Tuesday, November 26, 2002

Know Your Enemies QUOTE OF THE DAY "If you want to make peace, you don't talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies." - - Moshe Dayan RHINO HERE: The Institute for International Mediation and Conflict Resolution (IIMCR) http://www.iimcr.org is a Washington, DC based, non-profit whose mission is to promote peaceful conflict resolution techniques among a generation of future leaders through unique programs and services. Since 1996, IIMCR has conducted 7 Symposia in The Netherlands and 1 in Mexico, training over 700 dedicated students and young professionals from over 50 countries. They've recently produced a documentary entitled, "Why U.S.?" looking at the 9/11 tragedy & why America was/is a target. Some of the film's promo reads: "The 75 minute program includes some of the best minds in the U.S. & abroad... Through the eyes of parents who lost children on September ll, 2001, viewers are treated to an emotional and multifaceted exploration into the cause of suicidal Islamic terrorists and the grievances which they feed. In the Middle East, these grievances are sharpened by the failure of Islamic culture to come to terms with the modern world, by what is seen as America's unquestioning support of Israel, and by Washington's support of repressive regimes in order to secure a reliable flow and steady price of oil... Americans need to have an honest discussion about their government's conduct abroad, which this film hopes to provoke. How often, for example, does the behavior of the U.S. government overseas correspond to the values of democracy and freedom that are frequently invoked? If Americans want to have a serious relationship with other nations, they'll need to understand who those foreigners are, how they live, what they think and why." 2 upcoming screening dates and times follow. I haven't seen this doc so if anyone catches it, please feel encouraged to email me your thoughts and/or a review for blog publication. WASHINGTON D.C. / DEC. 5th @ 7:30PM VISIONS CINEMA, 1927 FLORIDA AVE. N.W. CHICAGO / DEC. 2nd @ 7:30PM EAST LAKE SCREENING ROOM, 16th FLOOR, 70 EAST LAKE ST. RSVP @ cody@iimcr.org   or  310.204.7800 ext. 235 Meanwhile, a chilling letter supposedly written by Osama Bin Laden has been published in the UK Observer. The letter seeks to detail why he is making war on America. It seems the American media doesn't think the letter should be for general consumption by the U.S. citizenry. While I certainly don't agree with the general stance of the letter, I none the less believe it should be read by those who want to understand what makes these people tick. Below the line today is an excerpt from the letter and a link to the full text. Some of his criticisms of the U.S. I happen to agree with, but most of the letter is so ingrained with the holier-than-thou near sightedness of religious fundamentalism and a misinformed hatred of the Jews, that in the end, I can't believe the essence of his criticism really comes from intellect, but instead from his own desire for power. That's my 2 cents. I'm open to hearing any of your opinions. 9:21:37 AM    comment

Full Text: Bin Laden's Letter to America (1st appeared on the internet in Arabic & has since been translated & circulated by Islamists in the UK and now in the UK Observer 11/24/02) In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, "Permission to fight (against disbelievers) is given to those (believers) who are fought against, because they have been wronged and surely, Allah is Able to give them (believers) victory" [Quran 22:39] "Those who believe, fight in the Cause of Allah, and those who disbelieve, fight in the cause of Taghut (anything worshipped other than Allah e.g. Satan). So fight you against the friends of Satan; ever feeble is indeed the plot of Satan."[Quran 4:76] Some American writers have published articles under the title 'On what basis are we fighting?' These articles have generated a number of responses, some of which adhered to the truth and were based on Islamic Law, and others which have not. Here we wanted to outline the truth - as an explanation and warning - hoping for Allah's reward, seeking success and support from Him. While seeking Allah's help, we form our reply based on two questions directed at the Americans: (Q1) Why are we fighting and opposing you? Q2)What are we calling you to, and what do we want from you?... SEE THE ENTIRE LETTER AT: http://www.observer.co.uk/worldview/story/0,11581,845725,00.html Reprinted under the Fair Use doctrine of international copyright law ( http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html ). All copyrights belong to original publisher. "RHINO'S BLOG" is the responsibility of Gary Rhine. (rhino@kifaru.com) Feedback, and requests to be added or deleted from the list are encouraged. RHINO'S WEB SITES: http://www.rhinosblog.info (RHINO'S WEBLOG - PRESENT & PAST) http://www.dreamcatchers.org (INDIGENOUS ASSISTANCE & INTERCULTURAL DIALOG) http://www.kifaru.com (NATIVE AMERICAN RELATIONS VIDEO DOCUMENTARIES) 9:16:33 AM    comment

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