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Does Iran have something in store? | Bernard Lewis
by Rattle at 12:32 pm EDT, Aug 10, 2006 |
What is the significance of Aug. 22? This year, Aug. 22 corresponds, in the Islamic calendar, to the 27th day of the month of Rajab of the year 1427. This, by tradition, is the night when many Muslims commemorate the night flight of the prophet Muhammad on the winged horse Buraq, first to "the farthest mosque," usually identified with Jerusalem, and then to heaven and back (c.f., Koran XVII.1). This might well be deemed an appropriate date for the apocalyptic ending of Israel and if necessary of the world. It is far from certain that Mr. Ahmadinejad plans any such cataclysmic events precisely for Aug. 22. But it would be wise to bear the possibility in mind. A passage from the Ayatollah Khomeini, quoted in an 11th-grade Iranian schoolbook, is revealing. "I am decisively announcing to the whole world that if the world-devourers [i.e., the infidel powers] wish to stand against our religion, we will stand against their whole world and will not cease until the annihilation of all them. Either we all become free, or we will go to the greater freedom which is martyrdom. Either we shake one another's hands in joy at the victory of Islam in the world, or all of us will turn to eternal life and martyrdom. In both cases, victory and success are ours." In this context, mutual assured destruction, the deterrent that worked so well during the Cold War, would have no meaning. At the end of time, there will be general destruction anyway. What will matter will be the final destination of the dead--hell for the infidels, and heaven for the believers. For people with this mindset, MAD is not a constraint; it is an inducement. How then can one confront such an enemy, with such a view of life and death? Some immediate precautions are obviously possible and necessary. In the long term, it would seem that the best, perhaps the only hope is to appeal to those Muslims, Iranians, Arabs and others who do not share these apocalyptic perceptions and aspirations, and feel as much threatened, indeed even more threatened, than we are. There must be many such, probably even a majority in the lands of Islam. Now is the time for them to save their countries, their societies and their religion from the madness of MAD.
I posted about Apocalypse Iran last month. It will be interesting to see what, if anything, happens. I wonder if this figures into the planned timeline for the conflict in Israel... |
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RE: Does Iran have something in store? | Bernard Lewis
by Catonic at 5:27 pm EDT, Aug 10, 2006 |
Rattle wrote: What is the significance of Aug. 22? This year, Aug. 22 corresponds, in the Islamic calendar, to the 27th day of the month of Rajab of the year 1427. This, by tradition, is the night when many Muslims commemorate the night flight of the prophet Muhammad on the winged horse Buraq, first to "the farthest mosque," usually identified with Jerusalem, and then to heaven and back (c.f., Koran XVII.1). This might well be deemed an appropriate date for the apocalyptic ending of Israel and if necessary of the world. It is far from certain that Mr. Ahmadinejad plans any such cataclysmic events precisely for Aug. 22. But it would be wise to bear the possibility in mind. A passage from the Ayatollah Khomeini, quoted in an 11th-grade Iranian schoolbook, is revealing. "I am decisively announcing to the whole world that if the world-devourers [i.e., the infidel powers] wish to stand against our religion, we will stand against their whole world and will not cease until the annihilation of all them. Either we all become free, or we will go to the greater freedom which is martyrdom. Either we shake one another's hands in joy at the victory of Islam in the world, or all of us will turn to eternal life and martyrdom. In both cases, victory and success are ours." In this context, mutual assured destruction, the deterrent that worked so well during the Cold War, would have no meaning. At the end of time, there will be general destruction anyway. What will matter will be the final destination of the dead--hell for the infidels, and heaven for the believers. For people with this mindset, MAD is not a constraint; it is an inducement. How then can one confront such an enemy, with such a view of life and death? Some immediate precautions are obviously possible and necessary. In the long term, it would seem that the best, perhaps the only hope is to appeal to those Muslims, Iranians, Arabs and others who do not share these apocalyptic perceptions and aspirations, and feel as much threatened, indeed even more threatened, than we are. There must be many such, probably even a majority in the lands of Islam. Now is the time for them to save their countries, their societies and their religion from the madness of MAD.
I posted about Apocalypse Iran last month. It will be interesting to see what, if anything, happens. I wonder if this figures into the planned timeline for the conflict in Israel...
Great. So the world ends on my 27th birthday.... |
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RE: Does Iran have something in store? | Bernard Lewis
by Decius at 11:33 pm EDT, Aug 10, 2006 |
Catonic wrote:
Great. So the world ends on my 27th birthday....
