Written by Rebecca Easterling
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Rebecca Easterling
Christian Web News -
Shehata Sabri, a 25 year old Coptic Christian living in Egypt was set on fire by a Muslim man who was angry over rumors of a romance between Sabri and the man’s sister. The tragedy took place in the village of Dmas Meet-Ghamr after a rumor spread of a relationship between the 25-year-old Copt, and the sister of a Muslim man named Yasser Ahmed Qasim.According to the report, Qasim poured gasoline over Sabri and set him on fire as bystanders looked on in horror. The young Copt threw himself into a nearby canal to try to put out the flames. Sabri died from his injuries.
During the commotion, the father of the victim was attacked by a group of Muslims who stabbed him with knives and daggers; one stab penetrated his back and came out of his abdomen below the rib cage, resulting in his death.Rami Sabri Shehata, the 22-year-old brother of the burning victim, was also beaten and sustained serious injury to the head.Security forces were deployed to the village of 60,000 people, which includes more than 1,000 Coptic Christians, and the victims' house was surrounded.Several Muslims were reportedly charged with homicide, according to a translation of news accounts by Voice of the Copts
freecopts
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
GAFFNEY: Embracing of Shariah?
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
19 - March - 2009 /
COMMENTARY:
President Obama on Friday reiterated for the umpteenth time his determination to develop a "new relationship" with the Muslim world. On this occasion, the audience were the leaders of Saudi Arabia , Indonesia and the Philippines .
Unfortunately, it increasingly appears that, in so doing, he will be embracing the agenda of the Muslim Brotherhood - an organization dedicated to promoting the theo-political-legal program authoritative Islam calls Shariah and that has the self-described mission of "destroying Western civilization from within."
As part of Mr. Obama's "Respect Islam" campaign, he will travel to Turkey in early April. While there, he will not only pay tribute to an Islamist government that has systematically wrested every institution from the secular tradition of Kemal Ataturk and put the country squarely on the path to Islamification. He will also participate in something called the " Alliance of Civilizations."
The Alliance is a United Nations-sponsored affair that reflects - as, increasingly do most things the United Nations is involved in - the views of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). The OIC is made up of 57 Muslim-majority nations. Thanks to support from Saudi Arabia and its proxies, the Muslim Brotherhood has become a driving force within the Conference and their agendas largely coincide.
For example, in 2005 a communique issued after a summit in Mecca declared: "The Conference underlined the need to collectively endeavor to reflect the noble Islamic values, counter Islamophobia, defamation of Islam and its values and desecration of Islamic holy sites, and to effectively coordinate with states as well as regional and international institutions and organizations to urge them to criminalize this phenomenon as a form of racism."
Ominously, as part of its bid to "criminalize" Islamophobia, the OIC is seeking "deterrent punishments." It insists that not only freedom of expression but all human rights be circumscribed by the OIC's 1990 Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam, which concludes with the caveat that, "All the rights and freedoms stipulated in this Declaration are subject to the Islamic Shariah." Translation: Liberties enshrined in the United Nations' foundational Universal Declaration of Human Rights are largely rendered null and void.
The demand that no criticism of Islam be permitted is the pre-eminent feature of the Muslim Brotherhood's efforts in the West. In fact, it is but the leading edge of the Brothers' bid to suppress public awareness of the threat posed by their program in societies that pride themselves on religious tolerance, thereby facilitating seditious penetration and influence operations by the Shariah-adherent.
A playbook for the latter can be found in a publication issued last fall by the U.S.-Muslim Engagement Project being aggressively promoted to the Obama administration and Congress by a number of its non-Muslim participants. Notably, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright recently effusively presented to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee the Project's book titled "Changing Course: A New Direction for U.S. Relations with the Muslim World." Former Minnesota Rep. Vin Weber did the same at Grover Norquist's weekly meeting of conservative activists last week.
Underwritten largely by George Soros' and other left-wing foundations, "Changing Course" seems to reflect predominantly the recommendations of groups the government has established are Muslim Brotherhood fronts, such as the Islamic Society of North America and the Muslim Public Affairs Council. Both are represented in the Engagement Project's "Leadership Group." Accordingly, its book calls for:
c "Engagement with groups that have clearly demonstrated a commitment to nonviolent participation in politics" (read, the Brotherhood).
c "Not equat[ing] reform with secularism, nor ... assum[ing] that reformers who advocate some form of Shariah as the basis for the rule of law will inevitably abuse human rights or adopt anti-American policies."
c "Not supply[ing] additional ammunition to extremists by linking the term 'Islam' or key tenets of the religion of Islam with the actions of extremist or terrorist groups."
c Launching "an education program comparable in scale" to "the more than $7 billion" invested in the "post-Sputnik U.S. commitment to math and science education" to "education on Islam and Muslims, sustained over a decade or more, focused on teacher training and curriculum in middle and high schools, and colleges."
Emboldened by the promise of this influence operation and the apparent willingness of the Obama administration to embrace the Muslim Brotherhood's agenda - in part, if not in its entirety - the organization's assorted fronts in America are becoming ever more audacious.
In response to a long-overdue decision taken by the FBI last year to terminate "sensitivity training" of its agents by one of the most prominent of these fronts, the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), assorted Brotherhood groups and operatives reportedly intend to announce that Muslims will henceforth cease any and all cooperation with U.S. law enforcement until CAIR is rehabilitated.
Such a step would call into question the patriotism of the many Muslims in America who do not embrace the Brotherhood's Shariah agenda - something that would, presumably, be as offensive to them as it would be troubling to the rest of us. It could also expose those engaged in it to criminal charges of "misprision of felony," conspiring to withhold information from the authorities concerning terrorist operations and activities in the Muslim community.
The message should go forth: Friends of the Muslim Brotherhood are no friends of America . We follow their guidance at our peril.
Frank J. Gaffney Jr. is president of the Center for Security Policy and a columnist for The Washington Times.
19 - March - 2009 /
COMMENTARY:
President Obama on Friday reiterated for the umpteenth time his determination to develop a "new relationship" with the Muslim world. On this occasion, the audience were the leaders of Saudi Arabia , Indonesia and the Philippines .
Unfortunately, it increasingly appears that, in so doing, he will be embracing the agenda of the Muslim Brotherhood - an organization dedicated to promoting the theo-political-legal program authoritative Islam calls Shariah and that has the self-described mission of "destroying Western civilization from within."
As part of Mr. Obama's "Respect Islam" campaign, he will travel to Turkey in early April. While there, he will not only pay tribute to an Islamist government that has systematically wrested every institution from the secular tradition of Kemal Ataturk and put the country squarely on the path to Islamification. He will also participate in something called the " Alliance of Civilizations."
The Alliance is a United Nations-sponsored affair that reflects - as, increasingly do most things the United Nations is involved in - the views of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). The OIC is made up of 57 Muslim-majority nations. Thanks to support from Saudi Arabia and its proxies, the Muslim Brotherhood has become a driving force within the Conference and their agendas largely coincide.
For example, in 2005 a communique issued after a summit in Mecca declared: "The Conference underlined the need to collectively endeavor to reflect the noble Islamic values, counter Islamophobia, defamation of Islam and its values and desecration of Islamic holy sites, and to effectively coordinate with states as well as regional and international institutions and organizations to urge them to criminalize this phenomenon as a form of racism."
Ominously, as part of its bid to "criminalize" Islamophobia, the OIC is seeking "deterrent punishments." It insists that not only freedom of expression but all human rights be circumscribed by the OIC's 1990 Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam, which concludes with the caveat that, "All the rights and freedoms stipulated in this Declaration are subject to the Islamic Shariah." Translation: Liberties enshrined in the United Nations' foundational Universal Declaration of Human Rights are largely rendered null and void.
The demand that no criticism of Islam be permitted is the pre-eminent feature of the Muslim Brotherhood's efforts in the West. In fact, it is but the leading edge of the Brothers' bid to suppress public awareness of the threat posed by their program in societies that pride themselves on religious tolerance, thereby facilitating seditious penetration and influence operations by the Shariah-adherent.
A playbook for the latter can be found in a publication issued last fall by the U.S.-Muslim Engagement Project being aggressively promoted to the Obama administration and Congress by a number of its non-Muslim participants. Notably, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright recently effusively presented to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee the Project's book titled "Changing Course: A New Direction for U.S. Relations with the Muslim World." Former Minnesota Rep. Vin Weber did the same at Grover Norquist's weekly meeting of conservative activists last week.
Underwritten largely by George Soros' and other left-wing foundations, "Changing Course" seems to reflect predominantly the recommendations of groups the government has established are Muslim Brotherhood fronts, such as the Islamic Society of North America and the Muslim Public Affairs Council. Both are represented in the Engagement Project's "Leadership Group." Accordingly, its book calls for:
c "Engagement with groups that have clearly demonstrated a commitment to nonviolent participation in politics" (read, the Brotherhood).
c "Not equat[ing] reform with secularism, nor ... assum[ing] that reformers who advocate some form of Shariah as the basis for the rule of law will inevitably abuse human rights or adopt anti-American policies."
c "Not supply[ing] additional ammunition to extremists by linking the term 'Islam' or key tenets of the religion of Islam with the actions of extremist or terrorist groups."
c Launching "an education program comparable in scale" to "the more than $7 billion" invested in the "post-Sputnik U.S. commitment to math and science education" to "education on Islam and Muslims, sustained over a decade or more, focused on teacher training and curriculum in middle and high schools, and colleges."
Emboldened by the promise of this influence operation and the apparent willingness of the Obama administration to embrace the Muslim Brotherhood's agenda - in part, if not in its entirety - the organization's assorted fronts in America are becoming ever more audacious.
In response to a long-overdue decision taken by the FBI last year to terminate "sensitivity training" of its agents by one of the most prominent of these fronts, the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), assorted Brotherhood groups and operatives reportedly intend to announce that Muslims will henceforth cease any and all cooperation with U.S. law enforcement until CAIR is rehabilitated.
Such a step would call into question the patriotism of the many Muslims in America who do not embrace the Brotherhood's Shariah agenda - something that would, presumably, be as offensive to them as it would be troubling to the rest of us. It could also expose those engaged in it to criminal charges of "misprision of felony," conspiring to withhold information from the authorities concerning terrorist operations and activities in the Muslim community.
The message should go forth: Friends of the Muslim Brotherhood are no friends of America . We follow their guidance at our peril.
Frank J. Gaffney Jr. is president of the Center for Security Policy and a columnist for The Washington Times.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Muslim extremists abduct more Coptic girls and The Egyptian police follow the extremist’s approach
Cases of abduction of Coptic Egyptian girls are deemed to be a staggering problem in Egypt. Coptic girls are abducted by Muslim fundamentalists from all across Egypt. In addition, the Egyptian police lean towards the extremists’ side. The Police do not only protect the kidnappers, but also detain the girls families when they file complain in the police stations. In a recent case, the Egyptian police created a set up to arrest the family members of Dimiana Makarm Hanna, 21 years old. Dimiana was kidnapped by Muslim extremists in July, 06 in the Fayom Province, North East, Cairo. Along with thousands of other Coptic Christians, Dimiana’s family protested her abduction and the unfair treatment they received by the police. Accordingly, they were arrested and detained by the Egyptian State Security Intelligence (ESSI). The ESSI also arrested members of clergy of the Coptic Orthodox church who has called for the immediate release of Dimiana Hanna. The names of these clergy are Tadrous Naser, Naser Kalaf, William Massoud, and Issaq Aziz. After two weeks of their detention, The Egyptian authorities released the previously mentioned individuals. Their release was contingent upon the cessation of calling for Dimina’s return to her Christian Family. The National American Coptic Assembly demands the US Congress to fully implement the Religious Freedom Act. The American administration should also pressure the Egyptian government to punish the kidnappers and preclude these cases of abductions.
Morris Sadek – ESQ
special Legal consultant – DC bar
Egyptian advocate
National American Coptic Assembly President
Morris Sadek – ESQ
special Legal consultant – DC bar
Egyptian advocate
National American Coptic Assembly President
The Third Jihad: vedio
Washington DC
Mr. Morris Sadek-ESQ President http://www.nationalamericancopticassembly.webs.com/
The Third Jihad:
an important documentarywakeup...wakeup..Christian, Jews and non believer of Islam. Are we going to wait till they take over our land ,our freedom???????If you care about America, Australia and Europe. If you care about your future and the future of your children, You must tell your leaders about Islam and tell your friends , what Islam will do to your children within 25 years. My question: Are our politicians naive or are selling the country for some cheap, worthless political gain?
You should watch this movie,
the Third Jihad:
from HAL M. MEAWAD
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Islamist Hate Exposed - Islamist School in Fairfax County, Virginia
Click on the picture to watch the video
Source: right Side News
Mar 25, 2009
-- The Islamic Saudi Academy (ISA) in Fairfax, VA went before the local planning commission Wednesday night to seek an expansion of their controversial and secretive school funded and controlled by the Saudi government. A large group of residents near the school asked the Traditional Values Coalition for help in organizing and strategizing against the expansion, which has seen raids by local police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and used anti-Christian, anti-Semitic and anti-American textbooks. The school is operated by the government of Saudi Arabia and there has been some confusion over whether federal or local officials should take jurisdiction over the extremist Wahhabbi teaching and clandestine activities which have marked the ISA's history. Andrea Lafferty, TVC Executive Director was among those who testified at the raucous hearing--which lasted until after 2:30am-- had an overflow crowd and featured a large presence by supporters of the Islamic Saudi Academy. Residents near the ISA and members of local churches also attended the hearing in large numbers and voiced their opposition to the ISA. Here are some highlights of what she told the Commissioners: The campus of the Islamic Saudi Academy operates under the principles of Shariah law. The principal who was arrested for not reporting the sexual abuse of the five year-old student was following Shariah law when he turned the child back to her abusive father and suggested he "get control" of her. Under brutal Shariah law, children do not have basic human rights and neither do women. The ISA texts have included : * peaceful coexistence with so-called "infidels" is unattainable and that violence to spread Islam is not only permissible, but an obligation. * in order to safeguard their own religion, they must violently repress and even physically eliminate the other. * A narrative and drawing of the most efficient way to cut off the hand and foot of a thief. Is cutting off someone's hands the sort of "free exercise of religious belief" which our fellow Virginian Thomas Jefferson envisioned in the First Amendment to our Constitution? * Apostates (those who convert from Islam), homosexuals, adulterers and people who murder Muslims can be permissibly killed. * The apes are Jews, the keepers of the Sabbath; while the swine are the Christian infidels of the communion of Jesus Let's be frank. Every time the Islamic Saudi Academy gets caught with hate filled textbooks they claim they have fixed the problem--- by crossing out a line with a sharpie pen, whiting out a section or simply tearing out a page and the ISA says is fixed. But you can't fix what the Wahhabists teach. Remember that 15 out of 19 of the 9-11 hijackers were Saudi nationals learning from these very textbooks. Since the Commission made it clear they did not want to hear any concerns except those they deemed related to "land use," Andrea closed with this statement: The narrow definition of land use made me wonder as I prepared my testimony: Was there a Planning Commission in Auschwitz? Were they more concerned about the upkeep of the property and the loud clatter of trains going in and out all night or, perhaps, the smoke stacks which spoiled the sunset. What if someone had gone beyond the form and dealt with the substance of how the land inside that institution was really being used? Are we too avoiding mentioning the obvious in our discussion of land use at the Islamic Saudi Academy? TVC witnesses were jeered and booed by some in the crowd - many of whom wore long gowns and head coverings or veils. One member of the commission insisted that TVC Executive Director Andrea Lafferty say the names of the "cowardly politicians" cited in a TVC flyer distributed by local residents and church activists. Before she could answer, many people in the audience responded "You" loudly and then shouted out names of local liberal politicians. The chairman had to gavel the hearing to order so that the audience would stop shouting the names of the liberal bosses. We believe the ISA's objective is to train young Muslims to become the next generation of homicide bombers and terrorists. They want to ensure that their kids grow-up to hate our kids and they work to guarantee that jihadist violence will continue for another generation. Cowardly politicians of both political parties take money from Islamist Political Action Committees and do their bidding when it comes to official business like the planning commission. Local residents were astonished at the treatment they received from the commissioners as compared to the deferential and preferred treatment given by Islamic Saudi Academy proponents. Virginians who expect fair treatment from their government are being outbid by the Saudi extremists who pump money and illegal grassroots support into the campaigns of the liberal Congressman and Board of Supervisor candidates' campaigns. The local homeowners thanked TVC for the expertise and support it provided in their efforts to fight the well-financed ISA which brought a large entourage of lawyers and consultants to the hearing. Officials from the Council on Islamic Relations (CAIR) attended and monitored it from the back of the room. Pamela Gellar of Atlas Shrugs has a humorous take on last night's raucous hearing before the Fairfax County Planning Commission. Read her twitter.
