means of gas chambers or perhaps not in these numbers or on this scale."
   
But Habib said the debate was irrelevant to the situation of the Palestinians. "What the Jews propagate about there being a Holocaust has nothing to do with the way they treat the Palestinians on the land of Palestine," he said.

...........

and

The head of the Muslim Brotherhood, the main opposition force in Egypt's parliament, has echoed Iran's president in describing the Holocaust as a myth.


"Western democracy has attacked everyone who does not share the vision of the sons of Zion as far as the myth of the Holocaust is concerned," Mohamed Akef said in a statement on Thursday.
   
Akef cited as evidence of Western intolerance the cases of Roger Garoudy, the writer who was convicted in France in 1998 of questioning the Holocaust, and David Irving, a British historian who faces similar charges in Austria next month.
   
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian president, caused an international uproar when he said in a speech on 14 December that the Holocaust was a myth.
   
An estimated six million Jews were killed by the Nazis and their allies between 1933 and 1945.

Last week Mohamed Habib, the deputy leader of the Brotherhood, asked about Ahmadinejad's denial of the Holocaust, said reports of Nazi attempts to wipe out European Jews might have been exaggerated.
   
"We don't have confirmed things to enable us to prove this matter or refute it," he said. "It needs documentation but what one can be sure of is that there were attacks on the Jews but not by means of gas chambers or perhaps not in these numbers or on this scale."
   
But Habib said the debate was irrelevant to the situation of the Palestinians. "What the Jews propagate about there being a Holocaust has nothing to do with the way they treat the Palestinians on the land of Palestine," he said.

......


Not a single word about the statement being wrong... Just that we don't understand what he was saying.


24 Dec 05 - 08:09 PM (#1634848)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: GUEST

also

More than one in seven people in Britain believe the scale of the Nazi Holocaust against Jews is exaggerated, according to a poll published on Friday.


The findings of the ICM survey, conducted for the Jewish Chronicle newspaper, showed that 15% of those polled agreed the scale of the Holocaust has been exaggerated.

Seventy percent disagreed with the statement, and 62% disagreed with it strongly, according to the survey, which was published in the left-wing Guardian daily newspaper.

Historians put the number of Jews killed during the Holocaust at around six million - a statistic compiled from post-World War II census numbers.

Moreover, nearly 20% of those questioned in the poll - timed to coincide with Holocaust Memorial Day next Tuesday - said that a Jewish prime minister would be less acceptable than a member of any other faith.

Asked whether a British Jew would make an equally acceptable prime minister as a member of any other faith, 53% agreed and 18% disagreed, 11% strongly.

....................


I guess we can't complain about an Arab leader making statements that so many in Britain agree with.....


24 Dec 05 - 08:56 PM (#1634878)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Once Famous

Bearded Bruce, I want to thank you for starting this thread. If you wouldn't have done it, I would have done the same as you, just put it out there like you did and watch all of the usual anti-Jew, anti-Israel types condemn it and hence be just as fanatic as the Iranian and Egyptian Islamic morons who downplay the holocaust.

These Mudcatters do it everytime and they are truly Mudcat's disgrace.


24 Dec 05 - 09:07 PM (#1634883)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)

The modern state of Israel was forged in the fires of Belsen, Dachau, Aushwitz et al... As the most persecuted race of people on this planet who can deny the Jews of Israel the right to exist?
There is enough room for us all, and the statements from Iran scare the hell out of me, because we will be next after Israel. Fanaticism of this kind cannot be tolerated by any peace loving people of any religion. It is time we hear condemnation of these extremists and we need help to eliminate this threat to world peace.


24 Dec 05 - 09:12 PM (#1634888)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Once Famous

Well said, Dave.

Unfortunately we don't hearthe condemnation nearly as loud as we hear the statements. And you are right. We will be next after Israel. The process has already started. Too many here way to blind and stupid to realize that.


26 Dec 05 - 11:27 AM (#1634912)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: CarolC

Look again at the article in my 24 Dec 05 - 11:42 AM post, Guest, 24 Dec 05 - 06:48 PM. The Saudi Arabian envoy to U.S. disagreed with the Holocaust denial, saying the "Holocaust is undisputed 'historical fact'"

And now, all of those who are saying they have made exhaustive searches of "Arab media" and found nothing, tell me which "Arab media" you have searched. I'd like to have a look at those media myself.


26 Dec 05 - 12:01 PM (#1634948)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Donuel

This thread has inspired me to answer this question with a picture of people waitng atop thick ice, atop the fringes of hell for a moderate Islamic voice.
However, I am not entirely sure if it is deserved.

