Scout:

The question is a silly digression from the real issue at hand. I speak for myself. Period. And to deny that extremism in the Islamic world constitutes a sui generis problem that is far more dangerous than other forms of religious zealotry is to view the world through PC blinders.

And for the record, I like Mark Steyn - a lot. Contrary to Irfan's contention, Steyn isn't a racist because as the columnist accurately points out, Islam is not a race, but rather a multi-ethnic and multi-racial faith tradition.

Racism is the contention that personal characteristics, talent (or lack thereof) and behaviour are totally or predominantly determined by genetic factors. That has nothing to do with criticising the backwardness of Arab culture when it comes to its dearth of democratic values or the treatment of women.

The socio-economic stagnation that has afflicted the Arab world for centuries is certainly not pre-ordained by DNA. There is nothing in the Arab genetic make up that pre-determines that the total GDP of the entire Islamic Middle East (oil revenues included) is less than that of Spain. But it is objectively undeniable that the Arab world suffers from self-imposed cultural impediments that have brought it to its current sorry social, economic and political state. But don't take my word for it. Read the UN Human Development Program's 2002 report on the Arab world. It's all there, in black and white.

Cultural criticism has nothing to do with racism, regardless of how liberally that political epithet is thrown around by the Left.

So call me a culturalist, if you must. But I proudly stand with those who condemn honour killings and female genital mutilation (done to over 70% of Egyptian women) as primitive acts of barbarism. These are not quaint foreign customs that we are bound by the strictures of cultural relativism to respect.

But now I am approaching the 350 word limit on postings to the forum. Which brings me to reiterate my challenge to Irfan. Let's debate these issues in a less restrictive environment.

I'm game. Are you?

If anyone wonders why my passion is usually at 'red hot' levels ....
they just need to read this, considering I have relatives by marraige in a similar area with similar spiritual dynamics at play.... held back fortunately by a reasonable Government...thus far.

http://www.cirp.org/news/morningherald01-27-01/

Cheers

Bernard Lewis – definitely eminent, but often polarises. This is a balanced report on his prolific work:

http://www.newyorker.com/critics/books/?040614crbo_books

“LOST IN TRANSLATION
The two minds of Bernard Lewis.
IAN BURUMA

Why did Bernard Lewis ignore his own counsel that the West should proceed with caution in the Middle East, that democracy cannot be a quick fix, and that our proposed solutions, however good, are “discredited by the very fact of our having suggested them”? Some put it down to Zionism: he is said to be part of the Israeli lobby, and his aim is to make Israel safe. Lewis does not hide that he is sympathetic to Israel, not only because he happens to be Jewish but because he thinks Israel is a relatively civilized, democratic country in a very rough neighborhood. ……….. But then, judging from Lewis’s own writings, “I would rather have been a Jewish subject of the Ottoman Empire than an Arab in territories occupied by Israel.”

>>>>

Mark Steyn is a humourist or satirist depending on your POV. Not to be taken too seriously and hardly brilliant.

His website: http://www.marksteyn.com/

Now everyone can make up their own minds about Mark Steyn.

>>>>

Boaz, I read your link, absolutely abhorrent. We live in terrible times. However, are you suggesting that this behaviour is typical of ALL Muslims?

After all, the Muslim extremists were investigated by a MUSLIM governor. Just as paedophile priests should be by Christians.

The Muslim Governor of Maluku, Saleh Latuconsina, this week led an investigation team to the island of Kesui, 420 kilometres south-east of Ambon City, after receiving an official report in late December confirming villagers there converted to Islam against their will and were circumcised. ………………. Governor Latuconsina………….. is understood to have been shocked when he read a report of events on Kesui<<<

BTW Passion doesn’t excuse vilification, disrespect and the denigration I and others receive on OLO.

If your behaviour is justified by your ‘red-hot levels’ then is it not also justified by Muslims for their passionate beliefs?

For some balance – Christians behaving badly:

http://sixtyminutes.ninemsn.com.au/sixtyminutes/stories/2002_06_09/story_610.asp

In all things, balance.

My Dear brother in humanity Boaz david,

Its not red hot passion but rather self aggrevating excercise you are putting yourself through. if you trap yourself on these websites and articles you are likely to cause yourself sadness & fear.

A quote I borrowed from Astrayan on American Muslims:

59% of American Muslims have at least an undergraduate education, making them the most highly educated group in America. Muslim Americans are also the richest Muslim community in the world, with four in five earning more than $25,000 a year and one in three more than $75,000. They tend to be employed in professional fields, and most own stock, either personally or through 401(k) or pension plans. In terms of civic participation, 82% are registered to vote, half of them as Democrats." http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110007151

There are good, bad & ugly everywhere BD. Go & have some muslim friends (I mean genuinely without trying to convert them). You probably won't believe it but I am worried about your blood pressure.

Peace,

There was an extremely vivid photo on the 'net of American Muslims protesting the cartoons recently. They were called ,"The Islamic Thinkers"
And the placards and expressions displayed really underscored exactly what they were thinking.
Had it been up to me, the lot would have been run out to the airport and waved off.
There was nothing moderate there.

Scout seems to have convicted those accused......judge, jury and executioner! What a way to save heaps of money: sack the highly paid judges, get rid of the expense of juries and just employ Scout! I note it dates back to 2002......what has happened to the accused since? Whatever happened about "innocent until proven guilty....."? Or is it Scout's anti-Catholic bigotry getting in the way.