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Islamic studies are the keyto understanding terrorism -
Sunday Telegraph ^ | 12 March 2006 | Piers Akerman

Posted on 03/11/2006 2:50:30 PM PST by Fair Go

FIVE years after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre towers and the Pentagon, four years after the first Bali atrocity and three months after the Cronulla riots, it has become appallingly apparent that local police are still standing flat-footed in the face of a growing crime problem among some in Australia's own Muslim community.

It's high time the politically correct pap that spews forth after every evil global terrorist attack was ignored and real research into the underlying philosophy driving the radical fringe, and its supporters and financiers, was undertaken.

A good first step would be to reject the claims of all those who continue to spuriously argue that the West was in some way wholly responsible for the rise of militant Islam and deserving of terrorism. It is not, as even Osama bin Laden acknowledges.

The roots for this evil can be found within extremist strands of Islam such as the Wahabism followed by bin Laden, which takes as its inspiration a literal reading of the Koran and the sharia law derived from its teachings.

This also inspires groups such as Hizb ut-Tahrir, which has a branch in Sydney and works to reinstate the Islamic empire of the caliphate through a global jihad.

In the past few days, senior NSW police and Police Minister Carl Scully have bemoaned the lack of co-operation investigators have received from members of a community formerly described as being "of Middle Eastern appearance".

These people are now described as "Arabic", in a clumsy, if politically correct, attempt to avoid describing the alleged perpetrators as Islamic.

But it is well documented that the thugs who took part in the initial attacks on Cronulla beach were Muslim. Those who participated in the subsequent reprisal raids after the well-publicised riots met outside the Lakemba mosque before taking their convoy of violence to Maroubra and other beachside suburbs.

For decades, the multiculturalist policies of Gough Whitlam's Labor government and Malcolm Fraser's Liberal government, and their successors, encouraged and funded migrant groups to retain their particular cultures and refrain from assimilation.

Although most migrant groups actively embraced the broader Australian culture, it's obvious to all that the focus of Islamic communities on their mosques meant there was minimal cross-cultural contact.

It is now just as obvious that many senior religious leaders discouraged members of their communities from associating with people in the wider community.

Indeed, there is ample evidence that leaders – including Keysar Trad and the Mufti, Sheik Taj Eldeen Alhilaly – for many years preached hatred and contempt for Australian society. They based their sermons and lectures on their readings of the Koran.

Logically, that would seem to give the lie to those well-meaning souls who rush to praise Islam as a religion of tolerance and love after every terrorist attack.

Whenever crimes or acts of terror are committed in the name of Islam, we are again told that the religion is essentially one of peace that teaches respect for the rights of all.

As it happens, the Koran, particularly in verses found in Sura 9, provides numerous invitations for Muslims to visit violence upon Jews, Christians and non-Muslims in general.

It is an unfortunate reality that these verses are still read with enthusiastic approval in mosques throughout Australia and the rest of the world.

Scholarly studies of the Koran have been made by academics and theologians, but there are few within intelligence organisations or law-enforcement agencies with any great knowledge of Islam.

The exceptions are a few officers in the ranks of the Australian Federal Police who have had to undertake studies of the Koran to confront terrorists inspired by the fundamentalist teachings of Jemaah Islamiah in Indonesia and the Philippines.

Muslims are taught that the Koran is the word of God, revealed through Mohammed, but its Arabic version can seem to be poetically ambiguous.

Most serious scholars seem to agree that informed readings would indicate God wasn't beyond changing his mind – a trait noticed by some of Mohammed's contemporaries – and, on occasion, even issuing views contradicting his earlier statements.

A handful of Muslims around the world have called for greater examination of the Koran and for a reformation like the one that modernised the Christian church in Europe during the 16th century, but they have been vilified by many of their fellows.

The political correctness permeating the liberal-arts community has prevented thorough studies of Islam, but courageous theologians and scholars are exploring the topic.

They must be joined by members of intelligence and law-enforcement agencies if the West is to understand the motivation for terrorism and combat those who are using Western liberal democracies' overly indulgent multiculturalism policies as shields for their criminal acts.

It's not enough for the West to ask Muslims, from Iraq to Cronulla, to become part of the solution. It should also be asking why so many are demonstrably not interested in bringing criminals to justice and working for peace.


TOPICS: Australia/New Zealand; Culture/Society; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: australia; highereducation; islam; islamicstudies; terrorism
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To: Fred Nerks

Fred -
Just what religion is it that says - "Don't worry about disobeying God, just do whatever you feel like"

The list of rules you gave out are rules for those who want to believe that way.

Does the esistance of the Ten COMMANDMENTS prove that catholics will lop the heads off of those who choose not to believe ?


61 posted on 03/13/2006 5:45:09 AM PST by RS ("I took the drugs because I liked them and I found excuses to take them, so I'm not weaseling.")
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To: Fair Go
Truthful islamic studies is the key to understanding terrorism. Studying islam from a muslim who is allowed to lie to non-muslims to gain acceptance of the religion is what has gotten us into the idea the 'islam is a religion of peace' crap.
62 posted on 03/13/2006 7:55:12 AM PST by Lady Heron
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To: RS; Fred Nerks; bayouranger
Just where do we find the news reports and blogs that mention the hundreds of millions of Muslims that didn't try to kill anyone last night ?

