February 3, 2004
From the desk of Mindles H. Dreck:And remember guys, practice Safe Jihad - watch out for the Muslims!
Wretchard points out that certain reactions to the Hajj stampede are patronizing, and Instapundit notes that this is less about religion than inept authoritarian bureaucracy. As usual, these two demonstrate that criticism or support may inappropriately lump together religious, cultural and governmental influences on this disaster.
However, may we judge a religion by the words of its senior religious leaders, even as they 'denounce terrorism'?*
Delivering a sermon yesterday to two million pilgrims, Sheik Abdul Aziz al-Sheik said there were those who claim to be ”mujahedeen,” or holy warriors, but were shedding Muslim blood and destabilising the nation.“Is it holy war to shed Muslim blood? Is it holy war to shed the blood of non-Muslims given sanctuary in Muslim lands? Is it holy war to destroy the possession of Muslims,” he said, adding that their actions gave enemies an excuse to criticise Muslim nations.
Terrorism is wrong because it might hurt Muslims?** Because it gives "enemies an excuse to criticise Muslim nations?" This is the best the Sheik can do?
If this passes as supportable moderation with our policy makers we're just not getting value for our money.
*(Catholics in the back please sit down)
**Oh, sorry, also 'non-Muslims in Muslim lands'. What a relief.
Posted by Mindles H. Dreck at February 3, 2004 11:34 AM | TrackBack | Technorati inbound links