David
well, muslim terrorists finally got around to hitting london. everyone was expecting an attack on the brits for their aid in the war on terror. and that meant london. in a way, i’m actually a little surprised. i was beginning to think they might hit a different target. in england i mean. liverpool and birmingham are off of the beaten path, and might be a little easier for the jihadis to hit.
but that introduces all kinds of other logistical problems. blending in may be more difficult, safe houses fewer and further between. distances to borders are greater.
so london it was.
i have mixed feelings today. i’m not outraged. more resolute than anything else.
take a look at the picture i put up top. it’s the first picture i’ve run twice. i originally ran it in a post about non-mainstream sports, and the reasons to love them.
i ran it again today because we are dealing with men who view women as ‘things’. men who would refuse to shake hands with a woman because he is not allowed to touch a filthy animal prior to presenting himself to allah. if he does shake hands with a woman, or touch a dog, or any other beast, he must cleanse himself before prayer. anybody actually believe women are beasts? less than human?
look at the girl up top again. i know a lot of my readers are femme’s, so you may not get the point completely, but think about your husbands/boyfriends. do they have to clean themselves after sullying themselves by contact with you? is that how you teach your sons?
one of my primary reasons for despising islam as much as i do is how it treats women. a lot of people are under the impression that jihadis want all women in burqas. that is oh. so. far! from the truth. they do NOT want everyone converted to islam.
they just want to rule us all. by definition, anyone not a muslim is a second class citizen. and women are little more than property in any event. any woman not a muslim is by definition a whore.
there are some rules that restrict muslims in their conduct towards muslim women. but a whore? give her some extra cash, it’s all goooooood. there are very few rules regarding their conduct towards infidels. especially whores.
some bombs went off in london today. i’ve always secretly harbored a little animosity towards the limeys. i think it has something to do with all of the irish chicks i’ve dated. i’ve just never been enamored of the british empire.
today i have a different attitude. like i said earlier. i feel resolution.
and more than anything i feel a lot of confidence in the steel of the brits. angle or scot, they have a proud history of being tenacious fighters. skirts, funny shorts and all.
i hope americans realize the brits are not new to the fight. they have been with us from the beginning. it took til now for an attack on britain directly.
i hope this convinces a few critics. brings a few fence sitters over. like g.w.b. or not, the muslims do not like you.
hey hey, ho ho, islam has got to go!
i really do firmly believe that it is time the kid gloves come off. our hands have been tied for too long here in the u.s. of a. and if it takes a brit to deliver a ‘proper’ bitchslap to the jihadis, I, that means me, a swiss/irish/american indian mutt will raise a glass and say ‘God save the Queen’.
let no one make the mistake of believing that the stoic face of teutonic blood is apathy. i just hope we don’t let the moonbats keep us as americans from standing with them.
I just fail to see how terrorists can possibly believe that these kinds of actions will do anything except strengthen the resolve of the people.
I can’t fathom the mindset that would make anyone think that killing innocents would accomplish any goal… aside from satiating a need to cause suffering.
I’m enraged because we can’t fight back. We have rules and morals. How can we fight an enemy that has no rules and will not follow our self imposed rules without turning in that which we hate? No matter how you look at it it just means more fighting and more death. Why the fuck can’t humanity as a whole smarten up?
They should make bombs that dispel pot smoke so the earth as a whole can take a minute to chill out. Wouldn’t it be great if we could have just one day without someone somewhere dying a violent death or causing one?
Disclaimer:
Drugs are bad. Don’t do them.
Mlah said: “I really do firmly believe that it is time the kid gloves come off. our hands have been tied for too long here in the u.s. of a. and if it takes a brit to deliver a ‘proper’ bitchslap to the jihadis…”
I’m not arguing with you about this– yet– I just want to know how you think our hands have been tied and how you think the UK can deliver more somehow that we have. what would that entail?
I will take issue with your continued piggish and just plain stoopid insistence that the base problem is their supposedly expansionist religion (i.e. “The bogeyman is coming to get you!”) Zawahiri’s June 17 videotape (perhaps a coded trigger for the London attacks) talked about “true reform” being based on three premises: The rule of Islamic law, liberating the lands of Islam from the Occupier, and the freedom of the Islamic community in managing its own affairs. They just want us off their backs and out of their lands, especially the Palestinians, in other words.
Just a quick historical reality check on this. When you say out of their lands, what do you mean? Do you mean Arabia proper, or do you mean land that has some historical tie to being occupied by Muslims? There is a real difference.
