No comment on the comparison btw Israel’s relation with VN and with other ASEAN countries. However, it is true that the Israel-VN one has transformed and upgraded quickly in recent years. The public opinion on Israel has changed dramatically since VN Government stopped condemning Israel for its actions on Palestine on state media. More importantly, there has been a social trend to look at Israel as a model for development given its success in high-tech industries, start-up and security. Many elite groups, especially business sector want to push for good relation with Israel. As today, Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai is visiting Israel.
It’s no secret the US trained, armed and funded *Islamic terrorists* — and called them Mujaheddin/freedom fighter–including Osama Bin Laden, to kill Russian infidels.
And, the dumb Saudi clerics were pushed to sanction Jihad (holy struggle).
Before the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan militant Islam was unheard of.
Now, the West is reaping the whirlwind. Simple.
Its failed foreign policy of bombing and invading Muslim countries in the War on Terror has put its own citizens in harm’s way.
There is a battle royal between angry young Arabs and the West. It’s not about religion.
After all, 1.5 billion Muslims can be found around the world, including 50 Muslim countries. Are we all fighting the West? A billion Muslims with suicide belts?
To assume that 23 per cent of the world’s population have radical *Islamic thoughts* — Islamism? — is naive, to say the least.
Unfortunately, there are no experts on Islam. Only varied degrees of ignorance.
Actually, I would just add that these are relevant questions to ask of those leaders of muslim communities who are at pains to reassure us that islamic and western values are not at odds.
Cynthia, I wouldn’t get too worried about what religion to follow. All religions will eventually enjoy the same status as fairy-tales since religions cannot stand up against three fundamental, and irresistible, forces that conspire to undermine their credibility:
1. the growth of scientific ‘understandings.’ This continues to expose the absurdities of so many religious teachings.
2. Access to information (especially the internet). This provides the means for the above mentioned ‘understandings’ to be disseminated, and
3. Freedom to access information; in other words, no censorship in regard to what we choose to read or hear.
It is obvious to me that in a society in which people are free to ask, study, argue and communicate freely it is agnosticism that will reign supreme.
I am not sure if the term review is a suitable description for this posting. The author fails to critically engage with the text. Instead, the so-called review is more of one of those “I was there” reviews mixed in with a summary and an endorsement of the book.
And like Plan B’s posting, I agree that the invocation of Ne Win’s patriotism in the conclusion detracts from the reviewer’s credibility.
THE REAL WORLD OF 2015 and beyond?!
When America ‘invaded’ Iraq to create a democracy and at the same time it wanted to create a new oil cartel made up of Iraq, Russia and Nigeria, to replace the Sunni oil cartel, who were responsible for destroying the American Twin Towers.
In so doing they whole of the Middle East became much more unstable and the religious Sunni and Shite interests started to make the moves to take control of their different countries governments, where in many countries a Sunni / Shiite Minorities governed the Sunni / Shiite Majority?
Abbott and Andrews are ALL bullshit!!!! ISIS wants to CREATE a brand New Caliphate Sovereign COUNTRY made up of Syria and Iraq? They hold a lot of the Land but NONE of the Governments? Which is GREATLY pissing them off? So yes let’s keep kicking sand in their eyes, as they continue their ruthless killings around the World, Where they ALSO cannot change governments – which pisses then OFF even more??? Turnbull Right (see below) NO Aussie boots on the ground in a Middle Eastern Religious Jihad Conflict? If not already bored with the media BULLSHIT about them taking OVER Australia? DELETE NOW! Regards Billh 27th Nov
THE REAL WORLD MIDDLE EASTEREN RELIGIOUS CRISIS
Remember BELFAST where the Religious Roman Catholics wanted their own Caliphate (Vatican) Country and the Religious Protestants wanted their own Caliphate (Canterbury) Country? And this took 400 years for Belfast to become peaceful but not at peace?
Turkey (Ottoman Empire) in 1917 was a CLIPHAT country over both the Muslim Religious Sects of Sunnis and the Shiite Faiths? We Christians won World War One and after 1918 divided and created all the present Middle East Countries, taking NO notice of their two Muslim Sects having to live together (just like Belfast but a 100 times worse) and in most countries the Dominant Religious Minority Sect had the power over the Majority Sect? (hence Sadam Husien, Kaddafi etc ) which only compounded and increased sectarian violence (between the Sunnis and the Shiites populations). Accros the whole of the Middle East from Afghanistan right through to Eygypt? PS Also in 1918 the Kurds were promised a Country of their own,-where they have – and still do- lived for hundreds of years before 1918? However when we Christian West completed the ‘carve up’ we reneged on our promiseto the Kurds , and now they are a small but significant part of Syria, Iraq and Turkey
NOTE: The Kurds are made up of both Sects(which is secondary to being a Kurd?) and are the ONLY group to Defeat ISIS in stopping them invading their homeland?
