Check out this commentary on Bush’s new campaign ad. It’s from The New Republic. Race and fear. Race and fear. The frightening thing is that Bush will probably still get a fair amount of votes from South Asians and Muslims.
Link via TPM.
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Moslemic America [updated]
Been going to this conference since its inception. Sometimes good, sometimes bad. This year looks good. Come out and represent. [Update] Much love to HijabMan for reminding me about the conference. Most of the islamicate group will be coming, as will he. If anyone else from the blogosphere is planning on attending, please drop me a line and I’ll try to get us all together. Email is: islamoyankee at yourmotheristhesourceofallspam.mac.com (just remove the “your mother” comment.)
So who are the kidnappers?
Officially, the taking of hostages is forbidden in Islam. A stance reiterated today by the Ithna’ashari scholars in Iraq. So that means the kidnappers are either Sunni or are acting out of an interest other than Islam. I don’t believe they are Sunni at this point – are at least are not acting under that identity – as it would disenfranchise the community. These are pseudo-nationalists, and the behavior is not intrinsic to Muslims. Just a clarification for those who were wondering if hostage taking was tenet of faith.
Teaching in NY
For those of you in the NYC area, I’m teaching two courses at St. Bart’s Center for Religious Inquiry that may be of interest. Arabic Immersion Day Readings in the Qur’an Hope to see you there. teaching islam