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American Indian

Monday, December 01, 2008

The attacks in Mumbai have directly affected south Asian communities here in New York. Uma Mysorekar, president of the Hindu Temple Society of North America and Zeenat Rahman, coordinator of public affairs at Interfaith Youth Core discuss the reaction here at home. Then, Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbi David Eliezrie on how the Chabad community is rallying together.

Do you have relatives in Mumbai? What are you hearing?


Comments

  • [1] barry from Manhattan December 01, 2008 - 10:05AM

    I'm concerned they may have tortured that last living terrorist in Mumbai to get information.

    And India claims to be a Democracy.


  • [2] barry from Manhattan December 01, 2008 - 10:08AM

    Don't the terrorist know that India voted "for" Obama?

    WTF?


  • [3] Marco from Manhattan December 01, 2008 - 10:11AM

    MI5 estimates that there are 4,000 Muslims in the UK who have received terror training, mostly in Pakistan.


  • [4] barry from Manhattan December 01, 2008 - 10:16AM

    I am wondering if this will be followed up with some more car bombs. That would be a natural next step.

    Actually I'm surprised they didn't use a few car bombs as the attacks were on going.

    Maybe they wanted to keep it a tight group, operational security don't cha ya know


  • [5] Norman from NYC December 01, 2008 - 10:19AM

    I am also shocked by the attack on a hospital. But I hope you realize that:

    (1) U.S. forces have attacked hospitals (and killed doctors) in Iraq. In Falluja, the U.S. blew up a hospital and killed 20 doctors inside, according to a surviving doctor who gave a report to a U.N. organization.

    (2) Israeli forces have been routinely shooting ambulances, and killing doctors, as Ha'aretz and Israeli human rights groups like B'Tselem have reported.

    I believe that one life is as valuable as another life. It would be more productive to pay equal attention to atrocities that our own government is responsible for.


  • [6] Bartley Higgins from Brooklyn December 01, 2008 - 10:24AM

    I am going to Mumbai in January. Ironically, I purchased my tickets three hours before I flipped on the tube to see the horrific action movie being acted out as the hostage crisis unfolded. I am unfazed and will continue my trip, but my heart goes out to anyone personally affected by this horrible attack.


  • [7] JJ from nyc December 01, 2008 - 10:26AM

    Brian, NYC and the USA was "locked down" for a longer period of time because 3,000 people died via terror attacks with in a few hours. The terror attack in India is sad but they can bounce back a little quicker because less people died.


  • [8] A Listener from Brooklyn December 01, 2008 - 10:29AM

    "Not all Muslims are terrorist, but certainly most terrorists are Muslim."

    I read that in an Op-ed once in the Times and I have always remembered that sentence. I am not Muslim, so I have no perspective on the faith, but standing on the outside I am left with serious doubts about this faith's ability to lift humanity. I know I am not supposed to say this, but: female genital mutilation; honor killings of women who are rape victims, sometimes by live burning; women kept shrouded and in some countries prevented from being educated; public stonings; and terrorist attacks on such a frighteningly global scale from Chechnya down to Indonesia, over to New York, to Spain, to London. The IRA are localized, the ETA are localized, terrorists acting in the name of this faith have their footprints everywhere.

    It must be very hard to be Muslim and try and defend this faith. Is there something in the scripture that requires this kind of inhumane violence? Please forgive my political incorrectness.


  • [9] pordy from Florham Park December 01, 2008 - 10:31AM

    "Mumbai's 9/11"? Weren't there train bombings in '06 that killed over 200 people?


  • [10] A Listener from Brooklyn December 01, 2008 - 10:31AM

    #5 these were Causalties of War, not pre-meditated and targeted.


  • [11] Tami from New Jersey December 01, 2008 - 10:34AM

    Brian - Lubavitchers weren't the target of the attack on the Chabad house. Jews were. The Chabad house serviced many Jews who visited Mumbai, not just Lubavitchers.


  • [12] fyi December 01, 2008 - 10:34AM

    Deeply moved by the surprising response on chabad.org

    ps -- are lubavitch correctly characterized, as by wnyc's news and also ap, as "ultra orthodox jewish sect?" i thought it was the opposite...