copticnews.ca
the situation of the Copts in Egypt -The Most Respected Law in the Land
On July 18, 2008, a ten-page letter was sent by facsimile from the office of Egypt’s Foreign Minister to his counterpart in a certain country in Central Europe, regarding the situation of the Copts in Egypt. It came in response to queries that followed strong complaints by that country’s citizens of Egyptian origin.At the time, we were careful not to rush to comment - hoping that the mere fact of trying to send such an elaborate letter might be an indication that the “political leadership” in Egypt has finally come to realize the need to address the “Coptic Issue,” rather than continue to live in denial.However, months passed by without the least indication of an intention to take any action - except sending a number of missions to try to stifle the rising anger of Diaspora Copts. Therefore, we felt it necessary to go back to that letter with analysis and comments. In this article we shall limit ourselves to the “church building” issue, as it has become a flaring point and a source of numerous attacks against innocent Copts, over the years.*** �Under the title “Churches in Egypt,” the Egyptian letter says:Year Expansion, Reparation, Restoration and Maintenance of Churches New Churches1998 179 51999 340 102000 399 102001 304 122002 175 22003 237 82004 165 62005 273 92006 310 12007 91 2 2475 65(Note that the correct total of the second column should be 2473).Governorate Number of Churches & Monasteries Number according to IDSC Diff.Cairo 288 183 105Alexandria 125 68 57Port Said 22 20 2Suez 13 8 5Damietta 7 8 -1El Daqahleya 46 39 7El Sharqeya 62 43 19El Qalyoubeya 62 37 25Kafr El Sheikh 13 11 2El Gharbeyah 57 51 6El Monofeyah 67 35 32El Beheirah 45 35 10El Ismaileyah 21 15 6El Gizah 78 68 10Beni Sweif 84 52 32El Fayoum 37 37 0El Menyah 524 406 118Asyout 425 425 0Souhag 270 272 -2Qenna 123 80 43Aswan 38 26 12Luxor 21 20 1Red Sea 15 2 13El Wadi Gadid 2 1 1Matrouh 4 3 1Narth Sinai 2 2 0South Sinai 5 3 2TOTAL 2456 1878 578(Note: in the above table, we added a column showing the number of churches according to the 2007 report by the IDSC (Information and Decision-Support Center, which is affiliated to the Prime Minister’s cabinet).Under the title “Efforts at the National Level to Further Entrench The Rights of Coptic Christian Egyptians,” the letter says:<3.>***We have the following comments:First, a purely arithmetical observation: The total number of churches and monasteries given in the above table as 2456 is 264 less than what is mentioned elsewhere in the same letter (2524 churches plus 196 monasteries). Neither figure matches the IDSC’s report - with a discrepancy up to 646.Also, the stated number of monasteries appears quite exaggerated. The Coptic Orthodox monasteries must be below 25, not 84; and those of other denominations cannot possibly reach 112. The figures probably include monasteries in other brotherly Arab countries!But one shouldn’t be too alarmed by such confusing discrepancies and errors: They could be consequences of globalization, the current international financial crisis and the effects of climatic change!Second, there is no way to adequately check the veracity of the number of repair permits. But a recent incident of a church in Maragha district, Sohag governorate, in which eight Copts died, may be indicative of what happens in reality:Back in 1979, Sohag’s habitation department reported the presence of numerous cracks in the one century-old mud-brick church. Between 1986 and 2006, more inspections confirmed the life-threatening condition of the building, and the area’s bishop repeatedly pleaded with the authorities to issue a permit to rebuild it. In November 2008, the area’s State Security (SS!) officer finally inspected the building and was so alarmed by its condition that he asked for the engineering drawings of the replacement building to be urgently submitted, in order to obtain the necessary approvals from the authorities ‘in Cairo.’ In January 2009, as one wall collapsed, the priest was told to start the demolition and prepare for rebuilding. However, once the demolition was completed, he was ordered by the SS not to start rebuilding before the permit was issued. In spite of the fact that the priest had warned that the neighboring houses, whose foundations were exposed, were in danger, relentlessly, the SS refused even to allow temporary scaffolding of the neighboring walls. No wonder, on February 19, two walls collapsed, and eight people, present at the site, were buried under the rubble.Certainly, the loss of these innocent lives is the responsibility of the State - from the smallest SS chief all the way to the top… The incident also clearly indicates that the new rules of “delegating the issuing of repair permits to the governors” are rather meaningless since it is the SS (in Cairo!) who always decide - no matter who ‘signs’ the permits afterwards.Third, the reported dismal figure of 65 new-church permits in the past ten years hides the fact that most of the related presidential decrees were actually issued to ‘regularize’ the situation of churches built decades ago. Governments in certain periods did not enforce the policy, which is based on an Ottoman Hamayoni Decree and the related humiliating ‘ten conditions.’ This decree, issued in 1856, has been rigorously adhered to since 1971.In fact the number of new-church permits in 2006-2007 (a total of THREE, according to the above table) is indicative of the sad reality. Also, according to reports by EIPR (Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights), all the 17 presidential decrees issued in 2008 were, without exception, related to repair work or to regularization of existing churches.The present procedures make building a church a hellish adventure, which typically requires decades of arduous work. The SS chieftains usually take pleasure in imposing their hegemonic authority before and after obtaining a presidential decree. Moreover, lots of ‘pious’ people everywhere appear keen on performing their self-proclaimed sacred duty of ensuring that no non-Muslim dares to pray anywhere without proper authorization.In a country where everyone (whether the government or individuals) rarely respects the law, unless it is in their own interest, one finds an amazing unison in applying the “Hamayoni Decree” in both letter and spirit. This makes it worthy of being labeled “the most respected law in the land.”Incidentally, even if we assume that the real number of decreed permits of ‘new’ churches in the past ten years was as much as half the given figure of 65- which is a virtually impossible assumption - it still means a mere total increase of 1.3% in a decade, which is less than the demographic growth per year.Furthermore, if we consider that the Copts represent just 10% of Egypt’s population, or about 8.5 million, and since 90% of them belong to the Coptic (Orthodox) Church, we can deduce that there is at best one church per 5900 persons of that community. No wonder then that entire villages or suburbs with hundreds, even thousands, of Coptic families, find themselves forced to travel long distances in order to conduct marriage or funeral rites, not to mention worship, because they are denied a permission to have a church. Note also that the Coptic Evangelicals, who make up about 7-8% of the total Copts, are divided into 18 denominations, each having its own churches, which are often no more than small prayer halls.On the other hand, Egypt boasts 120,000 mosques (plus about 900,000 prayer halls), of which 100,500 mosques (Al-Ahram, May 1, 2008) are run by the Ministry of (Islamic) Endowments. This amounts to one mosque per 640 Muslim citizens (or 75 if we include prayer halls).*** Apart from the shortage and procedural difficulties, the essential point that the government’s letter deliberately ignores, is related to the principle: churches are dealt with in a totally different way from mosques. The simple fact of keeping track of church repair permits proves the point, since nobody needs to obtain a permit to build, let alone repair, a mosque.As is well known, the introduction of each presidential decree to build a church says: “After referring to the Constitution and the Law, we have decreed…” But one is left flabbergasted as to which article in the Constitution the President is referring to in issuing such a decree, which defies Articles 40 and 46 (regarding “equality” and “freedom” of belief) in the very same Constitution!All in all, the government’s deliberate discriminatory policies in this regard are difficult to disguise, and any talk about “fully enjoying constitutionally guaranteed rights,” as the government’s letter bombastically claims, is shameful.***The important question now is about the unified law for building places of worship, which the letter says is “under study,” whereas in reality it has only been a proposal for a bill (collecting dust in a drawer, instead of being placed on the agenda of parliamentary rounds.)Evidently, the government’s position in this issue flagrantly contradicts the fundamentals of the modern state and defies international norms of human rights. But it has its roots in the letter and spirit of Islamic Shari’a regarding the dthimitude. All along the history of the ‘Islamic State,’ freedom of worship (let alone freedom of ‘belief’) has never been granted without cumbersome shackles. Will the Egyptian government (which feverishly tries to appear more ‘pious’ than the Muslim Brotherhood, and has the Shari’a enshrined in its Constitution) dare to issue a new equitable law?We believe the answer regarding the near future is a resounding ‘No.’ The other alternative, which is as bad, is to simply codify the current ugly practices in a new law.At the end, there is little solace to the Copts, unless the state, from the top, decides to chart a whole new direction regarding the citizenship of the Copts .
adel.guindy@gmail.com
uscopts
adel.guindy@gmail.com
uscopts
Egypt says adoptive moms were human smugglers
watch vediohttp://www.wral.com/news/local/story/4750035/
CAIRO, Egypt (CNN) —
Suzanne Hagelof and Iris Botros dreamed of adopting babies. Separately, they visited orphanages in Egypt. Hagelof adopted a child, and Botros was in the process of adopting twins, when they ran foul of authorities. Now they are in jail, accused of being part of a conspiracy to traffic children.
Last week, the two women were led into a Cairo courtroom in handcuffs, along with six other people. They stood in a big black cage in the courtroom, looking apprehensive amid the hubbub.
To their defenders, all they were trying to do was provide orphans with a better chance in life. To the prosecution, they were involved in forging documents to try to adopt children illegally and smuggle them out of the country.
Along with the two American women, the accused include their husbands, two doctors, a nun who ran an orphanage, and an Egyptian banker.
A year ago, Hagelof, a U.S. citizen who lives in Egypt with her husband, adopted a child from an orphanage run by the Coptic Christian Church, a religious minority in Egypt. She says no money changed hands.
Several months later, Luis Andros, a U.S. citizen who is originally from Greece, and his wife, Iris Botros, left their restaurant business in North Carolina for Egypt. Botros, who is originally from Egypt, visited another orphanage run by the church. She paid the orphanage about $4,600 for the twins — partly for clothes and partly as a donation.
Both women wanted to take the children to the United States — in Hagelof’s case for a visit, but in Botros’ case to begin a new life in Wake Forest, North Carolina. And that’s where the trouble began.
To get a visa for the children, both women went to the U.S. Embassy in Cairo. According to their attorneys, the documents they presented included birth certificates and certificates signed by doctors stating they were the natural mothers.
According to defense attorneys, the two women knew they were using forged documents.
Embassy officials became suspicious of the documents — partly because the women seemed too old to be the mothers. Both Hagelof and Botros are in their mid- to late forties.
The embassy contacted Egyptian authorities, and both Hagelof and Botros — along with their husbands — were arrested soon afterward, as was a nun from a Coptic orphanage and a banker who allegedly helped Botros make contact with the nun. Also arrested were two doctors who had written the certificates for the three infants, all of whom are now at an orphanage not affiliated with the church.
Neither the U.S. Embassy nor the U.S. State Department will comment on the case, citing the ongoing trial.
Botros’ husband, Andros, blames the embassy for their plight. Asked through the bars of the courtroom cage what had happened, he replied, “Well, our American Embassy, instead of helping the people, they put them in jail.”
His wife interjected, insisting they would not get a fair trial. A few feet away, Suzanne Hagelof called out, “We want to tell our story,” while her husband, Medhat, looked on, quiet and dejected. As reporters tried to talk to the defendants, a guard intervened, shouting “Sit down, sit down.”
Adoption has long been illegal under Egyptian law as well as being forbidden under sharia, Muslim religious law. Fostering is legal but uncommon.
It has become a high-profile issue since Suzanne Mubarak, wife of the president, embarked on a campaign to stamp out human trafficking. She recently told CNN that human trafficking “exists in all societies.”
“I came to realize what an insidious crime this was and how it was just really built on profit. On not only low morals, on no morals at all,” she said.
And that’s how the prosecution seems to be framing this case, using a law passed last year that provides for tough penalties for human trafficking. Khalil Adil El Hamani, the attorney representing Hagelof, says Egyptian authorities want to prove that all the defendants are from one gang and are trafficking children, so as to make the case seem to be a giant conspiracy.
Both couples insist they had no idea what they were doing was illegal and have no link with human trafficking. The attorney representing Botros and her husband says their only crime was to dream of being parents.
“They are now are in jail because of this dream,” he told CNN after the first hearing in the case a week ago. “They never thought that they will be in jail. They thought that they are going to adopt only. They didn’t think they are making something against the law in Egypt.”
All eight defendants remain in jail — the men at the Tora prison in Cairo, well known for its overcrowding. The next stage of the trial takes place May 16, and proceedings could last six to eight months. If they are convicted, the accused could each face up to 10 years in prison.
uscopts
CAIRO, Egypt (CNN) —
Suzanne Hagelof and Iris Botros dreamed of adopting babies. Separately, they visited orphanages in Egypt. Hagelof adopted a child, and Botros was in the process of adopting twins, when they ran foul of authorities. Now they are in jail, accused of being part of a conspiracy to traffic children.
Last week, the two women were led into a Cairo courtroom in handcuffs, along with six other people. They stood in a big black cage in the courtroom, looking apprehensive amid the hubbub.
To their defenders, all they were trying to do was provide orphans with a better chance in life. To the prosecution, they were involved in forging documents to try to adopt children illegally and smuggle them out of the country.
Along with the two American women, the accused include their husbands, two doctors, a nun who ran an orphanage, and an Egyptian banker.
A year ago, Hagelof, a U.S. citizen who lives in Egypt with her husband, adopted a child from an orphanage run by the Coptic Christian Church, a religious minority in Egypt. She says no money changed hands.
Several months later, Luis Andros, a U.S. citizen who is originally from Greece, and his wife, Iris Botros, left their restaurant business in North Carolina for Egypt. Botros, who is originally from Egypt, visited another orphanage run by the church. She paid the orphanage about $4,600 for the twins — partly for clothes and partly as a donation.
Both women wanted to take the children to the United States — in Hagelof’s case for a visit, but in Botros’ case to begin a new life in Wake Forest, North Carolina. And that’s where the trouble began.
To get a visa for the children, both women went to the U.S. Embassy in Cairo. According to their attorneys, the documents they presented included birth certificates and certificates signed by doctors stating they were the natural mothers.
According to defense attorneys, the two women knew they were using forged documents.
Embassy officials became suspicious of the documents — partly because the women seemed too old to be the mothers. Both Hagelof and Botros are in their mid- to late forties.
The embassy contacted Egyptian authorities, and both Hagelof and Botros — along with their husbands — were arrested soon afterward, as was a nun from a Coptic orphanage and a banker who allegedly helped Botros make contact with the nun. Also arrested were two doctors who had written the certificates for the three infants, all of whom are now at an orphanage not affiliated with the church.
Neither the U.S. Embassy nor the U.S. State Department will comment on the case, citing the ongoing trial.
Botros’ husband, Andros, blames the embassy for their plight. Asked through the bars of the courtroom cage what had happened, he replied, “Well, our American Embassy, instead of helping the people, they put them in jail.”
His wife interjected, insisting they would not get a fair trial. A few feet away, Suzanne Hagelof called out, “We want to tell our story,” while her husband, Medhat, looked on, quiet and dejected. As reporters tried to talk to the defendants, a guard intervened, shouting “Sit down, sit down.”
Adoption has long been illegal under Egyptian law as well as being forbidden under sharia, Muslim religious law. Fostering is legal but uncommon.
It has become a high-profile issue since Suzanne Mubarak, wife of the president, embarked on a campaign to stamp out human trafficking. She recently told CNN that human trafficking “exists in all societies.”
“I came to realize what an insidious crime this was and how it was just really built on profit. On not only low morals, on no morals at all,” she said.
And that’s how the prosecution seems to be framing this case, using a law passed last year that provides for tough penalties for human trafficking. Khalil Adil El Hamani, the attorney representing Hagelof, says Egyptian authorities want to prove that all the defendants are from one gang and are trafficking children, so as to make the case seem to be a giant conspiracy.
Both couples insist they had no idea what they were doing was illegal and have no link with human trafficking. The attorney representing Botros and her husband says their only crime was to dream of being parents.
“They are now are in jail because of this dream,” he told CNN after the first hearing in the case a week ago. “They never thought that they will be in jail. They thought that they are going to adopt only. They didn’t think they are making something against the law in Egypt.”
All eight defendants remain in jail — the men at the Tora prison in Cairo, well known for its overcrowding. The next stage of the trial takes place May 16, and proceedings could last six to eight months. If they are convicted, the accused could each face up to 10 years in prison.
uscopts
Friday, March 20, 2009
Wilhelm H. Ludwig letter to president Mubarak -Metaos Christian priest
march , 19 , 2009
Muhammad Hosni Mubarak
President of the Arab Republic of Egypt
Abedine Palace
Kairo, Ägypten
c/o S.E. Herr Ramzy Ezz Eldin Ramzy
Kanzlei der Botschaft der Arabischen Republik Ägypten
Stauffenbergstraße 6 - 7, 10785 Berlin
Fax: 030 477 1049
E-Mail: <> Embassy@egyptian-embassy.de This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
URGENT - Fairness before the law for Metaos Wahba - URGENT
Your Excellency,
I am writing to you on behalf of Metaos Wahba, who is a Christian priest in Cairo, who is presently still imprisoned in Tora prison near Cairo.
Metaos Wahba is from the Santa-Maria church at Gizeh. He was accused of forgery of documents. He married a Christian man with a female Christian convert from Islam.
Allegedly the marriage documents of that woman were forged. Pastor Metaos Wahba, however, did not know about the forgery, when he married this couple with the good intentions of the blessings of the Church.
Metaos Wahba was sentenced to five years imprisonment for that.
Your Excellency, it seems there is a big problem with the law in Egypt: Conversion is not allowed in Egypt although this is part of Article 18 of the human rights which your country has signed. Converts are punished, discriminated and persecuted in Egypt. This is something which is clearly against the law.
Neither to choose freely ones personal belief nor to marry a person of a different religious belief should be prohibited in Egypt. I very much hope that the priest Metaos Wahba will receive a new and fair trial and that also his innocence will be taken into account. Thank you for your attention.
