My article on the imprisonment of the Belarusian journalist Aliaksandar Zdźvižkoŭ over his reprinting of the caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and the subsequent vilification of Muslims in some quarters of the usually liberal Belarusian opposition, which first appeared in the Belarusian magazine ARCHE in the January-February 2008 issue, has now been reprinted (in English translation and in shortened form) in Eurozine, which is an online magazine that publishes translations of articles first published by a network of European cultural magazines.
Do let me know what you think about the article!
Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts
24 May 2008
US Evangelical magazine predicts European invasion of America
The Philadelphia Trumpet, a magazine published by the Philadelphia Church of God, based in Edmond, Oklahoma, is claiming that increased German investment in Latin America places the US in greater danger than "Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Osama bin Laden and Vladimir Putin combined". The magazine argues that the recent spate of investment builds on groundwork laid by Nazis who took refuge in Latin America, and that "Germany’s takeover of Latin America would put European forces directly on the southern border of the U.S. and present an ideal scenario for a full-scale invasion of America".
Now being grumpy at "Old Europe" is one thing, but this is really out there. I know one shouldn't draw conclusions based on what one Evangelical church is saying, but the question is: to what extent will this sort of extreme nativism catch on?
Now being grumpy at "Old Europe" is one thing, but this is really out there. I know one shouldn't draw conclusions based on what one Evangelical church is saying, but the question is: to what extent will this sort of extreme nativism catch on?
Visitor profile, 15 April to 14 May 2008
Welcome to the fourteenth installment of Notes on Religion visitor profiles!
This month (15 April to 14 May 2008):
This month, Notes on Religion received 206 visits, that is, 255% more than the number received the previous month, alhamdu lillah. The average number of visitors during this period was seven a day.
Visitors came to Notes on Religion from Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe and North America. Most visitors (58%) came from the United States. Canada was next with 21%, while the United Arab Emirates came third with 4%. In sha' Allah, I'll quote all monetary amounts (if any are discussed) in US dollars along with Canadian dollars over the coming month.
In the US, the largest number of visitors (17%) came from New York.
In Canada, 47% of the visitors' ISPs were in Quebec.
The largest number of visitors this month (33%) were referred to Notes on Religion by Google. The most common Google search terms that brought visitors to the blog were 'anders bøtter' and 'luttwak'.
The most popular browser this month was Internet Explorer (46%). 87% of the visitors were Windows users.
Since the founding of the blog (15 March 2007 to 14 May 2008):
The total number of visitors during the year and two months was 1,600. The average number of visitors was four per day.
The largest number of visitors (36%) came from Canada. The second-highest number (34%) came from the United States. The United Kingdom came third with 5%.
Quebec accounted for 56% of the visitors' ISPs within Canada.
The biggest proportion of visitors (39%) was referred to the blog by Blogger. The most common search term entered by visitors who were referred to Notes on Religion by Google was 'natasha aliyeva'.
The most popular browser was Internet Explorer (50%). 91% of the visitors were Windows users.
This month (15 April to 14 May 2008):
This month, Notes on Religion received 206 visits, that is, 255% more than the number received the previous month, alhamdu lillah. The average number of visitors during this period was seven a day.
Visitors came to Notes on Religion from Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe and North America. Most visitors (58%) came from the United States. Canada was next with 21%, while the United Arab Emirates came third with 4%. In sha' Allah, I'll quote all monetary amounts (if any are discussed) in US dollars along with Canadian dollars over the coming month.
In the US, the largest number of visitors (17%) came from New York.
In Canada, 47% of the visitors' ISPs were in Quebec.
The largest number of visitors this month (33%) were referred to Notes on Religion by Google. The most common Google search terms that brought visitors to the blog were 'anders bøtter' and 'luttwak'.
The most popular browser this month was Internet Explorer (46%). 87% of the visitors were Windows users.
Since the founding of the blog (15 March 2007 to 14 May 2008):
The total number of visitors during the year and two months was 1,600. The average number of visitors was four per day.
The largest number of visitors (36%) came from Canada. The second-highest number (34%) came from the United States. The United Kingdom came third with 5%.
Quebec accounted for 56% of the visitors' ISPs within Canada.