Because some lack the will or simply the means does not give me any more comfort about a delusional belief system that keeps them trapped as slaves.

I often wonder how many would willingly leave islam if they had a chance.

63 posted on 03/13/2006 9:33:14 AM PST by USF (I see your Jihad and raise you a Crusade ™ © ®)
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To: USF

"Because some lack the will or simply the means does not give me any more comfort about a delusional belief system that keeps them trapped as slaves."

Curious, You consider the 3 million in the U.S. or the 4,000 or so in our Armed Forces as slaves ?


... or perhaps this Danish Muslim -
"On Feb. 3, Naser Khader, a Muslim member of the Danish Parliament for the Radical Party, announced the establishment of a network of moderate Muslims, the Demokratiske Muslimer. “If these imams think it is so terrible to live in Denmark, then why do they remain here?” Khader said. “They can always move to one of the countries in the Middle East which are based on the Muslim values they insist on living by. It seems that their loyalty is mainly to countries such as Saudi Arabia, so I think they should move there. I am tired of hearing them complain about the situation in this country which has given them shelter, freedom of expression, freedom of religion and tons of opportunities for their children."

http://www.amconmag.com/2006/2006_03_13/cover.html


64 posted on 03/13/2006 9:46:58 AM PST by RS ("I took the drugs because I liked them and I found excuses to take them, so I'm not weaseling.")
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To: RS
I consider anyone that dare not criticize their own so called religion or its founder a slave.

Many of those 1.2 billion are too young to understand islam, and a nice slice of them are indigenous people who have to call themselves muslim or claim inspiration from the Koran for their magic so they are not persecuted for their animist or pagan beliefs and can share some of the entitlements of the muslims in islamic nations where dhimmi status means humiliation and alack of basic rights.

Another nice chunk are in hiding and fear their own religious police.

Many of these individuals will give you a real insight into islam.

65 posted on 03/13/2006 10:01:07 AM PST by USF (I see your Jihad and raise you a Crusade ™ © ®)
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To: RS
And BTW, many muslims refer to themselves as "slave to allah" with some pride.

It's quite a common term, but at least theres some truth in it..

66 posted on 03/13/2006 10:09:22 AM PST by USF (I see your Jihad and raise you a Crusade ™ © ®)
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To: USF

"It's quite a common term, but at least theres some truth in it.."

Lot of people consider themselves the bride of Christ - I allways thought that was weird to ...


67 posted on 03/13/2006 10:27:19 AM PST by RS ("I took the drugs because I liked them and I found excuses to take them, so I'm not weaseling.")
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To: RS
Does #65 go anywhere to explain why not all "1.3 billion muslims" are trying to kill us, besides those not having the means to physically challenge us at the moment?

Considering the ummah is so fragmented (prophecy of the 72 sects etc), many of them will be doomed to fight or oppress each other until the end of days... unless they wake up and start to question islam and the examples of mohammad himself.

68 posted on 03/13/2006 10:41:32 AM PST by USF (I see your Jihad and raise you a Crusade ™ © ®)
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To: USF

"Does #65 go anywhere to explain why not all "1.3 billion muslims" are trying to kill us, ..."

Not really, but WHY they are not trying to kill us is really not the thing to worry about - how to dispose of the few that ARE trying is the concern.

Perhaps once we get rid of them, the others will decide that they will ignore the militant Haddith interpretations the millitants tried to force on them, or maybe they will all become bhuddists, or hindus.

The problem on our side is the ones like those on these threads who seek to clense the world of everyone who calls themselves Muslim.



But riddle me this, if the major tennent of the Muslim religion is the downfall of every non-Muslim authority, just why are they still pumping oil ?


69 posted on 03/13/2006 1:11:16 PM PST by RS ("I took the drugs because I liked them and I found excuses to take them, so I'm not weaseling.")
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To: Lady Heron

You are correct and there are some good studies available. Another big problem is that political correctness and blind worship of multicuturalism has enabled muslims to avoid any criticism of muslim behaviour by hiding behind allegations of 'racism'. However, islam is a religion that covers virtually all races and criticism does not belong to the realm of racism. Any religion that harbours suicide bombers and terrorists must face criticism. To say that all religions are the same, as the politically correct are prone to saying, is nonsense.


70 posted on 03/13/2006 1:21:33 PM PST by Fair Go
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To: RS
- how to dispose of the few that ARE trying is the concern.

One of the muslims had been debating for ages who I had developed a mutual respect and a weird sort of personal understanding with, despite being sworn enemies on the opposite sides of the fence, once words to me to the effect of "You can bomb Afghanistan, you can invade Iraq, you can kill Bin Laden, but you are doomed to fail because you can kill the man, but not the idea... (or) the message of islam."

That thought worried me more than any death threat I ever received from them. The point is - unless one finally has the courage to addresses the religious motivations behind the acts, one can keep on killing indefinitely.

if the major tennent of the Muslim religion is the downfall of every non-Muslim authority, just why are they still pumping oil ?