  • [13] SERF December 01, 2008 - 10:36AM

    WHAT THE HECK IS THE CHABAD


  • [14] Marco from Manhattan December 01, 2008 - 10:39AM

    Every day there are, on average, 4 terrorist attcks committed by Muslims around the world. Aplogists like Norman whose cultural relativism is so complete that wanton killing of innocent, defenseless people is justified because thousands of miles away civilians are killed in a war zone. By the way, go to any luxury hotel in the Middle East or Indonesia (even Turkey) you can buy the protocols of the Elders of Zion.


  • [15] CZ from Ulster county listening online December 01, 2008 - 10:39AM

    Terrorist attacks have been tragedies to innocent peoples around the world for decades and centuries. The attack on innocent people on 9/11 was certainly no less tragic. However, to compare each attack to NY and 9/11 minimizes the horrors abroad and, worse, seems to make 9/11 a franchise and that simply is not an accurate portrayal of events.


  • [16] Voter from Brooklyn December 01, 2008 - 10:40AM

    I don’t agree with fundamentalism and any of these attacks, but I also don’t agree with the easy answers of “they don’t like peace” “they don’t like brotherhood” “they don’t like freedom” which guests continue to say on shows like these. Maybe the terrorist don’t have a problem with modernity, per se… except for the Amish and their aversion to electricity, but to hedonism (real or perceived) and sovereign nations thousands of miles away dictating how their sovereign nation should be ruled or what their social policies should be? Maybe they are anti-hegemony?


  • [17] crocro from new york city December 01, 2008 - 10:42AM

    Lubavitch isn't mainstream!

    Quite fanatical in their practice of Judaism...In Israel they are very marginalized


  • [18] A Listener from Brooklyn December 01, 2008 - 10:44AM

    #15 well said CZ


  • [19] barry from Manhattan December 01, 2008 - 10:46AM

    That hospital in Faluja had guys inside shooting out. See the difference?

    The "ambulances" had weapons and soldiers inside being as was used as cover to hide.

    I suppose next you will tell us killing women is no shock since 3 days ago US forces killed a Taliban commander named Haji Yakub, who was hiding in a Burka.

    Hope you were joking...


  • [20] erwy December 01, 2008 - 10:46AM

    lots of southerners hate new yorkers (and blacks and jews etc), w a passion. i doubt they would attribute their hatred to "anti-hegemony"

    while it is easy and true to point out american flaws, let's not get too quick to blame ourselves for the violent actions of ignorant, shameful people and groups.


  • [21] erwy December 01, 2008 - 10:47AM

    (directed to voter/16)


  • [22] indian from potomac from potomac, md December 01, 2008 - 10:47AM

    I wonder if Mumbai was attacked because it was probably the closest place where the terrorists could hit westerners and jews, potentially introduce a diversion for pakistan and US armed forces from fighting in the Northwest province, and also do damage to indian economy (i.e. a "high efficiency target"). With the water-access, it was probably one of the easiest targets to get to for achieving the results that they did achieve.


  • [23] dd December 01, 2008 - 10:52AM

    17/

    Many ultra orthodox Jewish groups do not even consider Lubavitch "real" Jews because they mingle with all kinds of people, that is their mission. I like them because they help non-religious Jews to become more religious -- while abiding by their oath NOT to push or proselytize, they wait for Jews to come to them for holidays, etc. and also never ask for any money.

    The black clothes are to keep their members from worrying about their outfits every day, unlike some other groups w the thousand dollar hats.


  • [24] Voter from Brooklyn December 01, 2008 - 10:52AM

    I know I’ll be branded a terrorist sympathizer for saying this, but terrorism is not a uniquely Muslim thing. We could go back to the Romans and look at their treatment of the early Christians, go back to the Crusades and look at the treatment of non-Christians by Christians, look at the Moors (yes Muslims) in Spain, Northern Ireland, the early United States (where there was not a national religion, but every state has its own religion and forced all others out), clinic bombings by Christians, gay-bashing by Christians, lynchings by Christians, the treatment of women by ultra-fundamentalist Christians and Mormon sects, the treatment of Palestinians by Israelis.. .and on, and on, and on. I don’t care what anyone’s religion is, but don’t pretend your hands are clean, as there is most likely ongoing violence from your sect, before criticizing anyone else’s. It may not be as spectacular, but it’s terrorism/intimidation all the same.


  • [25] to 24 December 01, 2008 - 10:55AM

    therefore?


