Iran waging a war in the Lebanon against Israel and the United States?

During the Cold War, the Superpowers never engaged in direct head-on conflict with one another. To have done so, might well have led to a chain of escalation that ultimately culminated in a nuclear exchange. Then, the outcome, even in victory, might well have resembled to "lose - lose" proposition, given the extent of devastation and loss of human life involved. Instead, when the ideological confrontation grew "hot", it did so in the more limited context of proxy wars, some of which were formidable in their own right, in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

The ongoing conflict being fought between Hezbollah and Israel, on to battlefield that extends across northern Israel's civilian centers and throughout most of Lebanon, may well be an early proxy war waged on behalf of to rising Iranian power. According to the May 11, 2006 edition of Al - Sharq al - Awsat Iran to views Hezbollah as "one of the mainstays of its strategic security." Hezbollah is one of the strategic and tactical weapons Iran employs against its enemies, namely the United States, Israel, and the West. Former Hezbollah Secretary-General Subhi Al - Tufeili explained as much when I revealed that Hezbollah's "real leadership is 'the rule of the jurisprudent' - in other words, Khamenei."

The developments leading up to Hezbollah's highly provocative step of abducting two Israeli soldiers from Israeli soil suggest that Iran might well have had at least an indirect role in initiating the act that led to the ongoing hostilities. On June 16, 2006, Al - Sharq Al - Awsat reported, "Well-informed sources in Tehran have told Al - Sharq al - Awsat that the talks held in Tehran between Syrian Defense Minister Hassan Turkmani and his Iranian counterpart Mustafa Mohammad Najjar did not only deal with military and security aspects of the strategic cooperation between the two countries, but also with the situation in Lebanon." At the time, there was no Israeli presence on Lebanese soil. The newspaper also noted, "Syria, on its part, has renewed its previous agreements with Iran which allow Iranian ammunition trucks to pass [through Syria] into Lebanon" to resupply Hezbollah. In short, at at time when the Lebanon-Israel border was quiet, Iran was discussing "the situation in Lebanon" with Syria and facilitating the supply of arms to Hezbollah.

Then, on July 8, multiple news organizations reported that President Ahmadinejad urged the Islamic world to take action to destroy Israel. Voice of America reported, "President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad spoke Saturday in Tehran at the opening of regional Conference of Islamic nations." He said the basic problem in the Islamic world is the existence of what I have called the Zionist regime. "He said the Islamic world must mobilize to remove the problem." Arguably, that was the "green light" for Tehran that Hezbollah was awaiting.

Following Hezbollah's act of aggression, Edward N. Luttwak, senior fellow at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, told the Toronto Globe & Mail, "Iran's leaders have apparently decided to reject the Western offer to peacefully settle the dispute over its weapons - grade uranium-enrichment program..." Evidently, Sheikh Nasrallah felt compelled to serve Iran's strategy. "Aside from the multimillion-dollar monthly subsidy it provides, Iran is the spiritual homeland of Hezbollah leaders, some of whom have studied in Iranian religious schools."

Since the onset of fighting, Iranian media organizations having close ties to its ruling conservative clerics have used the outcomes to date to validate perceptions of Israeli and American weakness. Such commentary has argued that Israeli "invincibility" has ceased to exist, Israel is weaker than it was 40 years ago, and that Israelis are abandoning Israel.

On July 13, yi-Jomhuri Eslami wrote of Hezbollah's raid, "Israel's security network is now damaged and this will lead to more pressure on Israel's government." Five days later, it proclaimed, "[N] ow that the Hezbollah has shown its military superiority it proves that all of America's plans have been nothing more than a mirage and they have to tolerate the bitter taste of defeat again." On July 20, Resalat claimed, "Following the inefficiency of the Zionist regime in dealing with Hezbollah's activities the myth of Israel's invincibility has come to an end..." "Shelling Israel's cities by Hezbollah has started to trend of reverse immigration from Israel and the people are leaving the occupied lands."

