Opinion
Jihad: A wake up call
Yoram Ettinger
Published: 02.11.09, 00:42
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1. Comment
Mohammad ,   Jordan   (11.02.09)
I ve never seen an article that is full of inaccurate and misleading info. We should all remember that Islam is a relatively new religion in comparison with the other two abrahamic religions, so Islam has not been reformed yet as in Christianty and Judaism. What we are seeing now from terrorism and violence are the begining of the reform in my opinion. Throughout history, things always had to get worse before start getting better. For instance, it was the corruption and violence in the Catholic church that triggered the protestant movement in the 15th century and reformed Christianty. You cannot discuss Jihad without having a good understanding of the different muslim factions and how do they interpret it. In arabic language Jihad is a very broad term which means "effort" so whenever we make some effort we are making "Jihad"!! Liberal muslim factions have a moderate interpretation of Jihad and they persist that its for defense only, while radical muslim factions use Jihad to spread Islam all over the world. One more thing that is worth mentioning and that its applicable to all religions which is: How to interpret the text? I believe that the Quran, the Bible and the Torah are all like "Rorschach inkblot test" (psychological test in which different subjects have different perception of inkbolts according to their personalities and character traits) so a when a psychopath read the Quran/Bible he/she will apply his/her sick mind into the text and come up with a sick interpretation and vice versa. Also we should remember that there is more than 1.3 billion muslims around the world, so if all of them believe in the radical definition of Jihad then non of us would be alive today! So whats the best way to deal with Jihad or violence in general? the author suggested using violence to deal with violence which is a brutal and ineffective way as we are dealing with people who dont value their own lives (they want to become martyrs). I think the best way is to fight the causes, not the symptoms. The roots of the problem are: : poverty, injustice, illiteracy, dictatorship, and backwardness. If you fight the symptoms you will be wasting your time because regardless how many terrorists you kill they will keep on growing like a mushroom, and the last two wars in Afghanstan and Iraq support my argument. Finally, i think the most ideal solution is to cancel everything differentiate us as humans including religions, countries, race...etc.
2.  the small news from Goldstone
alexi   (11.02.09)
While goldstone's report appears to be damaging to western countries battle in terror wars, the good side is that goldstone says terrorists/senders/minders can be prosecuted as war criminals in the hague. Zohar, haniyeh, musri all of them can be tried. Furthurmore, military efforts should be made to eliminate any who send them out, who supply them and so on. So for example, iran and syria should be prosecuted for war crimes because they supply terror weapons to hezbollah. Nasrollah should be arrested and sent to the hague and tried.
3. Falsifying history
salem awaad ,   rafah palestine   (11.02.09)
a poisoned article that explains the history in favour of zionists ambitions and strategies. Islamic jihad means mainly fortifying islam principles in the souls and minds of its followers . Infat poitial zionism exploits religion for ashieving national interests
4. Yoram is a trooper
Steve Klein   (11.02.09)
A trooper is anyone who exhibits perseverence, fortitude, and tenacity. Yoram is a fighter. He fights for a strong Israel.
5. Some Have Gone Back To Sleep
Christy ,   Boston, US   (11.02.09)
Unfortunately, some in the West have gone back to sleep after the rude awakening of 9/11/01 and other bombings like those in London and Australia. The some in the West that have gone back to sleep seem to be mainly in the ranks of the so-called elite in universities, news media, government, and the entertainment world. These are the ones who keep telling the rest of us there is no global jihad being waged by radical Islamists. How they explain the many world-wide conflicts radical Islamists are involved in is an exercise in Orwellian 'new speak'. Fortunately many others around the world are paying attention and more people seem to be realizing that war has been declared against non-radical Islamists. (This war is against fellow Muslims as well.)
6. Wait till they find out Israel is working under qaedas name
John ,   United States   (11.02.09)
The mosaad and cia have been and are still aiding al qaeda throughout the world. Tell that to the israeli public.
7. Most truthful article this year
Manuel ,   Mexico City   (11.02.09)
8. Terrorists don't understand the concept of detterence.
(11.02.09)
for them, you being strong is one of the main reason why they should attack you. Terrorism is created on the side of empires.
9. #1 - Muhammed - Well articulated, except for...
William ,   Israel   (11.02.09)
Muhammed, you presented a very logical argument which is not common among Muslims in the mainstream today. The sad fact is if there are many like-minded Muslims out there, in academia, the business world, etc., their voices are relatively silent and thus, ignored. Here you are on an Israeli media website spouting your opinions about Islamic reform. All reform with Judaism and Christianity began from within, which is what people like you need to be doing. Voicing your opinion here is nice but not helpful to your stated cause. Finally, your own post sort of underscores the article's claim. You blame the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan for fomenting terrorism, but the very causes you mentioned: poverty, illiteracy, dictatorship....have all existed in the Arab world for centuries and form the basis for the violent, oppressive Islamic nature the author refers to. True - both Judaism and Christianity have gone through reforms, and this should help Islam get on the Fast Track to their reform, not act as a free pass for four centuries of violence and bloodshed because "everyone else did it". Truth be told - reform usually comes from the open-minded and educated. Within Islam, most terrorists are well-educated and from middle class families.