  • [26] A Listener from Brooklyn December 01, 2008 - 11:07AM

    #24 NO. That is NOT what I said. Most terrorists acting in the world today, this unprecidentedly global world, are Muslim. Not Romans, or gay-bashers, or the ETA trying to free the Basque people, or the IRA or any small act of violent aggression. I am talking about this LARGE SCALE terrorism, this wide reaching terrorism. I'm talking about thousands of men training to become Fighters. It's in schools in Groszny, Russia and night clubs in Indonesia, buses and trains in London, trains in Madrid, two enormous sky scrapers in New York, 5 airplanes highjacked on ONE day, embassies in Africa, naval ships off middle eastern shores. There is no Gay Bashing this organized and global, no lynching this organized by Christian or otherwise. There is no comparison and it's a joke on your part to try and make one. I did not say that terrorists are only Muslim. Read carefully. I said MOST TERRORISTS ARE MUSLIM.


  • [27] A Listener from Brooklyn December 01, 2008 - 11:10AM

    and, Voter, I don't have a sect. I choose not to narrow my brain into any one religion. It's preposterous. Clearly all these problems in the world are caused by religion.

    I am left of center, I'm a dem. I voted for the brilliant young thinker and leader Obama. I get why you're trying to do this, but cut it with the knee-jerk liberalism and get real.


  • [28] Waheed Shams from Queens, NY December 01, 2008 - 11:10AM

    Parents always told me "what you sow so shall you reap." Nothing can be true when it comes to feeding hate, feeding divide, feeding wickedness, feeding racism, feeding intolerance, feeding arrogance. This is what I am reading and hearing online from other side of the story. It is sad.

    http://www.redress.cc/global/marabi20081201


  • [29] Voter from Brooklyn December 01, 2008 - 11:13AM

    Erwy (#20), I love this country and feel privileged to be an American, but as a multi-minority I more than know that this country does not live up to the most basic of ideals it has set for itself. It has made it very very far, but work needs to be done. And the internal faults of the US pale in comparison to the majority of what is happening in the world today. I also am aware of things being done abroad in OUR name. I could point out some relatively isolated events like torture at Guantanamo Bay and the events in Abu Ghraib, but I could also ask you if you really know what actions have been taken or agreements have been made to put oil products in your car? What goes into putting that Made in China teddy bear under the Christmas tree or made in Mauritius sweater on your back when you sit around the fireplace. The enemy of my enemies are my friends until they become my enemy again mentality of shifting alliances… etc. Americans, too, have been selectively ignorant to what goes into the lifestyle we have. I think commenters just need to be called on their “they hate, freedom… love… brotherhood… peace” stock answers.


  • [30] A Listener from Brooklyn December 01, 2008 - 11:24AM

    Voter, i'm sorry but you're missing the point. In analogy: 50 cents lost is not $1,000,000. They're both money, indeed, but it's not the same.

    I was talking about terrorism. TERRORISM. Not Corporate American looking to move industry to developing nations in order to sell products cheaply. I am talking about the noun of Terrorism and the people who engage in it. I am talking about people moving from point A to B with the sole intention of catching civilians unaware as they go about their day and killing them. I don't agree with the war in Iraq so don't use it as a counter example because it's not terrorism. Bush can burn in hell for his crimes, but he did warn Iraq first. The people living there knew we were going to invade. This is not the same thing.

    I repeat: MOST TERRORISTS ARE MUSLIM. It's a fact.


  • [31] a listner from Jamaica, NY December 01, 2008 - 11:27AM

    First three casualties announced were Chief of Anti Terrorism (read Intelligence) and his deputies. The Isreal Anti Terror specialists were there too. Also surrounding them were many American's and British citizens (probably Intelligence). They were planning to sideline the Pakistani intelligence (ISI) network in Occupied Kashmir which is still struggling to gain freedom from India. Every one knows which side sympathies with whom. Lashkar and Jaish, both banned organization in Pakistan are still fighting along with Kashmiri people and their sympathizers. Time for Indian's to let go of Occupied Kashmir.


  • [32] Voter from Brooklyn December 01, 2008 - 11:29AM

    A Listener, We probably agree on a lot. Probably most everything… I’m slightly left of center, registered Democrat so I can vote in primaries in NY state, not of religious faith, and also voted for Barack Obama in the primaries and general election.

    Yes, the vast majority, if not all, of the large scale terrorist attacks of this century so far have been by radical Muslim groups. That being said, after 8 years of shallow/vacuous statements being shot out like “they don’t like us” “they hate peace” “they hate freedom” they hate “modernity”” “they hate brotherhood” without absolutely no digging further or introspection, it’s left me wanting a little more substance. This issue can’t and won’t be addressed until pundits realize it’s not that black and white. And if people simply feel might is right… now we’re seeing what happens when our adversary feels the same way.


