Muslim leaders need to incite less, understand more -- Failure to comprehend West means they lose all support
By: Niall O'Dowd | Published Monday, September 17, 2012, 9:32 AM | Updated Monday, September 17, 2012, 9:32 AM
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| Still from movie "Innocence of Muslims" |
The blood-dimmed tide was loosed again in the Middle East over the latest crazy reaction to a “film” that a five-year old would have shot better.
Have you actually watched the film that all the murder and mayhem has been about?
It is called “Innocence of Muslims” and I watched it on YouTube last night and thought it was some kind of hellish joke.
It is so badly put together and utterly impossible to follow that it is quite possibly the worst film ever made.
It makes “The Attack of the Killer Tomatoes” look like “Ben Hur,” and “Ali Baba” look like high literature.
How millions of Muslims can take such grave offense that people have died because of this piece of garbage is hard to believe.
More to the point, the Muslim leadership needs to stop fueling the flames every time some idiot casts aspersions on their religion.
Catholics did not riot when the “Piss Christ” exhibition took place in New York featuring a crucifix in a jar of urine.
Nor did Jews riot when violently anti-Semitic texts were approved for schools in many Muslim countries.
I understand it is a complex issue but let’s call a spade a spade. The “movie” I watched on YouTube has as much to do with Americans and the American government as I have with Genghis Khan.
Attacking America is a reflex action of course, anti- Americanism is always the safe fallback, the better to keep the attention away from many of their own despotic leaders.
But Muslim leaders really need to come into the 21st Century and stop the demonization that is leading to such violence.
It is destroying any hope of a common understanding.
They need to look at the mote in their own eye as we all do. A parody Twitter account of Syria’s president, Bashar al-Assad, posted: “Wow! Good thing I just bombed mosques, killed women and children and I didn’t make an anti-Muslim video! People would be after me!”
That says it all.
As W.B. Yeats wrote,
“The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.”
Read more: Family of Irish American former Navy SEAL killed in Libyan protests mourn their “hero” - VIDEOS
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.seanomelb | Sep 21, 2012, 02:41 AM EDT
Change is happening!! I find it perplexing that the countries in Middle east that had the highest standard of education were the countries America transgressed Iran,Iraq.Libya.
merefalow | Sep 20, 2012, 06:08 PM EDT
AFTER LIVING IN THE MIDDLE EAST,for 11 years i dont believe the arab mind set will ever change,its no different than what the west had for 2000 years,a theocratic dominance that brooked no argument,burned, heretics,ie read infidels,launched so called holy wars,murdered jews,burnt books,etc etc,these guys are operating somewhere prior to the 14th century,they have a long way to go to catch up,they are deadly dangerous to western democracy which they neither wish for or understand regarding it as a threat to their longheld misogynist theocratic dominance,you wont change these people anytime soon,a great pity for the young and educated among-st them,some of whom wish for change,greatly outnumbered and isolated.
Terry Brennan | Sep 20, 2012, 11:49 AM EDT
Muslims are so easily offended- I think because they suspect the truth which is that it (islam) is a hoax just like all the other religions and they shout loudly to drown out their their own thoughts, look around and see who else is shouting and satisfy their belief with what they see- more nutcases shouting. Then with equal conviction blame America for everything- oldest trick in their book.
seanomelb | Sep 20, 2012, 02:06 AM EDT
I suppose Briano certain radical groups in the Islamic world used the video as an anti American propaganda film and the Christian group who facilitated the video are just as extreme as the extremist on the other side.
BrianO | Sep 18, 2012, 09:35 PM EDT
Seano, you're logical so How does a youtube video in english that is released in june, incite people who don't read or understand english,on sep 11. Maybe this moron who made this video is one of a hundred morons who make other types of videos and never get any hype, until someone needs a scapegoat.
seanomelb | Sep 18, 2012, 07:35 PM EDT
Obama promised to bring the perpetrators to justice,doesn't sound like appeasement to me sounds like a tough guy. Maybe Briano should castigate the Christian media group who bankrolled the Video that caused the silly response.
BrianO | Sep 18, 2012, 11:53 AM EDT
Why would the muslim world go nuts over an unknown youtube piece? Seems mighty convenient, more believable that the youtube piece was a way to shift blame from those in the administration responsible for the lack of security. 11 year anniversary of 9 11 why would any one suspect an attack? Very naive on the Obama administrations part first off, next move is to apologize, then appease, next will be tough guy act to play to electorate.
Sparklet | Sep 18, 2012, 11:45 AM EDT
Seanomelb couldn't be more right. It's the time the West acknowledged the plight of the Palestinians. Until we do, there will never be peace. Maybe things have gone too far for that to happen easily, but it would be a start.
jimod4343 | Sep 18, 2012, 06:42 AM EDT
@donegalcali, I agree with @canadianirish. I have a suggestion for you. Why don't you get a job in the open prison called Saudi Arabia and experience at first hand what the place is like. Assuming you don't go crazy, have an automobile accident (for which YOU, as a foreigner, will always be blamed), get arbitrarily thrown in jail for not being a muslim, get refused an exit visa because your employer won't let you leave, get rounded up by the police to watch a public beheading etc., I guarantee that your attitude will change.