Andalucia is one example. The Muslims conquered parts of Spain and Portugal from “Christian” kingdoms in the Middle Ages. In the 1400’s, the Spanish and Portugese retook those areas. This was called the Reconquista. According to any number of Muslim clerics and the hard to find Osama, this was the darkest day in the history of Islam. Should we ask those Iberians living there to move out so that Osama and his fellow sods can relive the glory that was Andalucia?
How about the Balkan Peninsula? That was once under Muslim rule, taken from the Europeans. Should we tell the Greeks, Macedonians, non-Muslim Bosnians, Serbs, Croats, and even the Austrians to give back the land that was once conquered and held by the Turks and other Muslims.
The issue is not just about leave Muslims alone and get out of their land. This is a religious and a cultural war, as all wars have been from the beginning of time. Muslims are not Libertarians, asking for freedom of worship and respect of individual liberties. If this were the case, the international liberal elites would be salivating to take the war all the way to Mecca, given how they hate religion and abhor not having people follow their silly mandates.
Fundimental Islamic Jihadis are all about taking control of the earth and forcing people to worship Allah. They do not respect liberties or other faiths as can readily be seen in the kingdom of Saud and the grand Islamic Republic of Iran. You also can find wonderful examlpes of this in Pakistan and in Talibanic Afghanistan.
As for Palestine? The Jews were given a homeland by the UN, because they were under attack by the Arabs after trying to coexist under British rule. The aftermath resulted in the Jews kicking the shit out of all comers for 55 years and counting. The current Palestinian crisis is being fomented by Hezbollah (Iranian), Hamas (Iranian/Syrian), and Arafat’s (Egyptian) al-Aqsa. The really ironic part of all of this is that Israeli Arabs have more personal liberties and religious liberties than any other “minority” group in the Middle East.
Please see the world as it is and not thru rose-colored glasses. That will help to bring a better world about.
“Please see the world as it is and not thru rose-colored glasses”
Oh, blow it out your ass with that “international liberal elite” bullcrap, ya gasbag. The Palestinians have gotten screwed, there’s no way around that. They are occupied and Iraq is occupied. No need to go further into the history books.
As for “Fundimental (sic) Islamic Jihadis are all about taking control of the earth and forcing people to worship Allah”, well maybe some of them do; in any case that really isn’t what these attacks are about. There are not going to be any land/population grabs, especially in the West, by jihadis, period. You’d be much more credible by worrying about Martian invasions.
“This is a religious and a cultural war”
Not for the most part it isn’t. When there are attacks against Musharraf or other rulers of largely Muslim countries, that’s because they want more fundamentalism in their gov’t, yes; and against us for supporting those “corrupt” gov’ts. But when we get out of Iraq and Palestine exists, that small religious facet is not going to convince anyone to suicide-bomb themselves over it.
And to counter anyone’s attempts to blame all Muslims for these new attacks, from the BBC website where people can send in their thoughts:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/4659237.stm
As a French Muslim I am deeply upset and ashamed by this barbaric attack on London, all my thoughts are with those affected by this horrible event, there can be no justifications, and it is high time now for us Muslims to stand against those who have taken our religion hostage and show the world that we have nothing to do with terror.
Jasmine, Paris, France
Being a Muslim and having a similar unlucky experience in Istanbul the previous year, I strongly condemn these attacks. We should be aware of the fact that terrorist attacks can never be explained by any religion. They only aim to disturb the general public. It is just barbaric and can have no explanation behind.
Canan Canbulat, Istanbul
I am a 15-year-old Muslim girl and was on my way to central London but luckily I’m safe. The attacks were horrific, barbaric, wrong and really disgusting. It is unfair because Muslims as a whole will be blamed if al-Qaeda have done it, but we are as upset and condemn these attacks very strongly.
Razan, London
I have lived and worked as a surgeon in the UK for three years. News of the blasts was like a physical blow for me. My prayers go out to the dead, the injured and their families. As a Muslim and a Pakistani, I strongly condemn this dastardly act irrespective of who was responsible. Nothing can ever justify murder. Not in London or Barcelona nor in Baghdad and Gaza. Let us distance ourselves from purveyors of hate and cut them out like the cancer they are.
Sohail Muzammil, Lahore, Pakistan
I am a Muslim born and raised in England and watched with horror the scenes from London. My prayers are with the families of those whose loved ones have passed away or are injured. We all need to unite, regardless of colour, race, religious beliefs etc. in order to show these cowards that we will not be beaten.
