I was sorry that it wasn't possible to read the whole NY Sun article. However, that the phrase is the traditional phrase for the traditional "convert or die" letter, indeed, the very same phrase used by Mad Mo himself, is certainly interesting.
I'm a little puzzled as to why they didn't translate it, though; perhaps so as not to upset anybody? (I'm a translator and am very suspicious of untranslated phrases, because Muslim translators sometimes leave dangerous phrases uninterpreted or attempt to paraphrase them to make them less warlike and hence misleadingly peaceful.)
In any case, there was much discussion yesterday of the meaning of this letter as the standard final warning, and the fact that it used that particular phrase certainly confirms that idea. Hopefully more people are aware of the historical background to the phrase - and I hope somebody gets out there and translates it for the NSA.
I agree with you and shouldnt the MSM show some responsibility for preparing the public for what this *could* mean?
The letter is up here
http://www.lauramansfield.com/j/default.asp
May 8, 2006: A Final Warning from the Islamist Rulers of Iran?
Whole text is on this thread
The Koran was written in Arabic. It would seem all the more important not to translate the word of "Allah," as it would lose power? (I hope I expressed myself well enough- am mighty disturbed thinking about the Albrights of the world & the threat...).