Prof. Juan Cole on Engaging The Muslim World

Prof. Juan Cole lauched his new book: "Engaging The Muslim World". He appeared in Asia Soceity to talk about it.

"Beginning with a detailed slide presentation, Cole argued that the Muslim world, far from being a single monolithic entity, is actually far more heterogeneous than most people in the West (particularly Americans) commonly suppose. Cole went on to explain how changing demographics and patterns of energy consumption mean that America's relationship with the countries in question will only become more important further into the 21st century. In the end, he concluded, "dialogue, compromise, and engagement" will be crucial for the US to maintain (and in some cases establish) better relations with the Islamic world.", wrote Asia Soceity.

Watch full presentation here.

OIC Summit: So Many Complicated Problem!

11th OIC (Organization of The Islamic Conference) summit in Dakar, Senegal, March 13-14, deals with so many complicated problems.

It seems that the problems are bigger than organization capacity to deal with.

There are latent conflicts between some member countries: Saudi Arabia vs Siria, Sudan vs Chad ; security chaos in Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine; turbulence relation between Muslim countries and West especially after re-printing assulting cartoon in Denmark; economic problems of some member countries especially in Africa etc.

We'll wait what the summit will do with these complicated problems.

Two Sides, Same Message

I read some articles with similiar message yesterday. Shaikh Aidl Qarni wrote about dark picture of women in Saudi Arabia. Fahmi Huwaidi, prominent op-ed writer in Asharq Al-Awshat Newspaper, wrote about insulting caricatures of Prophet Muhammad PBH republished by some medias in Denmark and not strong enough reaction from arab-moslem countries.

Fahmi Huwaidi emphasized the weakness of arab-moslem countries in front of outsiders attacks. On the contrary, Shaikh Aidl, said that there is no enough state protection to the society, especially women in facing any kind of injustice against them. Those both sides, at the same time, reflect how weak arab-moslems states are in upholding justice in and out of their countries.

More Clash, Why?

German Interior Minister, Wolfgang SCHAEUBLE, urges, Feb 27, 08, the presses in Europe to re-print insulting caricatures of Prophet Muhammad PBH. The reason is to depend freedom of press.

I believe that the reaction from moslems around the world will be immediately exploded. It may be out of control.

Why more clashes Mr. Minister? Isn't there any limit of this kind of freedom? Does freedom mean 'free to insult' others? Why don't we avoid such insulting in order to make peace in the world and spread love beetwen people?

Kosovo

There are two point of views against Kosovo’s declaration of independence: pro and contra. USA, France and some muslim countries released their support to the declaration. Other countries like Russia, China, Spain don’t agree with it.

Kosovo’s independence is not a matter of separatism but a best solution of etnic war and cleansing that they fall in since 90-ies of last century. So, if we are really supporters of justice and peace around the world, there is no reason to say ‘no’ to the Kosovo’s independence.

Congratulation to Cosovars, hoping better future for the new independent country.