The biggest proportion of visitors (39%) was referred to the blog by Blogger. The most common search term entered by visitors who were referred to Notes on Religion by Google was 'natasha aliyeva'.
The most popular browser was Internet Explorer (50%). 91% of the visitors were Windows users.
03 May 2008
Visitor profile, 15 March to 14 April 2008
Welcome to the thirteenth installment of Notes on Religion visitor profiles!
This month (15 March to 14 April 2008):
This month, Notes on Religion received 58 visits, that is, 23% less than the number received the previous month. The average number of visitors during this period was two a day.
Visitors came to Notes on Religion from Asia, Australasia, Europe and North America. By far the largest number of visitors (48%) came from the United States. Canada and the United Arab Emirates tied for second place with 12%. In sha' Allah, I'll quote all monetary amounts (if any are discussed) in US dollars along with Canadian dollars over the coming month.
In the US, the largest number of visitors (29%) came from New York.
In Canada, 57% of the visitors' ISPs were in Quebec.
Most visitors this month (59%) were referred to Notes on Religion by Google. The most common Google search term that brought visitors to the blog was 'natasha aliyeva'.
The most popular browser this month was Internet Explorer (47%). 81% of the visitors were Windows users.
Since the founding of the blog (15 March 2007 to 14 April 2008):
The total number of visitors during the year and one month was 1,394. The average number of visitors was four per day.
The largest number of visitors (39%) came from Canada. The second-highest number (31%) came from the United States. The United Kingdom came third with 5%.
Quebec accounted for 57% of the visitors' ISPs within Canada.
The biggest proportion of visitors (42%) was referred to the blog by Blogger. The most common search term entered by visitors who were referred to Notes on Religion by Google was 'natasha aliyeva'.
The most popular browser was Internet Explorer (51%). 92% of the visitors were Windows users.
This month (15 March to 14 April 2008):
This month, Notes on Religion received 58 visits, that is, 23% less than the number received the previous month. The average number of visitors during this period was two a day.
Visitors came to Notes on Religion from Asia, Australasia, Europe and North America. By far the largest number of visitors (48%) came from the United States. Canada and the United Arab Emirates tied for second place with 12%. In sha' Allah, I'll quote all monetary amounts (if any are discussed) in US dollars along with Canadian dollars over the coming month.
In the US, the largest number of visitors (29%) came from New York.
In Canada, 57% of the visitors' ISPs were in Quebec.
Most visitors this month (59%) were referred to Notes on Religion by Google. The most common Google search term that brought visitors to the blog was 'natasha aliyeva'.
The most popular browser this month was Internet Explorer (47%). 81% of the visitors were Windows users.
Since the founding of the blog (15 March 2007 to 14 April 2008):
The total number of visitors during the year and one month was 1,394. The average number of visitors was four per day.
The largest number of visitors (39%) came from Canada. The second-highest number (31%) came from the United States. The United Kingdom came third with 5%.
Quebec accounted for 57% of the visitors' ISPs within Canada.
The biggest proportion of visitors (42%) was referred to the blog by Blogger. The most common search term entered by visitors who were referred to Notes on Religion by Google was 'natasha aliyeva'.
The most popular browser was Internet Explorer (51%). 92% of the visitors were Windows users.
Visitor profile, 15 February to 14 March 2008
Welcome to the twelfth installment of Notes on Religion visitor profiles!
This month (15 February to 14 March 2008):
This month, Notes on Religion received 75 visits, that is, the same number as that received the previous month. The average number of visitors during this period was three a day.
Visitors came to Notes on Religion from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America. The largest number of visitors (38%) came from the United States, and Canada came second with 35%. Visitors from other countries accounted for less than 1% each.
In the US, the largest number of visitors (18%) came from New York.
In Canada, 15% of the visitors' ISPs were in Quebec.
Most visitors this month (59%) were referred to Notes on Religion by Google. The most common Google search terms that brought visitors to the blog were 'congratulate kosovo' and 'religion of kosovo'.
The most popular browser this month was Internet Explorer (56%). 93% of the visitors were Windows users.
In the year since the founding of the blog (15 March 2007 to 14 March 2008):
The total number of visitors during the year was 1,336. The average number of visitors was four per day.
The largest number of visitors (40%) came from Canada. The second-highest number (30%) came from the United States. The United Kingdom came third with 5%.