Ifzal Khan, Brierfield, Lancashire
I really don’t know how to express myself. I feel that I am angry about what happened today in London. This is an absolutely outrageous inhuman uncivilised acts. I have spent four years in London. I love this city and the people of it. We people of Algeria we are with you with our thoughts and hearts. Peace peace peace, inshallah.
Mami, Algeria
Most people here in Egypt have been affected badly by what happened today in London… we feel sorry for people there. I have friends who live there and once I heard about the blasts, I called them immediately and they said they were fine thank God! Britain is a great country, where Christians and Muslims live in peace with each other… I hope something like this doesn’t affect that peace in Britain.
Noura, Cairo, Egypt
I get into Liverpool St Station at 8.50am each morning but hit the snooze button for a 10 minute lie in so missed the blast. London has been a very surreal place today. Everyone has been incredibly calm. As a Muslim and a Londoner, this attack was aimed at all of us. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected today. Let’s keep strong and let’s keep together.
Aiysha, London
Our hearts are with you today London. Please know that those responsible do not represent us in the Arab/Islamic world.
Sufyan, Doha, Qatar
I just hope that the angry, frightened people don’t turn on all the innocent, law-abiding Muslim families who live peacefully with us in our communities. These attacks affect them too, and they are just as scared and angry as the rest of us, without the added fear of being attacked purely because of their religion. My thoughts are with everyone affected, regardless of race, creed or colour – be strong, every right minded citizen of this planet is behind you.
Tim, London
I have just returned from living and working on human rights issues in Senegal – a predominantly Muslim country. Colleagues I met there have asked me to pass their condolences to a wider British audience. In particular, the Movement of African Working Children sends its deepest sympathy to all affected.
Carolyn Norris, Tadworth, UK
My flat is about 50 yards from the location of bus bombing. I walk down Woburn Place and Tavistock Square every day, several times a day. The proximity of this attack to not only my home, but the homes and offices of thousands of students, workers and a large population of Bangladeshi Muslims is truly horrifying. We had not been able to get access to the flat until late last night and for hours my sister-in-law was missing – luckily she was holed up in a local college, just minutes from the incident. As a London Muslim, I am part of a community that makes up 10-14 % of the city’s population. I chose to live in London because it is the cultural capital of the world. Although I see the wreckage of the bombed bus from the corner of my (very short street) I have faith in the capacity of this city to see this for what it is: a political act motivated by anger and hate. We will not respond to hate with hate, but by embracing the diversity that enriches us and by uniting against those that use terrorism, here or abroad.
Abdul-Rehman Malik, Russell Square, London
I want to send my deepest condolences to the victims’ families and those who got injured. It was shocking to learn that something like this could have happened to a city I so dearly love. I am sure the resilient Londoners will come out on top of this. The people of Pakistan are with you.
Muhammad Ali Bangash, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
I am a Londoner and a Muslim. The people that carried out these attacks are not Muslims in my eyes, to kill innocent people is against the foundations of Islam. Muslims across the world should condemn and denounce these barbarians from having anything to do with our faith. I am so proud of my City for the solidarity Londoners have shown. We have to remain strong and not let the terrorists win.
Saira, London
I am a Muslim born and brought up in Manchester and i strongly condemn the horrific attacks of yesterday. In no way can the terrorists call themselves Muslims, they use the name of Islam as a cover up, but in no way do these attacks represent Islam. The word itself means ‘Peace’ and Muslims around the world greet each other with the words ‘May peace be upon you’. The people behind these attacks should be caught and prosecuted severely as there is absolutely no justification for killing innocent civilians. No matter what the West has done in Iraq – TWO WRONGS DO NOT MAKE A RIGHT.
Tooba Farooq, Manchester, UK
All Kuwaiti people thoughts and prayers with all Londoners, it’s a crime committed by cowards whom have no respect for precious human lives, they are nothing but a bunch of criminals who disgrace the name of Islam.