  • [33] Voter from Brooklyn December 01, 2008 - 11:46AM

    Just saw your post @ #30 Listener (and well, I need to try and get at least a little work done.) I don’t have the exact answers as to why there’s the animosity there is against the United States and its allies. No, terrorist attacks on innocent people and cheaply made products aren’t equivalent, but in the same way money is money, 50 cents or a million dollars… a compromised life or a person living in fear is still a human life. Maybe the terrorist do hate our lifestyle? Maybe they hate that we partner with warlords because it serves our purpose when we need it too, and look the other way when their victims speak out. Maybe they hate that we put our women out as pieces of meat to be flashed around instead of pieces of meat to be shrouded and imprisoned at home. Though it’s not the rule, maybe they hate that we choose to remain ignorant when factory workers are beaten or chained to their work stations so everyone can have a cashmere sweater from the Gap. Maybe they resent us dumping our toxic waste on foreign lands and having our toxic vessels broken down on the beaches of southeast Asia. Actually, I don’t know why they hate our lifestyle, because no one ever seems to go past that blanket statement.


  • [34] A Listener from Brooklyn December 01, 2008 - 11:48AM

    I never said any of those things, but there must be something in the scripture that can be interpreted as a moral justification for this and pretending there isn't is naive and too roll-over liberal. It can't be ignored. If we were scientists looking at data we'd have to draw a conclusion. I'm not Muslim but if I was soul-searching for a religion... I think I'd be weary of following this one.

    I am out-raged by these attacks. It was like Columbine High School times 3000 shooters. They stormed in to hospitals and hotels, restaurants. How do you, as a person of faith, justify this as a means to defend your religion? This is my question. It needs to be asked. And the Muslim community, which is enormous by the way, needs to work to keep their young men on a better path.

    There is some wording in the Bible that speaks of proselytizing your faith. Not all Christians follow this, but this is why born-again people knock on doors and stop you in the street. They think their doing God's will. These terrorists have to think this as well.

    I don't buy in PCism. I have a serious problem with cultures that degrade women and in which women suffer greatly, and damn it, I think OJ Simpson killed his wife.


  • [35] juno from BedSty December 01, 2008 - 12:32PM

    Well said - "A Listener from Brooklyn"

    young people today are cynical to the PC-talk which whitewashes Islam's millions of extremist practitioners throughout the world

    I'm no religious expert (i'm a 19 year old multi-minority college student) but I'll take a jewish hassidic "extremist" any day (a guy who won't eat my vegetarian pizza cause the cheese may have non-kosher stuff in it) to a muslim extremist - the kind who have been quenching their bloodlust for all things non-muslim extremist on a daily basis through homocide bombings, beheadings etc....

    and i don't buy the crap about some fanatic madrassa robo-killer butchering westerners (and other muslims) as just cause for our hedonistic society etc...

    we now already UNDERASTNAD muslim extremists all too well. they are the nazis of the 21st century and need to be stopped forcefully.


  • [36] alice from flushing, queens December 01, 2008 - 01:02PM

    I am aware that Brian Lehrer's show for 12/1 had to be cut short due to Obama's speech and that cut short the segment that he was in the middle of regarding those killed in the terrorist attack. However, I think he should make some reference, maybe even an apology that he did not get to a father and daughter that were killed. Alan Scherr and his 13 year old daughter, from VA were also gunmned down. And, from what I heard on the news in the first announcement of the attack, he was a very important spiritual leader for a grop in VA & that was his daughter's first trip out of the country. A reward for her excellent scholastic record.


  • [37] Voter from Brooklyn December 01, 2008 - 01:13PM

    I’m a little confused by your last post A Listener. I know you think I’m being overly PC on the Muslim front, I’m not. I’m just not willing to jump on the “it’s ALL the Muslims’ fault” (hmm, think I got a little double entendre in there) bandwagon of one-dimensional answers. It’d be a fool’s errand to try to say that there isn’t a serious problem with Muslim extremist globally, but to simply say “you know those Muslims, they hate any and everything” seems a bit glib to me. It also sets up the argument that the only way to peace is to kill all Muslims. I also take issue with your premise that the Muslim extremist represent the whole. That any vocal or violent minority reflects the whole…. That’s like saying the Religious Right (the so-called “moral majority”) speaks book chapter verse for all Christians; That AIPAC speaks for all Israelis or Jews, and that the Pope speaks for all Catholics. Oops, that last one’s true.

