On Jihadist, Crusader, and Zionist Cults

Today I read an article in the news that upset me beyond my usual tolerance for this sort of thing. An article on wired.com presents evidence of U.S Army training materials that instructs cadets to view Islam and all of its worldwide adherents as the enemy of America. (http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/05/total-war-islam/)

Thankfully, the instructor of the course was dismissed and the Dept. of Defense has redressed this issue on the highest level and condemned it in the strongest terms. (http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/05/dempsey-islam-irresponsible/) The notion that we must go to war to kill 'them' before they kill us is the same mentality carried by all terrorists. But what I came to realize is that our country still fails to see the parallels between jihadist cults and crusader/zionist cults. In the case of these three radical movements within their respective faiths of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, I find that each of these cults has twisted or corrupted what was once (originally) a noble endeavor; allow me to explain.

In the Quran a true jihad is a resistance against oppression as outlined succinctly by this verse in Surah Nisa'a (Chapter 4- Verse 75:)

"How should ye not fight for the cause of Allah and of the feeble among men and of the women and the children who are crying: 'Our Lord! Bring us forth from out this town of which the people are oppressors! Oh, give us from Thy presence some protecting friend! Oh, give us from Thy presence some defender!'"

We find that the root cause of this struggle is one to uplift an oppressed people who are too weak to defend their own rights (e.g- Syria and the Arab-spring is a good current example.) The same can be said of a true crusade (e.g- fighting for the rights of Christians or others in non-Christian lands) and even zionism in its true understanding (e.g- the right for Jews to live in the land of Israel equally among others.) We find that in each of these movements, there was a drive to restore equality and restore rights. However, with the modern interpretations of these movements there is a radical element that makes them fringe and cultist. The notion that we must violently attack this group because they have affected or changed our culture is wrong, and that is the difference between true jihad, true crusade, and true zionism- that its no longer about restoring order, rights and liberties but rather killing in the name of so-called 'self-preservation' of identity which is slowly changing.

The article highlighted here points to all Muslims (civilians) as targets because they supposedly attack the American lifestyle (which of course isn't true.) The twisted logic then becomes, "if they wish to attack us then we will pre-emptively attack them." This is the 'clash-of-civilizations' mentality that defines the modus operandi of terrorists essentially. Jihadi cults like al-Qaeda claim a U.S attack on Muslim values/lifestyle so they feel justified in carrying out physical (violent) attacks on innocent American civilians. The Army instructor, Col. Lt. Dooley's views mirror the same logic - "these Muslims wanna change us so let's kill them." Zionist parties who see Palestinians and non-Jews as a threat in the region of Israel want to kill the opposition before they can sway change. It is this feverish claim to self-defense and self-preservation that justifies, in their minds, a war and death of the 'other.' There is virtually no difference.

In a world with increased inter-connectivity and inter-dependency, it is vital for all groups to accept the 'other.' Violence is not the answer. Genuine dialogue and engagement with different communities needs to occur in order to appreciate and respect our similarities and differences. Let's not kid ourselves in thinking that these cults offer viable solutions to the problems [and benefits] of global cultural assimilations. The Islamic world is becoming more Westernized and vice-versa and there's nothing wrong with that. It is a natural result of our shrinking world and the emergence of a global, meshed-culture.

An Update & Apology

Hi everyone, Prisoner here. First, I want to apologize to those on my personal contacts list for my old Yahoo! account. I recently learned its been hacked and many of you have received spam from the account. No, I'm not trying to sell you products or improve your sex life or show you a new way to make money online, just so you know. I hardly ever use that account anymore but I did change the password so hopefully no more spam for you all. Yay.