Such commentary has also attempted to elevate Iran's role against the rest of the Middle East as spokesman for the "world of Islam" and to proclaim the birth of a new Middle Eastern order arrayed against the United States and Israel. On July 20, pro-Khamenei daily Kayhan dismissed Saudi Arabian and Egyptian criticism of Hezbollah stating, "The rulers of Saudi Arabia and Egypt can't talk on behalf of themselves and their people but not on behalf of the world of Islam or even Arab people."
Separately, the Kayhan explained what it saw as a new emerging geopolitical order in the Middle East:

American and Israeli groups are furiously confused. They have understood very well that their big Middle East plan has turned into a series of explosive traps against themselves. If Iran was alone in the past, gradually the triangle of Iran, Syria and Lebanon was formed. Now Hamas has turned this into a square triangle. And the establishment of the principle-ist government in Iraq after it has turned into a pentagon. This pentagon represents the new coordinates of the Middle East.

Iran's geopolitical calculations suggest that the stakes in the outcome in Lebanon are too great for Iran to allow Hezbollah to be "defeated". Therefore, if Iran is involved in any part of the ceasefire/peace process Iran will likely insist on a ceasefire from which Hezbollah would gain, whether it would be Hezbollah's retaining its ability to function as an armed group in Lebanon or realizing its initial demand for a "prisoner swap." At the same time, it would likely seek to thwart any deal if it cannot leverage gains for its nuclear weapons program.

Such backing will likely embolden Hezbollah and its backers within Lebanon preclude from accepting compromises that would diminish Hezbollah's capabilities. Hence, if Iran has its way, on ceasefire would preserve Hezbollah, if not allow it to make gains, while failing to meet Israel's core need for security. After all, why would Iran seek to accommodate Israel's core needs when, according to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Israel is a "fake state" that should be eliminated. In fact, Iran's commentary views the outcome in Lebanon as a potential downpayment toward that end with Keyhan, another Khamenei-affiliated periodical, describing it as "a big opportunity to demolish Israel."

All said, the ongoing fighting between Israel and Hezbollah might well mark Iran's proxy war with Israel first and the United States. Given the geopolitical ramifications involved, it probably won't be the last such conflict and future ones could be even deadlier as more powerful weapons and technologies are injected into the mix. Therefore, if the international community seeks regional stability and peace, it will need to work toward a decisive settlement with Lebanon's leaders to eliminate Hezbollah as an armed element. It will also need to work energetically toward translating any ceasefire agreement into a full peace treaty between Israel and Lebanon. Otherwise, Lebanon will all but certainly become the host of combat in future proxy wars waged on behalf of Iran, and its people will experienced renewed suffering as a consequence.

Don Sutherland has researched and written on a wide range of geopolitical issues.

The importance of the intellectual struggle against Darwinism

Darwinism, by arguing that life and the entire universe are the work of blind chance, is easily the most dangerous ideology confronting us today. It formed the basis of all harmful movements, including communism and fascism, devastating mankind. Despite its scientific refutation time and again there are still those who seek to keep Darwinism alive purely for ideological reasons.

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing when it comes to Darwinism. People equipped with factual or analytical want of the discussion, unaware of the grave danger that it actually represents, unaware of the terrible social and moral disasters the theory of evolution has brought with it, unaware of the damage wreaked by Darwinist thinking over the last century and a half, may also look down on such a vital intellectual struggle against it. By denying the existence and oneness of God and the responsibility of each man and woman to Him, Darwinism prepares the groundwork for destruction by indoctrinating people with the idea that human beings are irresponsible products of blind chance and are no more than yet another species of animals.

The most obvious heritage of the dominance of Darwinism and its symbiotic partner, the materialist philosophy, radically is the distorted answer to the fundamental question, "what is man?". Some people who would previously have answered "man is a being created by God to live by the moral values revealed by Him," have now, as a result of deceptive indoctrination, fallen into the erroneous thought "man came into being by chance, and is an animal that developed through the struggle for survival." There is a grave price attached to such a grave error in thinking, from which ruthless ideologies such as racism, fascism or communism, as all violent worldviews, have been feeding.