Turkey Today wants to regain the power and status as the Caliphate country keeping the WHOLE of the Middle East Stable!
Now to Current History? The Middle East remained fairly stable until after we Christians ‘joined in’ with Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts and as of today (Oct 15) Syria. This then gave an impetus for the respective religious Sects (a) Saudi Arabia – who want to be the Caliphate Country for the Sunnis, and; (b) Iran, who intend to be the Caliphate Country for Shiites?
Saudi Arabia got in first creating ISIS to conquer Iraq and Syria to create a new Sunni Caliphate Country. Initially none of the other Muslim countries surrounding Iraq and Syria would offer assistance (accept Jordon and Arab Emirates war planes) leaving it totally to the West to take on Sunni ISIS
Now in August 2015 this Proxy holy jihad war has changed and it is now a public nation building, political power exercise struggle between Saudi Arabia and Iran over the sectarian divided countries that surround them. We now have unprecedented sectarian tensions and politics NOTE: Navies from many countries are ’Patrolling’ in the ‘Strait of Hormuz’ ostensibly to stop ‘pirates’ However with Sunni Saudi Arabia on one side and Shiite Iran on the other side at a perfect Geographical Choke Point that can instantly stop 20% of the World’s Oil passing through? Which currently looks something like this?
(a) Saudi Arabia will continue to try and create an ‘Islamic State’ caliphate and has also become publically involved in the Sunni outcomes in Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Bahrain Tunisia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, whilst;
(b) IRAN Who see themselves not as Arabs but Persians? Who will do the same for Shiites in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Egypt Kuwait Lebanon, Afghanistan, (note they are paying Afghanistan Shiite refugees to go and fight Sunni ISIS ) Bahrain , Pakistan , Tunisia,. This may well NOT be the whole list of countries involved but increasing vitriolic sectarian rhetoric dehumanising the “other’ is increasing expotentionaly and exacerbating the real middle east unstableness throughout the whole middle eastern Muslim countries. And;
(c) TURKEY has a history of problems with the Middle East since 1917 and does not want to put boots on the ground anywhere there? The Turkish Kurds have formed the PKK Party and is now more heavily armed is in conflict with turkey to try formalise its Kurdish homeland area there? The Kurds of Syria have no PKK and has nothing to do with the Turkish PKK. ISIS has attacked Turkey and so (1) wants to stop the PKK separatists from attacking them and therefore treats them the same way as the Sunni ISIS.
And under the same Koranic Law anybody entering this conflict is subject to Jihad, in which any Infidel (Christian or non-believer?) entering IN or ALREADY there must be killed by fighters of both sects? (Just watch your daily night time news as you see this process in action?) Previous religious war precedent? 1000 years ago (Crusade) we Christian did much of the same thing on our way to Jerusalem. Now our PM has sent the ADF to Iraq to help the Shiites (financed by Iran) to kill ISIS Sunni interlopers.
Maybe once the Middle Eastern unstable government citizens ‘wake up’ to that there is only a public service Brussels 28 State Nations (diminishing Sovereignty) bureaucracy countries between them and their secure future! There will be well over two million more refugees (Muslims, -both Sects – Minorities’ and Christian’s) on their way there? Desperate to “Get Away for this Muslim Sectarian, Holy –Caliphate and Empire Creating – Jihad War”?
History (ancient & modern) shows that empires / countries come and go? Its Europe’s time to go? (They have been in conflict with each other for a thousand years and after WW1 & WW2 they were simply exhausted and formed a PEACE union of the 28 Countries? Sadly ALL there thousand years of historical Get up and GO! Got UP and Went.
When America ‘invaded’ Iraq to create a democracy and at the same time it wanted to create a new oil cartel made up of Iraq, Russia and Nigeria, to replace the Sunni oil cartel, who were responsible for destroying the American Twin Towers.
In so doing they whole of the Middle East became much more unstable and the religious Sunni and Shite interests started to make the moves to take control of their different countries governments, where in many countries a Sunni / Shiite Minorities governed the Sunni / Shiite Majority?
Syria is an example where the 17% Shiite govern the 60% Sunni population.