10. #2 - Nice thought, but liberals blocking such action
William ,   Israel   (11.02.09)
Goldstone's report might name Hamas in war crimes, but powers in the UN are making sure that the Geneva Convention is NOT ammended to today's situations - namely, including non-State actors being subjected to rules that States are. There has been a push for a long time to correctly define terrorists and to better write laws that allow States to go after them and try them in court. Those who are against such actions are the same fascist liberals who support "grass roots" anarchy and side with Left-leaning govts, like Cuba's and Venezuela's, no matter how much oppression or violence they foster. To them, the State is the ultimate "white male establishment" and their target is to make it weak.
11. #6 - John - Thanks for the conspiracy theory
William ,   Israel   (11.02.09)
We relish in the inane ideas of people like you, who's very claims make the Mossad look like the most powerful organization on Earth. The world will be shocked when the truth is really known - the Mossad is just a guy with a rusty typewriter in the basement of a Tel Aviv home. The real PR comes from the Arabs and you. So thank you! BTW - I thought you guys believed George Bush was working for Al-Qaeda when he organized the 9-11 attacks. Is that a dead theory now?
12. Unfortunately, Ettinger and Sharon speak truth
Raymond in DC ,   Washington, USA   (11.02.09)
Islam has never been a faith like the others. From the beginning, it's been an all encompassing socio-political system with a supremacist bent, one not bound by space or time. Like its "prophet", Muslims are expected to be warriors for Allah. Yes, Mohammed, every text-based faith is subject to interpretation, But Islam has been essentially "closed" for centuries, and jihad *is* deemed as a perpetual struggle against the unbelievers in all Islamic schools of thought. As to the issue of "reform", a leading scholar at Al Azhar some time back was asked if Islam wasn't overdue for its own reformation - one promoting equal rights for woman, respect for other faiths, and an end to that permanent struggle. He answered, "But then it wouldn't be Islam!"
13. We should fight with the will to defeat the enemy.
Ron B. ,   Lod   (11.02.09)
US Congressman David Weldon (R., Florida), who visited Israel three years ago, said Israel should strike back at Gaza in one fell swoop. “During World War II,” Weldon told the Makor Rishon newspaper, “the U.S. attacked Japan mercilessly. Despite the ethical problems, everyone now agrees that this caused Japan to surrender, thus saving many lives, including Japanese lives. This is the reason I think Israel should hit the Palestinians with one fell swoop, thus defeating them. Otherwise, this cruel situation of today will continue year after year, decade after decade.Just like parents have to protect their children,” Weldon said, “a state must protect its citizens, especially those who are threatened such as those in Sderot. If a country would attack the U.S., I would support turning that country into dust. If it’s right for the U.S., it’s right for Israel.” As described at : http://xrl.us/biz8x
14. #8 - Doesn't your claim prove the article's premise?
William ,   Israel   (11.02.09)
"for them, you being strong is one of the main reason why they should attack you. Terrorism is created on the side of empires" Which means...the only way to avoid terrorism is to be weak and submit to their demands, which of course is conversion to and acceptance of Islam. Actually, I believe that terrorists are the useful idiots of despotic regimes who wish to amass fortunes and power. The very same that see the West's liberals as their useful idiots.
15. To #9 & #12
Mohammad ,   Jordan   (11.02.09)
I totally agree with William that reforms with Judaism and Christianty began from within. However, there is one important difference that you omitted, that our world today (globalization) is different from the world few hundered years ago. Consequently, i think that its the responsibilty of the international comunity to help and support liberal muslims to start the most needed reform. In addition, i and many liberal arabs (who are always ignored by the main stream media) always raise our voices and crticize the current situation both in the street and in the internet (hence no one likes us). Do you know why i spend time discussing issues on Ynet? because i believe that in the current madness we are living in now, someone should start to be rational, and i believe that Israel is much more closer to the "rational" than its neighbours. Probably this is due to the fact that many Israelis travel around or lived in the west at some stage which has a liberalizing effect. I did not blame the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan for fomenting terrorism, what i was trying to say that the resort to violence or trying to kill terrorists is not the best way to solve the problem. Regarding your comment about education, i admit that the educational system in most arab countries need a major overhaul(most arab or muslims have not heared about Darwin or think that it has been proven wrong ages ago). But as you said many of the terrorist are well educated (Osama is an engineer and Al Zawahiri is a doctor) so its not about education as much as its about philosophy in life, religion and culture. To #12: with all due respect, i disgree with you, Islam is a faith like others and most religions has gone through the same socio-political stages (remember Moses war against Midian). Actually what Mohammad did was copying the Torah and the Bible and adding few spices of his to make a new religion, so trust me , they are all very similar. Finally, i should admit for the first time that i am not very optimistic about any real change in the muslim world in the short and meduim term. The price of modernism is very hefty and we will have to pay it sooner or later. Modern and secular Europe emerged after the second world when millions of people got killed. I am wondering how many millions will be killed for the muslims to learn the lesson.
