Blair is obviously pandering, because what he says about the koran couldn’t be further from the truth.

I guess you and PM Blair know more about islam and the koran than devout muslims who insist its a hate and war manual. Cut the PC claptrap.

Laura,

I’m not sure on what sources you rely, but before labeling any of this “PC claptrap,” you might want to check out this link to “Muslims who condemn terror” — first highlighted by TMV contributor Paul Silver — and (in particular) note the full text of “the official fatwa (ruling) of the Fiqh Council of North America, the major Islamic religious organization in North America, condemning terrorism,” and their references to the Koran (or Qur’an), in particular where they note that “We issue this fatwa following the guidance of our scripture, the Qur’an, and the teachings of our Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him. We urge all people to resolve all conflicts in just and peaceful manners.”

You might also want to check out this page from the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

I was struck by two things. First, that Blair can write. Can anyone imagine our moron-in-chief writing that–or anything cogent? Remember his insightful analysis of the situation? “They hate us because we’re free. Evildoers.” Pathetic. Second, I have Muslim friends who are smart, sophisticated, educated, progressive capitalists. I have very low regard for any organized religion, especially extremist Muslims and Christians, but this isn’t about Islam or religion. It’s about territory, resources, wealth and occupation. We attacked Iraq (the first time) because they invaded Kuwait for oil and territory. The second time, because we want control of the oil. Qaeda attacked us (sez bin Laden) for support of Israeli occupation of Palestine, military bases on the Arabian peninsula, and sanctions against Iraq.

They don’t “hate our freedom.” They want to be free from us.

Would it be more efficient to distribute guns to all the Iraqis who vote so they can defend themselves and cleanse their neighborhoods of radicals? Just like our founders, sometimes even pacifists need to defend themselves. Isn’t this the purpose of our second amendment?

Hahahaha.

How is the decision made to use military force rather than to distribute solar powered power and water purification stations? To make microloans to help economic growth? To distribute iodine and malaria remedies and cheap computers?

Would it be more efficient to distribute guns to all the Iraqis who vote so they can defend themselves and cleanse their neighborhoods of radicals? Just like our founders, sometimes even pacifists need to defend themselves. Isn’t this the purpose of our second amendment?

Whom do our leaders listen to in setting their priorities?

I get frustrated sometimes having the same debate over and over again without expert information about what solutions are viable.

Pete, its ashame millions upon millions of muslims haven’t gotten the message that islam is really a religion of peace, what with all the violence, terror and war being perpetrated in the name of islam around the world. But I guess you and PM Blair know more about islam and the koran than devout muslims who insist its a hate and war manual. Cut the PC claptrap.

Anyway, far ahead of its time doesn’t necessarily mean ‘up to date’.

As always, key is… interpretation.