Sunni – Shi’a Strife

The complexities between Sunni and Shi’a Islam date back to the assassination in 661 CE of the fourth Caliph Ali, son-in-law and cousin to Mohammed.[1] From its inception to the present day, Islamic expansion has not been a comfortable experience. Fraught with dissension among the various Arab tribes conversion to Islam continued through violent jihad, assassinations, and extreme takeovers. So it should come as no surprise that this latest terrorist ‘gang’ as so aptly named by the UAE’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdulla bin Zayed al Nahyan, is expanding its agenda through the most severe acts of brutality.[2]

This of course frightens the global community, as we have seen how ISIS [Da’ish] prefers to achieve its goals – through vicious murders, annihilation of all groups who thwart their ‘laws’, and other forms of torture. ISIS [Da’ish] was created in 2003 by a radicalized high school dropout named al-Zarqawi, whose goal was to create a new Sunni Muslim Caliphate across the Islamic world. Though subsequently killed in a US airstrike in Iraq, his successor Abu Ayyub al-Masri – also killed in a raid on his house in Iraq in 2010, was replaced by a man calling himself Abu Bakr al–Bahgdadi. This organization, almost brought to extinction but revived dramatically since the Syrian civil war through brainwashing, terror, and fanaticism has an agenda for which its followers, male and female, are prepared to die. But not until the very recent atrocities affecting the West has their organization been brought to general worldwide attention, although known in political and military circles. I was first made aware of this organization by my Egyptian friends, who watched ISIS [Da’ish] come into being with much trepidation.

We know from the news this is one of the most horrific terrorist organizations to date, outdoing Al Qaeda in its quest for supremacy so much so that the Iraqi branch of Al Qaeda rejects ISIS [Da’ish]. Its goal is to establish an Islamic State eventually incorporating all Middle Eastern – Muslim – countries in which all must submit to the principles of Sunni Islam as set down and interpreted by ISIS [Da’ish]. Some members of this organization even go so far as to suggest that all humanity must acquiesce to its rule. This is a vision for many thrusting back to the earliest Caliphates of the 7^th century CE, a romanticized vision of a globalized Islamic Caliphate. This romantic aura lures young, radicalized Muslim men and women to the cause, the establishment of this Islamic Caliphate.

See the next instalment for the first in a series on the early Arab world and the various phases which led to the first Caliphates with ensuing centuries of rivalry, blood feuds, and theological disparities splitting Muslims into Sunni and Shi’a.

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[1] All dates are given in Western [Gregorian] calendar. Dates in Islamic calendar [AH] begin in 622 CE – the date of Mohammed’s emigration from Mecca to Medina – known as the Hejira.

[2] This is not to say that most Muslims follow their faith through the tenets initially laid down by the prophet Mohammed in the 5 Pillars of Islam. To these sincere worshipers the violence is a travesty and scourge on their faith.

ISIS, ISIL, Da’ish – what is the difference?

Over the past few weeks much controversy arose about what we call this terrorist group out of Iraq. Most recently, political and media quandary about what to call this group has brought much confusion to the general public. So is the group IS – meaning Islamic State, is it ISIS – Islamic State in Syria, or the name tagged most recently, especially in the US and Britain, ISIL – meaning Islamic State in the Levant? As many don’t even know what or where the Levant is, this name seems particularly incongruous.

But what then is Da’ish and why should this name be considered. It is simply the Arabic abbreviation for Islamic State and it is one which IS or ISIS detest. So why then should we cater to members of this terrorist organization and continue to show it an undeserved respect by referring to it as ISIS or IS, when in fact we have a small means of irritating these terrorists by not giving them due recognition and give it the acronym they despise Da’ish.

The Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdulla bin Zayed al Nahyan, gave his profound and dogmatic opinion that: “I would like to stress in this forum [the United Nations Security Council] as an Arab and Muslim...that I categorically reject that the terrorist organisation Da’ish — ISIS — should be described as ‘the Islamic State.’ He urged all parties to reject the use of this name, in line with the views of millions of Muslims who are firmly opposed to what he described as “the destruction being perpetuated by a terrorist and criminal gang”. (Khaleej Times, 21 September 2014).

Supporting this action of referring to the terrorist ‘gang’ as Da’ish rather than by a name they created and prefer IS or ISIS - should be taken up by the public and encouraged. It is a tactic, albeit a small means, to marginalize this group which shows no mercy, compassion, and has completely abrogated the tenets of humanity.

No Change for the Present: When Will End?

No Change for the Present: When Will it End?

Hamas is dangerous, as are all terrorist entities. But if Hamas is so absurdly dangerous, a question arises. Why, since this most recent outbreak between Israeli and Palestinian Hamas, have only 60 Israeli soldiers and 3 civilians been killed as opposed to the horrific death toll of Palestinians - over 1600 civilians with an additional nearly 9000 injured?

Check any articles or sites on the conflict since 1947. Nothing changes. Opinions vary from reasonable UN resolutions advocating a two-state solution to the more extreme radicals from both sides insisting that nothing will work but pushing the Israelis into a one-state system under mutual representation, or conversely, pushing the Palestinians away from all but the most minimal possessions.