The hearts of men greedy for oil is what seems to have frozen over.
Hell seems hotter and busier than ever.
A lack of moderate voices is not soley an Arab domain.

By having a supposed Christian fundamentalist US president and a terrorist enemy defined by Muslim fundamentalist voices, we have seen the building of a perfect storm.


26 Dec 05 - 12:30 PM (#1634959)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Once Famous

Donuel, I don't see any Christian suicide bombers, Donuel. Nor do I see any Christians calling anyone infidels, either asking for the destruction ofr a whole nation such as Israel.


26 Dec 05 - 01:05 PM (#1634993)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)

Donuel, The Arabs own the oil and are rich because of it. Oil is not the issue. People who train and encourage their young to become suicide bombers; and who use a religion to justify murder are the issue and are not fit to exist on this planet full stop. Enough said.


26 Dec 05 - 01:08 PM (#1634999)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: GUEST,Merde, alors!

But you do hear fundamentalist Christians referring to "secular humanists" with a great degree of comtempt. Same difference. An "infidel" is someone who doesn't believe as you do.


26 Dec 05 - 03:14 PM (#1635074)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: CarolC

On the subject of Muslim martyrs...

About Muslims who died fighting Hitler


26 Dec 05 - 10:06 PM (#1635206)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Once Famous

Guest, Merde, alors or whatever you call yourself.

Yeah, I see those Christian fundamentalists on TV cable stations. They are pretty harmless compared to the Islamic terrorists you DON'T see until they detonate themselves.

Two different types of bird, pal.


26 Dec 05 - 10:12 PM (#1635209)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Ebbie

The posts of 9:07 and 9:12 agree that "we are next". Please, Dave, who is "we"?


27 Dec 05 - 02:52 PM (#1635526)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: GUEST,Geoduck

BB is right.

Iran is setting itself up to be nuked by Israel and they are giving Israel the perfect excuse.


27 Dec 05 - 05:47 PM (#1635631)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Once Famous

Go for it.


28 Dec 05 - 05:47 PM (#1636237)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Wolfgang

all of those who are saying they have made exhaustive searches of "Arab media" and found nothing... (Carol)

A nice example of a strawman argumentation.

No one has claimed to have made an 'exhaustive' search and I guess no one ever could both for a lack of knowledge of the language and for a lack of access to all of these media.

You can be sure, Carol, that nobody comes up to claim that but that proves nothing.

You'd like to have a look at Arab media yourself, you say. Have a look here for one instance in which there was mere reporting (including the reactions) and nothing else. There have been condemning Arab/Muslim voices for Ahmadinejad's neo-Nazi remarks, but an overview of the Muslim press in a German newspaper has summarized that most of them only reported without comment.

Wolfgang

Wolfgang

Wolfgang


28 Dec 05 - 05:59 PM (#1636246)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Little Hawk

The common thing in life is...people find exactly what they are predisposed to look for, and don't usually seem to find much else.


28 Dec 05 - 06:32 PM (#1636279)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: CarolC

all of those who are saying they have made exhaustive searches of "Arab media" and found nothing... (Carol)

A nice example of a strawman argumentation


Except, Wolfgang Wolfgang Wolfgang, I really would like to know where those who state categorically that such dialogue is not taking place, are, in fact, looking.

So wrong again.


28 Dec 05 - 07:06 PM (#1636303)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: pdq

From: CarolC - PM
Date: 24 Dec 05 - 11:42 AM

"Defending the Arab World's policy towards Israel, Turki said Arab states have "made our peace" with the creation of Israel. He evoked a Saudi peace plan adopted by the Arab League in 2002, committing Arab nations to a peace process with Israel should the Jewish State agree to concede land it captured during the 1967 war and the creation of the Palestinian state. The Arab World will in return recognize Israel's right to exist and push for normalization."

Actually, that statement says "we will never recognise Israel and will never recognise it's right to exist unless Israel retreats back to the pre-1967 war borders AND creates a new state called Palestine. Until then, we reserve the right to drive all Jews into the ocean and shoot all of those who can swim."

You just have to understand diplo-speak.


28 Dec 05 - 07:29 PM (#1636323)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: CarolC

So according to the "diplo-speak" way of understanding people, I guess we should interpret the Israeli government's statements that they are "willing to consider a two state solution" to mean, "we will continue to consider it for as long as it takes us to clear all of the Palestinians off of their land".


28 Dec 05 - 08:02 PM (#1636350)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: CarolC

From Wolfgang's link...

"Teheran s'est efforce jeudi de minimiser la portee des propos d' Ahmadinejad. 'La politique de l' Iran vis-a-vis d'Israel restera inchangee. Nous ne voulons pas de confrontation avec l'Occident', a assure a Reuters un responsable iranien ayant requis l'anonymat.

