From: Dehede011@aol.com
Date: Tue Feb 18 2003 - 11:23:20 MST
In a message dated 2/18/2003 11:30:11 AM Central Standard Time,
mez@apexnano.com writes: The rise of fundamentalist Islam in Iran can be
directly traced to our support of a regime that repressed the people and left
fundamentalist Islamic groups as the few willing and able to resist the
dictator we'd installed.
Is it really? I know we did participate in the rise of the Shah to some
extent. But are you underestimating the deep desire of Moslems for a state
that is ruled by Moslem law. I know some pretty moderate Moslems that deeply
and sincerely believe that Moslem law is superior to secular rule. Have you
noticed that the Moslem countries almost invariably split between a strongman
dictator and Moslem law. If any of the Moslem countries have secular
governments I am not entirely certain of that fact. I hear that Turkey does.
Perhaps that is true.
But when I go to my moderate Moslem friends and we discuss that area I
missed a point for a long time. For example, when I pointed out that the
reigning Pakistani government was a dictator they shrugged and were totally
accepting of his reign. I finally got the point. They seem to visualize
governments as either dictatorships or as Moslem law. When we discuss Saudi
government they become ecstatic over what a great Moslem the King is and all
the things he does that proves he is an humble believing Moslem. I don't
argue with them as it is their country we are discussing and they can govern
it anyway they wish to, but it is obvious that a democratic secular
government is a total nonstarter. They don't even seem to conceive of the
possibility of ruling themselves.
What is going to happen? I notice that Mohammed was born roughly six
hundred years after Jesus. When I look at their religious expression I seem
to draw an equivalence with where we were about six hundred years ago.
In addition according to what I read this globe called Earth has two
mass movements underway. First, we seem to have an approaching spike or
singularity. Second there is some evidence that we are in the early stages
of another renaissance. I believe that Thomas Eastman's Lexus and the Olive
Tree is one expression of the renaissance.
My hope is that out of the turmoil of a renaissance or the singularity
we will be able to spread the memes to find peace.
I seem to argue with Mez about Afghanistan but I do believe he is
asking the right questions. If I understand him correctly he is asking about
an "exit strategy." Mez has his own ideas & that is fine. In my own
opinion, having people kill us is also a non-starter. In my effort to get
along with Moslems I take a cue straight out of Thomas Merton. "If we start
to contrast Islam and Christianity and try to figure out which is right we
can keep a fight going forever. If we get down to cases and simply ask how
do you do this, what is your view on this, without an attempt to refute or
debate each other we can both learn." I put that in quotes because I do say
that in discussion. I haven't been rejected yet for saying so. If
Christianity doesn't suit you you can substitute Eastern & Western or any
phrase you please.
Ron h.
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