Category: Islam

Losing Iraq

On By Rick McIn economics, ethics, government, Islam, things getting worseLeave a comment

When you hear anyone tell you that the USA could have WON in Iraq, please know they are blowing smoke.

George W. Bush

11 May 2003 Rumsfeld, Cheney and Bush appointed L. Paul Bremer to run Iraq. Bremer did not speak Arabic. Knew nothing of the Middle East. Seems to have done pretty much everything wrong.

On May 23, 2003, Bremer issued Order Number 2, in effect dissolving the entire former Iraqi army and putting 400,000 former Iraqi soldiers out of work. Discontent and insurgency grew stronger.

… It probably doesn’t matter what Bremer did.

It’s not possible for a foreign invader to WIN in Iraq or Afghanistan. Never has been. Never will.

Recall that wannabe President John McCain said that U.S. troops could spend “maybe 100” years in Iraq. That wouldn’t have been long enough. 😦

If you want a recap, I recommend Frontline:

U.S. troops withdrew from Iraq in 2011, ending America’s military commitment in the country.

Now, chaos is once again engulfing Iraq. The team behind “The Lost Year in Iraq,” “The Torture Question” and “Bush’s War” takes a look at how we got here, what went wrong, and what happens next.

Losing Iraq (July 29, 2014)


The longer the U.S. military stays, the more suicide bombers they will inspire. The more Westerners will join the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). 😦

John Oliver on Nuclear Weapons

On By Rick McIn bad news, economics, ethics, government, Islam, things getting worseLeave a comment

Here are the leading causes of preventable death in the USA.

Causes_of_accidental_death_by_age_group

A motor vehicle crash the greatest danger for most people.

Personally, I worry most about Nuclear weapons. The world could be quickly destroyed.

Click PLAY or watch John Oliver’s profane rant on YouTube.

the case for Israel

On By Rick McIn ethics, government, Islam2 Comments

I’ve given up hope on any solution … short of Israel relocating to central Australia or northern Canada.

In the most recent of the never ending conflicts with Palestine, Israel is losing the American media war.

Though both sides are too blame, I feel Israel has responded with too much force. They are worse off for killing so many children than they would have been with a weaker response.

If you are certain that Israel is more to blame than Hamas, it’s time to watch this video.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

related question – why are Tea Party Republicans so pro-Israel?

anti-immigration Americans

On By Rick McIn economics, ethics, government, IslamLeave a comment

The USA is a land of immigrants and descendants of immigrants.

Yet many Americans are anti-immigration. Especially Muslim immigration.

In the past other immigrants were despised. My own grandparents all moved to Canada from Ireland. I assume they were none too popular, when they first arrived, with the residents of southern Alberta.

More Americans are against illegal immigration. I would count myself amongst them. It’s not fair for immigrants to jump the queue.

However, if your heart goes out to one of those El Salvador children at the American border, I’d urge you to donate to relief agencies. Even to adopt.

This cartoon on Facebook ended up drawing some interesting comments.

USA immigration

The American border situation right now is a dilemma.

A new law needs be passed. The current law does not work.

Congress must pass that law first. The President must then sign it.

They have no excuse not to get that done immediately. Vote out any Congressman who does not act on this issue.

___

related – Laura Ingraham is a hateful bitch

Of all right wing idiot pundits, Ingraham is worst in my experience:

“No. 1, first thing you do is start deporting people, not by the hundreds, not by the dozens, by the thousands,” the conservative radio talk show host said. “That means entire families, not just the father or mother, but we keep families unified by deporting all people who are here illegally.”

Bill O’Reilly:

“I do believe that if you do mass deportations … that the Republican Party would become obsolete, that it would ensure Hillary Clinton’s election in 2016 because demographics don’t add up.”

“That’s the left’s argument,” Ingraham said in response. “You are adopting the argument of the left.”

O’Reilly pointed out that other Republicans, such as Sen. John McCain of Arizona and strategist Karl Rove share the argument. …

Politico

Masmak Citadel, Riyadh

On By Rick McIn Islam, travelLeave a comment

Our organizer, handler and interpreter Ebrahim took Chris and myself to the famous fort one afternoon on our day off.

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The Masmak (Arabic: Qaṣr al-Maṣmak قصر المصمك‎) is a clay and mud-brick fort, with four watchtowers and thick walls, founded on stone blocks, lying in the center of Riyadh, in the old quarters. This building played a major part in the kingdom’s history, as it was here that the recapture of Riyadh, led by Ibn Saud, occurred on 14 January 1902. …

Today it’s a museum with signage posted in Arabic and English.

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The retaking of Masmak has acquired almost mythical status in the history of Saudi Arabia.

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There are times during the week when single women are not allowed in. And other times when men without families are not welcomed. By law Muslim men should have no chance at any chance encounters with females.

Ebrahim told us that wedding matches were often made by sisters and mothers of the (proposed) couple.

The Mosque square adjacent to the Fort is tranquil, an oasis in downtown Riyadh.

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We enjoyed a mint tea.

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Chris bought some souvenir prayer beads. Ebrahim bought a Samsung phone cheap off a dodgy guy in the parking lot. …

shop

It will work … Insha‘Allah.

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more photos

virtual tour

Afghanistan photos

On By Rick McIn Islam, photos, travel2 Comments

“Afghanistan is possibly the most beautiful country in the world”.

Those are the words of Steve McCurry, the renowned and respected photojournalist best known for his picture of ‘Afghan Girl’ – the famous green-eyed refugee whose image graced the covers of magazines and newspapers all over the world.

Sharbat_Gula

After crossing the border from Pakistan over 30 years ago, McCurry brought the world the first images of the conflict in Afghanistan. Now, in a culmination of his past three decades’ work, he is showcasing some of the images he feels best represents all sides of Afghanistan; not just the war, but the beauty, the people and the culture.

In this short video, Steve McCurry recounts his experiences in this mysterious and unexplored nation, and shows us some of his best photos from Afghanistan.

Rough Guides

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Holy Day in Riyadh

On By Rick McIn gymnastics, Islam, travel1 Comment

My second trip to the Kingdom, again I walked the streets during the main prayer of the week, Jumu’ah, mid-day Friday.

Downtown streets, normally choked with traffic, are empty.

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Men and boys walk to the Mosque. Leave their shoes at the door.

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I’m here as a volunteer clinician at a week long Gymnastics Course.

tea seller to Prime Minister

On By Rick McIn economics, government, IslamLeave a comment

Despite a low caste upbringing, Narendra Modi has been elected Prime Minister of India.

ModiTimeCover

Votes counted so far suggest the BJP is on course for the most resounding victory by any party for 30 years, trouncing the outgoing Congress Party.

The controversial leader campaigned on promises to revive the economy. …

BBC – Indian election: Narendra Modi hails ‘landmark’ win

He’s criticized for being too pro-Hindu, anti-Muslim.