Second, I just finished a week long intensive course on bereavement counseling for loss & grief. If I get the chance I would like to share some of my insights with you all on the many things I learned from the class. It was particularly hard for me since mom died and going to class brought back a lot of the initial anxiety and uncertainty that was felt in those months following. Its true, life is only considered precious if we remember death just as much as we focus on life. My thoughts on all this, soon to come iA. :)

Third, its the 2nd week of Ramadan and fasting is not as difficult as one would expect. We are in the 2nd 3rd of the month, which means these days are for forgiveness (hey I guess apologizing for the spam fits in right?) I've fallen behind on my Quran a bit this week but I intend to catch up iA and by the way, the iQuran app - amazing. May Allah bless the app-maker(s) and may He forgive us all this month, ameen. Some friends and I are partaking in a fun 'Quran race' competition this month, the one who reads the most will receive a prize at the end (though I most likely will not be among the finalists, I will decline my prize in-advance if I am.) Will I finish the Quran this month? It's about 16 days too soon to say! ;-P Insha'Allah (God-willing) ::engines reving:: Here. We. Go!

* A note on Somalia - During this month of generosity, please think about the suffering that is going on over there, they are facing intense famine and drought and men, women, and children are dying by the thousands. Please make dua for them and better yet, donate to charities that are working on the ground and providing relief. What will we say to God on the Day of Judgment if we do not help? If we break our own fasts and not theirs?

Fourth, when I'm tired from all else, I like to pick up my Rurouni Kenshin manga, (of which I'm delighted to say, I have now acquired in full) and read the full original story for the first time. So far, I've read the entire 'Legend of Kyoto' Arc and am currently midway "Jinchuu" Arc. Since my volumes 1 & 2 VizBig editions just arrived I will be reading the "Tales from the Meiji" arc (aka Season 1) last. I will say that it is definitely awesome, as great as the TV series if not more. All-in-all I enjoy both equally and prefer some elements of the manga to the TV series and vice-versa. I was soooo going to post an awesome philosophical piece on the differences between the world-views of Kenshin & Shishio, but then Ramadan came and redirected my attention elsewhere. Maybe when I have the time and motivation I will get to it. Also, I find it interesting how reading Kenshin has coincided with my bereavement class. Kenshin's philosophy (of life being the strongest motivation to endure) fits in nicely with the same lessons I learned in class. Anyways, in other Kenshin news, I am uber excited about the new series Watsuki-san is rumored to be working on (actually its not a rumor) and its my hope, along with the hopes of many fans that he produces the Jinchuu arc for TV. Even though we get it in piecemeal via the "Trust & Betrayal" and "Reminiscence" OVAs, it would still be nice to see it in its entirety all-together. Either that or a story revolving around the 10 years of wandering Kenshin did following the end of the Bakumatsu (prior to meeting up with the RuroKen cast.) OR(o) if neither of these is in the works, it would be great to have another spin off series like "Yahiko no Sakabato," perhaps one revolving around Himura Kenji?? (O'kudasai Watsuki-san! ::wink wink::) I'm also excited about the live-action film expected to be released sometime soon. The world of Kenshin will remain "so long as this one wields this sakabato."

^_^


P.S- Shop at the Borders bookstore ASAP before it shuts down! Some really good deals, and let's all build up our libraries and be erudite future awesomers! Also, in-case you were wondering, no - the title "Prisoner786" has absolutely NOTHING to do with the film 'VeerZara' (God no, but I'm sure I've already commented on this before) and yes, the Elric brothers atop are making dua. :)

My thoughts on the Gaza Floatilla Massacre

Til now I've been mostly quiet about this incident, not because I haven't been reading the news, but for a number of other reasons. During the Israeli offensive "Operation Cast Lead" last year, I was blogging, posting news reports and videos about the massacre as actively as I could. My main motive was to spread the awareness of the dire situation of life - or what remains of it - for Palestinians spread across the occupied territories. I felt at the time that enough is enough; I didn't care what the cost to me would be, if any. As far as I was concerned, the 3rd Semite holocaust had been created by the descendants of the first two, and I was determined to do my small part in bringing some type of justice to the situation. Afterall, what discomfort can we face that compares with the utter suffering and despair of the millions living in the hell of Gaza and the West Bank?

