Blog #10

This week, I looked at an article which examined the story of a Middle-Eastern man named Ahmad Walid Rashidi who has had several direct encounters with Muslim extremist groups throughout his life. At the age of five, he lost several family members to violent acts by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Then, last year, Ahmad claims to have ventured into ISIS-controlled territory in an attempt to bring back two young Danish women who had run away from their parents to marry jihadist fighters. Like almost all other stories that occur in ISIS-controlled territory, the story is difficult to confirm but most of the details seem to be corroborated by other parties and Ahmad has several documents which appeared to be issued by ISIS itself.

Although Ahmad condemns the group and all acts of terrorism, he raises several points related to how he can understand how so many young people have been drawn to the extremist group. Ahmad argues that ISIS’ claim that it is attempting to right the wrongs of American colonialism and discrimination is a powerful tool in winning over not only the disenfranchised in the Middle-East but also the highly educated who are aware of the consequences of colonialism. Furthermore, Ahmad points to how out of touch the Western world is with the conflicts in the Middle East as reason for many Middle Easterners to be drawn to extremist groups as a way of lashing out.

Ahmad’s story, if it is true, speaks to the way in which long-standing global conflicts can shape the social environments of various regions in radically different ways. The effects of American and European colonialism for the West resulted in significant economic and political gains in the short-term at the price of long-term social stability for those regions. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/25/world/europe/victim-of-extremists-comes-to-understand-the-siren-song-of-isis.html?_r=0

4/25/15 9:39 pm

Blog #9

For this week, I looked at an article by David Kirkpatrick for the New York Times that covered the recent executions of Ethiopian Christians in Libya. This new act of intimidation and cruelty is particularly concerning due to the fact that, previously, it was assumed that the Muslim militant groups in Libya were not actually associated with ISIS and were simply capitalizing on the fame of the group. However, based on the way in which the recordings were made and organized, it appears as though the threat within Libya is more sophisticated and organized than previously thought.

Beyond the implications for the significance of the ISIS presence in Libya, the video was notable because the narrator insisted that Christians were not necessarily put to death as long as they were willing to pay a tax for being Christian, similar to the caliphates of the past. However, the current actions of ISIS in stronghold areas such as Syria indicate that this may not be the case and any tax that is being collected is still extortive and unduly expensive given the poverty of the areas they occupy.

                Once again, this is yet another example of how the religious conflict being fueled by ISIS in the Middle East supposedly is aimed at trying to reclaim the glory of long fallen caliphates in order to restore prosperity to the area. However, the actual actions of the militant group are ultimately destructive and benefits the leaders of the movement more so than the areas they come to control.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/20/world/middleeast/isis-video-purports-to-show-killing-of-ethiopian-christians.html

4/19/15

10:41 pm 

Blog #7

For this week, I focused on an article written by Rod Norland for the New York Times which focused on a recent victory by the Iraqi military over ISIS which forced the extremist group out of Tikrit. Tikrit had been one of the ISIS strongholds within Iraq and so the victory was significant in regards to reducing the influence of the extremist group within the nation. However, the nature of the battle and the aftermath was concerning in more ways than one.

            Despite significant air assistance by an international coalition including the United States, the militia and Iraqi military was extremely critical of the international involvement and even went so far as to claim that the United States was directly assisting ISIS with supplies. Many of the fighters interviewed completely denied the importance of international assistance instead focusing on their own efforts and giving thanks to God for their victory. However, as noted in the article, this may largely be a lasting consequence of pre-2011 conflicts between Iraq and the United States in which these same fighters recall fighting against the United States.

Even more concerning, the city was closed to journalists after the conflict and no prisoners were taken from the ISIS forces – instead, they were summarily killed by the militia forces as they swept through the city. When asked about these killings, militiamen argued that ISIS was the enemy and could not be trusted even once they surrendered – such concerns indicate the significance of the religious differences and the general fear  within the region that ISIS have invoked in pursuing an Islamic state.

