Islam In The Crosshairs By Don Nash

Islam In The Crosshairs

By Don Nash

Al-Jazeerah, September 18, 2006

Just about any Muslim, and Islam in general, must feel like they’ve been targeted. It would almost be like having a bull's eye painted on one’s back and then the “civilized” world takes a shot at that target on a whim. Insults, prejudice, bigotry, and an overall ignorant intolerance have become an ‘en vogue’ sort of media sport.

This media intolerance isn’t new and it seems likely to be bounced around the media circuit for an interminably long while to come. Numerous talk show hosts will rouse their listening rabble with anti-Semitic tirades and prejudicial slurs against Islam, Muslims, and the ever favorite sloganeering that is “Islamic fascism.” The phrase “Islamic fascism or fascist” is as ridiculous as it is meaningless. The slur is meant to degrade, demean, humiliate, and strike fear into the hearts of Muslims anywhere. That ridiculous slur is given world class stature when it’s used by the President of the United States. Goes to show you that “intellect” is not a requirement for holding the office of President. But then, simple human decency isn’t a requirement either. By the by, I use the ‘anti-Semitic’ term by it’s dictionary definition. Arabs are after all, Semitic peoples. “Anti-Semitic” is another of those popular slurs that get tossed around in American media circles without regard to what the term really means. The term comes in really handy at any AIPAC gathering and is wildly favored by the likes of radio’s ‘axis of ignorance’ Limbaugh, O’Reilly, and Beck. Now there’s a triumvirate of not so circumspect intolerance if ever there was a demagogue to behold.

That George W. Bush is taken to hurling meaningless insults at Islam and Muslims, is sad for America and it’s sad for our shared world. By some bizarre conjecture, Bush is “allegedly” the leader of the ‘free world’. Therefore, the leader of the free world is not above hurling an intolerant slur and insults are the stock in trade for the man that holds the keys to a nuclear Armageddon that would end civilization as we all know it. Bush professes to adhere to an “end times” belief and coupled with his proclivity to insult Islam and Muslims, the coupling of presidential ignorance with religious intolerance is scary. Of course there’s a complete lack of diplomacy or foreign policy in current American government and that holds sinister consequence for our world. And then comes Pope Benedict XVI. My goodness, what was the Pope thinking. Or not thinking and given the service of the Holy See to Adolph Hitler in the Pope’s youth, the Holy See ought to just shut up. You’re not helping there Benedict so give it a rest.

It is a given that Islam and Muslims are under enormous provocation. Provocation comes almost on a daily basis from America, Europe, Bush, Blair, Israel, Olmert, and the talking heads that would instigate a war with Islam simply for the boost to their ratings. Evidence could suggest that ignorance and intolerance would goad Muslims to react to provocation with violence. Patience and tolerance are probably the hardest of virtues to practice. Especially in our world’s current climate of rancid slandering of Islam. However, provocation and intolerance can teach patience and tolerance.

Turning the other cheek to the ignorant face slap is an admirable trait and an almost impossible thing to do. But who is the better human, the one hurling insult or the one being tolerant and wise. Actions speak volumes louder than an insulting word. Islam is world famous for civility and tolerance. Sadly, Americans and Christianity can’t lay claim to the same virtues. Not in our world’s sadly suspicious atmosphere.

We all have Bush, Blair, and the Pope to thank for that little indignity. Possibly if we each and every one of us, practice one simple act of human kindness and tolerance we can elevate ourselves and even begin some dialog. Almost like a single stone tossed on the surface of a still pond. The ripples spread out and eventually touch every shore of the pond. What have we to lose? We might even save ourselves from the horrors of nuclear annihilation. It’s possible.

Earth, a planet hungry for peace

Apartheid Wall


The Israeli Land-Grab Apartheid Wall built inside the Palestinian territories, here separating Abu Dis from occupied East Jerusalem. (IPC, 7/4/04).

The Israeli apartheid (security) wall around Palestinian population centers in the West Bank, like a Python. (Alquds,10/25/03).

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