Iran continues on its discriminatory path

Iran has not budged from its position on the discrimination and brutal suppression of minorities. Although the conservative militant regime is oppressive of every moderate voice, the treatment of minorities is absolutely shameful. As we reported earlier, the regime is continuing with its ‘speedy’ justice as it just hanged 13 more Sunni rebels in the south-eastern region of Baluchistan.

Muslim countries need to recognize Israel

I have failed to understand this shameful behavior by many Muslim countries. They want to have trade relations with Israel and at the same time do not want to recognize this Jewish state. Almost every Muslim state has some type of relations with Israel, whether open or undercover. The list includes the so-called most vocal supporters of the Palestinian cause.

Massacre in Xinjiang

Chinese government is on the path of tyranny again. According to a report from New York Times, more than 140 people have been killed in the south western state of Xinjiang. The state, dominated by the Muslim Uighurs, is facing an insurgency for over two decades. Although the struggle was and still is largely peaceful, the authorities have unleashed a rein of terror.

Iran behind Jackson’s death?

Although it might sound absurd but there is a possibility. The toxicology reports will end all the rumors but we will have to wait for another four to six weeks. In the meantime, some rumors are making big waves in both Iran and the expatriate community. Apparently, some Iranians think that Ahmedinejad’s secret service might be involved in the ‘murder’ of Michael Jackson.

Malaysia on the way ‘back’

Malaysia, once known for its cultural and religious harmony, is fast becoming a bastion of Islamic extremism. Although things are still much better as compared to other Muslim countries, there are fears that this beautiful country can become another Pakistan.

The dominant ethnic group of Malays, that is almost 100% Muslim but around 60% of total population, has started to go beyond its constitutional right to exert pressure on other ethnic groups. We have heard many stories where ethnic Chinese and Tamils were denied government jobs or were relegated to a second citizen status.

There are also many instances where Hindus and Chinese Malaysians were threatened by the emerging breed of extremist Muslims. This trend can grow if the government fails to control it. And, the government is not controlling it. There have been reports that some elements in the government are actually fanning these emotions. More on this later.

Ban on Burka in France

France is considering a ban on burka. President Nicholas Sarkozy has expressed his desire to ban the wearing of burka in public places. A commission will ultimately decide on the ban. The discussion, however, has given way to much debate on the pros and cons of this expected ban.

Both the European Union and the French constitution allow the freedom of speech and expression. Wearing one’s religious identity is allowed under these laws. The interpretation of this freedom, on the contrary, has led to a friction between the Muslim organizations and the French society.

Where the ‘supreme’ rules supreme

The supreme leader of Iran has finally spoken against the protesters. He has told them to stop protesting or else face the wrath of brutal Iranian forces. We were expecting the same thing from the so-called supreme leader of Iran. As the country is practically under his rule, dissidents either have to shut their mouths or face grave consequences.

In practical, Iran is still under the shadows of revolution. Western media misunderstood the current protests and took it as if another revolution is going to happen. They even forgot the fact that Moussavi was strongly in favor of revolution and was just representing the internal rift between the mullahs.

Moussavi, Khatemi, Nejad or Rafsenjani, all are different reflections of the same thing. The revolutionaries have won this battle. A more strict enforcement of conservative rules and regulations is now expected. This will continue unless and until the young and democratic Iranians don’t take the matters in their own hands. But, it will take a lot of time, at least a decade or so.

Muslim society in Europe needs to grow up

We have decided to start highlighting the  Muslim society in Europe. Our main focus, however, will remain on promoting a healthy relationship between the United States and the Muslim world. Europe, being host to millions of Muslims, is directly affected by the societal and social changes  brought about by Muslims.

France, Netherlands and Germany now boast of sizable Muslim minorities whereas the Muslim population in the United Kingdom is politically more active. The recent rise in tensions between the Muslims and racist groups in Europe is definitely not a good sign. Both parties need to step back and ponder over their current strategies.

Forced conversion turns ugly in Pakistan

This is not new in Pakistan and in fact, in the Muslim world. Forced conversions are a daily routine and many are not even reported. However, they get media attention only if the minorities refuse to convert. In the latest event, a Pakistani Christian man (they constitute more than 2% of Pakistani population) was murdered after he refused to accept Islam. It was not a typical murder but a mutilation preceded by rape.

Iran turns into a bigger mess

The vice president of United States, Joe Biden, has said that Obama administration will adopt a policy of “wait and see” viz-a-viz Iran. That is understandable as the situation is not clear yet. However, Obama administration could have used stronger words in condemning the frauds in Iranian election. Too much sweetened language will fall on deaf ears.

Coming back to the elections, the protests are flaring up. Many have accepted the fact that Nejad will remain their president, whatsoever maybe his tactics of getting elected. Still, youngsters are not giving up so easily. They are staging massive protests in Tehran and facing the brutalities of the riots police.