With this line of reasoning, acrimony between the religions is a foregone conclusion and will prove to be a permanent reality. In contrast, I can't help but believe that much of the hatred that exists today is the result of a lack of communication between the disparate sides, as the only contact one side has with the other is when they are at war. This is far too common in the Israeli-Palestinian imbroglio and cannot be allowed to occur in America if we are ever to hope to achieve a lasting peace.
This is not to say that we should continue to reach out to Muslim leaders who claim to be peace-loving to our face while promoting religious animosity to their followers when they return to their mosques. That's one of the big reasons Arafat's become a persona non grata after years of unjustified legitimacy. The same should be true of the leaders Dubyuh recently met with...be gracious to those who sincerely want to work together to find a lasting peace, but scorn and denounce those who go back and preach Jihad to their followers.
"...your reasoning in support of Mr. Bush entertaining in any proximity these princes and leaders of a religion currently dark and bloody red...lack any measurable current validity, and that the opposite of that bonhommie we'd all wish -- that is a strenghtening of malevolence -- is the greater direct effect of such misplaced friendliness."
I hope and pray that you are misplaced in your well-reasoned dubiousness, because if you are right--and the forces of Evil within Islam dominate and overwhelm the forces of Good--another World War would seem to be an unavoidable inevitability.
FReegards...MUD
MASTERS OF DECEPTION
Deceptive Iraqi Tactics Of War Are Based On Islamic Principles
By Abdullah Al Araby
(Excepted parts of an article found in Islam Review)Unlike most religions, within Islam there are certain provisions under which lying and deceiving is not simply tolerated, but actually encouraged. In his book “The spirit of Islam,” Afif A. Tabbarah writes in page 247, “Lying is not always bad, to be sure; there are times when telling a lie is more profitable and better for the general welfare, and for the settlement of conciliation among people, than telling the truth. “
This point is proven by numerous incidences in the life of Mohammed. He often lied and instructed his followers to do the same. He rationalized that the prospect of success in missions to extend Islam’s influence overrode Allah’s initial prohibitions against lying. A good example of sanctioned lying is the account of the assassinations of Kaab Ibn al-Ashrf, and Shaaban Ibn Khalid al-Hazly. Mohammed reportedly allowed his assassins lie to them in order to lure them into a place where they could easily butcher them.
The principle of Al-Takeyya
The Arabic word, “Takeyya”, means, “to guard against.” The principle of Al Takeyya conveys the understanding that Muslims are permitted to lie as a preventive measure against anticipated harm to one’s self or fellow Muslims. They can even deny the faith, if they do not mean it in their hearts. Al-Takeyya is based on the following Quranic verse:
“Let not the believers Take for friends or helpers Unbelievers rather than believers: if any do that, in nothing will there be help from Allah: except by way of precaution, that ye may Guard yourselves from them. But Allah cautions you (To remember) Himself; for the final goal is to Allah.” Surah 3: 28
According to this verse it is acceptable for Muslims to use deceptive tactics. In violation to the teachings of Islam, they can pretend to befriend infidels. In situations where real or imagined harm is perceived they are permitted to display adherence with the ideals of those considered as infidels.
It is important to understand that Muslims take great liberty in expanding the perimeters of circumstances under which they are permitted to lie and to use deceptive tactics. When dealing with Muslim leaders it is essential to keep in mind that they can say or do anything that will get them out of trouble. All the while, they are apt to have just the opposite agenda in their hearts. With this in mind, in matters pertaining to war and international politics, there is a question that we need to ask ourselves. Can Muslim countries be trusted to play it fair and keep their end of the agreements that they sign with non-Muslim nations?
It is imperative that our leaders not be naïve. They must understand that Muslims can use this loophole in their religion to absolve them from any accountability when they revert to deceptive tactics. They can unashamedly do so, as they adhere to Mohammed, the prophet of Islam, who was quoted as saying “War is a deception.” The Allah of Islam is described in the Quran as “the best of deceivers.” Surah 8:30.