M. Cherif Bassiouni: Islamophobia and the Mosque Controversy GR White Paper: Islamophobia and the Mosque Controversy by M. Cherif Bassiouni Cordoba House/Park 51 Referring to the proposed Muslim Community Center in lower Manhattan as the “Ground Zero Mosque” has inflammatory and misleading implications. Calling it the “Terror Mosque” and the “Jihad Mosque” adds a hate-inspiring dimension. Every time avowed or concealed Islamophobes describe the New York Community Center in these, and other terms, they distort the facts. The project that its promoters call Cordoba House/Park 51 is named for an ancient Spanish city that epitomized the understanding between the three … Continue reading Islamophobia and the Mosque Controversy

“Underground” Group of Cadets Say Air Force Academy Controlled by Evangelicals by: Mike Ludwig, t r u t h o u t | Report (Photo: tab2space) An anonymous cadet at the US Air Force Academy (USAFA ) spoke out against alleged religious discrimination at the school last week, saying that some cadets must pretend to be evangelical Christians in order to maintain standing among their peers and superiors. In an email to the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF), the whistleblower stated that he is part of an “underground group” of about 100 cadets who cannot rely on proper channels to … Continue reading Christian fanatics take over US Air Force Academy?

Bin Laden may be using climate to bolster image: Analyst In one of two tapes issued in January, bin Laden blamed major industrial nations for climate change, a statement the US State Department said showed that he was struggling to stay relevant. — File Photo World Bin Laden’s bodyguard warns of escalation in Yemen SECURITY RISKS Pakistan most vulnerable to climate change WASHINGTON: Osama bin Laden’s message of worry about climate change and devastating Pakistan flooding, broadcast online Friday, aims to polish his battered image among Muslims, a leading Western analyst said. “Bin Laden seeks to capitalize on any crises … Continue reading Is Bin Laden Eco-Friendly?

Understanding political Islam by Nadeem F. Paracha Islamic Fundamentalism: Though usually attributed to the beliefs of modern-day extremist movements in Islam, Islamic Fundamentalism (in the political context), is basically a firm belief in the theological musings of ancient Islamic jurists and scholars. Islamic Fundamentalists all agree with Imam Ghazali’s dictum (in the twelfth century), that the ‘gates of ijtihad (rational debate) in Islam are now closed.’ After about three hundred years of open debate in the Islamic world between conservatives and the rationalists (Mu’tazilites), Ghazali insisted that a perfect synthesis (between the two) had been reached and that Islam’s social … Continue reading Islamism

Counterterrorism Strategy Initiative/Terror Free Tomorrow Public Opinion in Pakistan’s Tribal Regions By Peter Bergen and Patrick Doherty, New America Foundation, and Ken Ballen, Terror Free Tomorrow Executive Summary The New America Foundation and Terror Free Tomorrow have conducted the first comprehensive public opinion survey covering sensitive political issues in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan. The unprecedented survey, from June 30 to July 20, 2010,consisted of face-to-face interviews of 1,000 FATA residents age 18 or older across 120 villages/sampling points in all seven tribal Agencies of FATA, with a margin of error of +/- 3 percent, and field work … Continue reading Public Opinion in Pakistan’s Tribal Regions

Lady Warsi blames lack of Tory majority on electoral fraud Tory chair says ‘at least three seats’ were lost due to alleged on electoral fraud and predominantly blames Asian community Paul Owen guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 29 September 2010 17.43 BST Article history Lady Warsi says she has written to Nick Clegg to discuss fraud and voter disenfranchisement. Photograph: Linda Nylind for the GuardianLady Warsi has blamed electoral fraud for the Tories’ failure to secure an overall majority at this May’s election – and claimed that Labour “absolutely” benefited from the alleged fraud. The Tory chairman told tomorrow’s New Statesman: “[There were] … Continue reading Lady Warsi blames electoral fraud

Gliese 581g in ‘Goldilocks zone’ of space where liquid water could exist is strong contender for a habitable world Ian Sample, science correspondent guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 29 September 2010 22.00 BST Article history An artist’s impression of Gliese 581g, which astronomers say is near Earth – relatively speaking – at 120 trillion miles. Photograph: Zina Deretsky, National Science Foundation/APAstronomers have discovered a potentially habitable planet of similar size to Earth in orbit around a nearby star. A team of planet hunters spotted the alien world circling a red dwarf star called Gliese 581, 20 light years away. The planet is in … Continue reading Earth-like planet discovered

China builds up role in Gulf By Chris Zambelis China’s diplomatic, economic, and security interests in the Middle East continue to expand commensurate with its energy interests and growing international clout. With the country the world’s second-largest consumer and the third-largest net importer of oil overall, Beijing’s energy security rests on the steady flow of oil from the Middle East. The multifaceted bilateral relationships that are being forged between China and the leading oil producers in the Middle East and, in particular, the Persian Gulf, such as Saudi Arabia – China’s largest oil supplier – and Iran – China’s third-largest … Continue reading China in Gulf

Leaks in India’s submarine strategy By Peter J Brown India’s emphasis on undersea warfare is growing, but too slowly for many experts. Today, the Indian navy’s submarine fleet – India’s “silent service” – is beset with numerous problems and delays. In China, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) shows no sign of backing off its plans to gradually increase its presence in the Indian Ocean. This influx of Chinese naval vessels does not pose an immediate threat to India’s national security, but the situation could change. Russia, however, may wield considerable influence over the flow of events. While Russia continues … Continue reading Leaks in Indian Navy