    I happen to agree with your earlier statement that religion and faith are at the root of most conflicts in the world. Race/ethnicity and resources are starting to catch up though.

    For sake of argument, I’ll agree Muslims are collectively nothing but bloodthirsty killjoys out to destroy people minding their own damned business. Just one question A Listener and Juno, does anyone know why or is that just how they are?


  • [38] A Listener from Brooklyn December 01, 2008 - 01:56PM

    You're still not getting the point, I think.

    and that is MOST TERRORISTS ARE MUSLIM. NOT MOST MUSLIMS ARE TERRORISTS!!! It's a fact. not an opinion.

    I'm asking the question why. You think this is because of America??? It's a global stamping of terror, it's everywhere. Those Embassy bomings in 1998 killed more Africans than Americans. More Brits and Indonesians and Australians were killed in the club bombings a few years ago. If it's our country that they're targeting, they're either a really crappy shot, or there's another agenda at play.


  • [39] A-Nother Listener December 01, 2008 - 03:36PM

    38 -- your point is simple and factual and neutral enough -- if your arguing partner doesn't agree then there's no point in reiterating.


  • [40] Voter from Brooklyn December 01, 2008 - 03:46PM

    A Listener:

    In your previous post, you seemed to, by far, agree more with the latter (that Islam is inherently terroristic) than the former with your comments “I’m not Muslim but if I was soul-searching for a religion… I think I’d be weary of following this one” and “How do you, as a person of faith defend your religion... …And the Muslim community, which is enormous by the way, needs to work to keep their young men on a better path.”

    For sake of clarity, I am willing to accept whichever of your premises is how you really feel for an answer as to why terrorist do what they do. Do you think it’s because it’s in their dogma, in their blood, or just for sh*ts and giggles because they inexplicably hate us?


  • [41] Voter from Brooklyn December 01, 2008 - 03:47PM

    (cont)

    Since I’m just not getting it, I assume I’m wrong, but if I had to guess why Muslims would have some sort of beef with the United States and its allies (justified and/or unjustified): The Sykes-Picot Agreement and The British Mandate of Palestine… Changes in civil and social mores influenced by the mass marketing of secular Western culture (the same fear/resentment/and anger over change that led to the Klan in the late 1800s, Prohibition in the ‘20s, social whitewashing in the ‘50s, church bombings and assassinations in the ‘60s, (some of the) white flight in the ’70s, gay-bashings in the ‘80s, clinic bombings in the ‘90s, and the evangelical revival of the early naughts.)… The Western version of objectifying women versus the Middle-Eastern version of objectifying women… Western equality for women tolerance of homosexuality (we’re getting there)… Oil policies… and yes, Hegemony.


  • [42] Voter from Brooklyn December 01, 2008 - 03:53PM

    A-Nother Listener:

    A Listener seems to be vacillating between his original intimation that all Muslims are terrorist to his new declaration that most terrorist are Muslim. So now I’m wondering with which statement I should be agreeing. If it’s the former… the answer is simple. Islam is inherently terroristic. If it is the latter, since he or she believes this is violence out of the blue but not inherent to Islam, then I’d like to know his or her thoughts as to why it is so. That’s all. Any thoughts?


  • [43] so many listeners, so few buyers December 01, 2008 - 04:29PM

    Another Listener wrote:

    "I am out-raged by these attacks. It was like Columbine High School times 3000 shooters."

    Really?

    Let's see... two Columbine shooters... times 3000 shooters. Is that 6,000 Columbine shooters?

    Or twelve students killed in Columbine "times 3000 shooters" which, multiplied as you suggest, is 36,000 casualties?

    Hmmm... maybe your math is as sloppy as your generalizations about religions other than yours? You've got some other real boners in there, but I'll give you a pass if you do some deep breathing. Or leg squats do the same thing.


  • [44] so many listeners, so few buyers December 01, 2008 - 04:36PM

    juno wrote:

    "we now already UNDERASTNAD muslim extremists all too well. they are the nazis of the 21st century and need to be stopped forcefully."

    Right. That's what we've been trying to do for the last eight years, with few real results (except higher rates of recruitment for terrorist groups.)

