Mr. Shawkat is a peaceful man but there's more to consider

Submitted by Benton Caldwell (Canada), Feb 6, 2006 at 01:44

Yes it's true that there are many phrases endorsing peace and law and order in the Koran, and there are those that could be used by extremists to incite violence too.

If you were to say that Christianity is a religion where people will give you their cloak if you ask them, and turn the other cheek if they are struck, you would incorrect of course. It may be a theoretical truth from the Bible but it would not be indicitive of the body of believers. Likewise, with Islam, whether it be theoritically a religion of peace or not, the practical observation of the current state must be considered. There is a lot of sympathy toward Al Queda in the Muslim community although they may not openly condone the attacks. After Sept 11 various constituents called their members of parliament wanting them to be aware that there were 9-11 parties going on next door(They weren't Buddist parties I assure you). Muslim university students were interviewed gloating of the attacks on tv.

Likewise, it has become apparent that a community with a significant amount of Muslims carries an extremist or sympathetic-to-extremist element. This extremist element will always follow Islam like a shadow even though its theory may be just. Look at the riots in Paris. Look at the embassy burnings in Syria and Lebanon ( ironically Denmark is one country that has allowed in huge amounts of Muslim immigrants. Denmark in fact is now 15% Muslim and based on current rates of immigration and natural population decline of the natives, this country will be mostly muslim in 20 years.) The undeniable fact is that Muslims can be incited to violence easier than any other group of people when conditions aren't perfect.

It is a sad fact that anyone who criticizes Islam gets a threat. Sometimes a death threat, sometimes a bomb threat, sometimes a threat to family members. This is not my real name and I have not provided my email address for this reason.

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