Egypt announced its willingness to host the two sides to peace talks. The new Egyptian president al-Sisi prefers establishing a relationship with Israel rather than Hamas. Hamas is supported by the Muslim Brotherhood with the financial support of Qatar. Under Morsi of Egypt, Hamas enjoyed better relations with Egypt. Al-Sisi in yesterday’s speech, agreed that the violence and killing in Gaza must end. Yet he partially blamed Hamas for the killing of so many civilians. He commented that no responsible military would put its weapons in the midst of crowded civilian streets. But that is all the land they have. Study the maps on this website. See the retraction of Palestinian borders since 1947. These lands have not been given up voluntarily, but have been taken by Israeli military. This is another layer of complications in the multi-tiered problems between Palestinians and Israelis. Hamas does not enjoy universal support from most Muslims. It represents an arm of Islam unacceptable to many moderate Muslims, what it does is reprehensible. The Palestinian Free State President Abbas is at loggerheads with Hamas, and in Egypt, since the election of al-Sisi, the Brotherhood is now declared illegal, with most of its leaders, including Morsi, arrested.

As of 2 August 2014 [US EDT], Egypt opened its doors as mediator between the two sides. Is a part of Egypt’s incentive the new offer of US financial support to Egypt? So far, Palestinians have accepted the invitation, sending representatives to Cairo. However, it needs to be a real two-state negotiation. Hamas is armed and dangerous, willing to sacrifice all to achieve its goals of establishing a Palestinian State giving Palestinians economic stability, freedom from Israeli blockades along the Mediterranean Sea, freedom to establish settlements along the Gaza Strip and West Bank lands.

On Sunday morning, Meet the Press with David Gregory, one of his guests was Mr Riyad Mansour, the Permanent UN Palestinian Observer. A moderate Palestinian, he attempted to explain how peace might be brought about. Drop the blockade, open the borders, give the 1.8 million Gazans hope that education and jobs can be attained would help bring an end to support for Hamas and shine a brighter light from Free State Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Unfortunately, David Gregory seemed intent on hearing only one thing, that Mr Mansour was outraged at the actions of Hamas. In the end the UN Observer Mr Mansour ably presented a reasonable argument, overriding David Gregory’s continued interruptions.

Mr Mansour’s viewpoint is shared by others. In France on Saturday, violent protests broke out opposing the Israeli actions against innocent civilians. A large protest in the US took place yesterday outside the White House objecting to Israeli Prime Minister’s continuing position – declaring Israel’s intent to achieve its goals regardless.

One Israeli soldier is missing, fate unknown, what about the thousands of Palestinian civilians bombed, shelled, killed by Israeli military. Gaza is in tatters, every two years military outbursts take place. The number of deaths, mostly civilians, has now reached over 1700, with another 9,000 injured.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke Saturday saying that ‘terrorism doesn’t have borders’, stressing the murderousness of Hamas. He continued to play on global fears of the terrorism of Hamas. Israel will ‘continue to act full-scale to destroy Hamas’, will ‘regroup after destruction of Hamas tunnels and decide what to do next’. He encourages the international community to support what Israel does to end the ‘threat of terrorism and Hamas and Israel’s only obligation is to the people of Israel’. The international community is not ignorant of terrorism, what it wants is details. When will this end, will Israel come to the peace talks? Nothing like this was discussed in Netanyahu’s speech. He continued stressing Israel’s mission. As he spoke more than 50 Palestinians were killed.

Following Netanyahu, the defence minister proudly mentioned that on Friday Israel destroyed the University in Gaza where he claimed weapons are being made. He further said that Israel will not give up and their ‘mission will continue for a long time to come’. In addition, he stated that even the destruction of schools if under suspicion, will not cease.

Apparently, there is no immediate end in sight. The Israeli prime minister and defence minister both stated emphatically that Israel has no obligation to stop what it is doing, it will continue this operation until their goal is achieved’. Is their goal the destruction of Hamas or the complete takeover of Palestinian lands in Gaza? Netanyahu on whether Israel should conquer Gaza: ‘all options are on the table’. It appears that cease-fire and end to bloodshed is not on the table according to the Israeli leaders. But if the world can convince the Israeli’s to lift the blockade, give hope to Palestinians, particularly those in Gaza, will it initiate the first steps toward peace in the region?

Maps of Israel’s changing landscape and borders since 1947.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=maps+of+israel+palestine+since+1947&qpvt=maps+of+israel+palestine+since+1947&FORM=IGRE#view=detail&id=F4C4AA5B59E3AE38EE7D431A286C0EDC57BC0F23&selectedIndex=34

Who are the ISIS or داعش?

Isis [Daish – in Arabic]

Isis is a Sunni Muslim group splintered from the Taliban, a group far more radical than the its parent Taliban. Its objectives include establishing a strict, militant Islamic State parsed from territories in Syria, Iraq and the Levant including a chunk of southern Turkey [if they can get it]. Isis militants are televised threatening attacks against the USA and any other Western country they wish to target. In addition they have been aiding rebels in Syria’s nearly 4 year war against the Assad regime. Not necessarily because they wish to assist the rebels in the deadly struggle against the Assad regime, but because the wish to undermine the secular rebels in their fight against the dictatorial Assad. In so doing, they push their radical views, terrorize those who oppose them, and threaten the world with their fanaticism. There can be no justification for the terrorist activities of this or any other group, only death and destruction follow in the wake of such malevolence.