So Russia DESPERATE to retain an ALL weather PORT -Vladivostok ‘freezes over –and Shiite (17% of the population of Syria?) Assad Syria has one right on the edge of Europe! So (a) the Russians are KILLING local Syrian Sunni 60‘% of the Syrian Population? Rebels’, and leaving it to (b) The West to continue to KILL the foreign Sunni ISIS Terrorists? ISIS will now concentrate on Iraq to create a caliphate country until they bankrupt Russia? Then the Religious Sunni / Shiite Jihad will happily continue in Syria
PS: Didn’t the same thing happen in Ukraine with the Russian speaking Ukraine caused a crisis – supported by Russia – then Russia waited to see what the west would do (nothing?) So Russia the country then captured and held Crimea (another Port?) for regional safety reasons? NOTE: It took just four weeks AFTER Assad “invited’ Russia ‘IN’ that the Sunni’s blew their aircraft out of the sky?
IT IS HAPPENNING” AGAIN? In another Middle East Country? The Sunni / Shiite (incl ISIS) are in the religious process of convincing the Moslem Community in Israel (held IN Gaza / West Bank / East Jerusalem ?) to have a religious Arab Spring rebellions against Israel ‘occupying’ their Palestinian land! So the Sunni / Shiite divide (sectarian violence incl ISIS which is on the Syrian Border with Israel?) Will continue to kill each other HOWEVER both are excited about killing Jews? Stand by for conflagration of religious sectarian violence throughout the whole region of the Middle East countries (Afghanistan, – Taliban, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen Sunni’s – incl ISIS, Lebanon, Egypt and Turkey Sunnis & Kurds) IF Israel gets involved!!! They will NOT get Dias pored again and WILL fight (unlike the Muslims) to the last Women and Man to retain their 4.000 years old ‘Promised Land? (In which they only returned to in 1948?)
PS: For very many years Roman Catholic’s and other denominational religions we in Constant ‘Conflict’ (1st ship – to America–Mayflower- an example) and still today schools and churches (without conflict) are separate and live in harmony with other faiths
Today HOWEVER the two Muslim Denominations Muslims faiths of Shiite and Sunni are in CONSTANT CONFLICT now, with the main evangelist aggressor being Sunni? (Whose Doctrine is to convert the world)?
Maybe once the Middle Eastern unstable government citizens ‘wake up’ to that there is only a public service Brussels 28 State Nations (diminishing Sovereignty) bureaucracy countries between them and their secure future! There will be well over two million more refugees (Muslims, -both Sects – Minorities’ and Christian’s) on their way there? Desperate to “Get Away for this Muslim Sectarian, Holy –Caliphate and Empire Creating – Jihad War”?
History (ancient & modern) shows that empires / countries come and go? Its Europe’s time to go? (They have been in conflict with each other for a thousand years and after WW1 & WW2 they were simply exhausted and formed a PEACE union of the 28 Countries? Sadly ALL there thousand years of historical Get up and GO! Got UP and Went.
The Christian West successfully sought a sea route to India and farther Asia in order to bypass the overland route controlled by the Islamic world. The Reformation, the Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution saw its ascendance to soaring heights with the modern world largely wrought and dominated by them.
The followers of the youngest of Abrahamic faiths are bound to have been nursing a big chip on their shoulder ever since the Crusades, only made worse by incessant meddling of their tormentors in their affairs that continues to this day.
Now that they have the wherewithal to retaliate, ironically with the help of some of the frontline leaders of the Christian West and not just the autocratic rulers of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain, their business partners as well as in crime (the Bush bin Laden nexus just one infamous example), it’s payback time.
Sadly there is neither the political will nor economic incentives to find a peaceful solution towards reconciliation and mutual advancement, not beyond profiting the ruling classes and the business interests.
Chance would be a fine thing if any religion can help find a way out of this. On the contrary not only has religion failed to bring peace on earth and good will to all men, religious leaders have either stoked the fires of hate and bigotry or have been used by politicians to farther their own agenda.
Mariner: Next time you bring out your “deep psychological level” while eating lunch at your local Pizza Hut, be sure to capture it on video and post it to YouTube.
[…] University of London, did not foresee the hostility that he would face when he posted last month a short article on Indonesian politics on a little-known academic blog called New […]
For Emeritus Professor Clive Kessler – Sociology and Antropology:
I was very excited when I read part of your article”Third phase seeks Islam as as way of life” as everything in it made sense to me.
It is what I have been thinking for years after reading about the Caliphate from the 700s and then what happened after, first with the Crusades in medieval times and then Colonialism after WWI and II.
If I were in their shoes, I would also like to create another Caliphate if I were Muslim. I understand what they are attempting to do – probably inadvisable with terror tactics – but what other way is there for them?
