I think this is all a diversion from the real issue.

It comes down to this:

Will people who happen to live and control one of the largest oil reserves in the world submit to the US government or not?

The US government wants Arab oil and they will kill us Arabs (or anyone else for the matter) for it.

Henry Kissinger (as a former secretary of state) once said:

"Oil is much too important a commodity to be left in the hands of the Arabs."

In 2007, he still hasn't changed his views:

"But under present conditions, withdrawal is not an option. American forces are indispensable. They are in Iraq not as a favour to its government or as a reward for its conduct. They are there as an expression of the American national interest to prevent the Iranian combination of imperialism and fundamentalist ideology from dominating a region on which the energy supplies of the industrial democracies depend."

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/opinion/2007/January/opinion_January62.xml§ion=opinion&col=

It is not America that fought for long centuries to preserve the lands on which Arabs live today and on which oil was found.

America through its government wants to take away our fundamental right to control what is ours.

Down with imperialism.

The Washingon Post is an apologist for the US government foreign policy.

All of this is just posturing.

Muslims never answer the hard questions especially in regard to the foundations of Islam.

It probably has a lot to do with Muslims being very concerned about their safety. It is obvious Islamic clerics and imams target anyone who questions the "words" of the illiterate, warmongering Arab and his scribes who plagiarized most of the koran from ancient religions to include Judaism and Christianity. For example, if I had published that last sentence in Iran, I would now be a dead homonid and that is very disturbing but shows the significantly stupid ways of the Dark Ages of Islam/Iran and I see no Bright Age for Islam/Iran in the near future.

And our war on terror/Islam/Iran will not end in the near future as shown by the conduct of the seven Muslim doctors in the UK, the 9/11 terrorists, the 24/7 Sunni suicide/roadside/market/mosque bombers , the 24/7 Shiite suicide/roadside/market/mosque bombers , the Bali crazies, the Kenya crazies, the Pakistani koranics, the Palestine suicide bombers/rocketeers, the Lebanese nutcases and the Filipino koranics.

And who funds most of these activities?? Iran!!!!

Ahh, the Muslim commentators still "duck" the questions about the foundations of Islam. Contemporary NT scholars have reviewed the foundations of Christianity and found them flawed and have noted so in over 100 books e.g. http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/theories.html

Unfortunately, the same has not been done by Muslim scholars apparently due to their fear of Islamic death squads.

So returning to the Islamic foundations you were bred, born and brainwashed in and keeping it real basic: Do you believe in angels as required by the koran?? Keep in mind that you are now an intelligent 21st century homonid survivor and "pretty wingie talking thingies" defy rationality and science.

Some verses from the Koran on terror(ism) and unbelievers:

[3.151] We will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve, because they set up with Allah that for which He has sent down no authority, and their abode is the fire, and evil is the abode of the unjust.

[5.51] O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people.

[8.59] And let not those who disbelieve think that they shall come in first; surely they will not escape. [8.60] And prepare against them what force you can and horses tied at the frontier, to frighten thereby the enemy of Allah and your enemy and others besides them, whom you do not know (but) Allah knows them; and whatever thing you will spend in Allah's way, it will be paid back to you fully and you shall not be dealt with unjustly.

[9.5] So when the sacred months have passed away, then slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them captives and besiege them and lie in wait for them in every ambush, then if they repent and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, leave their way free to them; surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

[47.4] So when you meet in battle those who disbelieve, then smite the necks until when you have overcome them, then make (them) prisoners, and afterwards either set them free as a favor or let them ransom (themselves) until the war terminates. That (shall be so); and if Allah had pleased He would certainly have exacted what is due from them, but that He may try some of you by means of others; and (as for) those who are slain in the way of Allah, He will by no means allow their deeds to perish.