Quebec accounted for 57% of the visitors' ISPs within Canada.
The biggest proportion of visitors (44%) was referred to the blog by Blogger. The most common search term entered by visitors who were referred to Notes on Religion by Google was 'ishaq nizami'.
The most popular browser was Internet Explorer (51%). 92% of the visitors were Windows users.
This month (15 February to 14 March 2008):
This month, Notes on Religion received 75 visits, that is, the same number as that received the previous month. The average number of visitors during this period was three a day.
Visitors came to Notes on Religion from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America. The largest number of visitors (38%) came from the United States, and Canada came second with 35%. Visitors from other countries accounted for less than 1% each.
In the US, the largest number of visitors (18%) came from New York.
In Canada, 15% of the visitors' ISPs were in Quebec.
Most visitors this month (59%) were referred to Notes on Religion by Google. The most common Google search terms that brought visitors to the blog were 'congratulate kosovo' and 'religion of kosovo'.
The most popular browser this month was Internet Explorer (56%). 93% of the visitors were Windows users.
In the year since the founding of the blog (15 March 2007 to 14 March 2008):
The total number of visitors during the year was 1,336. The average number of visitors was four per day.
The largest number of visitors (40%) came from Canada. The second-highest number (30%) came from the United States. The United Kingdom came third with 5%.
Quebec accounted for 57% of the visitors' ISPs within Canada.
The biggest proportion of visitors (44%) was referred to the blog by Blogger. The most common search term entered by visitors who were referred to Notes on Religion by Google was 'ishaq nizami'.
The most popular browser was Internet Explorer (51%). 92% of the visitors were Windows users.
16 February 2008
Visitor profile, 15 January to 14 February 2008
Welcome to the eleventh installment of Notes on Religion visitor profiles!
This month (15 January to 14 February 2008):
This month, Notes on Religion received 75 visits, that is, 20% less than the previous month. The average number of visitors during this period was two a day.
Visitors came to Notes on Religion from Asia, Europe, North America and South America. The majority of visitors (59%) came from Canada, and the United States came second with 21%. Germany came a distant third with 5%.
Within Canada, 39% of the visitors' ISPs were in Quebec.
The largest number of visitors this month (35%) came to Notes on Religion directly. The most common Google search term that brought visitors to the blog was 'pope coming to quebec'. He's probably not coming here this year, though.
The most popular browser this month was Firefox (61%). 85% of the visitors were Windows users.
Since the founding of the blog (15 March 2007 to 14 February 2008):
The total number of visitors during these eleven months was 1,261. The average number of visitors was four per day.
The largest number of visitors (40%) came from Canada. The second-highest number (29%) came from the United States. The United Kingdom came third with 5%.
Quebec accounted for 60% of the visitors' ISPs within Canada.
The biggest proportion of visitors (46%) was referred to the blog by Blogger. The most common search term entered by visitors who were referred to Notes on Religion by Google was 'ishaq nizami'.
The most popular browser was Internet Explorer (50%). 92% of the visitors were Windows users.
This month (15 January to 14 February 2008):
This month, Notes on Religion received 75 visits, that is, 20% less than the previous month. The average number of visitors during this period was two a day.
Visitors came to Notes on Religion from Asia, Europe, North America and South America. The majority of visitors (59%) came from Canada, and the United States came second with 21%. Germany came a distant third with 5%.
Within Canada, 39% of the visitors' ISPs were in Quebec.
The largest number of visitors this month (35%) came to Notes on Religion directly. The most common Google search term that brought visitors to the blog was 'pope coming to quebec'. He's probably not coming here this year, though.
The most popular browser this month was Firefox (61%). 85% of the visitors were Windows users.
Since the founding of the blog (15 March 2007 to 14 February 2008):
The total number of visitors during these eleven months was 1,261. The average number of visitors was four per day.
The largest number of visitors (40%) came from Canada. The second-highest number (29%) came from the United States. The United Kingdom came third with 5%.
Quebec accounted for 60% of the visitors' ISPs within Canada.
The biggest proportion of visitors (46%) was referred to the blog by Blogger. The most common search term entered by visitors who were referred to Notes on Religion by Google was 'ishaq nizami'.