            Although ISIS has certainly committed horrible civil rights abuses, many are concerned that abuses are being committed in the fight against ISIS as well by both international involvement and militia forces that operate for various Middle Eastern nations. 


http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/03/world/middleeast/isis-forces-pushed-out-of-tikrit.html

4/8/15
10:06

Blog #6

For this week, I focused on an article in The Economist which looked at the social, political, and economic challenges which, although initially fueling the rise of the Islamic State, have begun to create significant challenges for ISIS. Although ISIS has supposedly sought to create a single state to rule over all Muslims, like the caliphates of the past, internal tension has become significant as residents who live in areas controlled by ISIS complain of declining services and unnecessarily violent activity by the militants. However, a major concern raised in the article is the possibility that Iranian soldiers, who comprise most of the force fighting against ISIS, might victimize Sunni civilians as a result of their religious differences which will drive the Sunni population closer to ISIS as a result of their fear. As a result, despite the challenges facing ISIS, the proto-state will continue to be a problem as a result of the sense of victimization that pervades Sunni culture.

Source:  http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21646750-though-islamic-state-still-spreading-terror-its-weaknesses-are-becoming-apparent?fsrc=scn/tw/te/pe/ed/caliphatecracks

3/30/15

11:35pm

Blog #5

                For this week, I looked at a New York Times article which covered the results of the recent election in Israel in which Netahnyahu decisively won a fourth term in office while denying any possibility of a Palestinian state. Although this political issue is partially based on ethnic and cultural divides, religious beliefs play a significant role in the conflict due to the fact that both groups of people believe the area to be extremely significant to their culture and their religious beliefs. The article examines how, despite the decisive nature of Netahnyahu’s victory, Israel itself seems to be divided over how to appropriately address the Palestinian population. For example, liberal city centers such as Tel Aviv strongly opposed Netahnyahu and the vast majority of the population in those areas was extremely disappointed by the election results. However, rural areas which are expanding due to growing Jewish settlements staunchly supported Netahnyahu and ultimately won him the election. However, many Israeli citizens are concerned that his staunch position on Palestine and his unwillingness to entertain any type of compromise in regard to their cultural and religious connection to the area will simply lead to an unending cycle of violence and fighting. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/21/world/middleeast/abiding-rifts-within-israel-threaten-to-widen-with-netanyahu-win.html?ref=middleeast

3-20-15

11:36 pm

Blog #4 "Same Anger, Different Ideologies: Radical Muslim and Neo-Nazi"

For this week, I looked at an article in the New York Times that focused on the similarities between how individuals join different extremist groups such as ISIS or Neo-Nazi organization. The article examined these similarities by looking at the personal stories of two individuals who had joined two extremist organizations with arguably vastly different ideologies. Ibrahim Ahmad, one of the two men the articles looks at, grew up in a non-religious family in South London but ended up involved in a Muslim extremist organization as a way of dealing with racist violence from white Europeans.  The other individual, Robert Orell, was a Swedish national who joined a neo-Nazi organization due to a combination of family problems and conflicts with young immigrants as a child. Although Ibrahim Ahmad was motivated by religious ideology and Robert Orell was motived by race, both individuals were strongly influenced by negative experiences with different groups at a young age.

The article effectively argues that specific ideology is not as critical as the actual process of radicalization – personal troubles which are externalized on to some group of “others” which then become the target of hate and violence – and that addressing the process of radicalization is more effective than attempting to argue against each specific ideology. In this regard, the article examines an outreach group called Exit which is now run by Robert Orell that attempts to connect people who are affiliated with radical organizations with individuals who have left extremist groups in an attempt to connect them with individuals who understand and can counsel them without passing judgment. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/06/world/europe/two-outcomes-similar-paths-radical-muslim-and-neo-nazi.html

"Same Anger, Different Ideologies: Radical Muslims and Neo-Nazis" by Katrin Benhold

3/6/15
9:56am

Blog #3

For this week, I focused on an article by the New York Times which chronicles the work of Mehnaz M. Afridi, a teacher for Manhattan College, who focuses on teaching about the Holocaust and Islam.  As noted in the article, Mehnaz M. Afridi is considered a valuable intermediary between Jews and Muslims due to the fact that she is a practicing Muslim who is deeply knowledgeable about the Holocaust.The Holocaust Is a catastrophic event which is often denied or ignored in the Middle East due to the antagonistic relationships between Muslims and Jews regarding the state of Israel. Furthermore, Mehnaz M. Afridi has been criticized by many conservative Muslims for her work surrounding the Holocaust since it can be viewed as supporting the state of Israel and the activities of Israel in the United States. This particular story really highlighted how historical conflicts can continue to influence divides between groups of people based on religious beliefs and how intermediaries who can reach across both sides of the issues are extremely important.