Hey, at least you can count on a good fireworks show! The world usually ends colorfully. |
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Does Iran have something in store? | Bernard Lewis
by Decius at 1:03 pm EDT, Aug 10, 2006 |
What is the significance of Aug. 22? This year, Aug. 22 corresponds, in the Islamic calendar, to the 27th day of the month of Rajab of the year 1427. This, by tradition, is the night when many Muslims commemorate the night flight of the prophet Muhammad on the winged horse Buraq, first to "the farthest mosque," usually identified with Jerusalem, and then to heaven and back (c.f., Koran XVII.1). This might well be deemed an appropriate date for the apocalyptic ending of Israel and if necessary of the world. It is far from certain that Mr. Ahmadinejad plans any such cataclysmic events precisely for Aug. 22. But it would be wise to bear the possibility in mind. A passage from the Ayatollah Khomeini, quoted in an 11th-grade Iranian schoolbook, is revealing. "I am decisively announcing to the whole world that if the world-devourers [i.e., the infidel powers] wish to stand against our religion, we will stand against their whole world and will not cease until the annihilation of all them. Either we all become free, or we will go to the greater freedom which is martyrdom. Either we shake one another's hands in joy at the victory of Islam in the world, or all of us will turn to eternal life and martyrdom. In both cases, victory and success are ours." In this context, mutual assured destruction, the deterrent that worked so well during the Cold War, would have no meaning. At the end of time, there will be general destruction anyway. What will matter will be the final destination of the dead--hell for the infidels, and heaven for the believers. For people with this mindset, MAD is not a constraint; it is an inducement. How then can one confront such an enemy, with such a view of life and death? Some immediate precautions are obviously possible and necessary. In the long term, it would seem that the best, perhaps the only hope is to appeal to those Muslims, Iranians, Arabs and others who do not share these apocalyptic perceptions and aspirations, and feel as much threatened, indeed even more threatened, than we are. There must be many such, probably even a majority in the lands of Islam. Now is the time for them to save their countries, their societies and their religion from the madness of MAD.
The August 22nd meme was going around at Defcon. |
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Does Bush have something in store?
by noteworthy at 1:40 pm EDT, Aug 10, 2006 |
Decius wrote: The August 22nd meme was going around at Defcon.
Bernard Lewis wrote: A passage from the Ayatollah Khomeini, quoted in an 11th-grade Iranian schoolbook, is revealing. "I am decisively announcing to the whole world that if the world-devourers [i.e., the infidel powers] wish to stand against our religion, we will stand against their whole world and will not cease until the annihilation of all them. Either we all become free, or we will go to the greater freedom which is martyrdom. Either we shake one another's hands in joy at the victory of Islam in the world, or all of us will turn to eternal life and martyrdom. In both cases, victory and success are ours."
Today, Bush says: This nation is at war with Islamic fascists. There are people that still plot and people who want to harm us for what we believe in. It is a mistake to believe there is no threat to the United States of America.
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RE: Does Bush have something in store?
by Decius at 11:44 pm EDT, Aug 10, 2006 |
Bush spoke:
The recent arrests that our fellow citizens are now learning about are a stark reminder that this nation is at war with Islamic fascists who will use any means to -- to destroy those of us who love freedom, to hurt our nation.
When he uses that "those of us who love freedom" line its hard to take him seriously or conceive that he has a plan. These people don't want to kill Americans because we love freedom. They want to kill Americans because we're the most prominent political power center for people who don't practice their religion. Maybe what Bush really wants to say is "those of us who love jesus" but, of course, that would be extremely divisive, so he says "freedom," knowing that his constituency sees "freedom" and "jesus" as interchangable concepts. It -- travelers are going to be inconvenienced as a result of the steps we've taken. I urge their patience and ask them to be vigilant. The inconveniences occurs because we will take the steps necessary to protect the American people.
By searching their hard drives for kiddie porn. I'm sure if they hadn't caught these guys I wouldn't feel like making light of Bush's comments, so, my thanks goes out to the CT people in the UK and US governments who brought you this blog post tonight. I'll be here all week. |
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Why our national rethoric is broken -OR- Why we are loosing the War on Terror
by Rattle at 1:37 am EDT, Aug 11, 2006 |
When [Bush] uses that "those of us who love freedom" line its hard to take him seriously or conceive that he has a plan. These people don't want to kill Americans because we love freedom. They want to kill Americans because we're the most prominent political power center for people who don't practice their religion. Maybe what Bush really wants to say is "those of us who love jesus" but, of course, that would be extremely divisive, so he says "freedom," knowing that his constituency sees "freedom" and "jesus" as interchangable concepts.
Every global conflict centers around a battle of ideas. We are not on top of our information warfare game. To prove that point, I only need to reference at any given speech President Bush gives. |
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RE: Why our national rethoric is broken -OR- Why we are loosing the War on Terror
by skullaria at 11:11 am EDT, Aug 11, 2006 |
Rattle wrote: When [Bush] uses that "those of us who love freedom" line its hard to take him seriously or conceive that he has a plan. These people don't want to kill Americans because we love freedom. They want to kill Americans because we're the most prominent political power center for people who don't practice their religion. Maybe what Bush really wants to say is "those of us who love jesus" but, of course, that would be extremely divisive, so he says "freedom," knowing that his constituency sees "freedom" and "jesus" as interchangable concepts.
Every global conflict centers around a battle of ideas. We are not on top of our information warfare game. To prove that point, I only need to reference at any given speech President Bush gives.