The most popular browser was Internet Explorer (50%). 92% of the visitors were Windows users.
16 November 2007
Visitor profile, 15 October to 14 November 2007
Welcome to the eighth installment of Notes on Religion visitor profiles!
This month (15 October to 14 November 2007):
This month, Notes on Religion received 73 visits, that is, 3% more than the previous month. The average number of visitors during this period was two a day.
Visitors came to Notes on Religion from Asia, Australasia, Europe and North America. By far the largest number of visitors (44%) came from Canada, and the United States came second with 22%. India came third with 8%.
Within Canada, 9% of the ISPs were in Quebec.
The largest number of visitors this month (41%) was referred to the blog by Google. The most common Google search term that brought visitors to Notes on Religion was, of all things, 'sylheti sex clips'. I can assure you, though, that there are no sex clips on this blog, Sylheti or otherwise; nor are there likely to be in the future.
The most popular browser this month was Internet Explorer (58%). 97% of the visitors were Windows users.
Since the founding of the blog (15 March to 14 November 2007):
The total number of visitors during these eight months was 1,010. The average number of visitors was four per day.
The largest number of visitors (36%) came from Canada. The second-highest number (31%) came from the United States. The United Kingdom came third with 6%.
Quebec accounted for 70% of the visitors' ISPs within Canada.
The biggest proportion of visitors (48%) was referred to the blog by Blogger. The most common search term entered by visitors who were referred to Notes on Religion by Google was 'ishaq nizami'.
The most popular browser was Internet Explorer (53%). 92% of the visitors were Windows users.
This month (15 October to 14 November 2007):
This month, Notes on Religion received 73 visits, that is, 3% more than the previous month. The average number of visitors during this period was two a day.
Visitors came to Notes on Religion from Asia, Australasia, Europe and North America. By far the largest number of visitors (44%) came from Canada, and the United States came second with 22%. India came third with 8%.
Within Canada, 9% of the ISPs were in Quebec.
The largest number of visitors this month (41%) was referred to the blog by Google. The most common Google search term that brought visitors to Notes on Religion was, of all things, 'sylheti sex clips'. I can assure you, though, that there are no sex clips on this blog, Sylheti or otherwise; nor are there likely to be in the future.
The most popular browser this month was Internet Explorer (58%). 97% of the visitors were Windows users.
Since the founding of the blog (15 March to 14 November 2007):
The total number of visitors during these eight months was 1,010. The average number of visitors was four per day.
The largest number of visitors (36%) came from Canada. The second-highest number (31%) came from the United States. The United Kingdom came third with 6%.
Quebec accounted for 70% of the visitors' ISPs within Canada.
The biggest proportion of visitors (48%) was referred to the blog by Blogger. The most common search term entered by visitors who were referred to Notes on Religion by Google was 'ishaq nizami'.
The most popular browser was Internet Explorer (53%). 92% of the visitors were Windows users.
20 October 2007
Visitor profile, 15 September to 14 October 2007
Welcome to the seventh installment of Notes on Religion visitor profiles!
This month (15 September to 14 October 2007):
This month, Notes on Religion received 71 visits, that is, 10% less than the previous month. The average number of visitors during this period was two a day.
Visitors came to Notes on Religion from Asia, Australasia, Europe and North America. By far the largest number of visitors (49%) came from Canada, and the United States came second with 17%. Australia came a distant third with 6%.
Within Canada, 49% of the visits this month came from Quebec.
The largest number of visitors this month (44%) was referred to the blog by Google. The most common Google searches ranged from 'natasha aliyeva' to 'natasha aliyeva belarus'.
The most popular browser this month was Internet Explorer (54%). 94% of the visitors were Windows users.
Since the founding of the blog (15 March to 14 October 2007):
The total number of visitors during these seven months was 937. The average number of visitors was four per day.
The largest number of visitors (36%) came from Canada. The second-highest number (31%) came from the United States. The United Kingdom came third with 6%.
Quebec accounted for 76% of visitors from Canada.
The biggest proportion of visitors (49%) was referred to the blog by Blogger. The most common search term entered by visitors who were referred to Notes on Religion by Google was 'ishaq nizami'.
The most popular browser was Internet Explorer (53%). 92% of the visitors were Windows users.