But justice has yet to be seen. Following last year's massacre, I was slightly hopeful when I heard of Obama's "toughening" stance on Israel's policies on the illegal occupation and settlements that continue to spread in the West Bank and other places, even against UN Resolutions. But in reality, Obama's stance was only a PR tactic; a ploy to appease a growing audience of angry justice-demanders. Today, Obama's silence on this issue, has proven this. The message I think is clear: "We don't care." And though Hillary and Biden have said a few words here and there, and Obama showed "cold shoulders" to the Israeli cabinet during their last recent visit, it was really all just to get us to think, "finally, Washington has awoken and turned a critical eye to its ally because of her actions." Now we see that's not true at all.

I am, of course, saddened by yet another trespass on Palestinian sovereignty, and I am sadly, no longer phased by new fantastic lows achieved by the Israeli military and government. The killing of unarmed, innocent peace activists on board civilian ships in international waters, bringing aid to a besieged population in an illegal blockade, under an illegal occupation - just doesn't shock me anymore. So in that way, I guess Israel's PR tactics of denying the hideous facts, lying outright, and desensitization have worked in some degree; aye, they have worked well upon the sleeping world. But we have seen this before when the world turned a blind eye of denial to the 2nd Semite Holocaust in Nazi Germany, desensitized by all the gruesome images, as it is now during the third. "Never again!" we said, but 'again' is present right before our very eyes.

I am glad that Israelis themselves take a stand against the rogue actions of their government and a number of Israeli organizations and activists have openly condemned the actions of the army and military and have made a genuine case for a reassessment of Israeli policy toward the Palestinians in favor of likely greater safety and prosperity for both. They are not self-hating Jews, as the media would like to portray, nor are any who take a stand against Israel's bizarre violations of international law, but sadly, that is how they are made to come off. I personally have suffered what I consider a loss of good company and friendship from a few of my Jewish friends who, I can only assume, had decided to stop talking to me because they realized my stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was pronounced. To them, I wish to say, I love you all. This has nothing to do with you at all. I don't look at what you are and I am proud of your Jewish identity and I am happy when I see your people embrace your culture because I know my history; I know how much your people have suffered and how much your people have done for the world. All Abrahamic religions stem from the same legacy which your people have left, so profoundly positive has been your impact. This is a complaint against a political situation concerning the bad governance of a country, not the country or the idea of the country itself, and certainly not to those who identify as nationals of that country or any other kind of attachment to it.

I can understand the sentiments you may feel, too often civil discourse on politics turns sour and quickly turns to racism and Jew-bashing. However, that is not within my tolerance, neither is it within our peoples' history either - Muslims and Jews have lived together in harmony for over a thousand years of Islamic history. Jews, Christians, and Muslims are spiritual family and much of this global family is genetically linked together as well, being descendants and relatives of the original Tribes of Israel. When I see Jews, I think of Moses (peace be upon him) and I smile at what he's done for his community. When I see Christians, I think of Jesus (peace be upon him) and I smile at what he's done for his community. And when I see Muslims, I think of Muhammad (peace be upon him) and I smile at what he's done for his community - but, I also weep for how we all have strayed from our prophets' lofty teachings. Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad would surely form a most holy, strong brotherhood and worship Yahweh/Jehovah/the Father/Allah, in unison..so then, where did we - their followers - all go wrong?

Returning to the point, I want my Jewish friends who I treasure to know that a critical stance on Israel is not a rejection of Israel itself. Israel needs a reformation but must not be "taken off the map"  nor should she have to suffer this kind of international humiliation and objection. In an ideal world, Israel and Palestine, Jews and Arabs would let their children play, inter-marry and protect one another instead of what we see today. That is why I am in agreement with the other voices who call for a reform; one that recognizes the pain of both the Palestinians and the Israelis, and I for one feel that in order for mutual reparations to take effect, power must be restored to the powerless first for equality to mean anything. It cannot be justified to keep a populace oppressed simply for the fear that if they were suddenly released they would devour their captors like caged, rabid dogs. Anger is justified, but for peace to work there needs to be careful, international presence and unconditional positive regard to heal wounds as deep as the Earth's surface. It is difficult yes, but God, as we all know and believe, has done far greater than this.