Yours faithfully,
Wilhelm H. Ludwig
Member of the International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) – www.ishr.org – www.igfm.de – www.menschenrechte.de -
Streitbergstrasse 93a, D 81249 Munich/Germany
Phone: +49 (0)89 897 01 081; Fax: +49 (0)89 871 39 357; E-Mail: whludwig@t-online.de
united copts.org
Muhammad Hosni Mubarak
President of the Arab Republic of Egypt
Abedine Palace
Kairo, Ägypten
c/o S.E. Herr Ramzy Ezz Eldin Ramzy
Kanzlei der Botschaft der Arabischen Republik Ägypten
Stauffenbergstraße 6 - 7, 10785 Berlin
Fax: 030 477 1049
E-Mail: <> Embassy@egyptian-embassy.de This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
URGENT - Fairness before the law for Metaos Wahba - URGENT
Your Excellency,
I am writing to you on behalf of Metaos Wahba, who is a Christian priest in Cairo, who is presently still imprisoned in Tora prison near Cairo.
Metaos Wahba is from the Santa-Maria church at Gizeh. He was accused of forgery of documents. He married a Christian man with a female Christian convert from Islam.
Allegedly the marriage documents of that woman were forged. Pastor Metaos Wahba, however, did not know about the forgery, when he married this couple with the good intentions of the blessings of the Church.
Metaos Wahba was sentenced to five years imprisonment for that.
Your Excellency, it seems there is a big problem with the law in Egypt: Conversion is not allowed in Egypt although this is part of Article 18 of the human rights which your country has signed. Converts are punished, discriminated and persecuted in Egypt. This is something which is clearly against the law.
Neither to choose freely ones personal belief nor to marry a person of a different religious belief should be prohibited in Egypt. I very much hope that the priest Metaos Wahba will receive a new and fair trial and that also his innocence will be taken into account. Thank you for your attention.
Yours faithfully,
Wilhelm H. Ludwig
Member of the International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) – www.ishr.org – www.igfm.de – www.menschenrechte.de -
Streitbergstrasse 93a, D 81249 Munich/Germany
Phone: +49 (0)89 897 01 081; Fax: +49 (0)89 871 39 357; E-Mail: whludwig@t-online.de
united copts.org
Thursday, March 19, 2009
When it comes to Islamic Saudi Academy textbooks, forget trust - just verify.
Nina Shea
19 - March - 2009
When it comes to Islamic Saudi Academy textbooks, forget trust - just verify.
For years, the Hudson Institute's Center for Religious Freedom, the Institute for Gulf Affairs, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, and various Washington Post journalists have been documenting the fact that the Islamic Saudi Academy (ISA) in northern Virginia - a school founded, funded, and controlled by the Saudi embassy - was teaching religious hatred and violence. More precisely, the Saudi Academy used Saudi Ministry of Education textbooks that sanction what is known in the United States as murder against Jews, adulterers, homosexuals, and converts from Islam, and that encourage Muslims to break various other American laws. The Saudi Academy is now putting out the word that its textbooks have been "revised." Should we declare victory and move on? Not so fast.The Associated Press, which ran a story this week headlined "Saudi Academy in Virginia Revises Islamic History Books," relies on quotes from three individuals who give the academys new textbooks a Good Housekeeping seal of approval: Academy director Abdulrahman Alghofaili, Brown University visiting fellow Eleanor Doumato, and University of North Carolina anthropology professor Gregory Starrett. As AP makes clear, all three were paid by the Islamic Saudi Academy to review the textbooks.
A fourth commentator quoted in the AP report, Ali Ahmed, who is the president of the Gulf Institute and who is not funded by the Saudis, gives a somewhat different assessment. As the AP reporter paraphrases, "The revised texts now being used at ISA make some small improvements in tone. But he said it's clear from the books that the core ideology behind them - a puritanical strain of Islam known as Wahhabism that is dominant within Saudi Arabia - remains intact."Ever since September 11, 2001, there has been a highly funded publicity campaign by the Saudi embassy to persuade Americans that the Academy's textbooks have been completely revised. Saudi ads in American political magazines, speeches by various Saudi ambassadors and foreign ministers before the Council on Foreign Relations, a national speaking tour by the Saudi ambassador - all have spoken along the lines one of those ambassadors, Turki al-Faisal, took when he told a Town Hall meeting in Los Angeles in 2006: "The Kingdom has reviewed all of its education practices and materials, and has removed any element that is inconsistent with the needs of a modern education. Not only have we eliminated what might be perceived as intolerance from old textbooks that were in our system, we have implemented a comprehensive internal revision and modernization plan." A number of prominent Americans - Charles Freeman, for example - have repeated such claims, despite our annual reports that show this is far from true.At this point, forget trust; we must verify.The AP story reports that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, a large regional educational accrediting agency, was conducting a review of the Saudi Academy curriculum. Unfortunately the Association may not be up to the task. In 2005, it accredited the Academy, not knowing - since it did not have the capacity to translate the texts from Arabic - that the school countenanced religiously motivated killing. Although the accrediting association now says it has improved its procedures, it still relies on volunteers to do its inspections. The State Department, which had been requested to sponsor a textbook review by Rep. Frank Wolf (R., Va.), the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, which oversees its budget, refused to get involved. In the light of these institutional failures, the Hudson Institute's Center for Religious Freedom, Mr. Ahmed, and outside expert translators are currently working on a thorough, independent review of the Academy's new textbooks, which will be released later this spring. Readers may recall ["Teaching Terror"] that the Saudi curriculum has been blamed - including by a growing number of Saudi commentators - for helping to form the ideology underlying such jihadi terrorists as Osama bin Laden, the 11 Saudi members of the 9/11 hijacking team, the Saudi Gitmo detainees (who formed the largest contingent there, after persons from Afghanistan), the Saudi suicide bombers in Iraq (who formed the largest such foreign contingent), the Pakistani Islamist militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba and its network of radical schools that trained the Mumbai terrorists ["Tread Softly"], and even a former valedictorian of the Saudi Academy itself, to name but a few. What the Islamic Saudi Academy teaches is important. This Saudi government entity in our midst is now educating some 1,000 students and has said that its mission is to be "the premier educational institution" for the American Muslim community. No less than our national security and way of life are at stake.
- Nina Shea is the director of the Center for Religious Freedom of the Hudson Institute
A fourth commentator quoted in the AP report, Ali Ahmed, who is the president of the Gulf Institute and who is not funded by the Saudis, gives a somewhat different assessment. As the AP reporter paraphrases, "The revised texts now being used at ISA make some small improvements in tone. But he said it's clear from the books that the core ideology behind them - a puritanical strain of Islam known as Wahhabism that is dominant within Saudi Arabia - remains intact."Ever since September 11, 2001, there has been a highly funded publicity campaign by the Saudi embassy to persuade Americans that the Academy's textbooks have been completely revised. Saudi ads in American political magazines, speeches by various Saudi ambassadors and foreign ministers before the Council on Foreign Relations, a national speaking tour by the Saudi ambassador - all have spoken along the lines one of those ambassadors, Turki al-Faisal, took when he told a Town Hall meeting in Los Angeles in 2006: "The Kingdom has reviewed all of its education practices and materials, and has removed any element that is inconsistent with the needs of a modern education. Not only have we eliminated what might be perceived as intolerance from old textbooks that were in our system, we have implemented a comprehensive internal revision and modernization plan." A number of prominent Americans - Charles Freeman, for example - have repeated such claims, despite our annual reports that show this is far from true.At this point, forget trust; we must verify.The AP story reports that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, a large regional educational accrediting agency, was conducting a review of the Saudi Academy curriculum. Unfortunately the Association may not be up to the task. In 2005, it accredited the Academy, not knowing - since it did not have the capacity to translate the texts from Arabic - that the school countenanced religiously motivated killing. Although the accrediting association now says it has improved its procedures, it still relies on volunteers to do its inspections. The State Department, which had been requested to sponsor a textbook review by Rep. Frank Wolf (R., Va.), the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, which oversees its budget, refused to get involved. In the light of these institutional failures, the Hudson Institute's Center for Religious Freedom, Mr. Ahmed, and outside expert translators are currently working on a thorough, independent review of the Academy's new textbooks, which will be released later this spring. Readers may recall ["Teaching Terror"] that the Saudi curriculum has been blamed - including by a growing number of Saudi commentators - for helping to form the ideology underlying such jihadi terrorists as Osama bin Laden, the 11 Saudi members of the 9/11 hijacking team, the Saudi Gitmo detainees (who formed the largest contingent there, after persons from Afghanistan), the Saudi suicide bombers in Iraq (who formed the largest such foreign contingent), the Pakistani Islamist militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba and its network of radical schools that trained the Mumbai terrorists ["Tread Softly"], and even a former valedictorian of the Saudi Academy itself, to name but a few. What the Islamic Saudi Academy teaches is important. This Saudi government entity in our midst is now educating some 1,000 students and has said that its mission is to be "the premier educational institution" for the American Muslim community. No less than our national security and way of life are at stake.
- Nina Shea is the director of the Center for Religious Freedom of the Hudson Institute
From the Lips of an Islamist - VIDEO -Islamist threat so dangerous?
Dear Mike,
Why is our shared mission so important?
Why is the Islamist threat so dangerous?
Why is it essential that we overcome political correctness in America and awaken citizens everywhere? Why?
Watch this chilling, newly-released video. http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=0861ff3eabea1ceb73e4 Then, forward this email to everyone you know so they can see for themselves what our enemies have in store for us. Encourage them to sign up for our emails at www.actforamerica.org.
Why is our shared mission so important?
Why is the Islamist threat so dangerous?
Why is it essential that we overcome political correctness in America and awaken citizens everywhere? Why?
Watch this chilling, newly-released video. http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=0861ff3eabea1ceb73e4 Then, forward this email to everyone you know so they can see for themselves what our enemies have in store for us. Encourage them to sign up for our emails at www.actforamerica.org.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
A bit of History - 2007: fighting for Democracy in Islam-ized countries
Muslims Against Sharia
Egypt
Since President Anwar Sadat's murder (6/10/1981) emergency laws have been in force in Egypt. These laws strongly reduce individual freedom and civil rights. This measure has been adopted mainly in order to oppose the threat presented by The Muslim Brotherhood. The movement is officially outlawed; nevertheless it won 20% of the seats (88 of 454) in the last parliamentary elections on a personal basis. Article number 2 of 1971's constitution establishes Shari'a as the main source of law. Shari'a provides the legal basis for death sentences: execution, by shooting or hanging, it doesn't apply to young people under 18. Freedom of association and expression are strongly limited. "Opinion crimes" are usually veiled by accusations such as offence to the President, or to Islam, and diffusion of false and slanted information. Last year the regime hardened its line against political opponents through arrests and trials, not only against the Muslim Brotherhood, but also against bloggers and editors of independent newspapers and magazines. Blogger Abdul Kareem Nabeel Suleiman (known as Kareem Amer) has been expelled from Al-Azhar University and then, on February 22nd 2007, sentenced to 4 years in prison (1 year on the accusation of defaming the president, 3 for defamation of Islam). It has been recently reported that Kareem was tortured when in prison. One of the paradoxes of the international community is that Egypt will host in 2009 the third meeting of Internet Governance Forum, an organ of the United Nations whose motto is: "Internet should be accessible, usable and safe". Meanwhile, Egypt is one of 13 countries considered "internet enemies" according to a report of "Reporters without borders".
Seven journalists have been recently sentenced to a year of reclusion with the accusation of slander against high members of Mubarak's National-Democratic party (NDP). One of them, Ibrahim Eissa, editor of independent newspaper Al-Dostour, is still under trial accused of having diffused false information concerning Mubarak's precarious health condition. Following these cases, great Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Mohamed Sayed Tantawi, the highest theological authority of Sunni Islam, proclaimed a fatwa according to which slanderers will be condemned to 80 lashes. One more alarm about the worsening of human rights in Egypt comes from Saad Eddin Ibrahim, a sociologist and well-known human rights activist, who has already served several months in egyptian prisons. Ibrahim has now been overseas for 6 months and can't return to Egypt, where his physical integrity would be in great danger. He is accused of having convinced the American administration to suspend funding to Egypt until respect of democracy is guaranteed. Because of his deeds, he is accused of betrayal and damage of national economic interest. The same ploy (i.e. private charges presented by pro-government individuals against human rights activists) has been used against Ayman Nour, liberal candidate to the presidential elections of 2005, who has been accused by dozens of private individuals and condemned to 5 years of prison. President Mubarak's (79 years old, in power since 1981) scarce tolerance towards any criticism is very likely due to maneuvers that are being operated to guarantee automatic succession in power to his son Gamal (44 years old).The Egyptian regime didn't show any mercy even towards refugees coming from African countries, especially Sudan. Darfur refugees - fleeing genocide - pass through Egypt in their attempt to reach countries that can guarantee them some protection. At the Israeli-Egyptian border, that many cross illegally hoping to find shelter in Israel, some cases of murder of refugees, executed by Egyptian authorities, have been reported. The last case happened in November, when Egyptian border police shot and killed an Eritrean woman. The worst violation of refugees' rights occurred in December 2005, when 27 of them were killed by police during a demonstration in which they asked to receive a better treatment by Egyptian authorities.Female genital mutilations (FGM) are largely diffused in Egypt (97% of women in reproductive age, according to UNICEF data). This practice is not to be reconnected to an Islamic rite, but rather to ancient tribal customs. Despite the fact that both the Egyptian government and the religious authorities oppose FGM, the current prohibition hasn't yet been converted in a law. Religious minorities demand to be recognized the same civil rights as the Sunni Muslim majority.Copts, the native Egyptians, belong mostly to the Copt Orthodox Church; they represent the biggest minority (10-14% of population), persecuted and discriminated for centuries. About 2000 believers of the Bahà'ì faith are strongly discriminated against because their religion is not recognized by the government. Moreover, those who abandon Islam to convert to other religions, go through persecutions that can even result in imprisonment.
Source: http://fightingfordemocracy.org/paesi/egypt.html
Egypt
Since President Anwar Sadat's murder (6/10/1981) emergency laws have been in force in Egypt. These laws strongly reduce individual freedom and civil rights. This measure has been adopted mainly in order to oppose the threat presented by The Muslim Brotherhood. The movement is officially outlawed; nevertheless it won 20% of the seats (88 of 454) in the last parliamentary elections on a personal basis. Article number 2 of 1971's constitution establishes Shari'a as the main source of law. Shari'a provides the legal basis for death sentences: execution, by shooting or hanging, it doesn't apply to young people under 18. Freedom of association and expression are strongly limited. "Opinion crimes" are usually veiled by accusations such as offence to the President, or to Islam, and diffusion of false and slanted information. Last year the regime hardened its line against political opponents through arrests and trials, not only against the Muslim Brotherhood, but also against bloggers and editors of independent newspapers and magazines. Blogger Abdul Kareem Nabeel Suleiman (known as Kareem Amer) has been expelled from Al-Azhar University and then, on February 22nd 2007, sentenced to 4 years in prison (1 year on the accusation of defaming the president, 3 for defamation of Islam). It has been recently reported that Kareem was tortured when in prison. One of the paradoxes of the international community is that Egypt will host in 2009 the third meeting of Internet Governance Forum, an organ of the United Nations whose motto is: "Internet should be accessible, usable and safe". Meanwhile, Egypt is one of 13 countries considered "internet enemies" according to a report of "Reporters without borders".
Seven journalists have been recently sentenced to a year of reclusion with the accusation of slander against high members of Mubarak's National-Democratic party (NDP). One of them, Ibrahim Eissa, editor of independent newspaper Al-Dostour, is still under trial accused of having diffused false information concerning Mubarak's precarious health condition. Following these cases, great Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Mohamed Sayed Tantawi, the highest theological authority of Sunni Islam, proclaimed a fatwa according to which slanderers will be condemned to 80 lashes. One more alarm about the worsening of human rights in Egypt comes from Saad Eddin Ibrahim, a sociologist and well-known human rights activist, who has already served several months in egyptian prisons. Ibrahim has now been overseas for 6 months and can't return to Egypt, where his physical integrity would be in great danger. He is accused of having convinced the American administration to suspend funding to Egypt until respect of democracy is guaranteed. Because of his deeds, he is accused of betrayal and damage of national economic interest. The same ploy (i.e. private charges presented by pro-government individuals against human rights activists) has been used against Ayman Nour, liberal candidate to the presidential elections of 2005, who has been accused by dozens of private individuals and condemned to 5 years of prison. President Mubarak's (79 years old, in power since 1981) scarce tolerance towards any criticism is very likely due to maneuvers that are being operated to guarantee automatic succession in power to his son Gamal (44 years old).The Egyptian regime didn't show any mercy even towards refugees coming from African countries, especially Sudan. Darfur refugees - fleeing genocide - pass through Egypt in their attempt to reach countries that can guarantee them some protection. At the Israeli-Egyptian border, that many cross illegally hoping to find shelter in Israel, some cases of murder of refugees, executed by Egyptian authorities, have been reported. The last case happened in November, when Egyptian border police shot and killed an Eritrean woman. The worst violation of refugees' rights occurred in December 2005, when 27 of them were killed by police during a demonstration in which they asked to receive a better treatment by Egyptian authorities.Female genital mutilations (FGM) are largely diffused in Egypt (97% of women in reproductive age, according to UNICEF data). This practice is not to be reconnected to an Islamic rite, but rather to ancient tribal customs. Despite the fact that both the Egyptian government and the religious authorities oppose FGM, the current prohibition hasn't yet been converted in a law. Religious minorities demand to be recognized the same civil rights as the Sunni Muslim majority.Copts, the native Egyptians, belong mostly to the Copt Orthodox Church; they represent the biggest minority (10-14% of population), persecuted and discriminated for centuries. About 2000 believers of the Bahà'ì faith are strongly discriminated against because their religion is not recognized by the government. Moreover, those who abandon Islam to convert to other religions, go through persecutions that can even result in imprisonment.
