To Mr. Anthony Letayf

Submitted by Ahmed Kaleem (United States), Sep 25, 2005 at 12:32

As far as my humble opinion is concerned, the concept of religion has been around for centuries in one form or another and basic teaching i.e. the core of every religion on this planet is same. That believe or core is based on a belief in supernatural. We call the belief 'faith'. I have seen faithful muslims, jews, hindus, buddhists, christians and then I have also seen ones which call themselves the most conservative muslims or hindus yet are the most far away from the actual 'faith' in a supernatural being. I can say honestly about myself that I dont hate anyone because of his or her religion. All religions preach love and peace. All faiths preach you to live peacefully, be good to your family, neighbours and be pray to a supernatural being. That is the essence. I look at an individual not at a race. There are good hindus, muslims, jews, christians, buddhists and then there are some who are bad. My best friend is Orthodox Jewish. Its because our minds meet and our religions have nothing to do with it. We discuss history, religions, politics, life, science, everything and we enjoy our company tremendously. Sometimes we are amazed that howcome we be such good friends.

As far as I am concerned, socioeconomics have really defined the thinking of humans over the past 300 years or so. Religion is not really the most important part of 'anyone's' life these days. The frustration and hatred arises because of lack of resources simply. I think to some extent the Arabs have gone into a decline. And oil is to be blamed. The Sheikhs have all the oil yet 70% of the population in the 'arab world' is poor. Egyptians, syrians, jordanians, palestinians, most saudis are simply poor, frustrated and no-life people. Plus they are uneducated and dont really know the history of religion. I think they need to get a life, first. Secondly, need to learn the history of the region. Third, they must develop respect for the Jewish people.

Hope best for long-term peace in middle-east.

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