I think it is criminal for children to be taught to hate. I watched Frontline last night, and had mixed feelings about what I saw. As much as I do not believe in violence, I can understand clearly why many Muslims (and a lot of us) hate the actions, and policies of the US government, and of the Saudi Royal Family. When I see children taught to hate Infidels (in general) from an early age, I feel it is child abuse. When I listen to the strict Tribal leaders, I realise they have been taught to hate, and simply wish to pass it on. The same thing can, and does occur in Christian households, when children are taught that Muslims follow a "false moon God" and will burn in hell for following the "wrong God." I learned a great deal from Frontline about the pre 911 events that most Americans never knew. I understand why Osama is seen as a hero to many. Is the world supposed to sit back, and allow corrupt governments to do anything they wish, and run roughshod over the common man ? I can only imagine that we are living in a history repeating itself. Many people assume that "All Saudis/Arabs" are "evil" in this US culture, because we aren't taught otherwise. I have to stop myself from oversimplifying what I see on the news every day. (It's anything but simple) I hear dire warnings about " Muslims want you dead" In short, I think Religion, when taken to extremes (especially repression of natural human behavior like dancing for example) can serve to create a truly neurotic (if not psychotic) state of mind. I think when people feel threatened, they do drastic things. Surely there is room for a compromise ? I feel it usually comes down to the "have's" not being fair to the "have nots." If men wish to run around in the desert as free spirits following tribal laws, and worshipping God, they should do so. But, at the same time, Puritanical men shouldn't be trying to control women so much, and the progressive men shouldn't allow them to. Repression, and domination lead to unhappiness, and neurosis. And there are kind, happy Arabs..:sunglasse ..I think dialogue is essential to deal with stereotypes on both sides. All Americans (Infidels) don't want to "get the oil" and corrupt Muslims into a life of decadent hell- raising. I am very thankful to be alive at this time to witness history. No country has a perfect past. It's time many of the elders released such an iron grip on the younger generations. After all, if children are raised properly, they reflect the best that our ancestors passed down to us. I will think positive. I have to say that I would rather drink tea in the desert with an honest Muslim who said he/she "kind of" wished me dead, than a fake Christian named George who thinks he is God's Crusader, trying to save the world...and blaming others for his mistakes....while thousands of people die in the process.
“Many people assume that "All Saudis/Arabs" are "evil" in this US culture, because we aren't taught otherwise.” I can hardly believe that. “All Americans (Infidels) don't want to "get the oil" and corrupt Muslims into a life of decadent hell- raising.” Ofcourse, but they need stabilty and pro-US goverments in the region to get the oil in a “fair way”. I mean without Middle Eastern Oil we and they have a problem. Btw, the UAE is trying to diverse the economy so they less depent on oil export.
no matter were i have gone on this continent people seem to be basicly the same. and that includes allowing power to curupt them. its not realy america persay but goverment in general. personaly i agree with asimov, "the fact someone wants to be president should automaticaly diqualify them"
Desert Stargazer you have to realise there are loads of moderate muslims out there who although may no agree with US foreign policy don't consider all Americans to be infidels who deserve to die. Bin Ladin is the very extreme right of the muslim world and people should remember that it's the American administartion and American networks want you to think that all the muslim world is against you, which is not true. Also Americas totaly disregard for other peoples culture and beliefs doesn't help the situation. Also Amiera, I'd love to go to UAE someday. My friends brother is a teacher over in Abbi Dabbi and he was over there not so long ago for a holiday, just after Ramadan. He was also in Dubai and took a day trip to Oman to, he said it was great especially the dune bashing in the jeeps!