Source: http://fightingfordemocracy.org/paesi/egypt.html
Secretary of States' Human Rights Statement in Egypt Leads to More Killing of Christian Copts
Source: Christian News Wire
Mar 18, 2009
Contact: Rafique Iscandar, President, American Coptic Union, 201-798-1451, americancu@hotmail.comMEDIA ADVISORY, Mar. 17 /Christian Newswire/ --
During her first visit to Egypt, as Secretary of State, Mrs. Hillary Clinton's statements were understood as green light to Mubarak regime for more killing of Egyptian Copts. Afterwards, the regime didn't waste time, and immediately committed more crimes of killing Christian Copts. Contrary to President Obama calls for Human Rights respect, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton played down the value of raising human rights concerns. In a press conference held in Egypt last month, she set aside a reporter's question about an official state department report that noted "serious abuses" of human rights in the Egypt. Implicitly undermining the annual report of US Department State for Human Rights around the World, Mrs. Clinton said "We issue these reports on every country," "We hope that it will be taken in the spirit in which it is offered, that we all have room for improvement." More encouragement for Mubarak's regime to go ahead in its plan to remove the Egyptian natives from their home land, she added "that the report would not interfere with plans for Egypt's authoritarian president, Hosni Mubarak, to visit Washington. "I really consider President and Mrs. Mubarak to be friends of my family. So I hope to see him often here in Egypt and in the United States," she said.Such praising statements to despotic, and tyrant regime of Egypt is a severe blow to hopes for a new approach to Human Rights Issues, Freedom of Religion , and Racism In Egypt, under the Obama administration. However, it's also a blow to President Barack Obama's commitment to promoting human rights and democracy abroad as foreign policy replaced former administration in positions of influence in the current Administration. These double talks and visions between the White House, and Department of States in Human Rights issues will send the wrong message, and create confusion to the rest of Middle East countries, whether they are friends, or foes. In fact it's damaging both, national security, and US interest.Thanks to the wisdom and spirit of the American people, now we have a President, who is smart, articulate, and carrying strategic views to change old failing policies and clear the confusion of such statements. ACU fully retain respect and confidence in President Obama and his Administration. Our country now faces terrible challenges abroad as well as at home. Like all Americans, we continue to pray that our president can successfully lead us in overcoming them.
Mar 18, 2009
Contact: Rafique Iscandar, President, American Coptic Union, 201-798-1451, americancu@hotmail.comMEDIA ADVISORY, Mar. 17 /Christian Newswire/ --
During her first visit to Egypt, as Secretary of State, Mrs. Hillary Clinton's statements were understood as green light to Mubarak regime for more killing of Egyptian Copts. Afterwards, the regime didn't waste time, and immediately committed more crimes of killing Christian Copts. Contrary to President Obama calls for Human Rights respect, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton played down the value of raising human rights concerns. In a press conference held in Egypt last month, she set aside a reporter's question about an official state department report that noted "serious abuses" of human rights in the Egypt. Implicitly undermining the annual report of US Department State for Human Rights around the World, Mrs. Clinton said "We issue these reports on every country," "We hope that it will be taken in the spirit in which it is offered, that we all have room for improvement." More encouragement for Mubarak's regime to go ahead in its plan to remove the Egyptian natives from their home land, she added "that the report would not interfere with plans for Egypt's authoritarian president, Hosni Mubarak, to visit Washington. "I really consider President and Mrs. Mubarak to be friends of my family. So I hope to see him often here in Egypt and in the United States," she said.Such praising statements to despotic, and tyrant regime of Egypt is a severe blow to hopes for a new approach to Human Rights Issues, Freedom of Religion , and Racism In Egypt, under the Obama administration. However, it's also a blow to President Barack Obama's commitment to promoting human rights and democracy abroad as foreign policy replaced former administration in positions of influence in the current Administration. These double talks and visions between the White House, and Department of States in Human Rights issues will send the wrong message, and create confusion to the rest of Middle East countries, whether they are friends, or foes. In fact it's damaging both, national security, and US interest.Thanks to the wisdom and spirit of the American people, now we have a President, who is smart, articulate, and carrying strategic views to change old failing policies and clear the confusion of such statements. ACU fully retain respect and confidence in President Obama and his Administration. Our country now faces terrible challenges abroad as well as at home. Like all Americans, we continue to pray that our president can successfully lead us in overcoming them.
Report to Public Prosecutor IN EGYPT : Three Salafist-Jihadist Groups Arrested During Israeli Aggression on Gaza
By Ahmed al-Khatib
A report to the Public Prosecutor and the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) has disclosed that three Salafist-Jihadist groups, including 75 people, were arrested during the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip two months ago. This is the biggest number of detainees since arresting the members of Al-Taefa Al-Mansoura (the Victorious Sect) and the groups accused of belonging to Qaeda in 2007. The report, filed by the father of a detainee called Karim Medhat Abdel Ghani, said the security forces arrested the three groups from their homes and places of work, as most of them work for Internet companies. This means that they were arrested because they use the Internet to hold communication between the three groups.�The detainees were arrested last January 10 from Heliopolis, Ein Shams, al-Zaitoun, and Al-Matar Sheraton. They have been imprisoned in Abu Zabal Prison after being interrogated by in the headquarters of the security forces affiliated to the Ministry of Interior.�Five detainees have been recently released, the report said, adding that the defendants have been asked about their relation to bombs and websites having relation to Qaeda and Osama bin Laden. They have been also asked about their relation to the Islamic groups and attempts to blow up cafes and public places. The detainees denied all these accusations.�The security services try to get confessions from the detainees that they have been involved in Khan al-Khalili recent blast although they were arrested before the blast, Abdel Ghani’s father said, denying that his son has a relation to any Jihadist group.
All the detainees have been tortured by the security services inside the premises of the Ministry of the Interior in an attempt to get confessions about their relationship with the Islamic terrorist groups and Khan al-Khalili blast.
copts.com
A report to the Public Prosecutor and the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) has disclosed that three Salafist-Jihadist groups, including 75 people, were arrested during the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip two months ago. This is the biggest number of detainees since arresting the members of Al-Taefa Al-Mansoura (the Victorious Sect) and the groups accused of belonging to Qaeda in 2007. The report, filed by the father of a detainee called Karim Medhat Abdel Ghani, said the security forces arrested the three groups from their homes and places of work, as most of them work for Internet companies. This means that they were arrested because they use the Internet to hold communication between the three groups.�The detainees were arrested last January 10 from Heliopolis, Ein Shams, al-Zaitoun, and Al-Matar Sheraton. They have been imprisoned in Abu Zabal Prison after being interrogated by in the headquarters of the security forces affiliated to the Ministry of Interior.�Five detainees have been recently released, the report said, adding that the defendants have been asked about their relation to bombs and websites having relation to Qaeda and Osama bin Laden. They have been also asked about their relation to the Islamic groups and attempts to blow up cafes and public places. The detainees denied all these accusations.�The security services try to get confessions from the detainees that they have been involved in Khan al-Khalili recent blast although they were arrested before the blast, Abdel Ghani’s father said, denying that his son has a relation to any Jihadist group.
All the detainees have been tortured by the security services inside the premises of the Ministry of the Interior in an attempt to get confessions about their relationship with the Islamic terrorist groups and Khan al-Khalili blast.
copts.com
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
THE TRUTH ABOUT ISLAM
IBN EL-NIL
Synopsis: Non-Muslims in Islamic countries are exposed to the religion of Islam 24 hours, seven days a week, for their entire life (No freedom of choice here). They hear five prayers between 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM everyday on radio, television, Loud Speakers and other public address systems that cover every square inch of the country, whether they want to or not. They get to hear the Koran recited for hours every day. The non-Muslim is a second class citizen who is not allowed to rule or hold key position in the country. He can live in the abode of Islam as long as he doesn't preach his religions outside his community, doesn't insult Islam or criticize the Prophet, and he must pay a religion tax. The punishment for leaving Islam is death (most recently a young woman killed in Saudi Arabia and one in Jordan for leaving Islam; Sept. 2008]. Islam gives its followers the right to kill non-Muslims, and take their wives, children, and possessions as a booty blessed by the Koran and the Hadith. Only a Muslim man can legally lie to his wives, and his enemies.
A must read book.
http://www.amazon.com/Truth-About-Islam-Ibn-El-Neil/dp/1606932594/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235706080&sr=1-9
Synopsis: Non-Muslims in Islamic countries are exposed to the religion of Islam 24 hours, seven days a week, for their entire life (No freedom of choice here). They hear five prayers between 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM everyday on radio, television, Loud Speakers and other public address systems that cover every square inch of the country, whether they want to or not. They get to hear the Koran recited for hours every day. The non-Muslim is a second class citizen who is not allowed to rule or hold key position in the country. He can live in the abode of Islam as long as he doesn't preach his religions outside his community, doesn't insult Islam or criticize the Prophet, and he must pay a religion tax. The punishment for leaving Islam is death (most recently a young woman killed in Saudi Arabia and one in Jordan for leaving Islam; Sept. 2008]. Islam gives its followers the right to kill non-Muslims, and take their wives, children, and possessions as a booty blessed by the Koran and the Hadith. Only a Muslim man can legally lie to his wives, and his enemies.
A must read book.
http://www.amazon.com/Truth-About-Islam-Ibn-El-Neil/dp/1606932594/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235706080&sr=1-9
AND WHERE IS THIS COMING FROM???
Lance Silver
05 - March - 2009
Obama should be ashamed of himself. He should demand conditions from Hamas before one cent is sent as should Sec of State Hilary.
Obama must insist that Hamas remove from it's charter the destruction of Israel, rights for Christians to live and pray in peace etc.. or no money from the USA ; it's anti American to support them.
How stupidly politically correct, naive and corrupt to give the Palestinians & Gaza ALMOST $ 900,000,000 FROM THE USA . Lance
Monday, March 2, 2009 8:36 PMBy: David A. Patten
President Obama's 2010 budget seeks to double U.S. aid payments to other countries despite a $1.75 trillion deficit and the worst recession in over a quarter of a century.
Obama's landmark proposal heralds a massive increase in the size of government, and "puts the United States on a path to double U.S. foreign assistance," according to the White House budget overview.
That would mean annual U.S. foreign assistance expenditures at over $50 billion a year, although it's not clear yet how quickly Obama intends to attain that goal.
05 - March - 2009
Obama should be ashamed of himself. He should demand conditions from Hamas before one cent is sent as should Sec of State Hilary.
Obama must insist that Hamas remove from it's charter the destruction of Israel, rights for Christians to live and pray in peace etc.. or no money from the USA ; it's anti American to support them.
How stupidly politically correct, naive and corrupt to give the Palestinians & Gaza ALMOST $ 900,000,000 FROM THE USA . Lance
Monday, March 2, 2009 8:36 PMBy: David A. Patten
President Obama's 2010 budget seeks to double U.S. aid payments to other countries despite a $1.75 trillion deficit and the worst recession in over a quarter of a century.
Obama's landmark proposal heralds a massive increase in the size of government, and "puts the United States on a path to double U.S. foreign assistance," according to the White House budget overview.
That would mean annual U.S. foreign assistance expenditures at over $50 billion a year, although it's not clear yet how quickly Obama intends to attain that goal.
Moderate" Egypt Imitates Saudi Arabian Extremism
news@islamisnotwhatyouthink.com
WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 26, 2009) International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Egyptian authorities recently sentenced six Christian brothers to three years in prison for opening their café during the Muslim fasting season of Ramadan last September. Egyptian authorities raided the family-owned café and assaulted the Christians before arresting them for violating the Islamic holiday and "resisting and assaulting the authorities." "The attack was unprovoked and motivated by religious zeal on the side of the Muslim members of the police force, and was video-taped," according to a report by the United Copts of the Great Britain. Despite viewing this video evidence, the judge ignored the unlawful actions of the police and sentenced the brothers to three years of imprisonment with hard labor. The video can be viewed here: [http://www.unitedcopts.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3314&Itemid=1] The decision to detain Christians for running their business in the month of Ramadan is unprecedented in Egypt. Though Egypt claims to be a moderate Islamic country, their decision in this case actually follows the principles of the radical brand of Wahhabi Islam that is enforced by the Saudi Arabian government. The brothers have appealed their case but they still remain in custody [WINDOWS-1252?] ICC's Regional for Africa, Jonathan Racho, stated, [WINDOWS-1252?]"It is outrageous that the Egyptian authorities punish Christians for violating an Islamic holiday. It is unacceptable for Egyptian authorities to expect Christians to observe Ramadan. This case is a clear example of the systematic and growing discrimination Egyptian Christians face with the further radicalization of Muslims in Egypt. We call upon the Egyptian authorities to immediately release these [WINDOWS-1252?]Christians." Egypt is a major recipient of foreign aid from the United States. US official s must pressure the Egyptian government to release the six Christians who are unjustly imprisoned. Please call the Egyptian embassies in your countries and politely ask the Egyptian officials to release the Christians.
Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, "by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus."
WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 26, 2009) International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Egyptian authorities recently sentenced six Christian brothers to three years in prison for opening their café during the Muslim fasting season of Ramadan last September. Egyptian authorities raided the family-owned café and assaulted the Christians before arresting them for violating the Islamic holiday and "resisting and assaulting the authorities." "The attack was unprovoked and motivated by religious zeal on the side of the Muslim members of the police force, and was video-taped," according to a report by the United Copts of the Great Britain. Despite viewing this video evidence, the judge ignored the unlawful actions of the police and sentenced the brothers to three years of imprisonment with hard labor. The video can be viewed here: [http://www.unitedcopts.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3314&Itemid=1] The decision to detain Christians for running their business in the month of Ramadan is unprecedented in Egypt. Though Egypt claims to be a moderate Islamic country, their decision in this case actually follows the principles of the radical brand of Wahhabi Islam that is enforced by the Saudi Arabian government. The brothers have appealed their case but they still remain in custody [WINDOWS-1252?] ICC's Regional for Africa, Jonathan Racho, stated, [WINDOWS-1252?]"It is outrageous that the Egyptian authorities punish Christians for violating an Islamic holiday. It is unacceptable for Egyptian authorities to expect Christians to observe Ramadan. This case is a clear example of the systematic and growing discrimination Egyptian Christians face with the further radicalization of Muslims in Egypt. We call upon the Egyptian authorities to immediately release these [WINDOWS-1252?]Christians." Egypt is a major recipient of foreign aid from the United States. US official s must pressure the Egyptian government to release the six Christians who are unjustly imprisoned. Please call the Egyptian embassies in your countries and politely ask the Egyptian officials to release the Christians.
Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, "by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus."
Egyptian Expats Demand Mubarak Indictment
Al-Quds Al-'Arabi THE MEDIA LINE
16 - March - 2009
Around 200 activists say the two officials should face legal action over what they are calling crimes against humanity because of their torture of political prisoners, a report in the London-based Al-Quds Al-'Arabi said.
The activists belong to several U.S.-based political organizations and are planning protests ahead of Mubarak's visit to the White House next month.
The signatories want the U.S. to use its political clout to pressure Cairo into improving its human-rights record.
The petition comes on the heels of an unprecedented indictment issued by the ICC at the beginning of the month against Sudanese President 'Umar Al-Bashir for crimes committed in the Darfur region.
The arrest warrant against Al-Bashir was the first of its kind to be issued against a sitting head of state.
It was anticipated that this would embolden opposition groups worldwide to try to take leaders believed to be involved in war crimes to the ICC.
Mubarak is also facing heat over recent sectarian tension between Muslims and Copts which resulted in violent clashes last week.
He will not want these incidents to draw attention to Cairo's treatment of religious minorities.
Human-rights organizations are accusing Mubarak's government of discriminating against Copts, who comprise around 10 percent of the country's 80 million inhabitants, constituting the largest Christian community in the Middle East.
Egypt has already been criticized by the U.S. for not doing enough to stop the smuggling of weapons and illicit materials from its territory into the Gaza Strip.
Cairo has an interest in not angering the Americans, as Egypt is the recipient of considerable aid from the U.S.
16 - March - 2009
Around 200 activists say the two officials should face legal action over what they are calling crimes against humanity because of their torture of political prisoners, a report in the London-based Al-Quds Al-'Arabi said.
The activists belong to several U.S.-based political organizations and are planning protests ahead of Mubarak's visit to the White House next month.
The signatories want the U.S. to use its political clout to pressure Cairo into improving its human-rights record.
The petition comes on the heels of an unprecedented indictment issued by the ICC at the beginning of the month against Sudanese President 'Umar Al-Bashir for crimes committed in the Darfur region.
The arrest warrant against Al-Bashir was the first of its kind to be issued against a sitting head of state.
It was anticipated that this would embolden opposition groups worldwide to try to take leaders believed to be involved in war crimes to the ICC.
Mubarak is also facing heat over recent sectarian tension between Muslims and Copts which resulted in violent clashes last week.
He will not want these incidents to draw attention to Cairo's treatment of religious minorities.
Human-rights organizations are accusing Mubarak's government of discriminating against Copts, who comprise around 10 percent of the country's 80 million inhabitants, constituting the largest Christian community in the Middle East.
Egypt has already been criticized by the U.S. for not doing enough to stop the smuggling of weapons and illicit materials from its territory into the Gaza Strip.
Cairo has an interest in not angering the Americans, as Egypt is the recipient of considerable aid from the U.S.
COALITION OF COUNTER-TERRORISM EDUCATORS
Frank Gaffney making a point!
