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A matter of trust

This NYT op-ed asks: One of the great strengths of our immigrant nation is that we have thousands of citizens and aspiring citizens who are fluent in both English and Arabic. Why we have not made use of this talent is a mystery. I think it’s simply a matter of trust. Most Arab-Americans (can’t find the Zogby poll, so any help appreciated) were against the Iraqi invasion. Therefore, in the bifurcation of being either “with us,” or “against us,” they became “against us.” You must be a member of the party, or you are not a person. Technorati Tags: Iraq,…

Spinoza Redux….

Well it does appear that there are some brave Americans who are going above and beyond the rehtoric and proposing actions that actually make a difference in our world.  Wick Sloane – a columnist at InsideHigherEd is proposing a Katrina like show of support by US univiersities for Lebanese students and faculty. Here is a blurb: Imagine. No interruption of study and research for all students and faculty in the Middle East shut out in this latest war. Lebanon. Israel. Gaza. Iraq. Everyone. Why not? Education is cheaper than war. John Waterbury, president of American University of Beirut, who was…

Dhu’l-Hijja

Oh people who have gone on Hajj, where are you? where are you? The Beloved is right here. Come back! Come back! Your Beloved is near and everywhere Confused in the desert, what are you in love with? If you see the face of the faceless Beloved then you are also the lord, the house and the Ka’aba. Ten times you have gone on that road of the famous house One time get on the roof of this house. That house is sublime, speak of its wonders Show a sign from the Lord of that house. What is a bouquet…