16. AS SUCH AND IN PART - YES !!!.
Arn-Orao. ,   Sweden-Srbia.   (11.02.09)
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/8917 IN THE FUTURE, SERBIA WILL STAND ON THE SIDE WITH ISRAEL. Revelation 6 1And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard, as it were, the noise of thunder, one of the four living beings saying, "Come and see!" 2And I saw, and behold, a white horse, and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him, and he went forth conquering and to conquer. YUGOSLAVIA - READ SERBIA. http://www.ourchurch.com/view/?pageID=239460 Arn-Orao.
17. The West's Immoral Blindness Via Appeasement
Adina Kutnicki ,   Israel   (11.02.09)
There is NO doubt that a weak Israel weakens the entire west, as Israel is the frontline to their jihad as they prod its boundaries. Those who weaken Israel in order to appease the Islamists are operating from an inverted axis, sort of like a parallel universe. IF not pried from their delusions they will be the death of all of us. What is truly inexplicable, truly mendacious and truly an affront, is the fact that Israel's leftist appeasers are responsible for empowering them and fueling their jihad, due to their appeasement policies. The MAIN answer to jihad is a military one. This is the fact that the left cannot tolerate & they will kill us in the process by ignoring this reality. Rational people must do EVERYTHING possible to push them both back-the jihadists and their collaborators.
18. A strong Israel?
Chardon Bleu ,   Geneva Switzerland   (11.02.09)
"At this time, Israel is the West's First Yard Line of defense. A strong Israel deters Jihad; a weakened Israel fuels Jihad." Completely wrong conclusion, as based on blinding, erroneous Zionist ideology. The truth is: Since it's foundation, Zionist Israel is the West's First Yard Line of provocation. Zionist Israel provokes Jihad; dismantling Zionist ideology will take the main wind out of Jihad's sails.
19. :: YNet - Misquoting Bernard Lewis?!
Matty Groves ,   Fairport   (11.02.09)
"The Muslims are now convinced that terror is the most effective weapon in their arsenal. They found out that they can kill civilians without being punished" Quote attributed to Bernard Lewis. Aside finding this 'quote' on rabid rightwing blog sites I can find no reference to when Lewis made this statement. On the other hand I see that Moshe Sharon states: "The Muslims are now convinced that terror is the most effective weapon in their arsenal. They have discovered that no matter what they do, the chorus of the Western media will condemn the Israelis and the Americans." - Moshe Sharon (http://mideastoutpost.com/archives/000415.html) Ands again: "The Muslims are now convinced that terror is the most effective weapon in their arsenal. They have found out that they can kill civilians without being punished, even without being condemned. They have discovered that no matter what they do, the chorus of the Western media will condemn the Israelis and the Americans." - Moshe Sharon (Stop Them with a Clear-Cut Victory Part IV) Can Ynet confirm that this quote is truly from Bernard Lewis? Eg: http://www.daylife.com/quote/00lPaLw58uef8?q=Gaza
20. :: Quotes are from Moshe Sharon not Bernard Lewis
Matty Groves ,   Fairport   (11.02.09)
I would also add that the following: "Lewis adds. "Muslim terrorists are encouraged by 'experts,' who keep repeating: 'There's no military solution to terror."" would appear to also be misattributed to Lewis. In Yoram Ettinger's original article it merely says: "Some western writers have even defined terror as 'the weapon of the weak'... Muslim terrorists are encouraged by 'experts,' who keep repeating: 'There's no military solution to terror.'" The text "Lewis adds" would appear to be a later inclusion again incorrectly attributed to Lewis. It would appear that Yoram Ettinger has rehashed an article by Moshe Sharon (ie: Stop Them with a Clear-Cut Victory Part IV). It would also appear that Bernard Lewis is now misattributed to quotes that Moshe Sharon has made. It would be nice to see this corrected before the rabid right Blogsphere further reprints these incorrect quotations.
21. #18 Dismantle Switzerland
Logic ,   Israel   (11.02.09)
Libya wants it!
22. Chardon Geneva
Sam ,   Watford, UK   (11.02.09)
Now we know, once again the Jews are to be blamed for everything. If you honestly believe that if Israel ceased to exist there would be world peace then you truly dillusional.
