02-13-2008, 07:46 AM
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Correspondent
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 251
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I found this interview of Wafa Sultan, a former Muslim woman whom you may have seen on YouTube speaking out against Islamist extremism. This part has a bearing on the discussion:
Quote:
FP: Are Islam and democracy compatible?
Sultan: As of yet they are not. Liberal democratic societies adhere to and grant equal rights to all regardless of religion, gender and race. It also separates religion from state. Islam is both religion and state.
Regarding human rights, women are not equal to men. Non Muslims are not equal to Muslims. In the ideal Islamic dominating world, non-Muslims are to be regarded and treated as dhimmi; second class citizens with particular rulings.
FP: What is the appropriate response to the threat of Islamic totalitarianism?
Sultan: First, the west must recognize that Islam is viewed by the majority of devout Muslims not merely as a religion but also as a political ideology of domination. Therefore it should not be treated by the west as a religion only. I have been told numerous times by the Muslim community where I live, that they are here to spread Islam and replace the American Constitution with the Islamic Sharia. One member flatly told me; “wait and see that America will soon collapse.” This is precisely why when 9/11 happened I was shocked but not at least surprised.
Up to February 2006 when my Al Jazeera interview took place, I felt the need to educate only the Arab audience with whom I have been sharing my writings on the issue of Islam. But then, following the interview, through gaining experience during speaking engagements and by being exposed to western audiences, I found out that unfortunately the west also suffers a lack of awareness about the realities of Islamism.
The west must thoroughly understand the Arab mindset. For example, our Arab society follows the Islamic eschatology which does not necessarily value and respect the present life, but equally revere life after - in paradise. Additionally, our concept of time is significantly different from that of the west. There is an Arabic proverb stating that “the Arab man took revenge after 40 years because he was in a hurry…” It highlights the notion that Muslims have the patience to slowly but surely achieve their objective for Islamic domination.
Ignorance is not a choice when dealing with this matter. The west must recognize that Islamism has no place in a liberal democracy and in open societies.
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http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles...6-E0B1A9E391A7
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