PRESS CONFERENCE - COALITION OF COUNTER-TERRORISM EDUCATORSClick here for complete 50 MINUTE VIDEO
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7244440987156871313&ei=6ku6SdWqI4rEqQKIt9isCw&q=muslim+advocacy%27
THE PROBLEM {Ahmed's ties to terrorism}
By JESSICA GRESKo
Associated Press
16 - March - 2009
Dear Honorable Florida Legislators, Cabinet Officials and Staff:
On March 9-10, a group with radical Islamist ties will be entering Tallahassee in an attempt to influence Florida legislators, cabinet members and staff. The organization goes by the name - United Voices for America. United Voices for America has every right to come to Tallahassee and request a meeting with you, a Florida elected official. By the same account, you have every right to know that the person sitting across from you is part of a group led by someone who has a set of beliefs that are completely inconsistent with the principles of American Democracy and that are potentially destructive to the State of Florida. Do not let the patriotic name fool you. This is a group that is led by a known extremist with well documented ties to terrorist groups and terrorist supporters. The President of United Voices for America is Ahmed Bedier. Up until May of 2008, Mr. Bedier was the Executive Director of the Tampa chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). Prior to that, he served as the Communications Director for CAIR-Florida. CAIR, if you don't already know, was created by operatives from HAMAS, a Foreign Terrorist Organization listed in Section 219 of the American Immigration and Nationality Act. CAIR was named as an unindicted co-conspirator by the Justice Department in a 2008 federal trial dealing with the financing of millions of dollars to Hamas. Because of this connection to Hamas, the FBI recently issued a directive to all of its field offices stating that none of them were to hold meetings with CAIR or any of the group's local chapters around the country. Bedier joined CAIR in February of 2003, the same month that University of South Florida (USF) professor Sami Al-Arian was taken into custody by the FBI for his leadership role in Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). This was no mere coincidence. Through CAIR, Bedier became Al-Arian's "unofficial spokesman" in the media. He held press conferences for Al-Arian, he attended rallies for Al-Arian, and he used a radio show that he co-hosts to provide a forum for Al-Arian's PIJ colleagues. Bedier's radio show hasn't just been associated with PIJ. In July of 2006, an entire show was devoted to lauding Hezbollah. All three of his guests heaped praise on Hezbollah, one even describing the group as "heroic." Another guest warned, "You can't just keep shutting it [Hezbollah] away, because it's always gonna rise again." In addition to his support for terrorist-related organizations and individuals, Bedier's own statements are disturbing. In May of 2004, he told Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite, "Catholic priests pose more of a terrorism threat by having sex with young altar boys than those who flew planes into the World Trade Center." In December of 2005, when asked by a Tampa TV talk show hostess if it was immoral to associate with PIJ, he replied, "To a certain degree. Now, before 1995 there was nothing immoral about it." And in April of 2007, he told a crowd at USF, "People, when you corner them [Muslims], when you keep attacking them and demonizing them and treating them like animals, guess what? They're gonna snap. And one point, somebody's gonna retaliate, and then all hell's gonna break loose." In September of 2007, Bedier's YouTube account was shut down for a "Terms of Use" violation. On it, he had produced a video which included an individual stating to a cheering crowd, "What we pray all the time is that the state of Israel be dismantled, totally dismantled..." In light of this information and the detailed documentation in this Briefing Pack, we ask that you do not give United Voices for America any of your attention. Though it may state otherwise, given its radical leadership, you must understand that ultimately this organization is not in town for any positive reason whatsoever. While the majority of the Muslim community in our state are productive citizens and do not get involved in extremist causes, United Voices for America and its leader are not representative of those Muslims. Finally, we ask that you please be suspicious of this group's message, no matter how innocuous it seems or sounds. Ultimately, the group's agenda will do harm to life in Florida and America.
Associated Press
16 - March - 2009
Dear Honorable Florida Legislators, Cabinet Officials and Staff:
On March 9-10, a group with radical Islamist ties will be entering Tallahassee in an attempt to influence Florida legislators, cabinet members and staff. The organization goes by the name - United Voices for America. United Voices for America has every right to come to Tallahassee and request a meeting with you, a Florida elected official. By the same account, you have every right to know that the person sitting across from you is part of a group led by someone who has a set of beliefs that are completely inconsistent with the principles of American Democracy and that are potentially destructive to the State of Florida. Do not let the patriotic name fool you. This is a group that is led by a known extremist with well documented ties to terrorist groups and terrorist supporters. The President of United Voices for America is Ahmed Bedier. Up until May of 2008, Mr. Bedier was the Executive Director of the Tampa chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). Prior to that, he served as the Communications Director for CAIR-Florida. CAIR, if you don't already know, was created by operatives from HAMAS, a Foreign Terrorist Organization listed in Section 219 of the American Immigration and Nationality Act. CAIR was named as an unindicted co-conspirator by the Justice Department in a 2008 federal trial dealing with the financing of millions of dollars to Hamas. Because of this connection to Hamas, the FBI recently issued a directive to all of its field offices stating that none of them were to hold meetings with CAIR or any of the group's local chapters around the country. Bedier joined CAIR in February of 2003, the same month that University of South Florida (USF) professor Sami Al-Arian was taken into custody by the FBI for his leadership role in Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). This was no mere coincidence. Through CAIR, Bedier became Al-Arian's "unofficial spokesman" in the media. He held press conferences for Al-Arian, he attended rallies for Al-Arian, and he used a radio show that he co-hosts to provide a forum for Al-Arian's PIJ colleagues. Bedier's radio show hasn't just been associated with PIJ. In July of 2006, an entire show was devoted to lauding Hezbollah. All three of his guests heaped praise on Hezbollah, one even describing the group as "heroic." Another guest warned, "You can't just keep shutting it [Hezbollah] away, because it's always gonna rise again." In addition to his support for terrorist-related organizations and individuals, Bedier's own statements are disturbing. In May of 2004, he told Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite, "Catholic priests pose more of a terrorism threat by having sex with young altar boys than those who flew planes into the World Trade Center." In December of 2005, when asked by a Tampa TV talk show hostess if it was immoral to associate with PIJ, he replied, "To a certain degree. Now, before 1995 there was nothing immoral about it." And in April of 2007, he told a crowd at USF, "People, when you corner them [Muslims], when you keep attacking them and demonizing them and treating them like animals, guess what? They're gonna snap. And one point, somebody's gonna retaliate, and then all hell's gonna break loose." In September of 2007, Bedier's YouTube account was shut down for a "Terms of Use" violation. On it, he had produced a video which included an individual stating to a cheering crowd, "What we pray all the time is that the state of Israel be dismantled, totally dismantled..." In light of this information and the detailed documentation in this Briefing Pack, we ask that you do not give United Voices for America any of your attention. Though it may state otherwise, given its radical leadership, you must understand that ultimately this organization is not in town for any positive reason whatsoever. While the majority of the Muslim community in our state are productive citizens and do not get involved in extremist causes, United Voices for America and its leader are not representative of those Muslims. Finally, we ask that you please be suspicious of this group's message, no matter how innocuous it seems or sounds. Ultimately, the group's agenda will do harm to life in Florida and America.
MUSLIM ADVOCACY DAY
A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
Tallahassee, FL March 10, 2009
A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
Tallahassee, FL March 10, 2009
THE PROBLEM {Ahmed's ties to terrorism}
On March 9 -- 10, Ahmed Bedier, the former representative for the Hamas-affiliated Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and "unofficial spokesman" for Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) terrorist Sami Al-Arian, held an event in Tallahassee, Florida, under the banner of his newly formed group, United Voices for America (UVA). The UVA was created, according to Bedier, to lobby the Florida legislature and to "empower" Muslims "to change Florida."
CLICK HERE: Details of Ahmed Bedier's Muslim Advocacy Day - SEE MUSLIM DAY PHOTOS!
Notwithstanding the right of UVA to petition and participate in government, it is also the responsibility of informed Americans to notify elected officials as to who Ahmed Bedier really is and what he actually believes.
CLICK HERE: An analysis of - The Dual Life of Pro-Terror Activist, Ahmed Bedier
THE PLAN {The counter to Bedier was a 5 part plan}
1. BRIEFING PACKET -- Documentation of Bedier's terrorist relations, complied in a packet, delivered to every Florida legislator.
2. PRESS CONFERENCE - Assemble high-caliber team to ALERT Florida officials to Bedier involvement with terror-related organizations and individuals.
3. LEADERSHIP -- Assemble anti-jihad leadership from around Florida and America to stand with Press Conference Speakers
4. EDUCATION -- Begin comprehensive educational program of Florida officials using anti-sharia material including documentaries like; THIRD JIHAD and HOMEGROWN JIHAD.
5. INVESTIGATION - Launch investigative effort to publicize political activities of Ahmed Bedier.
THE LETTER {It all started with this letter}
Americans Concerned for Florida 2200 Fourth Avenue North, #3 Lake Worth, FL 33461 March 9, 2009
Dear Honorable Florida Legislators, Cabinet Officials and Staff:
On March 9-10, a group with radical Islamist ties will be entering Tallahassee in an attempt to influence Florida legislators, cabinet members and staff. The organization goes by the name - United Voices for America.
United Voices for America has every right to come to Tallahassee and request a meeting with you, a Florida elected official. By the same account, you have every right to know that the person sitting across from you is part of a group led by someone who has a set of beliefs that are completely inconsistent with the principles of American Democracy and that are potentially destructive to the State of Florida.
Do not let the patriotic name fool you. This is a group that is led by a known extremist with well documented ties to terrorist groups and terrorist supporters.
The President of United Voices for America is Ahmed Bedier.
Up until May of 2008, Mr. Bedier was the Executive Director of the Tampa chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). Prior to that, he served as the Communications Director for CAIR-Florida.
CAIR, if you don't already know, was created by operatives from HAMAS, a Foreign Terrorist Organization listed in Section 219 of the American Immigration and Nationality Act. CAIR was named as an unindicted co-conspirator by the Justice Department in a 2008 federal trial dealing with the financing of millions of dollars to Hamas. Because of this connection to Hamas, the FBI recently issued a directive to all of its field offices stating that none of them were to hold meetings with CAIR or any of the group's local chapters around the country.
Bedier joined CAIR in February of 2003, the same month that University of South Florida (USF) professor Sami Al-Arian was taken into custody by the FBI for his leadership role in Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). This was no mere coincidence. Through CAIR, Bedier became Al-Arian's "unofficial spokesman" in the media. He held press conferences for Al-Arian, he attended rallies for Al-Arian, and he used a radio show that he co-hosts to provide a forum for Al-Arian's PIJ colleagues.
Bedier's radio show hasn't just been associated with PIJ. In July of 2006, an entire show was devoted to lauding Hezbollah. All three of his guests heaped praise on Hezbollah, one even describing the group as "heroic." Another guest warned, "You can't just keep shutting it [Hezbollah] away, because it's always gonna rise again."
In addition to his support for terrorist-related organizations and individuals, Bedier's own statements are disturbing. In May of 2004, he told Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite, "Catholic priests pose more of a terrorism threat by having sex with young altar boys than those who flew planes into the World Trade Center." In December of 2005, when asked by a Tampa TV talk show hostess if it was immoral to associate with PIJ, he replied, "To a certain degree. Now, before 1995 there was nothing immoral about it." And in April of 2007, he told a crowd at USF, "People, when you corner them [Muslims], when you keep attacking them and demonizing them and treating them like animals, guess what? They're gonna snap. And one point, somebody's gonna retaliate, and then all hell's gonna break loose."
In September of 2007, Bedier's YouTube account was shut down for a "Terms of Use" violation. On it, he had produced a video which included an individual stating to a cheering crowd, "What we pray all the time is that the state of Israel be dismantled, totally dismantled..."
In light of this information and the detailed documentation in this Briefing Pack, we ask that you do not give United Voices for America any of your attention. Though it may state otherwise, given its radical leadership, you must understand that ultimately this organization is not in town for any positive reason whatsoever.
While the majority of the Muslim community in our state are productive citizens and do not get involved in extremist causes, United Voices for America and its leader are not representative of those Muslims.
Finally, we ask that you please be suspicious of this group's message, no matter how innocuous it seems or sounds. Ultimately, the group's agenda will do harm to life in Florida and America.
Sincerely,
The following signatories are simply a group of - Americans Concerned for Florida. We are a cross section of leaders from Florida and various parts of the United States who have joined together to alert the State of Florida to Ahmed Bedier and his new organization United Voices for America.
NAME - TITLE - ORGANIZATION
Christine Brim - Senior Vice President for Policy and Program Management - Center for Security Policy
Cynthia Lucas - Republican Executive Committee Member - Florida Security Council
Rabbi Jon Hausman - Educator
Colonel Arthur DeRuve (Ret) - Florida Security Council
Greg Tighe - President - The Endicott Group, Inc.
Alan Bergstein - South Florida Chairman - Zionist Organization of America
Erik Svane - Writer
Pamela Geller - Blogger - Atlas Shrugs
Harry G Riley - Founder - Patriots For America
Pendra Lee Snyder - President - Citizens Media Group, Inc.
Gordon R. Lewis, Ph.D. - Professor of PhilosophyRetired
Donald Edlin
Joyce Kaufman - Radio Show Host - 850 WFTL
May C. Long - President/Founder - Christians and Jews United for Israel
Jerry Gordon - Intelligence Analyst - Florida Security Council
Eddie Smith - Chapter Leader - Act for America
Linda Harvey - President - Mission America
Michael Tranchina - Director - Florida Security Council
Pamela Hall - Director - New York-United American Committee
Marc Goldman - Representative - Florida Security Council
Alan Bergstein - Representative - Florida Security Council
Carmen Reynolds, Lt Col (Ret) - Free lance journalist, copy editor, researcher - USAF
Charles Jacobs - President - Americans for Peace and Tolerance
Robert Kunst - President - Shalom International
David R. Goldberg - Co-ordinator - ACT, Palm Beach County Chapter
Claude O'Donovan - Representative - Florida Security Council
Rev. James M. Hutchens, Ph.D. - President - The Jerusalem Connection Intl
Mr. Kelly Cook - National Field Director - ACT! for America
Usama K. Dakdok - President - The Straight Way of Grace Ministry, Inc
Robert Spencer - Director - Jihad Watch
Seth Levy
Joe Kaufman - Chairman - Americans Against Hate
Daniel Pipes - Director - Middle East Forum
Beila Rabinowitz - Director - Militant Islam Monitor
Colin A. Hanna - President - Let Freedom Ring
Guy Rodgers - Executive Director - ACT! for America
Don Van Curler - Representative - Florida Security Council
Linda Green - Americans Against Hate
Don Berger - Chapter Leader - ACT for America Columbus Ohio Chapter
William P. McKay - Manager - The Clifton Corp.
Dr. Richard M. Swier, LTC, U.S. Army (Ret.) - Publisher - Red County Florida
Frank Gaffney - President - Center for Security Policy
Greg Ringdahl - President - Republican Club of Central Palm Beach
Tom Trento - Executive Director - Florida Security Council
THE PRESS CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
{SEE THEM IN ACTION - Cick Here}
Representative Adam Hasner, House Majority Leader.
Tom Trento, Director, Florida Security Council; involved in the promotion and distribution of 28 million copies of the documentary, Obsession, Radical Islam's War Against the West.
Joe Kaufman, Chairman, Americans Against Hate; an expert on many Islamist organizations including CAIR.
Dr. Richard M. Swier, Publisher of Red County -- Florida; a decorated Vietnam Veteran is a retired Lieutenant Colonel, specializes in National Security issues.
Martin J. Mawyer; is the president and founder of Christian Action Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the traditions of the American family and defending the nation against radical Islam. Mawyer recently produced a powerful documentary (Homegrown Jihad) that uncovered 35 terrorist camps, within the borders of the United States.
Kelly Cook, National Field Director with Brigitte Gabriel's Act for America; Cook directs a grassroots team of over 54,000 members,(5100 in Florida) in 270 chapters. ACT is on pace for 1 million members and 1500 chapters world-wide by winter of 2012.
Jerry Gordon; Intelligence Analyst; former Army Intelligence officer who served during the Viet Nam era. Mr. Gordon has published widely in such outlets as FrontPageMagazine, The American Thinker, WorldNetDaily, ChronWatch, The New English Review, Israpundit and others. He has been a frequent guest discussing Middle East issues on radio in both the U.S. and Canada. He is a graduate of both Boston and Columbia Universities.
Frank Gaffney, President, Center for Security Policy; Gaffney is the Founder and President of the Center for Security Policy in Washington, D.C.
On March 9 -- 10, Ahmed Bedier, the former representative for the Hamas-affiliated Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and "unofficial spokesman" for Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) terrorist Sami Al-Arian, held an event in Tallahassee, Florida, under the banner of his newly formed group, United Voices for America (UVA). The UVA was created, according to Bedier, to lobby the Florida legislature and to "empower" Muslims "to change Florida."
CLICK HERE: Details of Ahmed Bedier's Muslim Advocacy Day - SEE MUSLIM DAY PHOTOS!
Notwithstanding the right of UVA to petition and participate in government, it is also the responsibility of informed Americans to notify elected officials as to who Ahmed Bedier really is and what he actually believes.
CLICK HERE: An analysis of - The Dual Life of Pro-Terror Activist, Ahmed Bedier
THE PLAN {The counter to Bedier was a 5 part plan}
1. BRIEFING PACKET -- Documentation of Bedier's terrorist relations, complied in a packet, delivered to every Florida legislator.
2. PRESS CONFERENCE - Assemble high-caliber team to ALERT Florida officials to Bedier involvement with terror-related organizations and individuals.
3. LEADERSHIP -- Assemble anti-jihad leadership from around Florida and America to stand with Press Conference Speakers
4. EDUCATION -- Begin comprehensive educational program of Florida officials using anti-sharia material including documentaries like; THIRD JIHAD and HOMEGROWN JIHAD.
