Actually, Sohail...

Submitted by J.S. (Canada), Sep 21, 2006 at 16:56

The catholic church has apologized for the use of violence in the past (including during the crusades, etc.) They have admitted their guilt and said they're sorry for what occurred. I don't know if everyone is willing to "forgive and foget." But if someone hasn't fogiven what the church has done in the past -- well, what more can be said? (if someone wants to bear a perpetual grudge, that's his or her problem...)

Now with Islam -- I don't hear any apologies...When will Muslims appologize for their suicide murderers committed in the name of Islam? Why do the pictures of their so-called marytyrs adorn streets in terrroirst controlled territories? Why are suicide bombers glorified by the Palestinians - in the name of Islam?

And if you want other grotesque -- utterly grotesque acts of Muslim violence against other Muslims -- just look to Iraq. I have been hearing daily accounts of torture -- gruesome and dispicable. It's hideous. (not all of this torture and violence may be committed in the name of the religion -- but it does reflect poorly on the religion of Islam, since this violence is being committed by Muslims...) So, I don't think it should be all that astounding or perplexing or for that matter considered a "libel" to suggest that Islam may not lead to the best of behaviors from its adherents...frankly, it seems to lead to all sorts of hideoous -- beast-like -- behavior. And, most people in the West will wonder if it has something to do with the religion or its teachings...it's just a natural question...

And, on that note, once again, I'd say that Islam *teaches* anti-semitism -- it's built into the religion itself. (see the chapter on Islam -- from "Why the Jews" Telushkin and Prager.) it's not a "political" question, not a political problem, it's a religious one.

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".