23. #1 Mohammed, keep posting
Logic ,   Israel   (11.02.09)
You bring up quite a few interesting points and I appreciate your in-depth commentary. What are your thoughts on Tawfik Hamid's "Is there a hope to reform Islam" article on his Wikipedia page? He doesn't buy into the poverty root cause theory and neither do I.
24. To Mohammad
Said ,   Amman, Jordan   (11.02.09)
I agree completely with your views, but wish to add one thing: recently there was a conference of Mulsim scholars in Turkey aimed at re-interpreting Islam for the 21st century. The seeds have already been sown, but like all other things Arab "bukra, inshallah!"
25. to 21 and 22
Chardon Bleu ,   Geneva Switzerland   (11.02.09)
I didn't write 'dismantle Israel', but 'dismantle the Zionist ideology', in order to make possible equality and justice for all parties concerned! It's not the Jews in general who are to blame, but the terribly wrong 'good idea' of Zionism!
26. To #23 Logic
Mohammad ,   Jordan   (11.02.09)
I still believe that poverty and illiteracy are the perfect conditions for terrorism to spread. Some of the highly ranked terrorists only are the ones who are educated and wealthy, but if you look at the vast majority of fighters in Iraq, Afghanstan and Pakistan (the ones who are not covered by the media) you will know what i mean. Let us also remember that terrorism is merely one form of violence, and there is a correlation between violence and poverty in general. Maybe in a poor but non muslim countries violence will take a different shape such as high crime rate! I think Tawfik Hamid failed to mention that the west (especially the Americans) are partially responsible for the rise of terrorism by manipulating religion to achieve political goals and by supporting terrorists in Afghanstand against the USSR in the 1980s. If you read the western media at that time you will be shocked how they used to descibe those terrorists as "heros". Finally, i am not sure when will Israel stop doing the dirty job for the west in the region?! Israel has been suffering from terrorism since 1960s and the west always turned a blinded eye on Israel's cocerns at that time because they have not suffered from it themselves, but after 9/11 the west suddenly and all the media started talking about terrorism as threat to modern humanity. I believe that the US and the west are manipulating Israel and they dont care much about Israel's security as much as their own interests. One day they will abandon Israel when they feel that their own interest requires doing so.
27. #25
Logic ,   Israel   (11.02.09)
Zionism is the expression of the majority of Jews' desire for self-determination. Your claims exemplify Sharansky's 3D Test of the new antisemitism.
28. Mohammad #26 one question
Gee ,   Zikron Yaakov   (11.02.09)
If poverty and illiteracy are the perfect conditions for terorism to spread, why are most of your terrorists have college degrees and come from upper-middle class to wealthy families? I hardly believe that Bin Ladin is either.
29. to Logic, Israel
Chardon Bleu ,   Geneva Switzerland   (11.02.09)
Calling indiscriminately antisemite whoever criticizes Israel, will keep less and less people from looking critically at the Zionist ideology and it's destructive consequences. Btw, more than half of Jews worldwide don't have the slightest intention to ever live in Zionist Israel.
30. To: No. 25
Sarah B ,   New York / Saviyon   (11.02.09)
Zionism is the nationalist movement of the Jewish people to return to their ancient and traditional homeland. Nothing wrong with that ideology; it is nationalist. The United Nations did itself a deep disservice when it equated Zionism or racism; that, and similar resolutions, are why no country that matters really takes the UN seriously any longer. You need do no more than see who walks out when various third-world representatives get up and start screaming about the "Zionist entity." Basically, it's all of the G7 nations, Japan, Argentina, Brazil and the like. Equality and justice. Nice, coming from the Swiss. We know all about what the Swiss did with Jewish bank accounts belonging to Jews who died in the Holocaust, and we know all about the life insurance policies sold by Winterthur and BP Keller to desperate Jews in the 1930s. Of course, these "noble" Swiss insurers insisted that the premia be paid up in full, and they were, but these same insurers have, to this day, refused to pay out on the policies to the beneficiaries, claiming that their regulations require the beneficiaries to produce a death certificate. Well, my father -- and now my siblings and myself -- are the beneficiaries. Too bad the Swiss don't realize that Auschwitz was not in the habit of issuing death certificates. The Swiss brokered Nazi Germany's gold transactions, and accepted -- and melted down into ingots -- wedding bands stolen from Jews, other jewelry, and even gold teeth. Please. You Swiss are despicable excuses for human beings and are as guilty of Nazi collaboration as any Vichy French were. Don't preach to Jews; you have no moral compass to speak of and you lack the ethical standing to address any of Israel's policies until you explain your own actions during World War II, and redress the thefts and the insurance scams that your forefathers perpetrated and that successive generations continue to perpetrate against the Jewish people. You are a country of war criminals; more insidious than any Nazi war criminal.
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