Perhaps this message ought to be told to thousands of Islamists who daily blow up, shoot, rape, persons, blindly including women, children and Muslims, of other Islamic sects in Iraq, who incidentally claim they are working in the name of Allah and the Qur’an. It appears, and I wish not to be dogmatic, that any message that Islam is peaceful is gainsaid by facts, which are after all not being invented by "Westerners." These violent people justify their activities by citing the Qur’an. Someone is wrong. Why is this respectable individual preaching to Westerners?

Many people commenting here need to put down their polemics, and pick a book on Islam (and religions in general). If you don't have a textbook for the study of comparative religion handy - pick up Reza Aslan's simple introduction to Islam, or pick up some Joseph Campbell (for those to whom the word 'myth' is still a pejorative). They're a good start. Or even a history book! Religion does not happen in a vacuum, and passages can not only be taken out of context within a book, but also taken out of the context of the times.

And be mindful how complicated Arabic is. Much gets lost in translation, especially when reading literally. You'll miss the message altogether again. I've also found Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf particularly illuminating on the sociological causation and undercurrents of violence - and how it is quite separate from religion (which is mostly just used as a tool to exploit tension, not the inherent problem itself).

And, oh yeah, if you're going to criticize something, at least read its source material (and its exegesis). In this case, the Qur'an and the Sunna. I've read three translations of the former and an admittedly small collection of the latter. I recommend Abdullah Yusuf 'Ali's translation and commentary of the Qur'an if you do pick one up.

I'm disappointed in the commentaries so far. These fine and capable Muslims are being insulted with such superficial and tired old questions. But, for people still (completely!) in the dark on Islam, it serves its purpose, I suppose.

For full disclosure, I am not a Muslim, but an agnostic and skeptic who has nonetheless gained much respect for all world religions and removed the veil of ignorance and suspicion by simply reading about them! I'm tired of the same old back-and-forth arguments for and against religion. Especially from those suffering from an acute case of Islamophobia. Get that looked at, okay?

Many people commenting here need to put down their polemics, and pick a book on Islam (and religions in general). If you don't have a textbook for the study of comparative religion handy - pick up Reza Aslan's simple introduction to Islam, or pick up some Joseph Campbell (for those to whom the word 'myth' is still a pejorative). They're a good start. Or even a history book! Religion does not happen in a vacuum, and passages can not only be taken out of context within a book, but also taken out of the context of the times.

And be mindful how complicated Arabic is. Much gets lost in translation, especially when reading literally. You'll miss the message altogether again. I've also found Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf particularly illuminating on the sociological causation and undercurrents of violence - and how it is quite separate from religion (which is mostly just used as a tool to exploit tension, not the inherent problem itself).

And, oh yeah, if you're going to criticize something, at least read its source material (and its exegesis). In this case, the Qur'an and the Sunna. I've read three translations of the former and an admittedly small collection of the latter. I recommend Abdullah Yusuf 'Ali's translation and commentary of the Qur'an if you do pick one up.

I'm disappointed in the commentaries so far. These fine and capable Muslims are being insulted with such superficial and tired old questions. But, for people still (completely!) in the dark on Islam, it serves its purpose, I suppose.

For full disclosure, I am not a Muslim, but an agnostic and skeptic who has nonetheless gained much respect for all world religions and removed the veil of ignorance and suspicion by simply reading about them! I'm tired of the same old back-and-forth arguments for and against religion. Especially from those suffering from an acute case of Islamophobia. Get that looked at, okay?

if physical strugle(qital)armed resistance and combat is allowed only in defence then why could we not call talibans as freedom fighters while US and other allied forces invaded afghanistan.same situation we see in iraq.please explain

"The present practice is unjustified also because it is against the Islamic teachings about limited and just war; it allows extending war to innocent citizens and non-combatants. It is based on a concept of perpetual state of war. It justifies continuation of violence by the parties. It has not achieved the possible objectives for which the suicide bombers lay their lives; it has only aggravated the situation by creating an environment of fear and retaliation."

Thank you. Suicide bombing is a political act with religious motivations. Do you think these suicides and murderers of the innocent will be crushed on the Day of Judgment to find they were deceived? Do you think the deceivers who encouraged and enabled them in their unlawful acts will receive the harsher punishment?

