2004 – Page 16 – islamicate

Mine’s bigger than yours

islamoyankeeMay 23, 2004

I saw this article on the murder of Shi’ah in Karachi a couple of weeks ago. I didn’t want to do another article on Muslim-on-Muslim violence; they weren’t anything new. Last night, I had a conversation with a friend and something occurred to me: Pakistan is a Muslim country, at least 99% of the population is Muslim. There are some Christians, and the Ahmadis (different post) were declared non-Muslim, otherwise the assumption is that everyone in Pakistan is a Muslim. The Ahmadiyya situation indicates that the Sunni majority could work to legally have the Shi’ah declared non-Muslim, like in Saudi…

Current Affairs Weblogs

US Military

islamoyankeeMay 21, 2004

I don’t write much about the military, because it’s not something I know much about. I prefer to stick to policy. I rely on Dawnsinger and Father Jake to bring some of their experiences and knowledge to the table. I’ve recently run across two more blogs that deal much more directly with military affairs. One is Groundhog Day, although his coverage is more irregular. The other is Blackfive, who is dedicated to covering military concerns – and the Cubs. Blackfive is an admitted conservative, but he has recently welcomed lefties. I do believe it is possible criticize government policy while…

Current Affairs

Misc. Updates

islamoyankeeMay 21, 2004

Brandon Mayfield has been released from custody. Although he remains a material witness, it does not appear that he will be charged with a crime at this point. (Original post.) US forces are pulling out of Karbala. I’ve only seen this article on the NY Times, and am surprised no one else is reporting on it. Relevant paragraphs: Colonel Bishop said the withdrawal was intended to “allow time for the political process to go forward.” He declined to give details on that process, and it was not immediately clear what negotiations were taking place. American officials have been pressuring the…

Religion

Guest Blogger: Making the World a Better Place

islamoyankeeMay 20, 2004

These girls are daughters of a friend of mine. They’ve been taking part in this event for several years, and I make it a point to support them every time. I think it’s an important endeavor in its own right, and a great way to help children live the ethic of service and giving. Please support them if you can. —— My name is Aliya-Nur. I am 8 years old. My sister’s name is Shazia’Ayn and she is 6. May is a busy month for us. It is the World Partnership Walk month. My sister and I have been helping…

Religion

Humor: The Ramadan Song

islamoyankeeMay 20, 2004

Click here.

Current Affairs

In Brooklyn, not Baghdad

islamoyankeeMay 19, 2004

This salon.com article talks about the abuse that prisoners are suffering in Brooklyn. It’s frighteningly similar in style, if not degree, to Abu Ghuraib.

Current Affairs Weblogs

Back to the open letter

islamoyankeeMay 19, 2004

Two weeks ago I posted an open letter to Bush and Kerry. At the urging of the Velveteen Rabbi, I actually sent it – electronically – to both candidates. I thought I should give an update. I got an almost immediate response from the Kerry campaign, a canned letter that thanked me for writing, but that I should understand while they try to read everything they get, it may take weeks before anyone actually gets to my submission, and they may never respond. The Bush campaign never responded. They didn’t even bother with the automated message. I think that’s kind…

Current Affairs Religion

Doing what Sistani says

islamoyankeeMay 19, 2004

Grand Ayatollah Sistani is asking for US troops to leave Najaf and Karbala. According to Sistani he wants to “‘allow the police and tribal forces to perform their role in preserving security and order.’” I think this is a good idea. I don’t think the US should commit to a full-scale withdrawal, but they should say that they will withdraw to the perimeters of both cities for 72 hours. If the situation improves, they will stay out; if it worsens, they will enter. They will gaurd the outskirts of the city and prevent people from entering who are not authorized…

Current Affairs

Is it the same?

islamoyankeeMay 18, 2004

A soldier who deserted from the US Army in Iraq because he found the war morally objectionable – partly because of the treatment of prisoners – faces the same punishment as those who abused the prisoners at Abu Ghuraib. I turn to those more knowledgeable: Can he plead that he deserted because the orders were illegal?

Current Affairs Religion

Darfur

islamoyankeeMay 18, 2004

(Note: I’ve only recently become aware of what’s going in Sudan because of The Head Heeb. Read some of his background pieces (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), and continue to read him for the latest news. I want to throw in my two cents now, but don’t have the resources to give it the coverage it deserves on a regular basis.) Sudan is known as a failed state – the type that gives a base of operations to terrorist organizations; Sudan was in fact home, briefly, to Osama bin Laden, and was bombed in 1998 by the US for allegedly…