5. INVESTIGATION - Launch investigative effort to publicize political activities of Ahmed Bedier.
THE LETTER {It all started with this letter}
Americans Concerned for Florida 2200 Fourth Avenue North, #3 Lake Worth, FL 33461 March 9, 2009
Dear Honorable Florida Legislators, Cabinet Officials and Staff:
On March 9-10, a group with radical Islamist ties will be entering Tallahassee in an attempt to influence Florida legislators, cabinet members and staff. The organization goes by the name - United Voices for America.
United Voices for America has every right to come to Tallahassee and request a meeting with you, a Florida elected official. By the same account, you have every right to know that the person sitting across from you is part of a group led by someone who has a set of beliefs that are completely inconsistent with the principles of American Democracy and that are potentially destructive to the State of Florida.
Do not let the patriotic name fool you. This is a group that is led by a known extremist with well documented ties to terrorist groups and terrorist supporters.
The President of United Voices for America is Ahmed Bedier.
Up until May of 2008, Mr. Bedier was the Executive Director of the Tampa chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). Prior to that, he served as the Communications Director for CAIR-Florida.
CAIR, if you don't already know, was created by operatives from HAMAS, a Foreign Terrorist Organization listed in Section 219 of the American Immigration and Nationality Act. CAIR was named as an unindicted co-conspirator by the Justice Department in a 2008 federal trial dealing with the financing of millions of dollars to Hamas. Because of this connection to Hamas, the FBI recently issued a directive to all of its field offices stating that none of them were to hold meetings with CAIR or any of the group's local chapters around the country.
Bedier joined CAIR in February of 2003, the same month that University of South Florida (USF) professor Sami Al-Arian was taken into custody by the FBI for his leadership role in Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). This was no mere coincidence. Through CAIR, Bedier became Al-Arian's "unofficial spokesman" in the media. He held press conferences for Al-Arian, he attended rallies for Al-Arian, and he used a radio show that he co-hosts to provide a forum for Al-Arian's PIJ colleagues.
Bedier's radio show hasn't just been associated with PIJ. In July of 2006, an entire show was devoted to lauding Hezbollah. All three of his guests heaped praise on Hezbollah, one even describing the group as "heroic." Another guest warned, "You can't just keep shutting it [Hezbollah] away, because it's always gonna rise again."
In addition to his support for terrorist-related organizations and individuals, Bedier's own statements are disturbing. In May of 2004, he told Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite, "Catholic priests pose more of a terrorism threat by having sex with young altar boys than those who flew planes into the World Trade Center." In December of 2005, when asked by a Tampa TV talk show hostess if it was immoral to associate with PIJ, he replied, "To a certain degree. Now, before 1995 there was nothing immoral about it." And in April of 2007, he told a crowd at USF, "People, when you corner them [Muslims], when you keep attacking them and demonizing them and treating them like animals, guess what? They're gonna snap. And one point, somebody's gonna retaliate, and then all hell's gonna break loose."
In September of 2007, Bedier's YouTube account was shut down for a "Terms of Use" violation. On it, he had produced a video which included an individual stating to a cheering crowd, "What we pray all the time is that the state of Israel be dismantled, totally dismantled..."
In light of this information and the detailed documentation in this Briefing Pack, we ask that you do not give United Voices for America any of your attention. Though it may state otherwise, given its radical leadership, you must understand that ultimately this organization is not in town for any positive reason whatsoever.
While the majority of the Muslim community in our state are productive citizens and do not get involved in extremist causes, United Voices for America and its leader are not representative of those Muslims.
Finally, we ask that you please be suspicious of this group's message, no matter how innocuous it seems or sounds. Ultimately, the group's agenda will do harm to life in Florida and America.
Sincerely,
The following signatories are simply a group of - Americans Concerned for Florida. We are a cross section of leaders from Florida and various parts of the United States who have joined together to alert the State of Florida to Ahmed Bedier and his new organization United Voices for America.
NAME - TITLE - ORGANIZATION
Christine Brim - Senior Vice President for Policy and Program Management - Center for Security Policy
Cynthia Lucas - Republican Executive Committee Member - Florida Security Council
Rabbi Jon Hausman - Educator
Colonel Arthur DeRuve (Ret) - Florida Security Council
Greg Tighe - President - The Endicott Group, Inc.
Alan Bergstein - South Florida Chairman - Zionist Organization of America
Erik Svane - Writer
Pamela Geller - Blogger - Atlas Shrugs
Harry G Riley - Founder - Patriots For America
Pendra Lee Snyder - President - Citizens Media Group, Inc.
Gordon R. Lewis, Ph.D. - Professor of PhilosophyRetired
Donald Edlin
Joyce Kaufman - Radio Show Host - 850 WFTL
May C. Long - President/Founder - Christians and Jews United for Israel
Jerry Gordon - Intelligence Analyst - Florida Security Council
Eddie Smith - Chapter Leader - Act for America
Linda Harvey - President - Mission America
Michael Tranchina - Director - Florida Security Council
Pamela Hall - Director - New York-United American Committee
Marc Goldman - Representative - Florida Security Council
Alan Bergstein - Representative - Florida Security Council
Carmen Reynolds, Lt Col (Ret) - Free lance journalist, copy editor, researcher - USAF
Charles Jacobs - President - Americans for Peace and Tolerance
Robert Kunst - President - Shalom International
David R. Goldberg - Co-ordinator - ACT, Palm Beach County Chapter
Claude O'Donovan - Representative - Florida Security Council
Rev. James M. Hutchens, Ph.D. - President - The Jerusalem Connection Intl
Mr. Kelly Cook - National Field Director - ACT! for America
Usama K. Dakdok - President - The Straight Way of Grace Ministry, Inc
Robert Spencer - Director - Jihad Watch
Seth Levy
Joe Kaufman - Chairman - Americans Against Hate
Daniel Pipes - Director - Middle East Forum
Beila Rabinowitz - Director - Militant Islam Monitor
Colin A. Hanna - President - Let Freedom Ring
Guy Rodgers - Executive Director - ACT! for America
Don Van Curler - Representative - Florida Security Council
Linda Green - Americans Against Hate
Don Berger - Chapter Leader - ACT for America Columbus Ohio Chapter
William P. McKay - Manager - The Clifton Corp.
Dr. Richard M. Swier, LTC, U.S. Army (Ret.) - Publisher - Red County Florida
Frank Gaffney - President - Center for Security Policy
Greg Ringdahl - President - Republican Club of Central Palm Beach
Tom Trento - Executive Director - Florida Security Council
THE PRESS CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
{SEE THEM IN ACTION - Cick Here}
Representative Adam Hasner, House Majority Leader.
Tom Trento, Director, Florida Security Council; involved in the promotion and distribution of 28 million copies of the documentary, Obsession, Radical Islam's War Against the West.
Joe Kaufman, Chairman, Americans Against Hate; an expert on many Islamist organizations including CAIR.
Dr. Richard M. Swier, Publisher of Red County -- Florida; a decorated Vietnam Veteran is a retired Lieutenant Colonel, specializes in National Security issues.
Martin J. Mawyer; is the president and founder of Christian Action Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the traditions of the American family and defending the nation against radical Islam. Mawyer recently produced a powerful documentary (Homegrown Jihad) that uncovered 35 terrorist camps, within the borders of the United States.
Kelly Cook, National Field Director with Brigitte Gabriel's Act for America; Cook directs a grassroots team of over 54,000 members,(5100 in Florida) in 270 chapters. ACT is on pace for 1 million members and 1500 chapters world-wide by winter of 2012.
Jerry Gordon; Intelligence Analyst; former Army Intelligence officer who served during the Viet Nam era. Mr. Gordon has published widely in such outlets as FrontPageMagazine, The American Thinker, WorldNetDaily, ChronWatch, The New English Review, Israpundit and others. He has been a frequent guest discussing Middle East issues on radio in both the U.S. and Canada. He is a graduate of both Boston and Columbia Universities.
Frank Gaffney, President, Center for Security Policy; Gaffney is the Founder and President of the Center for Security Policy in Washington, D.C.
Frank Gaffney making a point
THE PRESS {a few examples of the coverage}
THE BRADENTON HERALD
Posted on Tue, Mar. 10, 2009
Fla. Muslims at Capitol, lawmaker blasts leader By JESSICA GRESKO Associated Press Writer
The organizer of a day that brought nearly 200 Florida Muslims to the state Capitol to lobby politicians Tuesday was called a "known terrorist sympathizer" by a head lawmaker and others, a label the leader emphatically rejected.
House Majority Leader Adam Hasner said his colleagues should learn more about the head of Tampa-based United Voices For America before deciding whether to meet with any of the men and women at the Capitol for Florida Capitol Muslim Day. The group is about a year old and has four staff members and about 100 volunteers around the state. It had urged Muslims to come to talk to lawmakers about education and health care issues.
"All Floridians are welcome to come to Tallahassee to petition their government," Hasner said repeatedly during a news conference on the back steps of the Capitol. "This is to draw a light onto the leader of this organization who is a known terrorist sympathizer, who is a part of an organization with ties to funding Hamas and other terrorist organizations."
Hasner, R-Delray Beach, was talking about Ahmed Bedier, United Voices For America's executive director. Before starting the group he was the executive director of the Tampa office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR. The Washington-based group was founded in 1994 and has offices in 20 states. Recently the organization was one of hundreds of Muslim individuals and groups named as unindicted co-conspirators in a terrorism-financing trial where a Texas charity was accused of helping fund Hamas. CAIR is fighting the label in court.
Bedier said Hasner's comments linking him to "terrorists" were "absolute nonsense."
"I've repeatedly spoken out against terrorists," Bedier said, adding too that CAIR was not the organization at the Capitol on Tuesday.
"This is a distraction from his real motive of disenfranchising minority participants, Muslims, from participating in the political process," Bedier said.
Bedier pointed to comments made in 2006 by the head of the Tampa office of the FBI who thanked him for an "open line of communication" between the agency and CAIR.
Hasner and other speakers at the afternoon news conference pointed to what they called Bedier's role as an "unofficial spokesman" for Sami Al-Arian, a former computer science professor at Tampa's University of South Florida once accused of being a leading Palestinian terrorist. Al-Arian, acquitted of many charges, later agreed to a plea bargain on others and was sentenced to nearly five years in prison. CAIR had supported Al-Arian during the time Bedier was in Tampa, and he was often quoted on the case.
Other participants at Tuesday's news conference included representatives from the Florida Security Council; Americans Against Hate and Christian Action Network. A spokesman for CAIR called those groups "extremists and Islamophobics."
Bedier said Hasner's comments did not appear to be affecting the actions of other lawmakers, many of whom met with Muslims at the Capitol for the day. Bedier said he expected the group to meet with just under half of all lawmakers.
He said he had not heard of any lawmakers turning away people who had come to visit them because of Hasner's comments. Hasner said he had not been contacted by representatives of United Voices for America and would not say whether he would meet with them if contacted.
Lobbying days at the Capitol are not unusual. Last week included Space Day, when space-industry groups were in town to meet with lawmakers.
Dr. Husain Nagamia from Tampa was one of the people who came to the Capitol for Muslim Day, his first trip to the Legislature. He said he had participated in the discussion of a bill on kidney dialysis, met with three lawmakers and planned to meet with another.
"It never crossed my mind that we could enter into a discussion with them. I think it's a great success for us," Nagamia said.
TAMPA STORY - CLICK HERE TO READ
MIAMI STORY - CLICK HERE TO READ
THE LESSONS {6 important lessons for counter-jihad activists}
The response to Ahmed Bedier's Muslim Advocacy Day was a significant tactical and strategic success that was quickly organized and professionally implemented. As we have continually stated, every Floridian has a right to petition their government, even Muslims being led astray by Mr. Bedier.
Hopefully, Mr. Bedier would agree that every American has the right to criticize Mr. Bedier and ALERT Florida officials to serious concerns held by anti-terrorism experts about Mr. Bedier's associations.
In light of this "Free Speech" day the following lessons are instructive:
1. The anti-jihad, anti-sharia movement in Florida is a powerful educational force.
2. Citizen Activists are very organized and effectively communicating on a local and national level.
3. Anti-sharia educational programs directed at State officials are increasing on a regular basis.
4. Camaraderie and focus on the task of defeating radical Islamism is superseding ethnic and religious differences.
5. Individual commitment to morally stop any efforts at undermining the US Constitution through a "stealth jihad" methodology is growing on a daily basis, all across Florida and America.
6. Thank God for Statesmen like Rep. Adam Hasner who put principal before politics.
THE CONCLUSION
We truly believe our stand marked a pivotal moment in American history. As Europeans awaken this morning, they wonder... "what happened?" Sadly we know exactly "what happened," and have decided to be out in front, protecting and defending the United States Constitution. On behalf of our counter-jihad coalition, please accept our deepest thanks to all who had a part in this important event.
Respectfully,
Tom Trento
{PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION TO HELP COVER THE EXPENSES OF OUR RESPONSE TO MUSLIM ADVOCACY DAY}
THE PRESS {a few examples of the coverage}
THE BRADENTON HERALD
Posted on Tue, Mar. 10, 2009
Fla. Muslims at Capitol, lawmaker blasts leader By JESSICA GRESKO Associated Press Writer
The organizer of a day that brought nearly 200 Florida Muslims to the state Capitol to lobby politicians Tuesday was called a "known terrorist sympathizer" by a head lawmaker and others, a label the leader emphatically rejected.
House Majority Leader Adam Hasner said his colleagues should learn more about the head of Tampa-based United Voices For America before deciding whether to meet with any of the men and women at the Capitol for Florida Capitol Muslim Day. The group is about a year old and has four staff members and about 100 volunteers around the state. It had urged Muslims to come to talk to lawmakers about education and health care issues.
"All Floridians are welcome to come to Tallahassee to petition their government," Hasner said repeatedly during a news conference on the back steps of the Capitol. "This is to draw a light onto the leader of this organization who is a known terrorist sympathizer, who is a part of an organization with ties to funding Hamas and other terrorist organizations."
Hasner, R-Delray Beach, was talking about Ahmed Bedier, United Voices For America's executive director. Before starting the group he was the executive director of the Tampa office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR. The Washington-based group was founded in 1994 and has offices in 20 states. Recently the organization was one of hundreds of Muslim individuals and groups named as unindicted co-conspirators in a terrorism-financing trial where a Texas charity was accused of helping fund Hamas. CAIR is fighting the label in court.
Bedier said Hasner's comments linking him to "terrorists" were "absolute nonsense."
"I've repeatedly spoken out against terrorists," Bedier said, adding too that CAIR was not the organization at the Capitol on Tuesday.
"This is a distraction from his real motive of disenfranchising minority participants, Muslims, from participating in the political process," Bedier said.
Bedier pointed to comments made in 2006 by the head of the Tampa office of the FBI who thanked him for an "open line of communication" between the agency and CAIR.
Hasner and other speakers at the afternoon news conference pointed to what they called Bedier's role as an "unofficial spokesman" for Sami Al-Arian, a former computer science professor at Tampa's University of South Florida once accused of being a leading Palestinian terrorist. Al-Arian, acquitted of many charges, later agreed to a plea bargain on others and was sentenced to nearly five years in prison. CAIR had supported Al-Arian during the time Bedier was in Tampa, and he was often quoted on the case.
Other participants at Tuesday's news conference included representatives from the Florida Security Council; Americans Against Hate and Christian Action Network. A spokesman for CAIR called those groups "extremists and Islamophobics."
Bedier said Hasner's comments did not appear to be affecting the actions of other lawmakers, many of whom met with Muslims at the Capitol for the day. Bedier said he expected the group to meet with just under half of all lawmakers.
He said he had not heard of any lawmakers turning away people who had come to visit them because of Hasner's comments. Hasner said he had not been contacted by representatives of United Voices for America and would not say whether he would meet with them if contacted.
Lobbying days at the Capitol are not unusual. Last week included Space Day, when space-industry groups were in town to meet with lawmakers.
Dr. Husain Nagamia from Tampa was one of the people who came to the Capitol for Muslim Day, his first trip to the Legislature. He said he had participated in the discussion of a bill on kidney dialysis, met with three lawmakers and planned to meet with another.
"It never crossed my mind that we could enter into a discussion with them. I think it's a great success for us," Nagamia said.
TAMPA STORY - CLICK HERE TO READ
MIAMI STORY - CLICK HERE TO READ
THE LESSONS {6 important lessons for counter-jihad activists}
The response to Ahmed Bedier's Muslim Advocacy Day was a significant tactical and strategic success that was quickly organized and professionally implemented. As we have continually stated, every Floridian has a right to petition their government, even Muslims being led astray by Mr. Bedier.
Hopefully, Mr. Bedier would agree that every American has the right to criticize Mr. Bedier and ALERT Florida officials to serious concerns held by anti-terrorism experts about Mr. Bedier's associations.
In light of this "Free Speech" day the following lessons are instructive:
1. The anti-jihad, anti-sharia movement in Florida is a powerful educational force.
2. Citizen Activists are very organized and effectively communicating on a local and national level.
3. Anti-sharia educational programs directed at State officials are increasing on a regular basis.
4. Camaraderie and focus on the task of defeating radical Islamism is superseding ethnic and religious differences.
5. Individual commitment to morally stop any efforts at undermining the US Constitution through a "stealth jihad" methodology is growing on a daily basis, all across Florida and America.