This month (15 September to 14 October 2007):
This month, Notes on Religion received 71 visits, that is, 10% less than the previous month. The average number of visitors during this period was two a day.
Visitors came to Notes on Religion from Asia, Australasia, Europe and North America. By far the largest number of visitors (49%) came from Canada, and the United States came second with 17%. Australia came a distant third with 6%.
Within Canada, 49% of the visits this month came from Quebec.
The largest number of visitors this month (44%) was referred to the blog by Google. The most common Google searches ranged from 'natasha aliyeva' to 'natasha aliyeva belarus'.
The most popular browser this month was Internet Explorer (54%). 94% of the visitors were Windows users.
Since the founding of the blog (15 March to 14 October 2007):
The total number of visitors during these seven months was 937. The average number of visitors was four per day.
The largest number of visitors (36%) came from Canada. The second-highest number (31%) came from the United States. The United Kingdom came third with 6%.
Quebec accounted for 76% of visitors from Canada.
The biggest proportion of visitors (49%) was referred to the blog by Blogger. The most common search term entered by visitors who were referred to Notes on Religion by Google was 'ishaq nizami'.
The most popular browser was Internet Explorer (53%). 92% of the visitors were Windows users.
06 September 2007
Hamas in negotiations over Shalit
The Palestinian militant group Hamas is negotiating separately with the International Committee of the Red Cross and several European countries over access to, and the possible release of, Cpl. Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier captured in a joint operation by Hamas and other Palestinian groups in June 2006.
The Director-General of the ICRC, Angelo Gnaedinger, has held talks with former Palestinian PM Ismail Haniya, a Hamas leader, asking for the ICRC to be given access to Shalit. Haniya said he was aiming to reach an "honourable prisoner-swap deal" involving Shalit and Palestinian prisoners being held by Israel (BBC).
The Director-General of the ICRC, Angelo Gnaedinger, has held talks with former Palestinian PM Ismail Haniya, a Hamas leader, asking for the ICRC to be given access to Shalit. Haniya said he was aiming to reach an "honourable prisoner-swap deal" involving Shalit and Palestinian prisoners being held by Israel (BBC).
17 July 2007
Visitor profile, 15 June to 14 July 2007
Welcome to the fourth installment of Notes on Religion visitor profiles!
This month (15 June to 14 July 2007):
This month, Notes on Religion received 57 visits, that is, 56% less than the previous month. The average number of visitors during this period was two a day.
Visitors came to Notes on Religion from Asia, Europe and North America. The largest number of visitors (39%) came from Canada, and the second-highest number came from the United States (28%). The UK came third with 14%.
Within Canada, 82% of the visits this month came from Quebec.
The biggest proportion of visitors this month (37%) was referred to the blog by Blogger. As for those who were referred by Google, their most common search term was 'Notesonreligion'.
The most popular browser this month was Internet Explorer (53%). 93% of the visitors were Windows users.
Since the founding of the blog (15 March to 14 July 2007):
The total number of visitors during these four months was 549. The average number of visitors was five per day.
The largest number of visitors (42%) came from Canada. The second-highest number (30%) came from the United States. The United Kingdom came third with 7%.
Quebec accounted for 70% of visitors from Canada.
The biggest proportion of visitors (38%) was referred to the blog by Blogger. The most common search term entered by visitors who were referred to Notes on Religion by Google was 'Ishaq Nizami'.
The most popular browser was Internet Explorer (50%). 93% of the visitors were Windows users.
This month (15 June to 14 July 2007):
This month, Notes on Religion received 57 visits, that is, 56% less than the previous month. The average number of visitors during this period was two a day.
Visitors came to Notes on Religion from Asia, Europe and North America. The largest number of visitors (39%) came from Canada, and the second-highest number came from the United States (28%). The UK came third with 14%.
Within Canada, 82% of the visits this month came from Quebec.
The biggest proportion of visitors this month (37%) was referred to the blog by Blogger. As for those who were referred by Google, their most common search term was 'Notesonreligion'.
The most popular browser this month was Internet Explorer (53%). 93% of the visitors were Windows users.
Since the founding of the blog (15 March to 14 July 2007):
The total number of visitors during these four months was 549. The average number of visitors was five per day.