'Ahmadinejad a exprime son souhait, mais cela ne signifie pas que l'Iran va prendre des mesures concretes pour detruite l'Etat d'Israel', a-t-il ajoute."

_____________________

Anyway, I didn't say any of the Arab sources had condemned what Ahmadinejad said. That's your straw man argument, Wolfgang. I said they criticized Ahmadinejad's remarks. And I have already provided several examples of those criticisms.

But on the subject of straw man argumentations, it is a straw man argument to imply that such discussion is not taking place just because one has not seen it. And people are implying just that here in this thread.


28 Dec 05 - 08:06 PM (#1636355)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Peace

"Iran is setting itself up to be nuked by Israel and they are giving Israel the perfect excuse."

This coming from the same troll who said WMDs had been found in Iraq.


28 Dec 05 - 08:57 PM (#1636390)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Donuel

I believe some of you here are ignoring the war culture of America and the tradition of American military schools and culture.
Of course I don't expect anyone here to have attended the College of the Americas.


28 Dec 05 - 10:02 PM (#1636407)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: GUEST,Troll

Peice is brilliant!


28 Dec 05 - 11:51 PM (#1636498)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: InOBU

Well... since most Americans can't tell an "Arab" from many muslim cultures in the vaguely same region, I start by saying a Persian ( Iraqui-AMerican) journalist - when we were in high school together, Anisa Mehdi, taught this Quaker a huge amount about moderation and fairmindedness. ... and yes I have known a number of moderate "Arabic" people as well...
lor


29 Dec 05 - 06:22 PM (#1636949)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: GUEST,Queen Esther

Well... since most Americans can't tell an "Arab" from many muslim cultures in the vaguely same region, I start by saying a Persian ( Iraqui-AMerican) journalist - when we were in high school together, Anisa Mehdi, taught this Quaker a huge amount about moderation and fairmindedness. ... and yes I have known a number of moderate "Arabic" people as well...
lor


Judging from your post, you're like "most Americans" that you complain about. Persians come from Iran. Iraq is an Arab society. If your friend was Iraqi, he was either Arab (most likely) or Kurdish. If he was Persian, he originated in Iran.


29 Dec 05 - 06:46 PM (#1636958)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Little Hawk

In regards to this thread...I see a picture today in the Toronto Star of a mass demonstration by Muslims in Bangladesh AGAINST Muslim militancy, suicide bombings, and such violent tactics by Muslim militants...and in favour of peaceful coexistence between Muslims and other people. It was organized by the largest Muslim political party in Bangladesh.

I have read no articles about it anywhere, but they did print the photo.

Maybe it is not really considered to be all that "newsworthy". Whaddya think? Too much like good news?


29 Dec 05 - 09:09 PM (#1637035)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Once Famous

Perhaps they should hire some new PR people. They sure could use some.


30 Dec 05 - 08:36 AM (#1637301)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: beardedbruce

...
From: CarolC - PM
Date: 23 Dec 05 - 10:14 AM

BTW, Moderate "Arab" governments and media did indeed condemn Ahmadinejad's remarks. I saw several stories that were specifically about those condemnations. For CNN or anyone else to say otherwise is a lie. And you are helping them to spread that (prejudiced) lie, beardedbruce.
.........................................

From: CarolC - PM
Date: 28 Dec 05 - 08:02 PM

...
_____________________

Anyway, I didn't say any of the Arab sources had condemned what Ahmadinejad said. That's your straw man argument, Wolfgang. I said they criticized Ahmadinejad's remarks. And I have already provided several examples of those criticisms.


30 Dec 05 - 10:33 AM (#1637373)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: CarolC

Yes, you are correct, beardedbruce. When I went back to look at previous posts this is the one I noticed...

Just because you haven't seen or heard the criticisms from moderate Arabs doesn't mean they didn't happen.

I stand corrected on my use of the word "condemn". But upon reflection, I don't necessarily think that "condemn" is too strong a word for some of the things I read coming from some of the Arab sources I quoted. Especially the ones who compared Ahmadinejad to Saddam Hussein and Muammar Gadhafi.

As we can see from Little Hawk's experience with the media coverage (or appalling lack of coverage) of the demonstration by Muslim moderates in Bangladesh, the fault lies not with the moderate Muslims, who are certainly taking a stand against extremism... the fault lies in the prejudices of the Western media, who refuse to cover these things when they happen.

And even when they do cover them, they try to spin their coverage so that the real story... the large numbers of moderate voices, don't get heard, and only the few extremists (like Ahmadinejad for instance), get noticed.