    Maybe there's a more effective approach? It doesn't have to be a namby-pamby one, it just has to work. For one, tighter security is one of the methods we've used here in the US that's been effective. And it doesn't require brute force. Wow, effectiveness without being a lout. Brilliant.

    BTW, I don't think the numbers work to equate these groups, as you have done, with the Nazi killing machine, which effectively killed over 14 million non-combatants, separate from German bombings. So... let's try to keep it factual. Or at least near-factual.


  • [45] juno from BedSty December 01, 2008 - 05:00PM

    #44

    The Nazis didn't have access to nuclear weapons

    The Islamists have the desire and have or will have shortly the technology to kill millions if not tens of millions.

    Here's a good essay on how the same "head in the sand" attitude that ignored financial reality and led us to the current financial crisis works when it comes to Middle East and terror.

    http://ron.via.sinaimail.com/sy/emails/published/9637/11513/index_complete.html


  • [46] so many listeners, so few buyers December 01, 2008 - 05:18PM

    #45,

    Are you arguing against your own point?

    The Nazis didn't have nuclear weapons, and yet they killed 6 million Jews, 6 million Poles, and assorted other unlucky folk.

    Meanwhile, you suggest that the "Islamists" (I think you mean terrorists and not Islamists?) want or already have nuclear weapons - but their body count is pretty measly compared to your European friends.

    So what you're really saying is that even though they have these weapons, even though it's apparently pretty simple to make a dirty bomb or explode Sarin gas in a subway, they're not using any of these simple, crude methods of mass destruction.

    Which means, I'm afraid, that they've "proved" themselves inherently less bloodthirsty than the Germans.

    I have this odd feeling that if I've got my head in the sand, you appear to be in the same place.


  • [47] Joe from New Haven December 01, 2008 - 05:38PM

    A sad day. I liked all of your guests' comments on how best to respond to these horrrific act, that is though cross religeous / cultural fellowship and acts of charity and compassion. Unfortunatly those will not be options for those in charge of Indian national security. Hopefully better intellegence and police work, not World War 3 will be the response to this event which took almost as many lives as automobile accidents in India. (250 plus per day: therefore 750 over 3 days) This event reminded me a bit of the 1979 siege of the Grand Mosque in Mecca (hundreds dead) or the 1997 Luxor massacre (58 tourists dead). This act was probably intended as a political act by religious extremists employing takfiri sociopaths. The goal is to foster destablizing bloodshed between India and Pakistan. These extremists have no standing armies, treaties or trade pacts to help leverage their will. Thus terrorism. It's cheap and effective......if we loose our cool.

    Brian: You should get Lawrence Wright on for comment.


  • [48] Voter from Brooklyn December 01, 2008 - 05:48PM

    I don’t believe any of the Arabic or Persian Muslims (Let us call it as Juno and A Listener really see it) have long range nuclear capabilities as of yet, though I don’t doubt their desire for them. I wonder why. It’s not like countries exhibiting some degree dominance over or aggression towards them like (in order of magnitude) Russia, the United States, France, The United Kingdom, or Israel have any to use as a threat. And I’m sure the nuclear capabilities of countries like China, Pakistan, and North Korea have no bearing on how we deal with them diplomatically. As for India, who knows… Does this mean they should have them too… Absolutely not! They wouldn’t be weapons of mass destruction, but certainties of near total annihilation.

    And not to put words in your mouth Juno, but before you go throwing around phrases like Nazi… From your point of view, the only logical way to deal with this crisis is a modern-day final solution of our own. Could be millions, there’s over a billion. Worry not, we have nuclear weapons!

    Mind if I join you and So Many Listeners and dip my head into the sand? Getting scary out here.


  • [49] juno from BedSty December 01, 2008 - 06:07PM

    #48 lol (if it weren;t so sad)

    Well at least you acknowledge putting word into my mouth - unlike #46

    the Nazi comparison to Islamists (Islamic militant, anti-democratic movement, bearing a holistic vision of Islam whose final aim is the restoration of the caliphate and the destruction of non-Muslim societies)is pretty clear...

    and no, the knee-jerk accusations that the recognition of threat of millions of Islamists

    somehow equals the advocacy of bombing all 1 billion Muslims etc.. is just a sneaky smear - a weapon of mass distraction...

    Exit interviews with on of the surviving terrorists indicated that they planned for a year and target the murder of 5,000 people...