Darwinist Thinking Lies at the Root of All Harmful Ideologies

A look at the general history of the 20th century, a period of war, conflict, anarchy and chaos, and thus of terrible human suffering, should be enough to realize disastrous results of Darwinism. In the last century millions of people were killed, slaughtered, abandoned to starvation and death, and left neglected, homeless and defenseless by the same perverted ideologies, and all for nothing. Millions more were subjected to inhuman treatment that should not even be inflicted on animals. Ruthless dictators with Darwinist mindsets led vast masses of people into conflict, turned brother against brother, ignited wars, initiated bombings, brainwashed masses, and by placing guns in the hands of the ignorant caused countless deaths of men and women and the young and the old.

Fascism and communism head the list of these ideologies that cast such a shadow over mankind. On the surface they appear to be movements that are diametrically opposite seeking to destroy one another. Yet these ideologies are all fed and draw strength from the common intellectual source-the materialist philosophy and its natural sciences version, Darwinism-which pay the service of attracting vast masses of people into their ranks.

Shortly after it was first put forward, the theory of evolution expanded beyond such fields as biology and paleontology, and began exerting an influence in many other spheres, from human relations to historical interpretation, from politics to social dynamics. In particular, when the Darwinist falsehood "nature is the arena of struggle and conflict" was applied to society, a supposedly scientific guise was bestowed on Hitler's master race perversion, Marx's error that the history of man is nothing but a "class conflict," the capitalist view that "the strong grow stronger by crushing the weak," the ruthless exploitation of third world countries by imperialist nations, and the racist attacks and discrimination to which people of different color are still subjected today. Those who regarded human beings merely as an advanced species of animal kingdom had no qualms about trampling on others in order to elevate themselves, eliminating the sick and weak, or slaughtering races they regarded as different and inferior. Because their theories, with their scientific masks, tell them that their acts were a "law of nature."

As we have seen, Darwinism, the social harm wreaked by which many people are unaware of, has inflicted terrible disasters on mankind. The theory of evolution, which is devoid of any scientific evidence and goes no further than being an outdated dogma, is still blindly supported today solely for the sake of propagating atheism, despite the lack of any scientific findings to back it up.

Terrorism Can Be Eradicated through the Intellectual Elimination of Darwinism

Everyone knows what a horror terrorism is; yet most people are unaware that its ideological foundation is no other than Darwinism.

It is clear that the falsehood that "man is a fighting animal," inculcated in people's subconscious minds by Darwinism, is a highly influential one. Darwinism sets out a worldview and a method. The basic concept underlying this worldview and method is "conflict with anyone not of one's own."

This may be explained as follows; there are different beliefs, worldviews and philosophies on Earth. These may regard one another in one of two ways:

1) They may respect the existence of others, seek to build dialogue with them and follow a "human" path.

2) Alternatively, they may prefer the path of conflict with others, pursuing their own benefit by harming them, in others words behaving "like animals."

The horror of terrorism is nothing more than an expression of this second perspective. Therefore, what needs to happen in the context of the fight against terror is to eliminate terror's basic foundation, in other words the waging of an intellectual struggle against Darwinism. Once Darwinism has been intellectually eradicated, terrorist organizations will collapse and the horror of terrorism will be brought to an end.

However, so long as there are endeavors made to keep Darwinism alive, so long as people are indoctrinated with Darwinist falsehoods, terror can never be brought to an end. No wonder young people sign up to terrorist cells while schools and universities are dominated by Darwinism. In order for a person to become a terrorist he or she must first believe that their targets are not human, that conflict is a law of nature, that killing and murdering are legitimate, and that they are not accountable to God. In other words, they have to be Darwinists. There is no point in talking about "love, tolerance, compassion and peace" to someone raised for years to think that unconscious atoms came together to produce life, and that progress is impossible without conflict. Nor will questioning how they could execute ruthlessly murdering of innocent people do any good. It is pointless to expect such people to respect others, abide by the laws and obey the state.