Although I don't fully agree with Mr. Masud's opinion here, I do like did enlighten to many things I did not know before.

Indeed suicide bombing is a POLITICAL act and not a religious one. It becomes clear the more one studies where and who carries suicide attacks. All lands rocked with political turmoil:

Chechnya, Palestine, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan.

Robert Pape, of University of Chicago says it nicely when he said they are acts of desperation carried out by the weaker party to "drive out" what they see are a mightier occupying military force.

Qur’an Chapter 2 Verse 65:
And well ye knew those amongst you who transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath (Jews): We said to them: "Be ye apes, despised and rejected."

Ishaq: 250
The bestial transformation occurred when Allah turned Jews into apes, despised.

Tabari VIII: 28
When the Messenger approached the Jews, he said, ‘You brothers of apes! Allah shamed you and cursed you.’

Qur’an Chapter 5 Verse 14:
From those too, who call themselves Christians, We did take a covenant, but they forgot a good part of the Message that was sent to them: so We estranged them, with enmity and hatred between one and the other, to the Day of Judgment. And soon will Allah show them what they have done.

Qur’an Chapter 5 Verse 41:
…Jews, - men who will listen to any lie…For them there is disgrace in this world, and in the Hereafter a heavy punishment.

Qur’an Chapter 5 Verse 82:
Strongest among men in enmity (hatred) to the believers (Muslims) wilt thou find the Jews and Pagans.

Ishaq: 262
Some Muslims remained friends with the Jews, so Allah sent down a Qur’an forbidding them to take Jews as friends. From their mouths hatred has already shown itself and what they conceal is worse.

Qur’an Chapter 5 Verse 51:
O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: they are but friends and protectors to each other. And he among you that turns to them for friendship is of them.

Qur’an Chapter 3 Verse 28:
Let not the believers Take for friends or helpers Unbelievers rather than believers: if any do that, in nothing will there be help from Allah: except by way of precaution (prevention), that ye may Guard yourselves from them (prevent them from harming you.) But Allah cautions you (To remember) Himself; for the final goal is to Allah. [This verse teaches Muslims not to make friends with unbelievers, but allows them to feign friendship with unbelievers in order to prevent harm befalling themselves]

Ishaq: 364
Muslims, take not Jews and Christians as friends. Whoever protects them becomes one of them, they become diseased, and will earn a similar fate.

Sahih Muslim Book 037, Number 6665:
Abu Musa' reported that Allah's Messenger said: When it will be the Day of Resurrection Allah would deliver to every Muslim a Jew or a Christian and say: That is your rescue from Hell-Fire. [All Muslims are saved from Hell because a Jew or a Christian will go to hell in their place]

MAYBE THIS IS WHY TOO?

Islam teaches peace. Human life is sacred according to the Quran. The prophet of Islam was an apostle of peace: he sustained social and physical tortures on himself, like any prophet of God before him,spreading the words of the Lord. He was steadfast in his resolve and never resorted to physical violence. Of course, Muslims had fought wars during the leadership of the prophet; but these were acts to vacate the cruelties against the new nation of believers in God. These were the heinous actions of cruelty and unjust social sanctions laid by the people of Mecca on the people of new catholicism in the faith. The history of Arab is the solitary yet a confirmed witness of such struggles that the people of Islam had undertaken the tortures to preserve their new faith.
Islam is certainly against suicidal acts and has not approved in any circumstance. This is a heinous act against humanity. The organisers of such tyranical deeds are crimnals of first degree and a mark of disdain on the fair name of society. Islam has taught 'toleration' first, against injustices. Perhaps this is a best arsenal against cruelty. You follow this and a mysterious power will be your companion.

