Does not refer directly to Singapore, but the "Moderate Muslim" question is very relevant to our society.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2005
HILLIARD, Ohio Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and the disastrous war in Iraq, the argument that "moderate Muslims" - the so-called MM Factor - are the "only legitimate defense against Islamic extremism" has found its way onto center stage and has found acceptance in certain circles. But, who are these "moderate Muslims"? What is the ideological engine driving them? What indicators are there to authenticate them? And, more important, who should interpret the readings of such indicators?
Before an objective debate on these questions could get under way, neocon activists like Daniel Pipes have been spinning the whole MM Factor in order to push a handpicked list of what he describes as "anti-Islamist Muslims." Not surprisingly, the list includes controversial figures like Khalid Duran, a notorious Islam-basher and a friend of Pipes; Irshad Manji, who hosted "Queer Television" on Toronto's City TV; and Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a self-declared atheist who collaborated with the murdered film-maker Theo Van Gogh on a film offensive to many Muslims.
Granted, these are individuals who are exercising their freedom of expression and who may want to "shock the system" from the periphery. But this tack will not moderate the current trend of extremism. Bringing Islam back to its original nature of being a middle-ground faith, as taught by the Prophet Muhammad, would require a moderate tone and judicious dialogue. Lending support and a platforms to individuals considered pariahs could simply undermine the whole MM-Factor.
Credibility and sincerity is the name of the game....
Read more...
Who is the 'moderate Muslim'? - Editorials Commentary - International Herald Tribune
Slightly tangential link - Fafblog's brilliant parody of the esteemed Daniel Pipes.
ReplyDeleteThere is no such thing as a moderate muslim. A religion that has jihad woven deep into its very fabric cannot purport to any claim to moderacy. Same with PAP cadres.
ReplyDeleteI'm not talking partisan-speak. If you are brainwashed, it doesn't matter whether you are brainwashed as a officer cadet, politicial activist, police-goon or live in WACO, Texas. You are brainwashed and cannot see any other point of view other than the view presented to you by your mentor. That is sad because you cannot see the humorous side of things.
For the better part of the last eleven years, I am a deprived man. I am so depived that when 911 happened, I only knew of it when told by an Indian PR (foreign talent - because he knows ABAP4 but need to consult me on EXCEL?).
But, for all the deprivation, I haven't lost my sense of humour, even if I should choose suicide in the coming months. If Osama bin Laden ochestrated 911, he should maybe be awarded an Oscar for Best Director. 99 percent of the extras were not even briefed about their roles. Think of it. And it wasn't the deaths directly attributed to him that he should be remembered. It was the deaths afterwards that he justified, and all the good that came with the fall of the iron curtain that was reversed.
This island has the greatest prison population ratio, execution ratio, police-goon ratio, and now, cctv ratio. Hello, you're on candid camera whether you like it or not.