Ashley Rydzfski

2-20-2015 11:24pm 

Blog #2 Jordan Reacts to Shootings in Chapel Hill

For this week, I decided to examine the international reaction to the fatal shooting involving three Muslims that occurred on Tuesday in Chapel Hill. The New York Times covered the international reaction while focusing in particular on the way in which Jordanians perceived the media coverage of the event. As noted by the New York Times, the shooting occurred on Tuesday but was largely ignored by mass media until the next day which has led many commentators to suggest that Western media is hesitant to cover hate crimes against Muslims in the news. Furthermore, the shooting has largely been attributed to a parking dispute in the media despite the fact that most involved parties believe that the crime was an act of hate against Muslims. 

The way in which the case has been handled thus far has led many Jordanian comics and international commentators to weigh in on the ways in which the religious aspects of this particular incident have been largely ignored. Dr. Abu-Salha actually argues in the Times article that crimes committed by Muslims are usually covered constantly while crimes against Muslims are generally ignored by the media when possible.

In fact, the international reaction has been so strong that some Jordanian social activists are calling for a march in Amman to mourn the death of the victims. Regardless of whether or not this particular crime was fueled by hatred or not, it serves as a perfect example of how conflict in the Middle East is impacting local events in regards to how those events are viewed and the significance of those events in regards to the larger picture. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/14/world/middleeast/online-commenters-see-reporting-bias-in-killing-of-3-muslims.html?ref=world

Ashley Rydzfski
2/13/15 10:43pm

In New Delhi India a Christian school was vandalized making it the sixth Christian run organization  since November to be attacked. The article talked about how Christainity is the third largest religious group  in the country trailing behind Hinduism and Islam. A man named Arvind Kejriwal tweeted that this issue is a tragedy and will be investigated once he is appointed to Cheif Minister This coming Saturday. Than the article referred back to the speech given by President Obama about how the violence within India is caused by the diversity among the top religions in the nation. The story closes with a look at the constitution of India manly the part about religious freedom. 

The Christian community of New Delhi is the low religious group on the hierarchy of faiths in India. Those of New Delhi community that do not share in the belief of the Christian community are trying to run them out of the community. However, due to the constitution of India everyone has equal rights and freedom of religion But it also states that yes you have freedom of religion by the government but it is the duty of of every citizen to ensure not only their own rights but also the rights of others.

Blog Post #1 ISIS Burns Pilot

For this week, I decided to focus on the execution of a Jordan pilot by the militant group known as ISIS in the Middle East. The Jordanian pilot was captured on December 23rd while participating in bombing runs against ISIS and was held until his brutal execution in which he was placed in a cage and then set on fire. The execution was filmed and, according to the New York Times, heavily produced with the intention of using the film as a piece of propaganda.

However, the execution may have had the unintended effect of uniting the region against ISIS which is significant given the amount of regional disagreement that exists surrounding the actions of most religion militant groups in the area. As the New York Times notes, almost every atrocity which has occurred in the region has had apologists even if it was widely detracted. However, this particular atrocity has been condemned by a variety of Middle Eastern governments including Syria and Turkey. In addition, even other militant groups such as Al Qaeda denounced the execution as inhumane.

Jordan's president had two terrorists linked to ISIS executed in retaliation and it appears that ISIS may be creating more enemies as a result of its methods. However, organizations involved in human rights protection are concerned that regional unity against ISIS is obscuring the negative actions of regional governments such as Syria's attacks on civilians.


Ashley Ryzdfski
10:29pm 2-6-15

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/05/world/middleeast/arab-world-unites-in-anger-after-burning-of-jordanian-pilot.html

                Rimsha Masih, a young Pakistani girl, has been accused “of burning a textbook used to teach the Koran to small children” (Walsh).  Masih, a Christian, represents a minority in her country whom are thought to be targeted by outdated laws such as the one supposedly broken by this girl (Walsh).  Masih’s lawyers have argued that the accusation was an attempt to evict her and the rest of the Christians from the local neighborhood (Walsh).  The instigator of Masih’s arrest, Muhammad Khalid Chishti, had asked the landlord, prior to the incident, “to evict the Christians from the neighborhood” (Walsh).  While many Muslims supported the decision of her arrest, even encouraging the death penalty, many more are appalled at the situation.  More than a million people from around the world signed a petition in support of Masih (Walsh).  Although there is some disagreement over Masih’s actual age, either 14 or 16, many argue that she is still a minor (Walsh).  Furthermore, it is believed that her mental capacities do not equal that of her age.  The judge released Masih on bail equivalent to $10,500 and she is awaiting trial (Walsh).