    The desire to kill millions is pretty open and proudly declared by anyone who will listen to those "few extremists" who claim to be members of the religion of peace. Their access to nuclear technology (and the Western courage and determination) to face the problem hasn't caught up with said desire.

    The race is afoot + I just hope we prevail.

    to the Islamist


  • [50] juno from BedSty December 01, 2008 - 06:24PM

    Now they've upgraded to Sticky Bombs....

    and Iran, under the mullahs, is feverishly working on Nuclear

    Alarm over growing use of "sticky bombs" in Iraq

    Reuters - Nov 7, 2008

    BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi and US officials are concerned about an apparent surge in "sticky bombs," explosives fixed to vehicles with magnets or glue, ...

    Baghdad bombing hits Shia family BBC News

    Car Bomb Targets NPR Reporters

    NPR - Nov 30, 2008 - Filter

    It appears an assassin placed a so-called "sticky bomb" under the car while NPR's reporters were inside the kabob shop doing interviews.

    Assassination Bombs in Iraq Obscured by Bigger Devices

    Middle East Times, Egypt - Nov 16, 2008 -

    On Thursday a sticky bomb was apparently attached to a bus in the Jadida area of Baghdad, injuring eight of the 11 people aboard. ...


  • [51] so many listeners, so few buyers December 01, 2008 - 06:24PM

    ahhh... Juno! I haven't heard mention of the caliphate conspiracy since the heady days of 2003!

    Hard to imagine you're going to be able to sell THAT one again.

    No doubt there are folk who want a restoration of the caliphate... no doubt there are Christian folk who believe in end-of-days and would be just as glad to ease Israel along to its armageddon finale. No doubt there were IRA members who thought they'd be able to destroy Britain forever.

    They lost. Which is not to say it was very peaceful until their movements ended.

    No doubt that there are scary people in the world, but an overarching paranoia about Islam has been to our detriment these past eight years, and if you haven't noticed, America is over it. Big Time, to quote Mr. Cheney.

    Good luck stoking paranoia. The world is perilous enough without your hype. Cooler heads now prevail - note that the party of paranoia has been voted out.


  • [52] juno from BedSty December 01, 2008 - 06:31PM

    #51

    Last I checked neither IRA or Christians are butchering women and children in 22+ countries...

    But keep on deflecting the Islamist threat with non-sequitors like "Cheney" and phony accusations of hype. That will protect all of us from more Mumbai massacres, or Madrid Massacres or London bombings or Kenyan bombings or Somalia, or Sudan or Nigeria or Iraq or Iran or 9/11s etc.. etc..

    Always blame it on the messenger and make sure to mention Cheney.


  • [53] so many listeners, so few buyers December 01, 2008 - 06:45PM

    Juno,

    In all seriousness, how has Islamic terror been diminished by the paranoia of the last eight years?

    All we've accomplished is the destruction of our reputation in the world. The incremental success in Iraq (two steps forward for every six steps back) is hardly salutary.

    Good will is essential to fighting terror. It's not all about beating innocent people to death at Abu Ghraib. Some strategic thinking is required.

    That, and planning. Remember planning? The non-macho, non-paranoid action that might have avoided the current clusterfarks in Iraq and Afghanistan?

    I don't disagree that there's a threat. But I don't think a Daniel Piperesque approach has solved anything. In fact, it's made things much, much worse.

    BTW, how are we supposed to fund a war on terror when we're flat out of funds?

    And how is Israel any safer now than before the Iraq invasion? Face it, the neocons failed. Big Time, and I will invoke Cheney again. Because it is absolutely revelant.


  • [54] juno from BedSty December 02, 2008 - 11:59AM

    #53

    What blather. Anything you disagree with is "neo-con"

    How about a little nuance.

    Mislabeling or smearing awareness of the Islamist threat as neocon paranoia hasn't made us safer and hasn't endeared us to the terrorists either.

    So besides knee jerk name-calling, whether it's Chenyesque or Pipesesque -- what are your constructive strategic ideas??


  • [55] juno from BedSty December 02, 2008 - 01:02PM

    Once again, the whitewashing of terrorist butchers takes place in the media through the use of misleading language that masks the truth. Is this because the West can't stand to face a truth which would require them to defend themselves and their values, instead of 'negotiating without preconditions?'

    If this Isn't Terrorism, What Is?

    By TOM GROSS | From today's Wall Street Journal Europe

    If this isn't terrorism, what is?

     

    http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122816892289570229.html

     


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