A former member of Hamas was interviewed about his views towards Israelis and Palestinians:
“You Jews should be aware: You will never, but never have peace with Hamas. Islam, as the ideology that guides them, will not allow them to achieve a peace agreement with the Jews. They believe that tradition says that the Prophet Mohammed fought against the Jews and that therefore they must continue to fight them to the death.”
A pragmatist would tell you to recognize the reality and behave accordingly… what do you think?
I watched a very interesting show on NATGEO about the Koran. The viewer was exposed to a wide array of views from far left to far right. Several issues were discussed,women’s rights, crime & punishment, violent protest and suicide to name a few. The book itself was discussed and examined. I have to admit, I am in no way a expert on the Koran, Islam of the Muslim faith. I hold a fascination about it, especially in light of recent terrorist acts.
A few things that stand out:
1) It is a collection of 6,000 versus, not in historical order. Muhammad was illiterate but has a photo graphic memory. He recalls his conversations with God and has family & friends copy them down on what ever is available.
2) Jews and Christians are held in high regard. Jesus is the most mentioned figure, more so than Muhammad.
3) The actual words are considered to be beautiful poetry, perfectly acceptable to sing.
4) It much like the Bible contradicts itself and is open to a wide interpretation.
5) The wearing of veils on women in most of the middle east especially Egypt was very uncommon before 1970 .
6) Many young people are more strict about tradition than their parents ( I find this particularly odd ).
7) Educated women are very comfortable giving up many rights, to walk in the shadow of their husbands.
8) The most extreme forms of Islam have accumulated the greatest wealth in the past 40 years and can intern publicize and promote their extreme brand.
Bottomline : We the west have given the wealth to these extremist. We continue to embrace them as they ridicule us behind our back ( in some case in front of us). The emergence of Israel will never be accepted by the extremist. Free and open education will be the only non military way the extremist will ever change.