                Although many would argue that Masih did not logically commit a crime, crime is defined in relation to laws.  According to the article, Masih broke a law and, in the eyes of Pakistan, committed a crime.  The real issue here is the ethical nature of such laws.  In the U.S., freedom of religion and expression of religion are rights.  Therefore, it is easy for us to forget that other countries do not enjoy that same freedom.  However, most Americans would agree that a law such as the one that Masih broke is unethical because it violates such human rights.  These rights do not exist in Pakistan, though, and Masih is subject to disciplinary action under her country’s laws, whether right or wrong.  Countries, such as Pakistan, which rule under one specified religion, have been an ongoing trend in history.  As well, they have also created many conflicts in history, including major events such as the Holocaust.  Laws which prohibit the public practice or even existence of certain religions are sure to elicit a negative response in the future.  Countries like Pakistan which enforce such laws may be in threat of severe protests or revolts in the future.  Such revolts could result in revolutions such as those that occurred in the U.S..  However, they could also result in stricter laws and regulations and perhaps violence.

Works Cited

Walsh, Declan. “Girl Is Granted Bail in Pakistan Blasphemy Case”. The New York Times. 2012. Retrieved September 7, 2012. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/08/world/asia/girl-is-granted-bail-in-pakistan-blasphemy-case.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&ref=world&adxnnlx=1347044563-D1P86B7BQqqNPdEE/z9Teg

Blog Post #5 - U.S, Ambassador safe after Syrian Attack

Robert Ford , a U.S. ambassador was safe Thursday after being attacked by a pro-government group. An official reported that it was an attack by an armed mob but he is OK. Ford has always been outspoken against the Syrian government and their use of violence against protestors and has been seen as more of an activist than a diplomat. In July when he traveled to the restive city of Hama to express support for demonstrators, he sparked a diplomatic firestorm. He was gracefully welcomed with open arms. A crowd tried to assault Ford and embassy colleagues. The mob was violent and it tried, unsuccessfully, to attack but only seriously damaged the vehicles. At the time of the attack, Ford was visiting Hassan Abdul Azim, head of the opposition Arab Socialist Democratic Union. A crowd begin to gather and chant loudly, the crowd protested rowdily for more than two hours.

This goes to show you that no one, not even U.S. ambassadors are safe from religious attacks. During a meeting that they had Azim explained to Ford that his party doesn't want outside intervention in Syria's unrest, but it does want freedom, democracy and peaceful coexistence among all religious groups. That is truly necessary to a country. People should feel safe in the religion they're in knowing that they have the right to believe in what they want to believe in and not have to worry about being attacked or killed. The Muslims are the main ones that cause all the problems because they want everyone to believe in their religion, but everyone is entitled to the right to pick their religion and stuck with it. 'Religious Bullying' has to stop and everyone needs to be accepted for who and what they are. We are all one people, no matter what religion we decide confide in.


http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/29/world/meast/syria-us-ambassador/index.html?iref=allsearch

Blog Post #3: Iran and Christianity

Blog #4: Iran and Christianity

                Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani of Iran is a Christian and he is going through Iran’s Supreme Court because they want him to renounce his god.  This is an example of the crackdown on Christians in Iran.  The government is doing this because citizens of the Islam religion are leaving and converting faith to Christianity.  The Iran government has only recently released this information to the public so this is the cause of the crackdown on Christianity.  Many others in Iran believe that the Pastor was targeted because he had the courage to speak out against the other religions.  House Speaker John Boehner said, “I urge Iran's leaders to abandon this dark path, spare Yousef Nadarkhani's life, and grant him a full and unconditional release."

                This is a significant change and when most of the Supreme Court members are Islam it makes it harder to have a fair trial.  Something else I saw on the blog posts under the article was people arguing that he was in a cult and that didn’t make him a Christian.  Even so this would not give the Supreme Court the right to discriminate because of what his religion is.  He didn’t kill anyone and he didn’t destroy anything.  What does Iran want out of targeting one religion?  I believe this only will lead to war within the nation.  There needs to be negotiations for both of the different religions.  They need to make a truce or a compromise to work this problem out.