Abeer, kuwait
too bad none of those girls would be allowed to express their opinion in an islamic country. or even speak in public in saudi for that matter. nice of individual muslims to decry what is proving to be a systemic fault of their religion. where are the religious leaders denouncing the bombings? where are the imams issuing fatwas against alqaeda?
you do not make decisions for me about when i can look at history. i think your admitted aversion to looking at history is indicative of the blinders you wear day to day.
the palestinians screwed themselves. the u.n. realized they were unwilling to live peaceably with the jews and so separated the two in twp countries. palestinians and arabs attacked and lost. they did it to themselves. then they abandoned their homes. waiting for the arab victory over israel which has yet to materialize. so that ‘right to return’ shit is their own fault as well.
one or two examples is sufficient. please don’t put pages of something somebody postyed elsewhere here. provide the link.
“too bad none of those girls would be allowed to express their opinion”
I hate that aspect of Arab/Muslim cultures, too.
This courageous woman, a member of Dutch parliament, says “‘If you’re a Muslim woman and you read the Koran, and you read in there that you should be raped if you say ‘no’ to your husband, that is offensive.'”
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/07/06/60minutes/main706876.shtml
But how much of it is Islam and how much of it is this or that Arab culture? I don’t know, I’m just curious. The Bible isn’t exactly a feminist tract, either, sorry to say. And YOU MLAH sure as hell aren’t either– how do you illustrate you deep and abiding respect for women? With lots and lots of pictures of scantily clad models! The hypocrisy boggles the mind…
Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari recently refused to shake hands with women:
http://www.wtopnews.com/index.phpnid=105&sid=534559
Hooray for the freedom and democracy we’ve brought to Iraq!
“where are the imams issuing fatwas against alqaeda?”
Here are some, dingbat. NYT columnist Thomas Friedman asked the same dumb question recently:
http://www.juancole.com/2005/07/friedman-wrong-about-muslims-again-and.html
All the Muslim governments condemned the bombings of London, including Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, along with Iran, as well as Turkey, and even Hamas and Hizbullah!
“you do not make decisions for me about when i can look at history.”
I was addressing Rojo Xia. Anyway, both of you can go back as far as you want in Islamic history, but then the atrocities of Christian history are fair game.
“your admitted aversion to looking at history”
I have no problem with history. I don’t know everything about everything, but I try. Last week I was studying Bosnia, etc., which I wasn’t paying attention to at the time. So sue me.
gus, i’m disappointed in you. are you actually trying to place me on the same level as muslim masters, who trade their women like chattel, are required to beat their wives, and let their 10 year old boys decide if they may leave the house, because the boys are smarter…., who are forced to clean themselves after merely touching a female.
and your reason for placing me in this same group? i like pictures of scantily clad women?
i think that is the absolutely weakest argument you’ve made here to date.
try again!
And I’m disappointed in you that that’s the only counter-argument you can come up with. Hooray for Mlah, he’s not a slave-trader! “For a Westerner, you’re a relative pig”, is how I maybe should have phrased it (not that anyone reading it would take what I said as stone-cold, dumb-ass literally as you).
What I *really* wanted from you was to quote the Qu’ran verses– that I know must be in there– that talk about the subjugation of women. And then we can do the same for the Bible. C’mon, it’ll be fun!
stay on topic.
What I find to be highly illustrative is the persistence with which f-in tries to turn the thrust of any conversation to any topic other than what it was. f-in makes the comments that Zawahiri says that the Occupiers must leave the “lands of Islam” and not meddle in “Islamic affairs”. I point to historical precedent and quotes from Osama regarding those “lands of Islam” and then am told that rather than accepting what the Jihadis have actually said that they want, I should rather fear Martians. The Jihadis don’t reall mean what they say?
Why then should we pay any attention to what is said by anyone? They obviously don’t mean what they say. Should we all go the altar of f-in to have the true meaning of the world and of history revealed to use rather than using objective reasoning based on empirical evidence that has been provided to us daily?
Nowhere in my comments did I declare the entire Muslim population as responsible for the atrocities of July 7th. I pointed out that the Jihadis (thank you for correcting my misspelling of Fundamental) were the likely perpetrators. So, while I find the quotes attributed to individual Muslims to be nice and somewhat reassuring, it is merely a ploy on your part to redirect the attention from the questions that I posed to the Rodney King plea of “Can’t we all just get along?”
No one that I have ever read here in mlah’s blog has ever attempted to give Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Deism, Paganism, or any other -ism a pass on abhorant behavior. As I said in my earlier post, “This is a religious and a cultural war, as all wars have been from the beginning of time.” What part of the word “all” didn’t you understand? I am not parsing the meaning “is” or “sexual relations”. All means all!!!
It is unfortunate that in the modern West, the ability to conduct objective observation has been lost.