The largest number of visitors (42%) came from Canada. The second-highest number (30%) came from the United States. The United Kingdom came third with 7%.
Quebec accounted for 70% of visitors from Canada.
The biggest proportion of visitors (38%) was referred to the blog by Blogger. The most common search term entered by visitors who were referred to Notes on Religion by Google was 'Ishaq Nizami'.
The most popular browser was Internet Explorer (50%). 93% of the visitors were Windows users.
02 July 2007
EU defends sex clip compilation
Martin Selmayr, the spokesman of the European Commission, has defended the EU's use of a compilation of sex scenes from European movies as a promotion tool on YouTube. The video is getting thousands of hits a day, and has drawn protests from some MEPs, including members of Britain's Conservative Party, and the League of Polish Families.
Selmayr described the criticism as "quasi-religious bashing of the very important cultural diversity we have in the European Union," and added that "the European Union is not a Bible belt, we believe in freedom of expression and artistic creativity" (BBC).
What Selmayr seems to forget is the EU's much-vaunted diversity. He should remember that he represents an organisation that does include some pretty religious member-states (Poland is but one example). So, while the EU may not be "a Bible belt", it does contain its own Bible belts and mini-Bible belts (in Greece, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, but also in the more secular member-states). This video, while being a great gimmick for attracting viewers to the EU's YouTube channel, does a poor job of representing the views of the more religious or conservative citizens of the Union.
Selmayr described the criticism as "quasi-religious bashing of the very important cultural diversity we have in the European Union," and added that "the European Union is not a Bible belt, we believe in freedom of expression and artistic creativity" (BBC).
What Selmayr seems to forget is the EU's much-vaunted diversity. He should remember that he represents an organisation that does include some pretty religious member-states (Poland is but one example). So, while the EU may not be "a Bible belt", it does contain its own Bible belts and mini-Bible belts (in Greece, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, but also in the more secular member-states). This video, while being a great gimmick for attracting viewers to the EU's YouTube channel, does a poor job of representing the views of the more religious or conservative citizens of the Union.
20 June 2007
UK anapologetic over Rushdie knighthood
In the face of criticism by Iran and Pakistan, and concerns expressed by Iraq, Britain has defended its decision to bestow a knighthood upon Salman Rushdie, author of The Satanic Verses, among other novels.
As British Home Secretary, John Reed, put it, "We have a right to express opinions and a tolerance of other people's point of view, and we don't apologise for that."
He also defended Britain's record in protecting the feelings of minorities, saying "We have to be sensitive, but I think that we take the approach that in the long-run the protection of the right to express opinions in literature, argument and politics is of over-riding value to our society" (BBC).
I agree that free expression is extremely valuable, and is one of the things that makes countries that guarantee it pleasant to live in. However, there is, of course, the question of balance: at what point does one person's freedom of expression cause unnecessary pain to another? All in all, I think Britain has got the balance right, unlike some other Western European countries.
As British Home Secretary, John Reed, put it, "We have a right to express opinions and a tolerance of other people's point of view, and we don't apologise for that."
He also defended Britain's record in protecting the feelings of minorities, saying "We have to be sensitive, but I think that we take the approach that in the long-run the protection of the right to express opinions in literature, argument and politics is of over-riding value to our society" (BBC).
I agree that free expression is extremely valuable, and is one of the things that makes countries that guarantee it pleasant to live in. However, there is, of course, the question of balance: at what point does one person's freedom of expression cause unnecessary pain to another? All in all, I think Britain has got the balance right, unlike some other Western European countries.
12 April 2007
Bosnia strips foreign fighters of citizenship
Bosnia-Herzegovina has revoked the citizenship of 367 foreign-born Muslim men who had fought for it in the Bosnian War. Those affected were originally from several Arab and European countries.
Several hundred foreign Muslims volunteered to fight for Bosnia-Herzegovina during the war, which lasted from 1992 to 1995. Many of them married Bosnian women and remained in the country after the war. Those who stayed were granted Bosnian citizenship.
Bosnia-Herzegovina has recently come under pressure from the US to re-examine the citizenship files, in order to make sure that the foreign-born Muslim community did not become a support base for terrorism (BBC).