Bocktherobber | Sep 18, 2012, 04:40 AM EDT
Magdaleno -- You learned about DNA from the bible, did you? While you have it open, could you look up the chapter on curing stupidity?
seanomelb | Sep 18, 2012, 02:31 AM EDT
Boring borefield is at it again
borefield | Sep 18, 2012, 01:46 AM EDT
One more thing Niall, you quote Assad!, a dictator , a murderer who slaughters his own people, brilliant indeed. Oh, yes yo did quote Yeats. I guess that makes you a scholar.
borefield | Sep 18, 2012, 01:38 AM EDT
Niall, are you spreading the spin also?, the stupid video was not even the match for this debacle It's just an excuse for the dismal failure of our President and his administration. Before he was President he stated in an interview" the day I become President the world will look at us differently " he was so right. They see us in retreat, weak and grovelling with apologies from an amature in our white house. They see us differently alright, our embassador and three other Americans killed on 9/11, our flag burning, our embassy and consulate on fire, shouts of "death to America " Didn't we learn from the first 9/11? it's a sad day when we hear a more truthful explanation from the Libyan President. This stupid amature video or whatever it was meant to be has been in circulation since June or July, no one payed much notice until it became the cover up for Obamas failed Arab Spring. For Gods Sake Niall will you and your second rate reporters tell the Truth for once. I am so discusted with the media cover up at the expense of our citizens, the insult to our Country and to the families that lost their loved ones
Magdaleno | Sep 17, 2012, 10:34 PM EDT
The problem w/ the Arab hate is structured in their DNA... Genesis16:11-12 "This son of yours will be a wild man, as untamed as a wild donkey! He will raise his fist against everyone,and everyone will be against him, Yes, he will live in open hostillity against all his relatives." --The Bible tells me so. Read and know the facts as they are. Stop making remarks w/have no true facts. God Rules and his word is in the Bible.
danielco | Sep 17, 2012, 09:13 PM EDT
US: The automobile... Middle East: Oil... Why can't we all just get along...
canadianirish | Sep 17, 2012, 08:47 PM EDT
@donegalcali - Muslim extremist are ya? Get over yourself.
seanomelb | Sep 17, 2012, 06:50 PM EDT
Your piece has a ring of truth Niall, You could have balance d it by stating American foriegn policy has failed to understand Muslim concerns. And why The US condones by their silence the rape and pillage of Palestine,the elephant is comfortable sitting in the American room.
Bocktherobber | Sep 17, 2012, 06:08 PM EDT
Brian22 -- Islamic mathematicians were still developing algebra in the 17th century while Americans were still shooting Indians. But you did ask for a single example of what they contributed, so there it is. As a bonus, how about astronomy? Could you give an example of something your ancestors contributed to humanity?
donegalcali | Sep 17, 2012, 04:58 PM EDT
@canadianirish: Congratulations. Your comment was the dumbest, lowest IQ, ill-informed comment have ever read on any media platform. I feel stupid for reading it. Doesnt make an an ounce of sense. Are you actually aware that your an idiot?
aloistmartin | Sep 17, 2012, 04:53 PM EDT
No doubt, George III said same of Boston Tea Party. Or even most European "High Society" at hearing the News of the French Revolution Or do you Irish Today, see your own Revolution, as some sort of Dark, Barbaric Period in History ? O Pass the Double Devon Cream !
canadianirish | Sep 17, 2012, 02:44 PM EDT
These extremist nutbars never cease to amaze me. They go ballistic over a stupid little childish film while remaining silent when a video shot in a parking lot in the US pitting the IRA against the Taliban is posted to YouTube. Oh, but wait a minute, I guess they figure that's an Irish video. I suppose they don't want to ruffle any terrorist feathers over there. After what I've been reading lately, they'd be wise not to.
Sparklet | Sep 17, 2012, 02:19 PM EDT
Manhattan, I so agree. It's very sad for the people in those countries who are oppressed, but western presence (some say interference) isn't helping world stability.
manhattan | Sep 17, 2012, 01:57 PM EDT
If you think the riots and murders of Americans is because of the movie I have a bridge I would like to sell you. They hate us pure and simple. Stop sending money and soldiers to a lost cause. We never learn from going into country's like Vietnam and think we can bring democracy. Leave them to dictators because they are not now and will never learn to be civilized. Not one more American life to be sitting ducks. Disgusted.
Searlit | Sep 17, 2012, 01:50 PM EDT
They still treat women like property.
occassio | Sep 17, 2012, 01:06 PM EDT
brian22. The Arabs have long memories which include nearly 300 years of Crusaders invading their country in the name of Christ, then proceeding to burn, rape, pillage and plunder everything.
brian22 | Sep 17, 2012, 12:55 PM EDT
Blocktherobber - thanks, but that is more like 2000 years. They have been sitting on their evil asses since then cooking with camel dung!