I have talked with friends as all the recent atrocities have taken place with more and more frequency and don’t believe what they have decided to do as far as terrorism is concerned – of course I don’t having a horror or ALL war. It is never the answer and creates yet more problems – and so we go – the USA in the lead – followed by all the other little puppies, like Australia.
This recent increase in terrorism will solve nothing – in fact just inflame the situation.
I think we may be heading to WWIII.
I have tried to explain to family and friends who are horrified about terrorism to think of the wonderful history of Islam and understand their need (but not their means) of getting it back. It all falls on dead ears.
So I continue to read comparative religion – as I have the last 20 years ever since reading about the Christian Popes and their Crusades – for which we are still paying the price. As we are about the Sykes/Picot agreement.
And, since reading about these Crusades – have denounced my own upbringing in first the Methodist and then the Catholic Church. Buddhism interests me in its interpretation of an ethical life – but even that was trashed in the W/E Australian.
Where do I go from there. Pick the best bits from all religions, keep an open mind – read the history of religion and hope for some common sense somewhere down the line.
I thank you, Professor Kessler for the article – it’s the very best I have read on Islam – so please continue along this line. I shall keep this article to read from time to time when politicians and the media “protest too strongly and erroniously.
[…] University of London, did not foresee the hostility that he would face when he posted last month a short article on Indonesian politics on a little-known academic blog called New […]
Isreal’s closest partner in ASEAN is Singapore. They share a Special Relationship. Both are predominantly non-muslim countries surrounded by rather hostile neighbors. They established diplomatic relations in 1969, but LKY’s autobiography revealed the secret the Isreali advisers had trained the Singaporean military long before that. The alliance between the two defense establishments intensified and expanded, and is now encompasses cooperation between the two countries’ military industries. Singapore has almost always supported Isreal in the UN. In 2012 Singapore was one of the few countries that abstained from voting on the Resolution on “Status of Palestine in the United Nations.”
I was in Myanmar almost 30 years ago, where the black market was rampant. I am going there again next week to see if the atmosphere has changed after the landmark election.
Yes, but how do you get around the ‘absolutes?’ If I could talk to the muslims in Belgium that you mention I would have two questions: 1. Would you like to see Belgium governed by Sharia law? If the answer is ‘yes’ then we have a group of people who are fundamentally at odds with western values. If the answer is ‘no’ then my follow up question is:
How can you therefore claim to be a muslim at all?
Every human (except myself)is racist at a deep psychological level. I challenge anyone to disprove this with reference to credible research. Yes, we publicly promote ourselves as non-racist; hey, we might even convince ourselves of this ‘truth.’ But, at a subconscious level a racist instinct remains. Anyone here disagree?
I am not so sure whether Imperial Portugal brought any “civlization” to Timor at all. Therefore the question the author of the opinion piece asks should be questioned as well.
Moreover, Portuguese still influence the current political development through masses of political and technical “advisors”. Highly paid but not very efficient. Knowlegde of the Portuguese language, a language which the majority of the Timorese does not speak at all, is often the only qualification.
The succession of clearly regulated by:
1. The palace law of succession states clearly that the oldest male heir should succeed the king. In difference to the constitutions, this law has never been changed!
2. The King has already installed hiiiii on as crownprince as legitimate successor.
Therefore, any argument that someone else should be successor implies that the palace law has a fault AND that the king did something wrong. I think these would be clear cases of strong lese majeste!
Good for both parties, this report is very reasonable opened source or not.
Vietnam need a secure military partner to counter the Chinese attempting Hegemony.
Even almost all Nike and assorted brands of high price item is make in Vietnam for USA market, the US disdain for the Vietnamese govt, is evidence of continued trade but all other sanctions without explicitly stated, just like the Myanmar case. A hypocritical double speak only USA can.
As for Israel, ‘a true communism beginning that has evolved into a fledgling democracy’ the nascent ASEAN countries can be benefited with the Israeli know how for trades and otherwise for future vote of “abstention” in UN against the Arabic monolithic blog of always ‘against”.
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Vietnam: Israel’s closest ASEAN partner
No comment on the comparison btw Israel’s relation with VN and with other ASEAN countries. However, it is true that the Israel-VN one has transformed and upgraded quickly in recent years. The public opinion on Israel has changed dramatically since VN Government stopped condemning Israel for its actions on Palestine on state media. More importantly, there has been a social trend to look at Israel as a model for development given its success in high-tech industries, start-up and security. Many elite groups, especially business sector want to push for good relation with Israel. As today, Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai is visiting Israel.
What is “Islamism”?