That event at which Ahmadinejad made those remarks was a very important event. It was Arab and Muslim moderates taking a stand against extremism and violence. But did you happen to notice it? No, of course you didn't. And that's because all of the news media was focused on only one thing... Ahmadinejad's remarks. Even though he was only one person and the moderates were many. And in the aftermath, even though there were moderate voices criticizing (and in some cases, condemning) those remarks, the Western media did everything they could to downplay any critical responses from Arabs and Muslims.

The problem lies more with the prejudices of the Western media against Arabs and Muslims than anything else.


30 Dec 05 - 10:37 AM (#1637377)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: beardedbruce

"the fault lies in the prejudices of the Western media, who refuse to cover these things when they happen"

100% agreement on this.


"Ahmadinejad's remarks. Even though he was only one person and the moderates were many"

One person who is president of a ( soon to be) nuclear power. So, when the world press concentrates on Bush, and the world thinks the US is warlike, you will agree that the problem is the prejudices of the world press, and NOT the policies advocated by Bush?


30 Dec 05 - 10:43 AM (#1637382)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Little Hawk

Well, if you want a war and support for further war, what events would you choose to focus on? Those that unite people or those that divide them? Do you really imagine that it's all just accidental how the news gets reported? I don't. There are big interests involved in all of this.

"Brave New World" and "1984" were both prescient books, inacurrate in a detailed sense, rather more accurate in their general theme. We are living in a society based upon mass manipulation of people's appetites, desires, habits, and expectations. Majority viewpoint is a carefully manufactured item these days...just as it was in the Third Reich.

No modern public would support the idea of wars of aggression, were they properly informed about all the factors involved from the start.


30 Dec 05 - 10:47 AM (#1637387)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: beardedbruce

LH,

"No modern public would support the idea of wars of aggression, were they properly informed about all the factors involved from the start. "

Agreed. The problem is that the definition of aggression is not always clear. Is it aggression to wage war to remove people from a land a group thinks it should have? Or to prevent genocide?


30 Dec 05 - 11:13 AM (#1637406)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: CarolC

Here's another story we didn't hear about in the West - moderate Muslim youth putting their lives on the line to protect Christians against extremists in Indonesia...

http://www.financialexpress.com/latest_full_story.php?content_id=111034

"JAKARTA, DECEMBER 9: Volunteers from Indonesia's largest Islamic organisation will guard churches across the world's most populous Muslim nation on Christmas amid fears of terrorist attacks on those places, the group said on Friday.

Jakarta police have said they would boost security in the capital ahead of Christmas to avoid a repeat of 2000 Christmas Eve bombings on churches in several Indonesian cities, including in the country's capital.

A youth wing affiliated with Indonesia's largest Muslim group Nahdlatul Ulama, some 40 million strong, said that members would guard churches for the coming Christmas festivities and it had persuaded youths from other religions to join the project."


30 Dec 05 - 11:19 AM (#1637412)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: CarolC

One person who is president of a ( soon to be) nuclear power. So, when the world press concentrates on Bush, and the world thinks the US is warlike, you will agree that the problem is the prejudices of the world press, and NOT the policies advocated by Bush?

When the world press concentrates on Bush, they are certainly ignoring quite a lot of other people who deserve scrutiny. However, whether or not the US is warlike is a matter of history. We are warlike because we often start wars.

And I agree that Ahmadinejad is too dangerous to be president of Iran, but that still doesn't support the idea that there is any shortage of moderate Muslims attempting to be heard.


02 Jan 06 - 06:09 AM (#1639448)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: beardedbruce

CarolC,

However, whether or not Iran is warlike is a matter of history. They are warlike because we often start wars. Just look at the last quarter century.


"but that still doesn't support the idea that there is any shortage of moderate Muslims attempting to be heard. "

My complaint is that there are too few in the Arab media, the Arab governments, and here in the US willing to CONDEMM what some of the world feels is unacceptable threats to the existance of another nation. Note that he did not say " unless they do x or y": He presumes the destruction of an entire people.


02 Jan 06 - 06:22 AM (#1639460)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: beardedbruce

They often start wars...

Too early to be typing...


03 Jan 06 - 12:38 AM (#1640171)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: CarolC

However, whether or not Iran is warlike is a matter of history. They are warlike because we often start wars. Just look at the last quarter century.

They are warlike because we often start wars?

My complaint is that there are too few in the Arab media, the Arab governments, and here in the US willing to CONDEMM what some of the world feels is unacceptable threats to the existance of nation.

But we see over and over, whenever Arab media or politicians do condemn things like that, they are called liars and people accuse them of not being sincere. Doesn't matter what they do... they're going to be slammed for it either way.

