Free Republic

Historians calculate that the Umayyad Caliphate – that met its match at the Battle of Tours – was the mightiest military power on earth in the year 732. That the defeat occurred during Ramadan, the Islamic holy days, still rankles many Muslims. ...A Muslim website devoted to the restoration of the Caliphate, or Islamic empire, features a recollection of the Battle of Tours for this week of Ramadan, "Clearly Allah (swt) has blessed the believers with many victories in the past in the blessed month of Ramadhan…The conquests deeper into France were continued..."

Lord, Keep our Troops forever in Your care Give them victory over the enemy... Grant them a safe and swift return... Bless those who mourn the lost. . FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time. ...................................................................................... ........................................... U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel...

A reader, Hedley Thomas, has a problem with at least one aspect of "anti-hate" laws, such as the racial and religious vilification legislation now in place in the Australian state of Victoria. As to racial and religious vilification, I'm not too sure I agree with you. Born a Jew but brought up as a Christian; at about 10 I decided it was all a lot of bollocks and went my own way. Active military service, five years in Saudi Arabia, a visit to Auschwitz and episode 6.052 of Priests and Children, has reinforced my original decision. However, there is one...