It’s no secret the US trained, armed and funded *Islamic terrorists* — and called them Mujaheddin/freedom fighter–including Osama Bin Laden, to kill Russian infidels.
And, the dumb Saudi clerics were pushed to sanction Jihad (holy struggle).
Before the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan militant Islam was unheard of.
Now, the West is reaping the whirlwind. Simple.
Its failed foreign policy of bombing and invading Muslim countries in the War on Terror has put its own citizens in harm’s way.
There is a battle royal between angry young Arabs and the West. It’s not about religion.
After all, 1.5 billion Muslims can be found around the world, including 50 Muslim countries. Are we all fighting the West? A billion Muslims with suicide belts?
To assume that 23 per cent of the world’s population have radical *Islamic thoughts* — Islamism? — is naive, to say the least.
Unfortunately, there are no experts on Islam. Only varied degrees of ignorance.
What is “Islamism”?
Actually, I would just add that these are relevant questions to ask of those leaders of muslim communities who are at pains to reassure us that islamic and western values are not at odds.
What is “Islamism”?
Cynthia, I wouldn’t get too worried about what religion to follow. All religions will eventually enjoy the same status as fairy-tales since religions cannot stand up against three fundamental, and irresistible, forces that conspire to undermine their credibility:
1. the growth of scientific ‘understandings.’ This continues to expose the absurdities of so many religious teachings.
2. Access to information (especially the internet). This provides the means for the above mentioned ‘understandings’ to be disseminated, and
3. Freedom to access information; in other words, no censorship in regard to what we choose to read or hear.
It is obvious to me that in a society in which people are free to ask, study, argue and communicate freely it is agnosticism that will reign supreme.
Review of General Ne Win: A Political Biography
I am not sure if the term review is a suitable description for this posting. The author fails to critically engage with the text. Instead, the so-called review is more of one of those “I was there” reviews mixed in with a summary and an endorsement of the book.
And like Plan B’s posting, I agree that the invocation of Ne Win’s patriotism in the conclusion detracts from the reviewer’s credibility.
What is “Islamism”?
THE REAL WORLD OF 2015 and beyond?!
When America ‘invaded’ Iraq to create a democracy and at the same time it wanted to create a new oil cartel made up of Iraq, Russia and Nigeria, to replace the Sunni oil cartel, who were responsible for destroying the American Twin Towers.
In so doing they whole of the Middle East became much more unstable and the religious Sunni and Shite interests started to make the moves to take control of their different countries governments, where in many countries a Sunni / Shiite Minorities governed the Sunni / Shiite Majority?
Abbott and Andrews are ALL bullshit!!!! ISIS wants to CREATE a brand New Caliphate Sovereign COUNTRY made up of Syria and Iraq? They hold a lot of the Land but NONE of the Governments? Which is GREATLY pissing them off? So yes let’s keep kicking sand in their eyes, as they continue their ruthless killings around the World, Where they ALSO cannot change governments – which pisses then OFF even more??? Turnbull Right (see below) NO Aussie boots on the ground in a Middle Eastern Religious Jihad Conflict? If not already bored with the media BULLSHIT about them taking OVER Australia? DELETE NOW! Regards Billh 27th Nov
THE REAL WORLD MIDDLE EASTEREN RELIGIOUS CRISIS
Remember BELFAST where the Religious Roman Catholics wanted their own Caliphate (Vatican) Country and the Religious Protestants wanted their own Caliphate (Canterbury) Country? And this took 400 years for Belfast to become peaceful but not at peace?
Turkey (Ottoman Empire) in 1917 was a CLIPHAT country over both the Muslim Religious Sects of Sunnis and the Shiite Faiths? We Christians won World War One and after 1918 divided and created all the present Middle East Countries, taking NO notice of their two Muslim Sects having to live together (just like Belfast but a 100 times worse) and in most countries the Dominant Religious Minority Sect had the power over the Majority Sect? (hence Sadam Husien, Kaddafi etc ) which only compounded and increased sectarian violence (between the Sunnis and the Shiites populations). Accros the whole of the Middle East from Afghanistan right through to Eygypt? PS Also in 1918 the Kurds were promised a Country of their own,-where they have – and still do- lived for hundreds of years before 1918? However when we Christian West completed the ‘carve up’ we reneged on our promiseto the Kurds , and now they are a small but significant part of Syria, Iraq and Turkey
NOTE: The Kurds are made up of both Sects(which is secondary to being a Kurd?) and are the ONLY group to Defeat ISIS in stopping them invading their homeland?
Turkey Today wants to regain the power and status as the Caliphate country keeping the WHOLE of the Middle East Stable!
