Posted on 04/02/2002 11:44:01 AM PST by kattracks
CHICAGO, Apr 02, 2002 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- Nation of Islam leader Minister Louis Farrakhan blasted Washington for foreign policies that single out Muslims for blame and said Tuesday he wants to travel to the Middle East to try to resolve the differences between Israelis and Muslims.
Farrakhan said the escalation in violent incidents by Palestinians against Israelis was due to the lack of action by the United States and the United Nations to show leadership and try to build peace to the region.
"This is the time for strong, dispassionate intervention by America and the United Nations," he said during a 33-minute address at Mosque Maryam on Chicago's South Side. "If they don't, conditions will continue to escalate to the point of no return."
Farrakhan said he would like to lead a group of religious leaders to Israel to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Palestinian Authority leader Yasser Arafat, and other officials.
"It will take a spiritual people to try to bring peace to the region," Farrakhan said. "If we fail, at least we can say we have tried."
Farrakhan said he believes President Bush shows too much support to Israel, meeting repeatedly with Sharon while demonizing Arafat.
"That diminishes (Arafat) in the eyes of his people," Farrakhan said. "An impotent Arafat only encourages the more militant elements to conduct more suicide bombings."
He said the United States ought to pressure Israel into making gestures of support to Arafat. Those gestures could include promises to halt settlement of the West Bank, and to stop slayings of Palestinian leaders.
"A recognition of the right (of Palestinians) to exist could become the basis for serious peace negotiations. Instead, Israel gives nothing, but demands everything," he said.
Farrakhan said he believes that "because I am not tied to the American establishment," he could have more influence in negotiating peace.
"I believe only a spiritual person can truly achieve peace," he said.
Farrakhan said he wants to meet with members of Hamas and Hezbollah, the religious factions that have claimed responsibility for violence and bombings.
"I want to hear it from their own lips why they do what they do," Farrakhan said.
But he said he hoped U.S. officials would not construe his actions as giving comfort to an enemy. "I want to meet with the so-called 'Axis of Evil,' but I am not going to incite people against my country," he said.
Farrakhan would like to make his visit in May, although he admits the trip has not been scheduled yet.
Last weekend, the Rev. Jesse Jackson said he has no intention of trying to lead peace negotiations, although he concedes someone needs to take such a diplomatic mission.
Throughout the years, Farrakhan has gained a reputation among many white people as an anti-Semite who opposes Israel and all Jewish people.
On Tuesday, Farrakhan tried to tone down any anti-Jewish rhetoric, saying he can understand the religious basis for believing that God promised the Jewish people a homeland. But he also said he understands the reasons why Arabs believe the existence of Israel is coming at their expense.
"It is a huge theological problem," Farrakhan said of the differing opinions. "I believe we are capable of rising above the emotions of both sides, but it will take time."
By GREGORY TEJEDA
Copyright 2002 by United Press International.
Couldn't we just send ole Calipso Louie up to the mother ship, "uninvited" so to speak? We may be able to make a deal and package Jessie and Al with him. A special "threefer" offer to our friends in orbit out there.
Why hasnt this group been more widely exposed?
Its founder was the man Danny Pearl was going to visit!
I happened to be working near the scene of the Million Man March at the time when it occurred. So, during my lunch break, I took a walk past the marchers on the Mall in D.C. I passed a group, one of whose members said, "Let's not say anything while the enemy is here," meaning me. That guy knew nothing about me, beyond my appearance. I was the "enemy" because I was white.
See this thread to learn the difference. Good luck.
No, we don't. My God doesn't condone what the scum of Islam do.
"I might go to Pakistan after our national convention, we will see," Farrakhan said. "If they desire my presence in Pakistan, if my presence in the Muslim world will be advantageous and will help us to come through this time of crisis ... I will go."
Farrakhan said the kidnapping of Pearl is against the teachings of Islam and will not further its cause.
"Islam as a religion is on trial throughout the world," he said. "There is no reason to take an American citizen, no matter where they are in the world, and do them harm simply because you do not like America's policies. This is against Islam."
Pearl, 38, was abducted January 23 while on his way to interview Sheikh Mubarik ali Gilani, the head of the fundamentalist Islamic Jamaat ul-Fuqra group. He wanted to ask Gilani about possible ties the group had to Richard Reid, the alleged airplane shoe bomber being held in the United States.
The U.S. arm of al Fuqra - which means "the impoverished" in Arabic - was founded in 1980 when Gilani traveled from Pakistan to a black mosque in Brooklyn. On this and subsequent trips, the charismatic sheikh helped recruit up to 3,000 members nationwide. Al Fuqra is not aligned with the Nation of Islam, and in fact it has serious theological differences with Louis Farrakhan's flock.
About two dozen families live at the 44-acre compound near Red House, but al Fuqra is headquartered in Hancock, N.Y. Members of the sect occasionally travel abroad for what Thomas P. Gallagher of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms calls "paramilitary and survivalist training" under Gilani's supervision. Gilani also is known to have recruited Americans to fight with the mujahedeen against the Soviets in the '80s.
Al Fuqra demonstrated its violent streak early on. From its first days more than two decades ago, members have attacked a virtual rainbow coalition of targets, including Hare Krishnas in San Diego, Hindus in Toronto, Sikhs in Seattle and Buddhists in Illinois. Gilani is obsessed with the Kashmir conflict and many of al Fuqra's victims have had ties to India. (Pearl is based in Bombay.)
Jackson, BTW, has violated this law numerous times, with zero repercussions.
--Boris
I have noticed that at least Fred Barnes inside the beltway has been getting the word out on Logan act violations.
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