Just another example of American diktat playing out in Central and Eastern Europe, with the countries of the region only too willing to oblige. First came "extraordinary rendition", i.e., the state-approved abduction of Muslims by the Americans and their handing over to foreign governments to interrogate under torture (a process in which several countries in the region seem to have cooperated). And now this.
I have no problem with proven terrorists having their citizenship revoked. But have any of these 367 men been found guilty of anything?
Several hundred foreign Muslims volunteered to fight for Bosnia-Herzegovina during the war, which lasted from 1992 to 1995. Many of them married Bosnian women and remained in the country after the war. Those who stayed were granted Bosnian citizenship.
Bosnia-Herzegovina has recently come under pressure from the US to re-examine the citizenship files, in order to make sure that the foreign-born Muslim community did not become a support base for terrorism (BBC).
Just another example of American diktat playing out in Central and Eastern Europe, with the countries of the region only too willing to oblige. First came "extraordinary rendition", i.e., the state-approved abduction of Muslims by the Americans and their handing over to foreign governments to interrogate under torture (a process in which several countries in the region seem to have cooperated). And now this.
I have no problem with proven terrorists having their citizenship revoked. But have any of these 367 men been found guilty of anything?
31 March 2007
US art gallery cancels chocolate Jesus (pbuh) statue display
In a victory for Catholic protesters, an art gallery in New York has cancelled plans to display a sculpture of Jesus Christ (pbuh) made of chocolate and depicting him naked. The statue, made by Canadian artist Cosimo Cavallaro, measures 1.8 m in height, and is called "My Sweet Lord".
The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights called for a boycott of the gallery, especially given the fact that the statue was meant to be displayed during Easter. As a spokesman for the group pointed out, the gallery "would never dare" to show a similar statue of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) during Ramadan. She has also described the statue as "an assault on Christians".
After management decided to cancel the exhibit, the gallery's artistic director resigned, complaining of "strong-arming from people who haven't seen the show" (BBC).
I must say it's a wise decision on the part of the Lab gallery. Some may see it as self-censorship, but I would prefer to see the outcome as an act of wisdom on the part of the gallery's management. Toying with people's feelings is never a good idea, whether it be in the realm or religion or anything else that people value. Thoughtful, intelligent criticism is one thing, but depicting a person highly respected by about half of mankind (Christians and Muslims) naked is neither thoughtful nor intelligent, but rather, in my view, a misguided shout for attention. I'm glad that the Lab gallery did not decide to take the route followed by the free-speech fanatics in Europe on the issue of the caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights called for a boycott of the gallery, especially given the fact that the statue was meant to be displayed during Easter. As a spokesman for the group pointed out, the gallery "would never dare" to show a similar statue of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) during Ramadan. She has also described the statue as "an assault on Christians".
After management decided to cancel the exhibit, the gallery's artistic director resigned, complaining of "strong-arming from people who haven't seen the show" (BBC).
I must say it's a wise decision on the part of the Lab gallery. Some may see it as self-censorship, but I would prefer to see the outcome as an act of wisdom on the part of the gallery's management. Toying with people's feelings is never a good idea, whether it be in the realm or religion or anything else that people value. Thoughtful, intelligent criticism is one thing, but depicting a person highly respected by about half of mankind (Christians and Muslims) naked is neither thoughtful nor intelligent, but rather, in my view, a misguided shout for attention. I'm glad that the Lab gallery did not decide to take the route followed by the free-speech fanatics in Europe on the issue of the caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
26 March 2007
Jewish cowboys in Argentina
I'd heard of ethnic Welsh gauchos in Argentina, but it turns out that there are Jewish ones as well. They came to Argentina from Eastern Europe in two waves: one after anti-Semitic riots (pogroms) in the 19th century, and the second after the Holocaust.
This photo series gives us a look at the life of one of them, Arminio Seiferheld, who herds livestock by day and works at a synagogue in the evening. His is, unfortunately, a vanishing way of life, however: many young members of Jewish gaucho families are moving to Argentinian cities, or to Israel (BBC).
This photo series gives us a look at the life of one of them, Arminio Seiferheld, who herds livestock by day and works at a synagogue in the evening. His is, unfortunately, a vanishing way of life, however: many young members of Jewish gaucho families are moving to Argentinian cities, or to Israel (BBC).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)