Now to Current History? The Middle East remained fairly stable until after we Christians ‘joined in’ with Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts and as of today (Oct 15) Syria. This then gave an impetus for the respective religious Sects (a) Saudi Arabia – who want to be the Caliphate Country for the Sunnis, and; (b) Iran, who intend to be the Caliphate Country for Shiites?
Saudi Arabia got in first creating ISIS to conquer Iraq and Syria to create a new Sunni Caliphate Country. Initially none of the other Muslim countries surrounding Iraq and Syria would offer assistance (accept Jordon and Arab Emirates war planes) leaving it totally to the West to take on Sunni ISIS
Now in August 2015 this Proxy holy jihad war has changed and it is now a public nation building, political power exercise struggle between Saudi Arabia and Iran over the sectarian divided countries that surround them. We now have unprecedented sectarian tensions and politics NOTE: Navies from many countries are ’Patrolling’ in the ‘Strait of Hormuz’ ostensibly to stop ‘pirates’ However with Sunni Saudi Arabia on one side and Shiite Iran on the other side at a perfect Geographical Choke Point that can instantly stop 20% of the World’s Oil passing through? Which currently looks something like this?
(a) Saudi Arabia will continue to try and create an ‘Islamic State’ caliphate and has also become publically involved in the Sunni outcomes in Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Bahrain Tunisia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, whilst;
(b) IRAN Who see themselves not as Arabs but Persians? Who will do the same for Shiites in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Egypt Kuwait Lebanon, Afghanistan, (note they are paying Afghanistan Shiite refugees to go and fight Sunni ISIS ) Bahrain , Pakistan , Tunisia,. This may well NOT be the whole list of countries involved but increasing vitriolic sectarian rhetoric dehumanising the “other’ is increasing expotentionaly and exacerbating the real middle east unstableness throughout the whole middle eastern Muslim countries. And;
(c) TURKEY has a history of problems with the Middle East since 1917 and does not want to put boots on the ground anywhere there? The Turkish Kurds have formed the PKK Party and is now more heavily armed is in conflict with turkey to try formalise its Kurdish homeland area there? The Kurds of Syria have no PKK and has nothing to do with the Turkish PKK. ISIS has attacked Turkey and so (1) wants to stop the PKK separatists from attacking them and therefore treats them the same way as the Sunni ISIS.
And under the same Koranic Law anybody entering this conflict is subject to Jihad, in which any Infidel (Christian or non-believer?) entering IN or ALREADY there must be killed by fighters of both sects? (Just watch your daily night time news as you see this process in action?) Previous religious war precedent? 1000 years ago (Crusade) we Christian did much of the same thing on our way to Jerusalem. Now our PM has sent the ADF to Iraq to help the Shiites (financed by Iran) to kill ISIS Sunni interlopers.
Maybe once the Middle Eastern unstable government citizens ‘wake up’ to that there is only a public service Brussels 28 State Nations (diminishing Sovereignty) bureaucracy countries between them and their secure future! There will be well over two million more refugees (Muslims, -both Sects – Minorities’ and Christian’s) on their way there? Desperate to “Get Away for this Muslim Sectarian, Holy –Caliphate and Empire Creating – Jihad War”?
History (ancient & modern) shows that empires / countries come and go? Its Europe’s time to go? (They have been in conflict with each other for a thousand years and after WW1 & WW2 they were simply exhausted and formed a PEACE union of the 28 Countries? Sadly ALL there thousand years of historical Get up and GO! Got UP and Went.
When America ‘invaded’ Iraq to create a democracy and at the same time it wanted to create a new oil cartel made up of Iraq, Russia and Nigeria, to replace the Sunni oil cartel, who were responsible for destroying the American Twin Towers.
In so doing they whole of the Middle East became much more unstable and the religious Sunni and Shite interests started to make the moves to take control of their different countries governments, where in many countries a Sunni / Shiite Minorities governed the Sunni / Shiite Majority?
Syria is an example where the 17% Shiite govern the 60% Sunni population.
So Russia DESPERATE to retain an ALL weather PORT -Vladivostok ‘freezes over –and Shiite (17% of the population of Syria?) Assad Syria has one right on the edge of Europe! So (a) the Russians are KILLING local Syrian Sunni 60‘% of the Syrian Population? Rebels’, and leaving it to (b) The West to continue to KILL the foreign Sunni ISIS Terrorists? ISIS will now concentrate on Iraq to create a caliphate country until they bankrupt Russia? Then the Religious Sunni / Shiite Jihad will happily continue in Syria
PS: Didn’t the same thing happen in Ukraine with the Russian speaking Ukraine caused a crisis – supported by Russia – then Russia waited to see what the west would do (nothing?) So Russia the country then captured and held Crimea (another Port?) for regional safety reasons? NOTE: It took just four weeks AFTER Assad “invited’ Russia ‘IN’ that the Sunni’s blew their aircraft out of the sky?