Fighting terror without waging an intellectual struggle against Darwinism will be of no more use than trying to eliminate mosquitoes in a swamp. The only way of eliminating these harmful parasites is to dry out the mosquito-infested swamp. That is why we need to move against Darwinism with courage and knowledge.

This Great Intellectual Struggle Must Not Be Ignored

The facts we have touched on in brief here clearly show the grave danger that Darwinism represents, and the importance of the intellectual campaign to be waged against it. Even so, some people still underestimate the impact of this intellectual struggle under the false logic of saying, "What is so important about Darwinism?" or "Nobody believes in Darwinism any more, so there is no need to bother about it." Such objections in effect become obstacles to Muslims campaigning against Darwinism. These and similar claims form the bulk of excuses to avoid taking part in the intellectual struggle.

There are various reasons why such excuses are made, foremost of which being a strange kind of fear of Darwinism fuelled by lack of information. People who imagine that the theory of evolution rests on scientific evidence may well imagine that in fighting against Darwinism they are effectively fighting against science. Since they imagine that science proves evolution, they may fear that if they begin taking an interest in the subject they will be influenced by such indoctrination, their own beliefs will be weakened and their worldviews will change.

Such fears are groundless. Evolution is an unscientific theory. Every new discovery in every branch of science over the last 50 years has proved that evolution is a fabrication and that Creation is the manifest truth. The truth revealed by science is that God created the universe out of nothing and that the theory of evolution is of no scientific worth whatsoever.

One of the mistakes that those who are unaware of Darwinism's defeat in the face of science make is to try to reconcile Darwinism and Islam. Since they imagine resistance is futile, they seek to come up with their own "middle grounds" and imagine that they can thus neutralize the danger. However, this is a very dangerous and mistaken approach to adopt. First and foremost, as we have already stated, the invalidity of the theory of evolution has already been proven. Not a single reference can be shown in the Qur'an pointing to evolution, contrary to what may be claimed, and it is instead revealed that our Lord brought life and the entire universe into existence by commanding it to "Be!"

Therefore, instead of avoiding the intellectual struggle against Darwinism or producing imaginary scenarios such as "Islamic evolution," Muslims today, when information is so easy to obtain, must educate themselves on this subject and support the great intellectual campaign.

It needs to be made clear that this intellectual struggle is a very wide-ranging one; it must be waged through the use of all technological means, by following all scientific developments, collecting the facts revealed by scientific progress and by presenting clear and evident proofs. The idea that Darwinism can be defeated by repeating a few objections (for example "since human beings are descended from apes, why are there still apes around and why have they not turned into human beings?", etc.) that have become very familiar over recent years, without offering sufficient information and evidence, stems from a failure to reflect sufficiently on the scale of the phenomenon. A person exposed to constant doses of Darwinist propaganda from a variety of sources will obviously be unable to alter a clichéd way of thinking with such facile objections. For that reason, people who imagine that science actually supports evolution need to be shown that evolution is unscientific by being given the results produced by science. That is the essence of the intellectual struggle against Darwinism.

The Intellectual Struggle against Darwinism Calls for Unity

In order for such a comprehensive intellectual campaign to be effective, it is of utmost importance that Muslims should act in a spirit of unity. God has revealed in the Qur'an that Muslims needed to be united in their struggle against denial. One verse describes how corruption appears on Earth unless Muslims act as one:

Unbelievers are the friends and protectors of one another. If you do not act in this way there will be turmoil in the land and great corruption. (Qur'an, 8: 73)

At a time when atheism is widespread in many parts of the world, when terror and anarchy threaten all mankind, when many defenseless and innocent people are oppressed, what true believers must do is to use all the means at their disposal to wage this intellectual struggle against godlessness. If Muslims fail to establish unity among themselves, citing different ways of thinking, this will reduce the effectiveness of this great intellectual campaign. It is essential that they set their differences of opinion aside and work together to disseminate religious moral values.