In the West, we receive news from Baghdad – with special emphasis on the movements eastward toward the city by Isis. The group bombs, kills, rapes, and takes over cities in its encroachment eastward. News correspondents are now interviewing Shi’a Muslims, reporting their horrors at the actions of Isis. Misunderstandings develop from the ambiguity of the broadcasts.

Are all Sunni Muslims members or supporters of Isis? This is not the case, in spite of the fact that newscasters address only Shi’a Muslims. Their stories of terror and suffering at the hands of Isis are told loud and clear. But the news has an obligation to present both sides of the picture. Yes, Isis claims its allegiance to Sunni Islam, but in the same way that members of the Ku Klux Klan claim their Protestant Christian roots, not all Protestant Christians are members of the Klan. In fact most are not, most abhor the Klan’s message. Likewise, most Sunni Muslims despise the actions of Isis and their terrorist actions.

This militantly aggressive group takes its name from the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis who represented the ideal mother and wife, plus being the patroness of nature and magic. Its mission brings anything other than ideal motherhood or natural beauty to civilization; its aim is destruction, retribution, and death to any who oppose their fundamental ideologies. Fortunately, it appears the international community is coming down hard on Isis and everything it represents; perhaps its reign of terror and its stated goal of establishing an extremist Islamic state will come to nothing.

Another Week that Was

One hundred years ago, nearly to the day, the world collapsed into a chaos that changed everything. With the tragic events of this past week, hopefully we are not on the brink of most disastrous global consequences.

Malaysia flight 17 – shot down in what appears to be cold-blooded violence compounded the already escalating violence between Israel and Palestine does not augur well for a peaceful summer of 2014. Just as the alliances and ententes of 1914 clashed under the gathering storm of World War I, the Middle East from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the still horrific Syrian situation, and now Russia and Ukrainian separatists unleash terror upon innocent civilians escalate towards global terror.

I would like to write about the wonderful places to visit, the earth flows with beauty spots, historical monuments worthy of visits, not excluding the wonderful diversity of people throughout the globe. We are shrinking, communication makes us a smaller world, there is much to see and appreciate. The soul yearns to visit Mount Nimrut in Turkey, Petra in Jordan, the pyramids in Egypt, the wonderful Greek and Roman ruins throughout the Mediterranean countries just to name a few memorable places. Terrorists and terror have no place in a world meant for beauty, for people of every country and civilization to share themselves and their diverse cultures.

Let’s remember the beauty available to all, and cooperate with global efforts, governments, and others to help bring about a world where we can enjoy the wonders of history, glories of magnificent geographical wonders, and luxuriate in cultural diversity. We don’t want to lose any more valuable artifacts from the past, or be afraid to travel to these spots because some refuse to abandon radical views. World War III is NOT an option!

What is it now like for women living amidst Middle Eastern chaos?

What is it now like for women living amidst Middle Eastern chaos?

A recent Reuter’s poll stated that Egypt is the worst out of 22 Middle Eastern countries for women. But if you read this poll, be sure to read the responses which point the abundance of problems in the conclusions reached.

First, it’s uncertain who these ‘experts’ on women in the Middle East: Reuter’s does not specify who, how they were selected, and other criteria necessary to complete a truly scientific data. Second, interpretation of words and phrases is questionable as each country in the Middle East will have its own take on words used to describe a set of situations. There is a further problem with setting hierarchical order with a very small set of respondents. Next, the framework for comparing the multi-faceted countries in the Middle East is virtually non-existent.

Further problems deal with the fragility of the states restructuring themselves after the step-down of dictatorial rulers, the economic pressures and instability attached to these fragile countries. The example of Egypt, in a very frail state of reconstruction after the two revolutions destabilizing the country cannot withstand the scrutiny of a poll which suggests that women have no rights. At the present time, the interim government is in the process of re-forming its old constitution under which women certainly had rights to vote, partake in government, be appointed as ministers, work and travel without male consent, as well as initiate divorce proceedings. Time will tell as to the restoration of these rights for women on a permanent basis after the new constitution reaches the public in a referendum.

Other countries such as Tunisia, Yemen, Bahrain, and Libya are undergoing similar delicate restructuring of their governments including the rights given to women. These are a minimum of questions to be asked while examining the Reuter’s poll. In the end, to establish the very tiny island of Comoros as the best place for women in the Arab world is terribly misleading and requires an in-depth study of all the parameters employed by the Reuter’s Foundation poll.

Personal accounts from various friends and acquaintances in Egypt have assured me that most areas of Cairo are safer now than they were under the Morsi government; they hope this indicates a true step toward restoring Egypt to its former position as a highlight for tourists. A very fine article in response to the Reuter’s poll can be read at the following site: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Dec-04/239806-is-the-reuters-ranking-of-arab-women-valid.ashx#axzz2n5KjcZjB.

Gwenn Meredith