Israel is Under Heavy Pressure

Ryan Wehrenberg

SOC 202-01

9/22/2011

Israel is Under Heavy Pressure

                Israel wants to be a country of peace and live along with the Muslims but they have a different plan because they want to attack the people in Israel and depending on what Israel wants to do about it this could start a war.  Many people in the west say that sacrificing Israel in this manner will improve the situation rather than weakening itself in a global battle it should be winning hands down.  Many westerners think that denying the Muslims access would be just pouring gasoline on the fires of religious war.  Most of these people that are trying to take over Israel have gutted their armies of their military professionals.  Each small set back that these economies face is pushing these countries into more bloodshed. 

                If something like this did explode into something bigger than it already is, then I think that the United States shouldn’t get involved with conflict that we don’t have any say in because the only side that we would be able to fight for is Israel and it would be confusing to get into a religious conflict when there are many people who are Muslim that live in our country.  Most of the time it is hard for other countries to work against religious conflicts because religion in itself is more of an opinionated basis so it makes it tough to pick and choose.  If everyone could pitch in a hand then I think that this could work out a lot better than we assume it will.

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/richardlandes/100105285/israel-should-hold-fast-and-let-muslims-vent-their-rage/

Blog #3: UN Urges Nigeria to Stop Ethnic, Religious Violence

                Violent ethnic and religious chaos exploded early last month in Nigeria’s Middle Belt causing death, injury and destruction.  The UN says that seventy people have been killed so far.  This has been a problem for a long time but it hasn’t been as violent until just recently.  In the past five years there has been an area of prominent religion that has developed on each side of the country.  The U.N. Human Rights Chief, Navi Pillay called for a concerted effort to deal with the underlying causes of such repeated violent outbreaks.  Many leaders are trying to take immediate action because most of the violence is contained to the Middle belt because the Christians are in the south and the Muslims are in the north.  Pilay also mentions that the security forces sometimes make the situation worse by appearing to take one side or the other so it’s hard to just decide to send them out. 

                Regardless of how security forces seem to favor a side (which that would make sense because they might believe in one of the religions that is part of the quarrel) something needs to be done about this matter before serious fights start to happen and Nigeria becomes a separate nation.  The leaders need to handle this as a fragile situation but I think the sooner they get out there and stop the fighting the better off the nation will be as a whole.  I think military presence would be the smartest thing for the community.

http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/UN-Urges-Nigeria-to-Stop-Ethnic-Religious-Violence----129528013.html

Religious Tension in Egypt

Religious Tension in Egypt

It has been almost ten years after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and there is still much tension and discrimination against the religion of Islam.  Even polls repeatedly show that even ten years after the terrorists attacks that there is still widespread hatred for America and Britain.  This comes from the same Middle Eastern part of the world also.  Egypt also has a lot to do with this situation when it comes to disliking Americans.  This discrimination is still happening but the war is also happening along with it so it’s understandable in a sense.  The new leader of Egypt  Ayman al-Zawahiri, was very persistant when it came to asking for the pictures of bin Ladens body.  This would also help people understand many conspiracy theories.  Many people still follow bin Ladens word and so this would only fuel anti-American sentiment.  The article said that we didn’t produce those images because we have the strength to do so.  It said that we didn’t produce them from fear that many people would spring into action towards the united states  for this.

                This needs to be more important because we have made enemy’s with these people that were united under one leader that they were trusted and even if he was twisting his words around there were so many people that cared about him and we needed to approach this way more cautiously.  I think our nation needs to make it a priority to speak to this nation about all the issues we have and make as much of an effort as possible to keep peace, or create it. 

Burqa Ban in France takes over the news Blog #12

Crystal Bayne

4-15-2011

4:44pm

This past Monday France became the first country to make wearing a full-faced veil illegal. Those caught wearing a face-covering veil will be fined 150 euros, which is roughly around $215. If found forcing a woman to wear a burqa or niqab, they will be forced to pay up to 30,000 euros or $43,400, as well as a year in prison. The penalty will double if caught forcing a minor to wear the face-covering veil.

This has caused an international firestorm. With Muslims rioting all over France, as well as the rest of the world. While the burqa and niqab are apart of Islamic culture, President Nicholas Sarkozy has publicly stated that "the ban is not meant to target Muslims or Islam but anyone who uses any face covering, including masks and motorcycle helmets with visors. If the law had explicitly discriminated against one group, it would not have cleared the Constitutional Council" Regardless the country has erupted and has become split in twos. Half of France's citizens are opposed to the new law while other French citizens are more than happy to see the new law go into effect. An example of this is shown in a recent poll, which shows how the people are more concerned about the new ban, but not necessarily concerned over losing their jobs or cuts in services.