Sparklet | Sep 17, 2012, 12:29 PM EDT
So much for helping the Libyans get rid of a dictator. There's really no point in trying to help Islamic countries because their hatred of the west is too deep. They accept our help when their armies are slaughtering their own, but there's no foundation there for trust or understanding. You can't reason with them. It's scary.
citizen69 | Sep 17, 2012, 12:16 PM EDT
Hmmm,"need to incite less, understand more". Sounds like a piece of advice Niall could give to himself and his, erm... "journalists" when it comes to reporting on anything British or Unionist!
Bocktherobber | Sep 17, 2012, 11:55 AM EDT
Brian22 -- Mathematics?
handsome68 | Sep 17, 2012, 11:42 AM EDT
Lots of good comments below, including that of PhlutiePhan, " Islam has an agenda. Duh! Check your history books especially the section on the Middle Ages." Irishwoman Margaret (nee FitzSimons) Hassan learned the hardest way that, in many cases, Muslims bite (and kill) the hand that feeds them.
Bocktherobber | Sep 17, 2012, 11:42 AM EDT
These attacks are insanity, but let's not lump all Muslims together. That's like saying there's no difference between Catholics, Episcopalians, Greek Orthodox and the Westboro Baptist Church. What's the difference between Rev Terry Jones and your average foaming at the mouth Islamic fundamentalist cleric? Most Muslims are not bug-eyed nutcases demanding death to infidels, and most are embarrassed by the madmen who carried out the murders. Anyhow, Muslims aren't the only ones who get the wrong end of the stick. As recently as 2007, according to a Newsweek poll, 41% of Americans still believed that Iraq had something to do with the 9-11 attacks.
Irishphotograph | Sep 17, 2012, 10:53 AM EDT
"Other than the fact that Muslims haven't killed every non-Muslim under their domain, there is very little else that they can point to as proof that theirs is a peaceful, tolerant religion. Where Islam is dominant (as in the Middle East and Pakistan) religious minorities suffer brutal persecution with little resistance. Where Islam is in the minority (as in Thailand, the Philippines and Europe) there is the threat of violence if Muslim demands are not met. Either situation seems to provide a justification for religious terrorism, which is persistent and endemic to Islamic fundamentalism. Unlike nearly all of the Old Testament verses of violence, most of the verses of violence in the Quran are open-ended, meaning that they are not restrained by the historical context of the surrounding text. They are part of the eternal, unchanging word of Allah, and just as relevant or subjective as anything else in the Quran" Unfortunately, there are very few verses of tolerance and peace to abrogate or even balance out the many that call for nonbelievers to be fought and subdued until they either accept humiliation, convert to Islam, or are killed. Muhammad's own martial legacy and the remarkable stress on violence found in the Quran have resulted in a trail of blood and tears across world history"
brian22 | Sep 17, 2012, 10:41 AM EDT
We all know about the death and destruction they have caused, is anyone able to advise me of one single benefit they have contributed to the betterment of human kind in the last 1000 years????
wilhoef | Sep 17, 2012, 10:27 AM EDT
Careful Mr. O'Dowd. The phrase "...call a spade a spade." has racial connotations and could cause rioting in the U.S.
southerner | Sep 17, 2012, 10:14 AM EDT
Well said Mr O'Dowd!! It seems that our Muslim brothers have a way to go to join the century in which we now live. They need to stop over reacting. They need to stop trying to kill the messenger and address the message. And they need to develop a live and let live ethos when living in non Muslim countries.The shame is that most of our brothers and sisters of that religion are betrayed by the minority who behave like idiots.
jamieLM | Sep 17, 2012, 10:09 AM EDT
Btw: That video was disgusting and deplorable. I certainly don't condone it.
PhlutiePhan | Sep 17, 2012, 10:07 AM EDT
Islam has an agenda. Duh! Check your history books especially the section on the Middle Ages.
jamieLM | Sep 17, 2012, 09:56 AM EDT
Not all, but too many Muslims have no tolerance, let alone respect, for any non-Islamic religion. Too many Muslims are passive when Muslim extremists persecute and kill Christians at will, while demanding that everyone respect Muslims and Islam and its customs 24/7. Non-Islamic countries have to build mosques to accommodate a Muslim minority. How many Christian churches are being built in Islamic countries??? How many churches have been closed or destroyed in Islamic countries? Oh, that's right, we're the INFIDELS. Tolerance is a one-way street. These same Muslims spew hatred for America while expecting and accepting huge amounts of U.S. money. Attacking the West, especially the U.S., is just an excuse to turn the attention away from their own dismal failures, blaming others for all their problems. They're jealous of Western successes. This video was just an excuse to vent.
Eschetic | Sep 17, 2012, 09:37 AM EDT
Wise people have always said - never condemn until you have walked a mile in the other person's sandals. OF COURSE those responding violently to religious provocation should be more sensitive - but we in the west ALSO need need to understand the cultural ground rules of other cultures (and anyone who doesn't think Fundamentalists in the US have not responded with deadly violence to what they perceived as attacks on their beliefs doesn't know the history of their own country). Those who knowingly provoke (as these film makers and those right wing politicos who do not denounce them do) are equally as guilty as those who riot.