6. Thank God for Statesmen like Rep. Adam Hasner who put principal before politics.
THE CONCLUSION
We truly believe our stand marked a pivotal moment in American history. As Europeans awaken this morning, they wonder... "what happened?" Sadly we know exactly "what happened," and have decided to be out in front, protecting and defending the United States Constitution. On behalf of our counter-jihad coalition, please accept our deepest thanks to all who had a part in this important event.
Respectfully,
Tom Trento
{PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION TO HELP COVER THE EXPENSES OF OUR RESPONSE TO MUSLIM ADVOCACY DAY}
Jihad, Martyrdom, and the Torments of the Grave
by Raymond Ibrahim
Pajamas Media
March 14, 2009
http://www.meforum.org/2102/jihad-martyrdom-and-the-torments-of-the-grave
Why do some Muslims become suicide bombers or "martyrs"? In fact, these two near antithetic words — on the one hand, broken, desperate suicides, on the other, heroic martyrs — intrinsically demonstrate the radically different epistemologies the average Westerner and Muslim will articulate their answer through. In other words, that Westerners consider them suicides while Muslims consider them martyrs in and of itself speaks volumes on motivation.To the secular Western mind, such Muslims are simply frustrated: oppressed and depressed, and with nothing to lose, these Muslims (so the logic goes) end their suffering in the name of some "noble" cause — be it the "liberation of al-Aqsa" or the razing of U.S. skyscrapers. All their talk about Islam, "obligations," or 72 dark-eyed virgins is but a cover for their true motivation: "revenge" on the one hand, escape from an oppressive existence on the other. Most recently, "shame" has been cited as another culprit: al-Qaeda has been raping and thereby shaming women — and men — into becoming "martyrs."Conversely, from a purely Muslim point of view, becoming a martyr is not only a guarantee to eternal paradise — which, if many secular Westerners deem "silly," the devotees of Allah take very seriously — but a paradise that may appeal to some of man's most libidinous desires. Thus, whereas the Christian heaven is purely spiritual — "they shall neither marry nor give into marriage" (Matthew 22:30) and not necessarily "enticing" — some Muslim accounts of paradise are downright hedonistic.Scriptural references demonstrative of this are many. Consider Koran 36:55-56: "For the inhabitants of paradise on that day shall be engaged in joyous activities [shughlin fakihun] — they and their wives, reclined on raised cushions." A number of the most authoritative exegetes, such as Ibn Kathir (see here), have interpreted "engaged in joyous activities" as meaning "they will be busy deflowering virgins." (See also al-Jalalayn's tafsir, where he concurs.)That said, it is of course difficult to accept that any Muslim man would become a suicide bomber primarily because he wants to copulate in perpetuity — even if Islam's prophet is on the record saying that men in heaven will have the sexual potency of 100 men (to better handle the countless maidens). Also, what about women, who have increasingly taken to becoming suicide bombers? Surely sex is not their motivation.However, before concluding that Muslims become suicide bombers purely out of desperation, frustration, or shame, it should be borne in mind that, aside from the theological guarantee of a hedonistic paradise, there is yet another, antithetical reason that may subtly compel Muslims to seek martyrdom.This is the little-known doctrine of 'adhab al-qabr, or the "torments of the grave." Anyone familiar with Islam's texts has repeatedly come across this curious phrase; anyone who has listened to Muslim sermons has been severely warned against it. The torments of the grave are a very real doctrine that has the tendency to drive believers to despair — I have watched grown men and women on Arabic satellite relay the terror this doctrine has worked in their lives — making them eager to do whatever is necessary to avoid it.Based on a close reading of Islam's texts, the following account represents Sunni Islam's standard teachings of after-death experiences:First, the soul is said to return to the corpse while it is interred. As the pallbearers carry the body to the grave, its soul follows behind crying, "Oh my, wherever are they taking me?!" — all while the gaping grave moans, "I am the house of strangeness; I am the house of loneliness; I am the house of dust; I am the house of worms."After being laid to rest by the gravediggers, the dead "hear" the gravediggers as they walk away — implying, as the forthcoming torments suggest, and ulema maintain, that the dead experience "physical" sensations. (Perhaps this is why Muslims are in the habit of offering audible "greetings" to the dead — who "hear" — whenever they pass their graves?)Every soul, once entombed along with its body, is tried by two angels. The hadith states: "His [the dead's] soul returns to his body; then two angels arrive and sit him up for questioning" — specifically, "Who is your lord, what is your religion, who is your prophet?" If he answers Allah, Islam, and Muhammad, respectively, he is granted paradise; if not, the torments begin.While these questions appear deceptively easy to answer, and thus even the most nominal Muslim should be able to pass this ghoulish inquisition unscathed, the reason Muslims fear failing the test may be associated with Islam's infamous fatalism: "Those who believe, Allah will strengthen with a firm word, in this world and the hereafter; but the unjust he leads astray [in this world and the hereafter]. Allah does what he will" (Koran 14:27). Ulema have interpreted this verse as revolving around the angels' interrogation and the ability of the dead — or rather, Allah's desire for them — to answer right or wrong.As for infidels and nominal Muslims (al-muslim al-'assi), their response to each of the angels' questions is inevitably: "Uh, uh … I don't know." After being verbally chastised by the angels and a "voice from heaven," the torments begin in earnest.First, the angels pulverize the body with a "massive iron hammer" — one that "has no equal [in power and size] in the world." In the process, "he [the dead] cries out in such a manner that all creation — minus humans and jinn [supernatural beings] — hear him." Another hadith states that this hammer is such that "if a mountain was struck by it, the mountain would crumble into dust; the dead [man] is struck such a blow that he crumbles into dust — but Allah reassembles him, and he is struck again," apparently in perpetuity.Next, the grave is said to "tighten" around the corpse, till its bones pop and crack — all while the soul is still trapped inside, suffering, suffocating. Some ulema maintain the dead — with their souls experiencing these travails — stay in this position till judgment day.Then comes the turn of the tomb-snake, known as al-shaja' al-aqra' (roughly translated as the "bald brave one"); designed by Allah to torment the dead, this snake "eats his [the dead's] flesh, from head to toe; then his flesh returns, and it [the snake] eats his flesh from toe to head, and so on." Yet another hadith has not one snake, but 70 dragons: "Allah shall set upon him 70 dragons, such that if one of them were to blow upon the earth, the earth would fail and wither away. They will rend and tear, maul and mull upon him until the day of reckoning" — all while he continues screaming, though no human or jinn hears. Still another hadith declares that the dead will be attacked by 99 dragons; each dragon will consist of 70 serpents; each serpent will have nine heads — for a total of 62,370 serpent heads tormenting the corpse in perpetuity.At this point, the (especially) Western reader may think all this absurd, that no Muslim can truly believe such things, that this is all moot and can hardly ever drive anyone to action, much less suicide. That (according to Muhammad) one of the greatest "sins" responsible for sending people to the torments of the grave is failing to properly clean oneself after urinating may further lead to the conviction that this is all farcical, hardly a reason to bring Muslims to despair.Yet here again we are entered into the tricky realm of epistemology: every civilization has its own particular sources, physical or metaphysical, whence knowledge, and thence "truth," is articulated. For mainstream Islam, the Koran first, followed by the vast corpus of hadith — particularly the "canonical six," which the aforementioned account of graveyard torments is mostly based on — form the basis of all truth and reality.Moreover, everything written in these sources is generally taken literally. Thus the same literalism that compelled Islam's most authoritative institution, al-Azhar, to issue a fatwa prompting women to "breastfeed" strange men, compels Muslims today to accept the torments of the grave literally — pounding mallets, 62,370 snapping serpents, and all.Anyone who closely follows Arabic-Islamic TV will further know that the torments of the grave, as described, have instilled fear and terror in the lives of Muslims. I have personally watched an al-Haya TV episode where a young Muslim woman, in tears and almost hysterical, was describing her morbid fear of the torments. I have also seen the ulema on Iqra TV, also in tears, lament the fate of those ("moderate") Muslims who are destined to experience the torments of the grave. Other recovering Muslims maintain that sheikhs regularly cultivate fear of the torments of the grave in the lives of the youth.The fact is, Muslims, even the most pious among them, have good reason to be fearful of the torments of the grave: Talking about his pious dead companion, Sa'd ibn Mu'adh, Muhammad observed, "The grave has an oppressive tightness, and were [it possible for] anyone to escape this, Sa'd ibn Mu'adh would have done so, for he is the one for whom the Throne of the All-Merciful shook." Moreover, there is the famous hadith where Muhammad said, "My ummah shall be split into 73 sects — all of which will go to the fire [hell], except one which shall be saved." In other words, few Muslims have any guarantees that they will not visit the torments of the grave.Still, what does any of this have to do with the jihad in general, or suicide bombing/martyrdom operations in particular? Plenty. Inasmuch as the torments of the grave clearly terrify Muslims, so too are there clear-cut ways of evading them. Three have been ascertained. The first two are quite haphazard: Muslims who happen to die on Friday (al-jum'a, the day of Muslim congregation) and Muslims who happen to die of stomach aches are exonerated from the torments. Why? The prophet said so.However, the ulema have been quick to point out and stress a third way — dying as a "martyr" fi sabil Allah (in the cause of Allah), i.e., during the jihad. In fact, in a hadith I first encountered when translating al-Qaeda texts for The Al Qaeda Reader, Muhammad said:The martyr is special to Allah. He is forgiven from the first drop of blood [that he sheds]. He sees his throne in paradise, where he will be adorned in ornaments of faith. He will wed the 'aynhour [wide-eyed virgins] and will not know the torments of the grave and safeguards against the greater horror [hell]. Fixed atop his head will be a crown of honor, a ruby that is greater than the world and all it contains. And he will copulate with seventy-two 'aynhour and be able to offer intercessions for seventy of his relatives.And here one sees that, alongside the enticement of celestial copulation, the torments of the grave have the potential to terrify Muslims into "martyrdom." This also begs the question: if these torments of the grave have the capacity to terrorize Muslims into considering a premature death fi sabil Allah, how much more can fear of Islam's hell — the "greater horror" — goad Muslims to seek out martyrdom, which not only safeguards against the torments of the grave but hell itself?The torments of the grave are a reminder of how important it is to take Islam's doctrines — no matter how quaint or esoteric — seriously; dismissing them out of hand, since they seem silly to "us," is arrogance. Anyone who truly wishes to ameliorate the phenomenon of Muslim suicide bombings, while taking into account all those "secular" reasons — poverty, frustration, desperation — should also, to be thoroughly holistic, take into account the psychological damage created by such arcane doctrines.Finally, it is well to observe that, if little-known doctrines such as the torments of the grave have the capacity to goad Muslims into seeking martyrdom, how much more can be expected from the very well-known doctrinal obligation of jihad itself?
Originally published at: http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/jihad-martyrdom-and-the-torments-of-the-grave/
Raymond Ibrahim is the associate director of the Middle East Forum and the author of The Al Qaeda Reader, translations of religious texts and propaganda.
Pajamas Media
March 14, 2009
http://www.meforum.org/2102/jihad-martyrdom-and-the-torments-of-the-grave
Why do some Muslims become suicide bombers or "martyrs"? In fact, these two near antithetic words — on the one hand, broken, desperate suicides, on the other, heroic martyrs — intrinsically demonstrate the radically different epistemologies the average Westerner and Muslim will articulate their answer through. In other words, that Westerners consider them suicides while Muslims consider them martyrs in and of itself speaks volumes on motivation.To the secular Western mind, such Muslims are simply frustrated: oppressed and depressed, and with nothing to lose, these Muslims (so the logic goes) end their suffering in the name of some "noble" cause — be it the "liberation of al-Aqsa" or the razing of U.S. skyscrapers. All their talk about Islam, "obligations," or 72 dark-eyed virgins is but a cover for their true motivation: "revenge" on the one hand, escape from an oppressive existence on the other. Most recently, "shame" has been cited as another culprit: al-Qaeda has been raping and thereby shaming women — and men — into becoming "martyrs."Conversely, from a purely Muslim point of view, becoming a martyr is not only a guarantee to eternal paradise — which, if many secular Westerners deem "silly," the devotees of Allah take very seriously — but a paradise that may appeal to some of man's most libidinous desires. Thus, whereas the Christian heaven is purely spiritual — "they shall neither marry nor give into marriage" (Matthew 22:30) and not necessarily "enticing" — some Muslim accounts of paradise are downright hedonistic.Scriptural references demonstrative of this are many. Consider Koran 36:55-56: "For the inhabitants of paradise on that day shall be engaged in joyous activities [shughlin fakihun] — they and their wives, reclined on raised cushions." A number of the most authoritative exegetes, such as Ibn Kathir (see here), have interpreted "engaged in joyous activities" as meaning "they will be busy deflowering virgins." (See also al-Jalalayn's tafsir, where he concurs.)That said, it is of course difficult to accept that any Muslim man would become a suicide bomber primarily because he wants to copulate in perpetuity — even if Islam's prophet is on the record saying that men in heaven will have the sexual potency of 100 men (to better handle the countless maidens). Also, what about women, who have increasingly taken to becoming suicide bombers? Surely sex is not their motivation.However, before concluding that Muslims become suicide bombers purely out of desperation, frustration, or shame, it should be borne in mind that, aside from the theological guarantee of a hedonistic paradise, there is yet another, antithetical reason that may subtly compel Muslims to seek martyrdom.This is the little-known doctrine of 'adhab al-qabr, or the "torments of the grave." Anyone familiar with Islam's texts has repeatedly come across this curious phrase; anyone who has listened to Muslim sermons has been severely warned against it. The torments of the grave are a very real doctrine that has the tendency to drive believers to despair — I have watched grown men and women on Arabic satellite relay the terror this doctrine has worked in their lives — making them eager to do whatever is necessary to avoid it.Based on a close reading of Islam's texts, the following account represents Sunni Islam's standard teachings of after-death experiences:First, the soul is said to return to the corpse while it is interred. As the pallbearers carry the body to the grave, its soul follows behind crying, "Oh my, wherever are they taking me?!" — all while the gaping grave moans, "I am the house of strangeness; I am the house of loneliness; I am the house of dust; I am the house of worms."After being laid to rest by the gravediggers, the dead "hear" the gravediggers as they walk away — implying, as the forthcoming torments suggest, and ulema maintain, that the dead experience "physical" sensations. (Perhaps this is why Muslims are in the habit of offering audible "greetings" to the dead — who "hear" — whenever they pass their graves?)Every soul, once entombed along with its body, is tried by two angels. The hadith states: "His [the dead's] soul returns to his body; then two angels arrive and sit him up for questioning" — specifically, "Who is your lord, what is your religion, who is your prophet?" If he answers Allah, Islam, and Muhammad, respectively, he is granted paradise; if not, the torments begin.While these questions appear deceptively easy to answer, and thus even the most nominal Muslim should be able to pass this ghoulish inquisition unscathed, the reason Muslims fear failing the test may be associated with Islam's infamous fatalism: "Those who believe, Allah will strengthen with a firm word, in this world and the hereafter; but the unjust he leads astray [in this world and the hereafter]. Allah does what he will" (Koran 14:27). Ulema have interpreted this verse as revolving around the angels' interrogation and the ability of the dead — or rather, Allah's desire for them — to answer right or wrong.As for infidels and nominal Muslims (al-muslim al-'assi), their response to each of the angels' questions is inevitably: "Uh, uh … I don't know." After being verbally chastised by the angels and a "voice from heaven," the torments begin in earnest.First, the angels pulverize the body with a "massive iron hammer" — one that "has no equal [in power and size] in the world." In the process, "he [the dead] cries out in such a manner that all creation — minus humans and jinn [supernatural beings] — hear him." Another hadith states that this hammer is such that "if a mountain was struck by it, the mountain would crumble into dust; the dead [man] is struck such a blow that he crumbles into dust — but Allah reassembles him, and he is struck again," apparently in perpetuity.Next, the grave is said to "tighten" around the corpse, till its bones pop and crack — all while the soul is still trapped inside, suffering, suffocating. Some ulema maintain the dead — with their souls experiencing these travails — stay in this position till judgment day.Then comes the turn of the tomb-snake, known as al-shaja' al-aqra' (roughly translated as the "bald brave one"); designed by Allah to torment the dead, this snake "eats his [the dead's] flesh, from head to toe; then his flesh returns, and it [the snake] eats his flesh from toe to head, and so on." Yet another hadith has not one snake, but 70 dragons: "Allah shall set upon him 70 dragons, such that if one of them were to blow upon the earth, the earth would fail and wither away. They will rend and tear, maul and mull upon him until the day of reckoning" — all while he continues screaming, though no human or jinn hears. Still another hadith declares that the dead will be attacked by 99 dragons; each dragon will consist of 70 serpents; each serpent will have nine heads — for a total of 62,370 serpent heads tormenting the corpse in perpetuity.At this point, the (especially) Western reader may think all this absurd, that no Muslim can truly believe such things, that this is all moot and can hardly ever drive anyone to action, much less suicide. That (according to Muhammad) one of the greatest "sins" responsible for sending people to the torments of the grave is failing to properly clean oneself after urinating may further lead to the conviction that this is all farcical, hardly a reason to bring Muslims to despair.Yet here again we are entered into the tricky realm of epistemology: every civilization has its own particular sources, physical or metaphysical, whence knowledge, and thence "truth," is articulated. For mainstream Islam, the Koran first, followed by the vast corpus of hadith — particularly the "canonical six," which the aforementioned account of graveyard torments is mostly based on — form the basis of all truth and reality.Moreover, everything written in these sources is generally taken literally. Thus the same literalism that compelled Islam's most authoritative institution, al-Azhar, to issue a fatwa prompting women to "breastfeed" strange men, compels Muslims today to accept the torments of the grave literally — pounding mallets, 62,370 snapping serpents, and all.Anyone who closely follows Arabic-Islamic TV will further know that the torments of the grave, as described, have instilled fear and terror in the lives of Muslims. I have personally watched an al-Haya TV episode where a young Muslim woman, in tears and almost hysterical, was describing her morbid fear of the torments. I have also seen the ulema on Iqra TV, also in tears, lament the fate of those ("moderate") Muslims who are destined to experience the torments of the grave. Other recovering Muslims maintain that sheikhs regularly cultivate fear of the torments of the grave in the lives of the youth.The fact is, Muslims, even the most pious among them, have good reason to be fearful of the torments of the grave: Talking about his pious dead companion, Sa'd ibn Mu'adh, Muhammad observed, "The grave has an oppressive tightness, and were [it possible for] anyone to escape this, Sa'd ibn Mu'adh would have done so, for he is the one for whom the Throne of the All-Merciful shook." Moreover, there is the famous hadith where Muhammad said, "My ummah shall be split into 73 sects — all of which will go to the fire [hell], except one which shall be saved." In other words, few Muslims have any guarantees that they will not visit the torments of the grave.Still, what does any of this have to do with the jihad in general, or suicide bombing/martyrdom operations in particular? Plenty. Inasmuch as the torments of the grave clearly terrify Muslims, so too are there clear-cut ways of evading them. Three have been ascertained. The first two are quite haphazard: Muslims who happen to die on Friday (al-jum'a, the day of Muslim congregation) and Muslims who happen to die of stomach aches are exonerated from the torments. Why? The prophet said so.However, the ulema have been quick to point out and stress a third way — dying as a "martyr" fi sabil Allah (in the cause of Allah), i.e., during the jihad. In fact, in a hadith I first encountered when translating al-Qaeda texts for The Al Qaeda Reader, Muhammad said:The martyr is special to Allah. He is forgiven from the first drop of blood [that he sheds]. He sees his throne in paradise, where he will be adorned in ornaments of faith. He will wed the 'aynhour [wide-eyed virgins] and will not know the torments of the grave and safeguards against the greater horror [hell]. Fixed atop his head will be a crown of honor, a ruby that is greater than the world and all it contains. And he will copulate with seventy-two 'aynhour and be able to offer intercessions for seventy of his relatives.And here one sees that, alongside the enticement of celestial copulation, the torments of the grave have the potential to terrify Muslims into "martyrdom." This also begs the question: if these torments of the grave have the capacity to terrorize Muslims into considering a premature death fi sabil Allah, how much more can fear of Islam's hell — the "greater horror" — goad Muslims to seek out martyrdom, which not only safeguards against the torments of the grave but hell itself?The torments of the grave are a reminder of how important it is to take Islam's doctrines — no matter how quaint or esoteric — seriously; dismissing them out of hand, since they seem silly to "us," is arrogance. Anyone who truly wishes to ameliorate the phenomenon of Muslim suicide bombings, while taking into account all those "secular" reasons — poverty, frustration, desperation — should also, to be thoroughly holistic, take into account the psychological damage created by such arcane doctrines.Finally, it is well to observe that, if little-known doctrines such as the torments of the grave have the capacity to goad Muslims into seeking martyrdom, how much more can be expected from the very well-known doctrinal obligation of jihad itself?
