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Bill [8]: Islam arose in the 7th century CE, so its laws came to be long after the "old testament" day--which was also considerably before Christianity, let alone any concept of "Judeo-Christian" laws or values or anything else. (Merriam-Webster dates that term only back to 1899!)

To Pheobe

Can Islam ever completely accept a Jewish state in Palestine, regardless of size? If yes, why so? If not, why not?

My question is this: Back in the old testament day when Islamic... or Judeo Christian laws came to be.... were they THEN seen as coming from the past, or, coming from the future?.... as in prescription/proscription for future behaviors?...

Jgarbuz: A agree that seeing the film will be helpful, espcially with regard to the Middle East's history. However, to draw such a strong conclusion does not suggest objectivity, even if the history itself is accurate and objective.

what's his take on T E lawrence?

Is there a difference -- in your discussion -- between The Arab World and The Arabic Speaking World? I have a dear friend from Morocco who speaks Arabic but does not consider himself an Arab (which he isn't) but a Berber.

To Phoebe

I really urge you to see the film for yourself and then make up your own mind. I guarantee that regardless of your POV one way or the other, you will have to agree that the film is 100% historically accurate and objective. Even if you are the most devout Muslim.

Jgarbuz.. The movie you plug hardly seems objective. From the website:

Farewell Israel: Bush, Iran and The Revolt of Islam reaches the unavoidable conclusion that Western and Israeli misunderstanding of Islam is leading to a coming war - which will have devastating consequences for the West, and worst of all for Israel - Farewell Israel!

The BEST most comprehensive documentary about Islam and all the major events from the birth of Islam in the 7th century to the events of today is "FAREWELL ISRAEL: Bush,Iran and the Revolt of Islam." It is a complete and totally comprehensive and objective 2 and 1/2 hour documentary, and undoubtedly the best of very many I have seen in my 63 years. After you see this documentary, you will never have to see another film or read another book about the Middle East. You will know it all. This documentary tells it ALL, objectively, fairly and comprehensively. It can be rented, or it can be purchased at www.farewellisrael.com.

Why do you think the Ottoman empire collapse? Could it have been saved?

How have states tackled the youth bulge in their countries?

How have Arab countries diversified their economies?

Why do so many stereotypes and misconceptions exist about Arab states and peoples?