Posted on 10/06/2002 3:17:37 PM PDT by knighthawk
His Excellency Abdullah Turki has one of the hardest jobs in public relations: arguing the case that Islam, as practised in Saudi Arabia and taught in Saudi-funded mosques around the world, is not as frightening the West thinks it is.
As head of the World Islamic League, he lives in Mecca, works in offices provided by the Saudi government, flies around the world in a private Saudi jet, and yet claims to represent all of Islam, not just the kind practised in Saudi Arabia.
It is an important distinction, especially since the September 11 attacks. Fifteen of the hijackers that day were Saudi citizens, which led many to question how a country so closely allied to America could nurture men so hostile to it.
Fingers pointed to Wahhabism, the kind of Islam practised in Saudi Arabia, inspired by the writings of an 18th century scholar.
Mr Turki is one of the most senior religious figures in Saudi Arabia and his arrival in Paris, on the latest leg of a European trip to meet religious and political leaders, reflects how seriously the country wishes to clean up its image as a land of molly-coddled Muslim medievalists.
Defenders of Wahhabism say it is simply Islam's version of Calvinism, a stern reaction to a religion turned corrupt.
Muhammad bin Abd al-Wahhab rejected the worship of saints and idols and found a home with the forebears of the Saudi royal family. Many Saudis argue that Wahhabism and Islam are synonymous.
Mr Turki says: "There is not Wahhabite Islam and non-Wahhabite. There is just Islam." Sitting down, wearing his djellaba and white head scarf, Mr Turki looks like a pale, fragile sage. But he offers a firm handshake.
"I am here to deepen relations between Muslims and non-Muslims," he says, "to improve understanding of our culture and civilisation.
"After September 11, the Western media spoke a lot about Islam and Muslims and relations began to deteriorate between us. This visit is intended to clarify things, to talk. It is our right to reply."
When I suggest his task will be a tough one as long as Saudi Arabia continues to practise Sharia law and its Imams breathe hatred for Christians and Jews in their mosques, he smiles.
"Those who look objectively at Islam, Orientalists, these people who know Islam are not of this opinion. What percentage of Muslims are extreme like you suggest? A millionth in the history of Islam and Arabia."
Mr Turki insists that the World Islamic League is a non-governmental organisation, an umbrella group for Islamic organisations around the world. The Saudi government merely gives it facilities, he said.
However, he has been accused of the same things as his government - presenting a friendly face to the West while peddling Wahhabism in the mosques and schools.
Mr Turki is unconcerned by such accusations. He insists that ordinary people have very different views from those he reads in the media. "We can work together," he says.
You had better read up on the Thirty Years War before you repeat that assertion. The Calvinists were just as bloody as the Lutherans and the Catholics.
... Catholic and Lutheran princes could determine the religion practiced in their territory was maintained, and this privilege was extended to include the Calvinists as well.[SNIP]
Over 300,000 had been killed in battle. Millions of civilians had died of malnutrition and disease, and wandering, undisciplined troops had robbed, burned, and looted almost at will. Most authorities believe that the population of the Empire dropped from about 21,000,000 to 13,500,000 between 1618 and 1648. Even if they exaggerate, the Thirty Years War remains one of the most terrible in history.
The Thirty-Years-War
It takes a real dork to believe in a religion that will cause you to be killed if you deny it or leave it.
That was true of Christianity throughout most of its history. In fact, that was true of most religions thoughout history. Toleration is a modern concept. I'm glad that you believe in it.
...a list of 126 churches that were damaged or destroyed in Indonesia between June 1996 and January 1998.
The nation's attention turned to the rising numbers of church arson when in 1996 over 400 churches burned across the [U.S.].Charles OsgoodNational Church Arson Registry
You'd better call the FBI. They'll want to know.
Leadership
Personnel
Funding
Ideology
Schooling
Escape Routes
Al-Quaeda is a creature and natural outgrowth of Saudi Arabia. The war is not over until the House of Saud falls.
LET'S ROLL!
Remember the comments of Saudi price al-Walid when he visited New York? He called on the US to make a balance in her foreign policy towards the Palestinians and to study the motives and the reasons behind the incidents of September 11, basically saying that we deserved it. Guiliani refused his ten million contribution to the victims fund, and rightfully so. Now they say they are our friends? Hockey puck!
A tough job indeed, like selling Chelsea as "a glamorous social butterfly."
The treacherous two faced lying bitch has earned our hatred, and deserves to feel the wrath of a brutal American vengeance.
Semper Fi
Then it wouldn't be Islam anymore. It would be another religion because Islam has another goal.
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