Simple. In a nutshell - easy $$$$. Without it their societies would be be even more backward and powerless.

As for those stuck in the islamic world... exposing and addressing islamic ideology, intolerance, and thus the roots of the oppression of millions of "muslims" and non-muslims alike by their own self declared "true believers," will define the problems and help set them free.

71 posted on 03/13/2006 1:53:09 PM PST by USF (I see your Jihad and raise you a Crusade ™ © ®)
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To: RS
"The problem on our side is the ones like those on these threads who seek to clense the world of everyone who calls themselves Muslim."

No, 'the problem on our side' is trying to understand how anyone could call a cult a religion when it tells the followers this, in the 21st century:

Qur’an 47:4 “So, when you clash with the unbelieving Infidels in battle (fighting Jihad in Allah’s Cause), smite their necks until you overpower them, killing and wounding many of them. At length, when you have thoroughly subdued them, bind them firmly, making (them) captives. Thereafter either generosity or ransom (them based upon what benefits Islam) until the war lays down its burdens. Thus are you commanded by Allah to continue carrying out Jihad against the unbelieving infidels until they submit to Islam.”

72 posted on 03/13/2006 1:53:37 PM PST by Fred Nerks (Read the bio THE LIFE OF MUHAMMAD free! Click Fred Nerks for link to my Page.)
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To: RS

PS, Im curious...

What problems do you see in islam?


73 posted on 03/13/2006 1:59:15 PM PST by USF (I see your Jihad and raise you a Crusade ™ © ®)
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To: Fair Go

One gook on Wahhabism:
"Hatred's Kingdom"
by Dore Gold (formerly of the Israeli diplomatic corps)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0895261359/qid=1142287226/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/102-9752991-7848924?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

Even the Ottoman Turks realized Wahhabism was a screwed-up thing.
They sent a punitive mission to Saudi to spank the Wahhabis about 200
years ago...and just barely missed stamping out the movement.


74 posted on 03/13/2006 2:03:11 PM PST by VOA
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To: Fair Go
"I do have a book containing Osama Bin Laden's interviews and will look for some sources."

Do you mean this book?

Disinformation : 22 Media Myths That Undermine the War on Terror

75 posted on 03/13/2006 2:07:52 PM PST by the anti-liberal (Hey, Al Qaeda: Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent)
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To: USF

You had already agree that you were enemies, so there was not a lot to talk about - he's one of the ones that would have to go, IF he were telling you the truth, and not just some kid in Detroit.



"Simple. In a nutshell - easy $$$$. Without it their societies would be be even more backward and powerless."

THAT'S THE POINT ! true Muslims are not supposed to care about being backwards, except those in power are ones who like the things that money can buy. Bin Laden is living in a cave somewhere because he decided that the fanatical approach was worth more to him then the big bucks he had.

The ones with the oil money want us as customers, otherwise they could send our society into chaos by simply turning off the taps. You don't kill your customers.


76 posted on 03/13/2006 2:10:33 PM PST by RS ("I took the drugs because I liked them and I found excuses to take them, so I'm not weaseling.")
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To: USF

"What problems do you see in islam? "

The only problem I see are that fanatics are using it. Some like Bin Laden are true ideological nuts, looking for some sort of holy glory, while others are like Sadr are using it in a personel power grab. Hard to tell them apart sometimes, but no matter, they both have to go.

If we are able to plant some good roots for democracy, and diminish the threat of religious leaders taking political power, all to the good.


77 posted on 03/13/2006 2:18:05 PM PST by RS ("I took the drugs because I liked them and I found excuses to take them, so I'm not weaseling.")
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To: Fair Go

To really understand terrorism you would need to have been in the world trade center basement on 911.


78 posted on 03/13/2006 2:19:25 PM PST by NormB (Yes, but watch your cookies!!)
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To: RS
You had already agree that you were enemies, so there was not a lot to talk about - he's one of the ones that would have to go, IF he were telling you the truth, and not just some kid in Detroit.

Its a very long story, but believe me, he was the real deal. An immigrant in Canada, doing dawah outreach to "youth" in his spare time and had with easy access to the US where some of his friends were based. Appears someone knew more about hacking than his group of friends (since exposed) did. ;o)

true Muslims are not supposed to care about being backwards, except those in power are ones who like the things that money can buy.

Now we are getting somewhere. They also know what zakat and dawah can achieve... a case in point - the KSA. A marriage of two evils that would make both our cases.

79 posted on 03/13/2006 2:27:19 PM PST by USF (I see your Jihad and raise you a Crusade ™ © ®)
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To: Fred Nerks

Freddie, Freddie, Freddie ...

Why do you persist in putting up bad translations ?

It appears your source decided to make up and add that last line himself, changing the entire meaning of the quote - No legitimate translation I have found contains anything near it -

http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/quran/047.qmt.html

You can do better, my friend ...


80 posted on 03/13/2006 2:37:11 PM PST by RS ("I took the drugs because I liked them and I found excuses to take them, so I'm not weaseling.")
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