This entire scenario is a tough call. While I can certainly see why they are banning the face-covering veil for security, I can also see why the opposition is upset. Sometimes the government forces us to do things we do not want, example being at the airport. Most people do not want to get patted down or go through those new X-ray machines which can see everything. However those protocols and procedures are there not only to protect other passengers, and pilots, but YOU! And if you do not agree to those rules, well then you're not allowed to board your flight. I think that is what the French government is trying to do. I can certainly see where President Sarkozy is coming from, if it was directed towards just Muslims the mask and helmets would not be present in the new law. However you don't normally see someone forcing another person to wear a mask or a motorcycle helmet. So that makes you wonder, is this actually directed towards Muslims?

Is this racial intolerance? Are Muslims in France truly being discriminated against? Will we ever know is the real question! For us here in the United States it is hard to understand how something like that can become illegal, because in our very own constitution it states: Separation between Church and State. However France, over the more recent years have had many terrorist attack coming from Islamic extremists. So maybe this is just there way of cracking down on terrorism. I still the the women should be allowed to wear their veils, only because it is an important part of their religion.

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2011/04/france-veil-ban.html

http://thedailystar.com/opinion/x778519843/France-has-forsaken-its-ideals

China Suprresses Christians Again.

Brian George

April, 15^th, 2011

Blog 12

9:43 am

In many countries, regions and villages; people practice their chosen religion. Some do it without the worry of being prosecuted while others know very well the consequences that can fall upon them if they’re unwilling to conform to the religious desire of their country or state. Being ostracized from one’s community, being thrown in jail or killed; are all possibilities.

Once again those who practice the Christian religion in China have had their human rights violated without true reason. After being removed from their usual place of worship, quite possibly a church or home fashioned as such, the worshipers decided to hold their services in a public area. .

“Leaders of the unregistered Shouwang church had told members to gather at an open-air venue in Beijing for Sunday morning services, but police, apparently alerted to their plans, taped off the area and took away people who showed up to take part…. No major protests have occurred in China following the calls, but the security crackdown they sparked has resulted in the arrest or detention of dozens of public interest lawyers, writers, intellectuals and activists.” (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/as_china_human_rights)

While their act was unwise, due to them knowing the cruel and idiotic repercussions for such a thing, this is not limited only to those who are religiously ‘free’ of their government; where a estimated 20 million worship in the state church and possibly more than 60 million Christians worship in China’s independent churches.

This sparks a ‘if you are not with us then you are against us’ attitude that is a sure fire way to break apart families, neighborhoods and quite possibly an entire country. Many who dedicate themselves to the government’s church may believe others are below them and are attempting to destroy the country by being radicals.

The lawyers, writers and others who were arrested were pro-democratic and posed a threat to China’s communist nation. In what way exactly…it is very hard to say.

It is difficult to admit openly but China has an ‘excellent’ way of keeping its people under control. Their government is the prime example of a ‘Big Brother Bully’ hybrid that will eventually take itself down such as Egypt’s government is being taken by its denizens.

None the less, the fact that China’s government continually discriminates against its own kind simply because they choose to worship outside of its government walls, is quite foul and depressing.

But it is how they keep their control.

And while the United States has attempted to intervene by calling into play the Human Rights act, the country of China has simply ignored them and basically chosen to tell the U.S to ‘mind their own business.’.

While denying people their right to deviate from other’s path of enlightenment and find their own, is how they attempt to keep every individual under their thumb; they should take a page from the events happening in Egypt and realize revolution can and may possibly be in the process of occurring within their strongly built walls. Whether they’re Christians who wish to worship where and when they please, or citizens who want a democratic government, China’s attempt to divide and suppress it’s people will work against them.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/as_china_human_rights

Pakistan: Blasphemy laws used to harass minorities Blog #11

Crystal Bayne

4-8-2001

3:50pm

Outlined in it's constitution, The Islamic Republic of Pakistan, states that there shall be no type of blasphemy against any recognized religion, including Islam, Christianity and Judaism. Those found guilty are punished. However while the law states that it applies to all religions, in actuality it only protects Islam. Due to this many non-Muslims are being harassed due to this law. The intensity of this issue has become even more apparent within the new year. The first couple of months in 2011 two governmental officials were brutally murdered because they publicly opposed the law and ask for reform. Last year alone seventy two civilians were killed during an encounter with law enforcement and one hundred and sixty eight were killed while detained in jail. The society for human rights and prisoners' aid reported that this was a huge increase from 2009.