So in my closing thoughts I want to say that I am saddened that my speaking out on controversial topics such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has distanced some of my Jewish friends from me. For speaking out against Israel's policies, the media has portrayed our ilk as irrational, bigoted anti-Semites - And as God is my witness, as far as I can speak for myself, that couldn't be further from the truth. It is not about Israeli-Palestinian, nor Jew-Arab, it is about the issue of humanity being enslaved and not free to live. That is the point I feel at heart. Satan, who our faith teaches is ever trying to divide humanity and pit us against each other, must not win. Please, let's all just put aside group-bashing, name-calling, finger-pointing, and all the other devices we use to start a war.

This, in large part, is what has kept me mostly quiet this time around. I know the world over is screaming in condemnation at this recent event, and let them do so. But I choose not to - not because I don't care, but because screaming "injustice!" thus far hasn't done anything of change on the grand scale, and not least on a personal level. Afterall, God watches all and I have yet to hear Him scream. I will end this post on a positive note, because we are all distant relatives. Wishing peace upon Jews, Arabs, Israelis and Palestinians, on Christians and other non-Muslims, and on the nation of Muhammad (p.b.u.h) as well. The song below is not connected directly to the topic but it addresses the "sleeping sons of Jacob," a call to wake up and become the kings our ancestors used to be; the ones we read in our holy books today.

Damian Marley & Nas - "Africa Must Wake-up"

Screams for CREAM!

The wise Wu-Tang Clan once said, "Cash Rules Everything Around Me - CREAM get the money, dolla dolla bill y'all." But all jokes aside, one of the sad realizations of growing up is seeing how true this statement is. And although we could all use a bit of extra cash, watching this made me sad. Just how important is money? Putting your life on the line for a few hundreds? Maybe the more important question is: just how important is your life?? But then again, I'm not trying to be "holier than thou." If I put myself in their shoes, I wonder if I would do the same if this happened to me? It's something we should all ask ourselves...why we let constructs of our own minds control us like little pigeons being fed at the park. I suppose even the dollar has become more sacred than human dignity....



Somehow, I'm reminded of Surah Kafirun:

Say : O ye that reject Faith!
I worship not that which ye worship,
Nor will ye worship that which I worship.
And I will not worship that which ye have been want to worship,
Nor will ye worship that which I worship.
To you be your Way, and to me mine.
[Quran:109]

Viva Palestina!

We've seen the Palestinians suffer from just about everything. And the sad reality is that we don't know the severity of the situation on the ground because it is such a difficult task to try to do any sort of humanitarian relief work there. With Israel's Gaza offensive that began the year of 2009, we've seen yet another chapter in Palestine's Holocaust. 1,000+ dead, including 400+ women and children, 5,000+ injured and the numbers are still rising as the bodies continue to be discovered under what is now almost two month-old rubble.

It is simply incomprehensible to understand the sheer depth of deprivation and sorrow the people of Palestine have suffered all this time and still the world has shown itself to be ineffective yet again with its puppet peace organizations in reaching a lasting peace for both sides of the dispute as well as any semblance of respect for Palestinian sovereignty. Rarely do we see change at the grass-roots level from the bottom-up, since most of us wait for our world leaders to respond to catastrophes such as the likes of Operation "Cast Lead."

However, George Galloway (British MP) along with Yvonne Ridley (British Journalist turned Activist) and a host of supporters from across England have rallied together for a cause truly momentous and endearing. "Viva Palestina" was formed as the vision for this shared dream by millions, and thousands of supporters showed up in England on February 14th, already a "day of love" to show their unflinching love for the down-trodden and oppressed people of Palestine. They were able to raise a whopping 1 million+ pounds of money and are still accepting donations. So what did they do with the donations? They formed a convoy - the Gaza Convoy - of over 100+ vehicles, trucks, school buses, ambulances, and other vehicles; each filled with tons of precious relief aid ranging from medicines to food, clothing, and even gifts. It was decided that they would drive to Gaza - a journey of nearly 5,000 miles! - and hand deliver this convoy of love. So with the people's love and prayers, they departed from England on February 14th, and as of the 27th they have driven just over HALF their journey! Truly an astounding odyssey and undertaking! Here is a map of their route:



The Convoy, I'm sure, deliberately chose this route so as to drive through Egypt - essentially to embarrass Hosni Mubarak, and gather the people's support to bring shame to his government for its sub-par response to the crisis in Gaza, being its most influential neighbor and possible ally. The Convoy, however, would likely deny this as they seek not to be politically-motivated (see George Galloway's speech below.) In any case, as they continue to drive through each city, the local people truly have come to show their love and support for the historic caravan. Hordes of supporters stand on the sides and write messages and prayers of love for the people of Gaza, donate free gifts and help the ambassadors of mercy along their way to Gaza. The governments of these countries have also shown their support and compassion in providing free lodging, fuel, and police escort across cities. In one incident, there was even an historic show of solidarity when the Algerian and Moroccan governments opened their borders to each other after not having done so for 15 years! This only to show their love and support for this unprecedented show of compassion and mercy for the people of Palestine. Everywhere they go, they are showered with love, hospitality, and support by the people. Yet sadly, due to the media vacuum, very few people are even aware of this here in America.

This historic caravan, which will be written about in the history books of tomorrow, was organized and funded mostly by middle-class Britons. We Americans ought to be ashamed of ourselves that we cannot even donate a few dollars for such a pressing and worthy cause, yet these volunteers - Muslims and non-Muslims; humanitarians of every walk of life and social class - are HAND-DELIVERING these goods over a journey that would exhaust Hercules himself! No doubt they are feeling the exhaustion and fatigue, yet each day they are motivated even more by this, and by the plight of the people of Gaza and yet, their pain is still nothing compared to the suffering of the Palestinians. So where do we stand as Americans? We have no excuse. Will President Obama do something historic for Palestine? Will the everyday Americans do something for Gaza the likes of their British counterparts? It is left to the future to decide. But one thing certainly is clear, there are still angels on Earth and they need your prayers and support as they continue their journey toward Gaza. Please check out the video and links below for more up-to-date information, including day-by-day progress, pictures, and videos on the Convoy's journey and donate to show your support! And may Allah bless all those who sacrificed their time, wealth, and energy for this noble cause, may it reach the people of Palestine as it was intended, with a parade of angels to greet them, and may the caravan reach Palestine safely and unharmed, ameen! Viva Palestina!!!





Upon reaching Algeria...


http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jan/23/gaza-protest-aid-convoy
http://www.vivapalestina.org/
http://gazaconvoy.com/
http://web.me.com/manjra_9/Site/Welcome.html

President Obama's 1st Interview

This is a first for a U.S President, indeed many new "firsts" for any administration in American history, and it's only been a week since he took office! I think Obama's got the right idea though. America's real security comes from being clear about who we befriend and who we take issue with. Bush's ideology only served to alienate the Muslim world further and provided room for dissidents to grow sympathy for Al-Qaeda and other terrorist networks by America's reckless foreign policy. By being clear about who the enemy is, Obama draws a clear distinction between who a real Muslim is and who is not. America needs to restore its global integrity and this most certainly is a step in the right direction. I think this interview was well overdue and will be well-received by the Muslim world, God-willing.

PART-I


PART-II


PART-III


PART-IV

American Polity on Gaza

Congressman Ron Paul on Gaza



Congressman Keith Ellison



Congressman Dennis Kucinich



FMR Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney




FMR U.S National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski




Senior Presidential Advisor Pat Buchanan

Young Freud in Gaza

As part of Al-Jazeera's "Witness" mini-series, this week Ayed is interviewed about his role in healing the psyche of Gaza via his work as a psychologist in his clinic. This is a very touching, eye-opening, and powerful documentary on the neglected development of the Palestinians. Gaza, like other war-torn parts of the world, suffer not only physical dangers and ailments but more so psychological illnesses resulting from trauma that prevent the full recovery of an injured person. The affects of the Israeli occupation on the minds of all Palestinians has left them with little motivation to continue living, when death and constant danger, difficulties, and deprivation have snatched the joy of life from them. Its no surprise that after losing everything of value to them, all they see is to lose themselves in fighting the occupation. Ayed is right, "Gaza is a place that needs a million psychologists." As a future therapist I couldn't agree more.


PART I


PART II