Note that he did not say " unless they do x or y": He presumes the destruction of an entire people.

He's not calling for the destruction of an entire people. He's talking about the dismantling of a political entity. He want's to move the people who reside within the area governed by that political entity someplace else... certainly a reprehensible thing in itself, but he did not say anything at all about what should happen to the Jews in the Diaspora, and he has not called for killing anyone. His comments are not at all the same thing as calling for the destruction of an entire people.


03 Jan 06 - 11:37 AM (#1640401)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: CarolC

Ha. Looks like I missed your correction post (must have been the birthday champagne).

However, whether or not Iran is warlike is a matter of history. They are warlike because they often start wars. Just look at the last quarter century.

Which wars did Iran start in the last quarter century?


03 Jan 06 - 12:48 PM (#1640450)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Leadfingers

100 !!!! (Or is that too Immoderate?)


03 Jan 06 - 08:10 PM (#1640760)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Peace

"The Persian Wars started in 490 B.C. The war started when the Persians built a vast empire and tried to conquer Greece."


04 Jan 06 - 06:40 PM (#1641364)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Dave the Gnome

Which wars did Iran start in the last quarter century?

I'm pretty sure it was Iran that invaded Kuwait. Or am I missing something? I'm pretty sure it was Husssain and his henchmen that tried to chemicaly clense the Kurds out of existance. Or did that not happen either? Perhaps like the Hollocaust?

I genuinely believe that most Arabs, be they Moslem, Christian or Jew, do not want wars. Just as most members of the afore mentioned religions don't. I think we will see, in our lifetime, the moderation of the peoples of the middle east come to fruition. The Christians have been about for 2000 years - and they have not fully accepted moderation yet. The Jews have been about for over twice as long and they can still throw the odd missile about - Mind you 14 million Jews surrounded by 1.4 billion Moslems could make them a little jumpy! The Moslems have only been around 1500 years or so. Hopefuly they will show everyone that the majority are moderate sooner than the other major faiths have. We can but pray:-)

Mind you, once that threat has past which bogeyman can the powers that be blame for all the worlds ills then? The Mudcat perhaps. Or some of it's more radical members...;-)

Cheers

Dave the Gnome


04 Jan 06 - 06:42 PM (#1641367)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: bobad

It was Iraq, Dave.


04 Jan 06 - 06:46 PM (#1641369)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Dave the Gnome

Sorry all - and to Carol and the people of Iran especialy! - I replaced a q with an n of course! I don't think the Iranians are entirely blameless - Remember the Iranian embassy seige in 1980? But to tar their leaders with the same brush as Hussain was very wrong of me and done entirely by mistake. I would say Mea Maxima Culpa but that would give my religion away so I'll say very sorry again instead:-(

Anyhow - the rest of my post still stands:-)

Cheers

DtG


04 Jan 06 - 06:47 PM (#1641370)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Dave the Gnome

I noticed before you posted bobad - Honest! But thanks for pointing it out anyway:-)


04 Jan 06 - 09:19 PM (#1641536)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: CarolC

DAVID the Gnome...

When you said this in your 04 Jan 06 - 06:40 PM post:

Or did that not happen either? Perhaps like the Hollocaust?

Did you intend to imply that I am a holocaust denier?


05 Jan 06 - 04:01 AM (#1641781)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Dave the Gnome

Carol, in a nutshell, No.

Longer story - I never try to imply anything. If I am going to say something I say it. I find implication, hint and heresay quite ridiculous in an argument. Sarcasm, irony and downright offensiveness are quite different kettles of fish of course:-)

What did you mean by your question? I could understand you laughing at my mistake or dismissing the whole post on the basis that I cocked it up. Did you intend to imply that I may have meant something I did not mean but implied that I intended to do something else?

Hope that has cleared it up...


Cheers

DtG
(Only my mother uses David btw and you can't fool me - She hasn't got a computer. Unless...)


05 Jan 06 - 11:21 AM (#1642019)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: CarolC

What did you mean by your question?

It looked like you could have been implying that, but I didn't want to assume. So I asked. Thanks for clearing it up.


05 Jan 06 - 01:04 PM (#1642108)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: Dave the Gnome

Ahhhh - Well I thought it looked like you could have been implying that I could have been intimating that that you intended to implicate me in infering that you might be asking an incidious question based on an assumption that I believed that you thought that I might have deduced that you guessed that I may have a vague idea of what I was talking about. When I didn't at all.

But now I know better. Unless you HAVE been talking to my mother...

:D


05 Jan 06 - 01:26 PM (#1642137)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for Moderate Arab Voices...
From: CarolC

;-)