IT IS HAPPENNING” AGAIN? In another Middle East Country? The Sunni / Shiite (incl ISIS) are in the religious process of convincing the Moslem Community in Israel (held IN Gaza / West Bank / East Jerusalem ?) to have a religious Arab Spring rebellions against Israel ‘occupying’ their Palestinian land! So the Sunni / Shiite divide (sectarian violence incl ISIS which is on the Syrian Border with Israel?) Will continue to kill each other HOWEVER both are excited about killing Jews? Stand by for conflagration of religious sectarian violence throughout the whole region of the Middle East countries (Afghanistan, – Taliban, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen Sunni’s – incl ISIS, Lebanon, Egypt and Turkey Sunnis & Kurds) IF Israel gets involved!!! They will NOT get Dias pored again and WILL fight (unlike the Muslims) to the last Women and Man to retain their 4.000 years old ‘Promised Land? (In which they only returned to in 1948?)
PS: For very many years Roman Catholic’s and other denominational religions we in Constant ‘Conflict’ (1st ship – to America–Mayflower- an example) and still today schools and churches (without conflict) are separate and live in harmony with other faiths
Today HOWEVER the two Muslim Denominations Muslims faiths of Shiite and Sunni are in CONSTANT CONFLICT now, with the main evangelist aggressor being Sunni? (Whose Doctrine is to convert the world)?
Maybe once the Middle Eastern unstable government citizens ‘wake up’ to that there is only a public service Brussels 28 State Nations (diminishing Sovereignty) bureaucracy countries between them and their secure future! There will be well over two million more refugees (Muslims, -both Sects – Minorities’ and Christian’s) on their way there? Desperate to “Get Away for this Muslim Sectarian, Holy –Caliphate and Empire Creating – Jihad War”?
History (ancient & modern) shows that empires / countries come and go? Its Europe’s time to go? (They have been in conflict with each other for a thousand years and after WW1 & WW2 they were simply exhausted and formed a PEACE union of the 28 Countries? Sadly ALL there thousand years of historical Get up and GO! Got UP and Went.
Bill Hudnott
What is “Islamism”?
The Christian West successfully sought a sea route to India and farther Asia in order to bypass the overland route controlled by the Islamic world. The Reformation, the Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution saw its ascendance to soaring heights with the modern world largely wrought and dominated by them.
The followers of the youngest of Abrahamic faiths are bound to have been nursing a big chip on their shoulder ever since the Crusades, only made worse by incessant meddling of their tormentors in their affairs that continues to this day.
Now that they have the wherewithal to retaliate, ironically with the help of some of the frontline leaders of the Christian West and not just the autocratic rulers of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain, their business partners as well as in crime (the Bush bin Laden nexus just one infamous example), it’s payback time.
Sadly there is neither the political will nor economic incentives to find a peaceful solution towards reconciliation and mutual advancement, not beyond profiting the ruling classes and the business interests.
Chance would be a fine thing if any religion can help find a way out of this. On the contrary not only has religion failed to bring peace on earth and good will to all men, religious leaders have either stoked the fires of hate and bigotry or have been used by politicians to farther their own agenda.
Still better than Thaksin?
Mariner: Next time you bring out your “deep psychological level” while eating lunch at your local Pizza Hut, be sure to capture it on video and post it to YouTube.
It’ll go viral in hours.
Waiting in the White House lobby
[…] University of London, did not foresee the hostility that he would face when he posted last month a short article on Indonesian politics on a little-known academic blog called New […]
What is “Islamism”?
For Emeritus Professor Clive Kessler – Sociology and Antropology:
I was very excited when I read part of your article”Third phase seeks Islam as as way of life” as everything in it made sense to me.
It is what I have been thinking for years after reading about the Caliphate from the 700s and then what happened after, first with the Crusades in medieval times and then Colonialism after WWI and II.
If I were in their shoes, I would also like to create another Caliphate if I were Muslim. I understand what they are attempting to do – probably inadvisable with terror tactics – but what other way is there for them?
I have talked with friends as all the recent atrocities have taken place with more and more frequency and don’t believe what they have decided to do as far as terrorism is concerned – of course I don’t having a horror or ALL war. It is never the answer and creates yet more problems – and so we go – the USA in the lead – followed by all the other little puppies, like Australia.