Islam teaches peace. Human life is sacred according to the Quran. The prophet of Islam was an apostle of peace: he sustained social and physical tortures on himself, like any prophet of God before him,spreading the words of the Lord. He was steadfast in his resolve and never resorted to physical violence. Of course, Muslims had fought wars during the leadership of the prophet; but these were acts to vacate the cruelties against the new nation of believers in God. These were the heinous actions of cruelty and unjust social sanctions laid by the people of Mecca on the people of new catholicism in the faith. The history of Arab is the solitary yet a confirmed witness of such struggles that the people of Islam had undertaken the tortures to preserve their new faith.
Islam is certainly against suicidal acts and has not approved in any circumstance. This is a heinous act against humanity. The organisers of such tyranical deeds are crimnals of first degree and a mark disdain on the fair name of society. Islam has taught 'toleration' first, against injustices. Perhaps this is a best arsenal against cruelty. You follow this and a mysterious power will be your companion.

Muhammad Khalid Masud,

The real issues are the foundations of contemporary religions to include Islam. Have you studied these foundations? If so, please comment on the following:

A synopsis of the foundations of the major contemporary religions:

1. Abraham founder/father of three major religions was probably a mythical character. If he was real, he was at best a combination of at least three men. 1.5 million Conservative Jews and their rabbis have relegated Abraham to the myth pile along with most if not all the OT.

2. Jesus, the illiterate Jewish peasant/carpenter possibly suffering from hallucinations, has been characterized anywhere from the Messiah from Nazareth to a mythical character from mythical Nazareth. Analyses of his life by many contemporary NT scholars (e.g. Professors Crossan, Borg and Fredriksen, On Faith panelists)via the NT and related documents have concluded that only about 30% of Jesus' sayings and ways noted in the NT were authentic. The rest being embellishments (e.g. miracles)/hallucinations made/had by the NT authors to impress various Christian sects.

3. Mohammed, an illiterate, hallucinating Arab, also had embellishing/hallucinating scribal biographers who not only added "angels" and flying chariots to the Koran but also a militaristic agenda to support the plundering and looting of the lands of non-believers.

This agenda continues as shown by the conduct of the seven Muslim doctors in the UK, the 9/11 terrorists, the 24/7 Sunni suicide/roadside/market/mosque bombers , the 24/7 Shiite suicide/roadside/market/mosque bombers , the Bali crazies, the Kenya crazies, the Pakistani koranics, the Palestine suicide bombers/rocketeers, the Lebanese nutcases and the Filipino koranics

4. Luther, Calvin, Smith, Henry VIII, Wesley et al, founders of Christian-based religions, also suffered from the belief in/hallucinations of "pretty wingy thingie" visits and "prophecies" for profits analogous to the myths of Catholicism (resurrections, apparitions, ascensions and immaculate conceptions).

5. Hinduism (from an online Hindu site) - "Hinduism cannot be described as an organized religion. It is not founded by any individual. Hinduism is God centred and therefore one can call Hinduism as founded by God, because the answer to the question ‘Who is behind the eternal principles and who makes them work?’ will have to be ‘Cosmic power, Divine power, God’"
The caste/laborer system and cow worship are problems when saying a fair and rational God founded Hinduism."

6. Buddhism- "Buddhism began in India about 500 years before the birth of Christ. The people living at that time had become disillusioned with certain beliefs of Hinduism including the caste system, which had grown extremely complex. The number of outcasts (those who did not belong to any particular caste) was continuing to grow."

"However, in Buddhism, like so many other religions, fanciful stories arose concerning events in the life of the founder, Siddhartha Gautama (fifth century B.C.):"

Archaeological discoveries have proved, beyond a doubt, his historical character, but apart from the legends we know very little about the circumstances of his life.

http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/BUDDHISM/SIDD.HTM

Bottom line: There are many good ways of living but be aware of the hallucinations/embellishments and myths surrounding the founders of said rules of life.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_Jesus for an analysis of Jesus' life to include his illiteracy.

Islam seems to me to be a religion of deceit , untruth and manipulations. Do you actually think that people of good will and honor will ever want to believe you now that you have shown us what Muslims are capable of. DO the truth....don't be satisfied with TELLING us your version of it.