Wish he would say THOSE THAT DON'T LOVE MOHAMMAD because the crazy terrorists certainly don't love Jews, Hindus, or the pagans here in the USA either. But the problem may more be that most people don't find anything Mr. Bush says even near intelligent anymore - whether it might be or not. Few people respect him anymore. |
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RE: Why our national rethoric is broken -OR- Why we are loosing the War on Terror
by Lost at 12:28 pm EDT, Aug 11, 2006 |
Rattle wrote: When [Bush] uses that "those of us who love freedom" line its hard to take him seriously or conceive that he has a plan. These people don't want to kill Americans because we love freedom. They want to kill Americans because we're the most prominent political power center for people who don't practice their religion. Maybe what Bush really wants to say is "those of us who love jesus" but, of course, that would be extremely divisive, so he says "freedom," knowing that his constituency sees "freedom" and "jesus" as interchangable concepts.
Every global conflict centers around a battle of ideas. We are not on top of our information warfare game. To prove that point, I only need to reference at any given speech President Bush gives.
I don't think he wants to 'win' that way. I think he's happy to incite more violence through his words, as long as he can retaliate. 'Bring it on.' |
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RE: Why our national rethoric is broken -OR- Why we are loosing the War on Terror
by fortinbras at 7:29 pm EDT, Aug 14, 2006 |
Rattle wrote: When [Bush] uses that "those of us who love freedom" line its hard to take him seriously or conceive that he has a plan. These people don't want to kill Americans because we love freedom. They want to kill Americans because we're the most prominent political power center for people who don't practice their religion. Maybe what Bush really wants to say is "those of us who love jesus" but, of course, that would be extremely divisive, so he says "freedom," knowing that his constituency sees "freedom" and "jesus" as interchangable concepts.
Every global conflict centers around a battle of ideas. We are not on top of our information warfare game. To prove that point, I only need to reference at any given speech President Bush gives.
Why we are loosing the War on Terror... Rhetoric must be backed by domination... We do not have the balls to hit back any more... We are no longer a dominant force in the world... It took two large detonations to break the will of the Shinto's in Japan. What is it really going to take to break the will of the Islamic Fascists? If the USA, UK or even the Israelis continue to value the lives of enemy civilians, then we will lose the war on terror. It is plain to see; the Islamic Fascists only understand martyrdom and/or annihilation; brute force. If we continue to allow them to use their power without a decisive response, we are going to be the group annihilated. However, if we hit back with truly overwhelming force, not only would we destroy the bad guys, but we'd devastate the will of those that might be recruited into the new ranks of Islamic Fascists; further we would annihilate the support of the enemy civilians. When we carpet bombed the Nazi's in WWII and then rolled down the streets of Berlin; we not only killed enemy military personnel, we killed enemy civilians. When we detonated two nuclear bombs in Japan, we destroyed military, industrial infrastructure and a very larger civilian population. We understood, back then, the civilian population allowed a political force and vicariously a military force to exist. It was the civilians that ultimately submitted to the power of the dominant, radical and ruthless. What does this mean? Civilians that allow Islamic Fascism to exist are viable targets. |
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Does Iran have something in store? | Bernard Lewis
by possibly noteworthy at 6:41 am EDT, Aug 10, 2006 |
What is the significance of Aug. 22? This year, Aug. 22 corresponds, in the Islamic calendar, to the 27th day of the month of Rajab of the year 1427. This, by tradition, is the night when many Muslims commemorate the night flight of the prophet Muhammad on the winged horse Buraq, first to "the farthest mosque," usually identified with Jerusalem, and then to heaven and back (c.f., Koran XVII.1). This might well be deemed an appropriate date for the apocalyptic ending of Israel and if necessary of the world. It is far from certain that Mr. Ahmadinejad plans any such cataclysmic events precisely for Aug. 22. But it would be wise to bear the possibility in mind. A passage from the Ayatollah Khomeini, quoted in an 11th-grade Iranian schoolbook, is revealing. "I am decisively announcing to the whole world that if the world-devourers [i.e., the infidel powers] wish to stand against our religion, we will stand against their whole world and will not cease until the annihilation of all them. Either we all become free, or we will go to the greater freedom which is martyrdom. Either we shake one another's hands in joy at the victory of Islam in the world, or all of us will turn to eternal life and martyrdom. In both cases, victory and success are ours." In this context, mutual assured destruction, the deterrent that worked so well during the Cold War, would have no meaning. At the end of time, there will be general destruction anyway. What will matter will be the final destination of the dead--hell for the infidels, and heaven for the believers. For people with this mindset, MAD is not a constraint; it is an inducement. How then can one confront such an enemy, with such a view of life and death? Some immediate precautions are obviously possible and necessary. In the long term, it would seem that the best, perhaps the only hope is to appeal to those Muslims, Iranians, Arabs and others who do not share these apocalyptic perceptions and aspirations, and feel as much threatened, indeed even more threatened, than we are. There must be many such, probably even a majority in the lands of Islam. Now is the time for them to save their countries, their societies and their religion from the madness of MAD.
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