Related Posts

Friedman on Sistani and the Nobel

See here. Friedman, like most commentators, acknowledges Sistani’s Shi’ism, but fails to understand what that means. “People power” as he describes is what the Ithna’shari conception of the state was/is prior to Khomeinism taking center stage. The idea of jurists leading the state, vilayat-e faqih, is a relatively new concept, but it’s already become normative for even op-ed writers who supposedly have the time to be able to think.

AQ brought to justice!

I’m glad I’m not the only one thinking I got lied to last night. Overall I think Kerry did a good job, not only staying on message, but delivering that message a few different ways. I liked that he got in outsourcing – referring to the capture of Osama bin Laden – without talking about outsourcing. There were times where I felt his point could have been more effective if he didn’t use the full time, but in all it was a good show. Particularly favorite part was when Kerry told the de Gaulle story about the word of an…

The Achievements of al Qaeda: Muslim World, Take Note

A suicide bomber some years back attacked a hotel in Amman, Jordan, killing among others Moustapha Akkad, producer of The Message — one of the noblest attempts to convey Islam as a faith of good and to elevate and publicize the reputation and character of Muhammad, peace be upon him. Yeah, that’s right: al-Qaeda killed Akkad. His daughter was also martyred during that attack. What has Umar Farouk my-last-name-is-haram Abdul-Muttallab accomplished or advanced? [From The Achievements of al Qaeda: Muslim World, Take Note]