Those accused of blasphemy against Islam have and are still being sentenced to either life imprisonment or capital punishment. The most recent was a Christian woman who was sentenced to death due to supposed blasphemy. The law states that it protects all religions however no Muslims have been imprisoned, punished or given capital punishment. So therefore it can be said that the system is obviously corrupt and only protects Islam.

This really confuses me, this entire article. Honestly speaking, this world is so messed up. Week after week I read articles saying Christians are being prosecuted or Muslim are being harassed. It's really the same old, same old regardless of what part of the world you are talking about. It makes you wonder "are people ever going to, not necessarily see eye-to-eye, but at least respect one another to coexist somewhat peacefully?!" I think about how crazy it sounds to say can't we all just worry about ourselves instead of others. I sit in a class of 60 Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with people from all over with different backgrounds and we are able to chat peacefully and engage in intellectual conversation with respect for one another. So why can't the rest of the world?

http://www.zeenews.com/news698612.html

Changes in Egypt Government Can Bring More Religious Division

Brian George

4/8/10

Blog 11

12:34 pm

For the past few months there has been a visible unity between the Christian and Muslim community in Egypt. The desire and need to remove Hosni Mubarak from power brought the two religious groups together for a modern revolution, to demand change not just for their political freedom. In addition, it was for some the desire to obtain true religious freedom as well.

All this change occurring in a place where the country’s laws have been based upon the book of one religion, namely Islam. “Under Mubarak, Christians were often excluded from positions of authority and influence. They held fewer than two percent of seats in the recently disbanded parliament. They continue to face restrictions when they want to build or fix churches, and Islamic law remains Egypt's main source of legislation.” (Presto, Suzanne. ‘Egypt's Christians and Muslims Face Unity and Tensions.’). While Mubarak was in power Copt Christians were similar to second or third-class citizens, churches were burned down and many lives on both sides(Muslim and Christian) were lost in battles in villages and cities.

On top of that, they have been underrepresented in their government’s political system and this does nothing but slow or kill the progress that the country could make towards recognizing other religions as equals.

The clear difference between the treatment of Muslims and Christians by their government could become even more apparent should another more ‘radical’ individual or group, assume power.

And at the moment the one that stands out is one that makes many Copt Christians in Egypt and other countries worried, the Muslim Brotherhood, an group that favors a pure Islamic state.

This causes some to worry though they seem willing to accept that possibility to simply have Mubarak out of power. “I have fears that they (the Brotherhood) come to power, however, I'm still very happy about what's happening and I will still be very happy that Mubarak leaves, at any price," said Rasha, 29, a marketing worker who, like most of the others, did want her full name used.” (Dziadosz, Alexander. ‘Copts say Egypt regime change trumps Islamist fears’.)

Even with the change that is bound to come to their government, many are worried that Islamic groups would gain even more favor and influence after Mubarak’s departure is complete…even though the two religious groups have been working together despite an brutal bombing in March that killed many and a battle that quickly followed and left more dead.

Between those events and others that have occurred over the past few years, it could be very difficult to hold one another up in these trying times; and there’s the possibility that the Muslim Brotherhood would seek to use those past and even current events to their advantage and separate the Copt Christian community even further away from the Muslim community.

Right now, Egypt is a country and society that is not only dominated by Islamic virtues and people, but it discriminates against the Christian community. From the restrictions on building churches to the forced Islamic conversions that have come to light in the past few years, it boils down to whether Egypt would be content with the discrimination from Mubarak or a potential similar of worse one under the Muslim Brotherhood.

Should extremists obtain power in Egypt, they may suffer a bigger division of religion and life than they have already experienced in the past. While the two groups are unified, the best thing would be to acknowledge the possibilities ahead for peace and a permanent union that would see no discrimination on a social, physical, mental or spiritual level; be inflicted upon anyone simply because of their religion.

http://www.voanews.com/english/news/middle-east/Egypts-Christians-and-Muslims-Face-Unity-and-Tensions--118526659.html

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/01/us-egypt-copts-idUSTRE7109C220110201?pageNumber=1