Originally published at: http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/jihad-martyrdom-and-the-torments-of-the-grave/
Raymond Ibrahim is the associate director of the Middle East Forum and the author of The Al Qaeda Reader, translations of religious texts and propaganda.
Netherlands Supreme Court: Insulting Islam is not insulting Muslims
NEWS Bulletin
THE HAGUE 11/03/09
The Supreme Court yesterday produced an important ruling in principle in favour of freedom of speech. The highest court of the Netherlands acquitted a man of insulting Muslims although he dubbed Islam a tumour.
The Supreme Court quashed a ruling by an appeal court in Den Bosch. As had a district court earlier, the appeal court did find the man guilty. Yesterday's acquittal can have consequences for all future court cases on insulting followers of a faith or ideology, including the notorious case against MP Geert Wilders.
According to the country's highest court, people expressing themselves offensively about a religion are not automatically guilty of insulting its followers, even if the followers feel insulted. "The statement must unmistakeably refer to a certain group of people who differentiate themselves from others by their religion," ruled the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court acquitted a man who in November 2004 stuck a poster in his window with the text: 'Stop the tumour that is called Islam'. While people may not insult believers, they can insult their religion, according to the Supreme Court. "The sole circumstance of offensive statements about a religion also insulting its followers is not sufficient to speak of insulting a group of people due to their religion."
The appeal court in Den Bosch had ruled that "in view of the bonds between Islam and its believers," as well as being unnecessarily offensive to Islam the poster was also offensive for those who practise Islam. But "the appeal court thereby gave too wide an interpretation of the expression 'a group of people according to their religion', as it occurs in Article 137c."
The case was about Article 137c of the Criminal Code, which makes offensive statements about a group of people an offence. It was not about incitement to hatred or discrimination, the Supreme Court stressed.
Party for Freedom (PVV) leader Wilders, meanwhile internationally known for his struggle against Islam, will be tried for insulting Muslims as a group. The court that will handle his case will have to take yesterday's Supreme Court ruling into account.
Originally, the Public Prosecutor's Office (OM) did not want to prosecute the MP, because it did not consider any of his statements a punishable offence. But in January, an appeal court in Amsterdam ordered the OM to change its mind.
As well as for insulting Muslims, Wilders will also be on trial for incitement to hatred and discrimination against Muslims. When the Wilders case will come to court is not yet known.
THE HAGUE 11/03/09
The Supreme Court yesterday produced an important ruling in principle in favour of freedom of speech. The highest court of the Netherlands acquitted a man of insulting Muslims although he dubbed Islam a tumour.
The Supreme Court quashed a ruling by an appeal court in Den Bosch. As had a district court earlier, the appeal court did find the man guilty. Yesterday's acquittal can have consequences for all future court cases on insulting followers of a faith or ideology, including the notorious case against MP Geert Wilders.
According to the country's highest court, people expressing themselves offensively about a religion are not automatically guilty of insulting its followers, even if the followers feel insulted. "The statement must unmistakeably refer to a certain group of people who differentiate themselves from others by their religion," ruled the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court acquitted a man who in November 2004 stuck a poster in his window with the text: 'Stop the tumour that is called Islam'. While people may not insult believers, they can insult their religion, according to the Supreme Court. "The sole circumstance of offensive statements about a religion also insulting its followers is not sufficient to speak of insulting a group of people due to their religion."
The appeal court in Den Bosch had ruled that "in view of the bonds between Islam and its believers," as well as being unnecessarily offensive to Islam the poster was also offensive for those who practise Islam. But "the appeal court thereby gave too wide an interpretation of the expression 'a group of people according to their religion', as it occurs in Article 137c."
The case was about Article 137c of the Criminal Code, which makes offensive statements about a group of people an offence. It was not about incitement to hatred or discrimination, the Supreme Court stressed.
Party for Freedom (PVV) leader Wilders, meanwhile internationally known for his struggle against Islam, will be tried for insulting Muslims as a group. The court that will handle his case will have to take yesterday's Supreme Court ruling into account.
Originally, the Public Prosecutor's Office (OM) did not want to prosecute the MP, because it did not consider any of his statements a punishable offence. But in January, an appeal court in Amsterdam ordered the OM to change its mind.
As well as for insulting Muslims, Wilders will also be on trial for incitement to hatred and discrimination against Muslims. When the Wilders case will come to court is not yet known.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Islam: The great "Religion of Peace" and its call to Jihad against all non-believers
Jihad Will Enlighten The World With The Light of Islam[with sword and gun, of course]Some people call it a religion of peace, but day after bloody day, it continues to prove itself to be anything but! Not one single wretched day goes by without news of multiple suicide bombings with, more often than not, civilians as the hapless victims. The perpetrators could care less if women and children are killed in the process, and the more the merrier, it seems. And what about the kidnappings of innocent civilians? In Afghanistan, the Taliban have killed one (and possibly two) of the German civil engineers (who were there to build a dam), and are threatening to kill all 23 South Koreans currently being held hostage (including many females), if their demands are not met. Ironically, South Korea has no combat troops there, only engineers and medical personnel, and yet they, too, are the latest victims of Jihadi barbarism. People who are there to help better those countries, pawns in a game of twisted religious fanaticism.And not only are 'non-Muslims' targets of violence, but Muslims are being massacred by fellow Muslims for being the wrong kind of Muslim. You don't hear of Baptists blowing up Catholics. They might be critical of each other, the Pope might claim the Catholic Church is the only true Church, but you don't see Baptists or other Christians retaliating against them for, forgive me, the Pope's truly stupid and un-enlightened remark. You don't see Buddhists killing Hindus, or each other because they happen to practice a different form of Buddhism. It seems that Muslims (at least the non-secular ones) are the only religious group of adherents that take issue with any religion other than their own. They have absolutely no room for religious tolerance, because what is written in the Qu'ran does not allow for that. Although there are many Christian denominations that also believe theirs is the only way, they don't feel the need to resort to violence to bring people to their fold.So what makes Muslims (though not all) more prone to violence, as compared to people of other religions? Strict adherence to their Holy Book, the Qu'ran, and the Hadith, both of which heavily promote the concept of Jihad. Although some claim that the term "Jihad" does not mean "Holy War", but rather the "inner struggle or striving in the cause of God", others beg to differ, stressing the importance and obligation of fighting the "disbelievers" (that's you and me, folks) in the name of Allah.It's quite an eye-opening experience to peek into the dark hearts and minds of fundamentalist Muslim bloggers, who believe the only path to peace is through violent Jihad and world domination. There are, as I mentioned in a past post, dozens of like-minded websites, all calling for Jihad against non-Muslims. And not just Jews, Christians, Buddhists or Hindus, but anyone who refuses to follow the teachings of Mohammed and Islam. These aren't the insurgents, fighting in the streets of Baghdad or from the mountain caves in the Pakistan/Afghanistan borders, blogging for Jihad. These are ordinary people living all over the world in modern, civilized countries, and yes, right here in the good old U S of A and Canada, as well. Some of the female bloggers make Housewife4Palestine look like June Cleaver. In her profile, pretty Shaheen (at least the little you can see of her) pictured in Niqab and holding a Kalashnikov, turns ugly posting the following poem on her blog:If Only I was a Mujahid…Since childhood, in my heart, I have had this wish, this desire, this longing,oh! If only I was a Mujahid I would keep my trousers above my anklesMy face would be decorated with the Sunnah of Rasul Allah (SAW)A middle parting I would have in my hairUpon my shoulder I would carry a rocket launcher and in my hand there would be a KalashnikovA bomb would adorn my chest and the band of Laa Ilaaha Il Allah would be across my foreheadThen, crossing the blood-stained valley I would launch myself into the thick of battleShouting Allahu Akbar I would attack His enemiesEach of them I would eliminate, one by one, avenging the blood of my Shaheed brothersI would free the weak from tyranny and oppressionYes! This is the Mujahid I would be!A Mujahid who would pile up the bodies of the enemy, like Khalid Bin Walid (ra)Who would shatter the idols, like Mahmood GhazanwiWho would burn the ships on the seashore, like Tariq Bin ZayadWho would battle against the crusaders like, Salaahuddin AyyubiAnd then… fighting Jihad, I would become Shaheed…But, Alas! This cannot be! For, a lion-hearted, Mujahid warrior I am notin fact…I am a fragile woman.By the sister of Abu Talha YaameenIn Jihad Fields are Calling, Mujahid calls Jihad a "divine duty" and posts the following Qu'ranic verses, Ahadith and other Islamic writings that support the call for Jihad:1. كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الْقِتَالُ وَهُوَ كُرْهٌ لَّكُمْ وَعَسَى أَن تَكْرَهُواْ شَيْئًا وَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ وَعَسَى أَن تُحِبُّواْ شَيْئًا وَهُوَ شَرٌّ لَّكُمْ وَاللّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لاَ تَعْلَمُونَ” البقرة“Fighting is prescribed for you, and you dislike it. But it is possible that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and that you love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knows, and you know not”Soorah Al-BaqraAyah 2162. قَاتِلُواْ الَّذِينَ لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللّهِ وَلاَ بِالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ وَلاَ يُحَرِّمُونَ مَا حَرَّمَ اللّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ وَلاَ يَدِينُونَ دِينَ الْحَقِّ مِنَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ الْكِتَابَ حَتَّى يُعْطُواْ الْجِزْيَةَ عَن يَدٍ وَهُمْ صَاغِرُونَ“Fight against those people of the book (Christians & Jews) who don’t believe in Allah and the day of Judgment, and don’t forbit what is forbidden by Allah & His Prophet (SAW) and don’t accept the True Relegion (Islam) as their relegion. Fight Against them until they give capitation tax and surrender before you.”Soorah Al-TobahVerse 29 .2. وَقَاتِلُوهُمْ حَتَّى لاَ تَكُونَ فِتْنَةٌ وَيَكُونَ الدِّينُ كُلُّهُ لِلّه“Fight against them until their remains no mischief and Deen will truly be for Allah”Soorah AnfalVerse 393. ومالکم لا تقاتلون فی سبیل اللہ والمستضعفین من الرجال والنساء والوالدان الزین یقولون ربنا اخرنا من ہزہ القریۃ الظالم اہلہا واجعل لنا من ہزہ القریۃ الظالم اہلہا واجعل لنا من الدنک ولیا و واجعل لنا من الدنک نصیرا۔“What is wrong with you that you don’t fight for those weak men, women and children? Who is calling that Allah bring us out from this village, whose people are oppressors and send us helper and friend from your side.”4. يُرِيدُونَ لِيُطْفِؤُوا نُورَ اللَّهِ بِأَفْوَاهِهِمْ وَاللَّهُ مُتِمُّ نُورِهِ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْكَافِرُونَهُوَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلَ رَسُولَهُ بِالْهُدَى وَدِينِ الْحَقِّ لِيُظْهِرَهُ عَلَى الدِّينِ كُلِّهِ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْمُشْرِكُونَ“Fain would they put out the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light however much the disbelievers are averse. He it is who hath sent His messenger with the guidance and the religion of truth, that He may make it conqueror of all religion however much idolaters may be averse.”Soorah SaffAyah 8-95. امرت ان اقاتل الناس حتی یشہد لا الہ الا اللہ، ان محمد رسول اللہ و یقیمو الصلواۃ و یوتو الزکواۃ فازافعلوا زالک عصموامنی دماہم واموالہم الابحق الاسلام و حوسباہم علی اللہ“Allah ordered me to fight with people until they depose that their is no Lord except Allah and Muhammad (SAW) is his prophet, maintian Salat and give Zakat. Then when they will save their blood and property from me except the right of Islam and the responsibility of this matter is towards Allah.”Rawi = Hazrat Abdullah Bin Umer Bin KHataab (RA)Muttafiq AlaihBook = Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim6. بعث بالسیف بین یدی الساعۃ حتی یعبر اللہ و حدہ لاشریک لہ وجعل رزقی تحت ظل رمحی۔ صجعل الزلۃ ولصغار علی من خالف امری ومن تشبہ بقوم فہو منہم“I have been commissioned with sword till the day of Judgment until that every one will worship Allah who is “La Shareek” and my subsistence is under the shade of my arrows and he who disobey my orders, digrace and humality has made their fate and he who follow and copy other nations, his end will be with them.”Book: Masand Ahmad7.الجہاد ماض الی یوم القیمۃ “Jihad will continue until the Judgment Day”Book: Bukhari - Muslim.8. وزروۃ سنامہ الجہاد“The top of the Islamic building is Jihad”Book: Sahih BukhariHe goes on to say:"you see how much Allah and his messenger insist for Jihad. do you think Allah don’t want peace for his creations??? do you think Prophet Muhammad (SAW) didn’t want peace for his Ummah?? yes they love peace and yet they insist to continue Fighting with Kuffar until Islam will dominate all over the world do you ever wonder why??? because Jihad is the only way to bring peace to the world. you should read my this Blog entry to get your complete answer:Purpose, Aim & Need of JihadMay Allah show us all the most righteous"Another blogger discusses something Muslims call performing "Takfeer", or ruling someone to be a Kaafir (a disbeliever). There are 2 types of disbelievers: the Apostates and then the rest of us worthless Kaafirs. He calls us the:Original disbelievers who did not enter Islam which the Prophet Muhammad came with from the beginning like the Jews, Chrisitans, Pagans, Idol worshippers…etc. From those whom Allah says about them,"Fight against those who (1) believe not in Allah, (2) nor in the Last Day, (3) nor forbid that which has been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger (4) and those who acknowledge not the religion of truth (i.e. Islam) among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), until they pay the Jizyahwith willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.” [9:29] {a slightly different version of the above}Those are original disbelievers. We do not differentiate when we declare them as disbelievers between the individule or the group, between the living or the dead as it was indicated by the Quran and Sunnah. This type of disbelievers should be fought against until they enter Islam or pay the Jizyah.So much for the so-called "Religion of Peace". Even some of their own claim it isn't. There's a Muslim blog site , called Moderate Islam Refuted (which does just that), that actually states, quite emphatically, that Islam is not a religion of peace. If there was any iota of doubt in anyone's mind, this should set them straight.
http://republicaninthearts.blogspot.com/2007/07/islam-great-religion-of-peace-and-its.html
http://republicaninthearts.blogspot.com/2007/07/islam-great-religion-of-peace-and-its.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