This recent increase in terrorism will solve nothing – in fact just inflame the situation.
I think we may be heading to WWIII.
I have tried to explain to family and friends who are horrified about terrorism to think of the wonderful history of Islam and understand their need (but not their means) of getting it back. It all falls on dead ears.
So I continue to read comparative religion – as I have the last 20 years ever since reading about the Christian Popes and their Crusades – for which we are still paying the price. As we are about the Sykes/Picot agreement.
And, since reading about these Crusades – have denounced my own upbringing in first the Methodist and then the Catholic Church. Buddhism interests me in its interpretation of an ethical life – but even that was trashed in the W/E Australian.
Where do I go from there. Pick the best bits from all religions, keep an open mind – read the history of religion and hope for some common sense somewhere down the line.
I thank you, Professor Kessler for the article – it’s the very best I have read on Islam – so please continue along this line. I shall keep this article to read from time to time when politicians and the media “protest too strongly and erroniously.
Waiting in the White House lobby
[…] University of London, did not foresee the hostility that he would face when he posted last month a short article on Indonesian politics on a little-known academic blog called New […]
Vietnam: Israel’s closest ASEAN partner
Isreal’s closest partner in ASEAN is Singapore. They share a Special Relationship. Both are predominantly non-muslim countries surrounded by rather hostile neighbors. They established diplomatic relations in 1969, but LKY’s autobiography revealed the secret the Isreali advisers had trained the Singaporean military long before that. The alliance between the two defense establishments intensified and expanded, and is now encompasses cooperation between the two countries’ military industries. Singapore has almost always supported Isreal in the UN. In 2012 Singapore was one of the few countries that abstained from voting on the Resolution on “Status of Palestine in the United Nations.”
Can democratic Myanmar lead ASEAN?
I was in Myanmar almost 30 years ago, where the black market was rampant. I am going there again next week to see if the atmosphere has changed after the landmark election.
I am still peeved about the visa requirement!
What is “Islamism”?
Yes, but how do you get around the ‘absolutes?’ If I could talk to the muslims in Belgium that you mention I would have two questions: 1. Would you like to see Belgium governed by Sharia law? If the answer is ‘yes’ then we have a group of people who are fundamentally at odds with western values. If the answer is ‘no’ then my follow up question is:
How can you therefore claim to be a muslim at all?
Vietnam: Israel’s closest ASEAN partner
The Burmese military has always been a great fan of plucky little Israel fighting for survival in a sea of Arabs, and talk about close ties.
Still better than Thaksin?
Every human (except myself)is racist at a deep psychological level. I challenge anyone to disprove this with reference to credible research. Yes, we publicly promote ourselves as non-racist; hey, we might even convince ourselves of this ‘truth.’ But, at a subconscious level a racist instinct remains. Anyone here disagree?
Vietnam: Israel’s closest ASEAN partner
The closest partner in SEA for Israel is Thailand, Vietnam doesn’t even come close.
Civilization at what cost?
I am not so sure whether Imperial Portugal brought any “civlization” to Timor at all. Therefore the question the author of the opinion piece asks should be questioned as well.
Moreover, Portuguese still influence the current political development through masses of political and technical “advisors”. Highly paid but not very efficient. Knowlegde of the Portuguese language, a language which the majority of the Timorese does not speak at all, is often the only qualification.
Political implications of Thailand’s royal succession
The succession of clearly regulated by:
1. The palace law of succession states clearly that the oldest male heir should succeed the king. In difference to the constitutions, this law has never been changed!
2. The King has already installed hiiiii on as crownprince as legitimate successor.
Therefore, any argument that someone else should be successor implies that the palace law has a fault AND that the king did something wrong. I think these would be clear cases of strong lese majeste!
Vietnam: Israel’s closest ASEAN partner
Good for both parties, this report is very reasonable opened source or not.
Vietnam need a secure military partner to counter the Chinese attempting Hegemony.
Even almost all Nike and assorted brands of high price item is make in Vietnam for USA market, the US disdain for the Vietnamese govt, is evidence of continued trade but all other sanctions without explicitly stated, just like the Myanmar case. A hypocritical double speak only USA can.
http://www.irrawaddy.org/burma/us-nominee-to-be-burmas-envoy-does-not-see-big-sanctions-changes.html
As for Israel, ‘a true communism beginning that has evolved into a fledgling democracy’ the nascent ASEAN countries can be benefited with the Israeli know how for trades and otherwise for future vote of “abstention” in UN against the Arabic monolithic blog of always ‘against”.