All Muslims must play their part in the intellectual struggle against Darwinism. All Muslim civil society organizations, associations, foundations and societies must act within a common awareness, without thinking whether the struggle against Darwinism and materialism is inscribed in their organization's constitution and must contribute to the campaign against Darwinism. Ignoring all other activities than those engaged in by their own foundations, societies or organizations, and thinking along the lines of "not part of our community, no importance to us" is an attitude ill-befitting Muslims. Avoiding the intellectual struggle against Darwinism under such circumstances, advancing various kinds of excuses, failing to act in a spirit of unity and togetherness may be behavior for which they will be held responsible both in this world and in the Hereafter. It is exceedingly important that sincere Muslims avoid making such a mistake.

Muslims' struggle against atheism, employing all the means at their disposal in order to gain the approval of God, will, by the will of God, result in the best possible outcome for all mankind. Sincere endeavor in a spirit of unity and togetherness will be a means whereby "the truth will conquer and falsehood be vanished," as promised by God. This promise of Almighty God's is a source of enthusiasm and excitement for all believers:

Rather We hurl the truth against falsehood and it cuts right through it and it vanishes clean away! Woe without end for you for what you portray! (Qur'an, 21: 18)

The Ongoing Darwinist Deception

Research shows that Darwinism is still continuing to deceive. Surveys carried out in European countries in particular, especially in France, Germany and Britain, have revealed that the great majority of people imagine that the theory of evolution is a scientific fact. People taken in by the evolution deception turn their backs on believing in God and religious moral values. A survey carried out by the United Nations made this abundantly plain. According to the survey, only 18% of Europeans believe that God created man, whereas 82% imagine that man evolved from other species. Country by country the situation is as follows:

- Germany - only 14% of the population, of whom 35% are Catholics and 36% Protestants, believe in Creation.

- France - Around 18% of people believe in the fact of creation.

- Britain - 20% of the public believe in Creation.

- Spain - In Spain, with a vast majority of Catholic population, only 13% believe in the fact of Creation.

- Norway - Believers in Creation make up 19% of the population.

- Finland - 80% of the population are evangelical Christians though only 16% believe in Creation.

- Sweden - 12% of people believe that God created man.

- Denmark - 9% of the population believe in Creation.

- Belgium - The level of believers in Creation is 10%.

- Switzerland - 24% of the public believe in the fact of Creation.

This picture once again reveals the importance and urgency of explaining how the scientific evidence refutes evolution and why Darwinism is no more than a figment of imagination, and that the scientific truth points to Creation.

, HARUN YAHYA
Born in Ankara in 1956, Adnan Oktar writes his books under the pen name of Harun Yahya. The works of Harun Yahya have been translated into 41 languages. To date, his books have been purchased by 8 million people, and an equal number have been provided free to readers by various newspapers and magazines. You can read, free of charge, all the books Adnan Oktar has written under the pen name Harun Yahya on these websites http://www.harunyahya.com

Violence against women (Pakistan)

Donde hay violación, hay revolución. Yo no soy despistado de las brutalidades que las mujeres han estado enfrentando desde tiempos inmortales. Hay varios incidentes que representan la represión y el enfoque ético para demostrar que él es el ser supremo en este planeta que puede emprender cualquier acción agresiva contra la mujer del hombre.

Me duele que las mujeres del mundo son las víctimas de la concepción del hombre de ser los amos de sus destinos y vale la pena. Ellos llevan una vida miserable bajo el cielo de su injusta demanda a esclavizar a la mujer sentimientos y sentimientos sagrados.

Particularmente, en Pakistán, donde las mujeres están bajo la sombra de tono brutal; hay ritos que condenan la creación de un Estado donde nuestros antepasados destinadas a proporcionar un fondo de paz y prosperidad. ¿Qué es todo? ¿El verdadero espíritu del Islam que es perjudicial como concebido por nuestros fundadores? VINNI, SATTI y malos tratos hacia una niña de 17 años en Swat (Pakistán) son las evidencias de malentendido del hombre de ser el Supremo.

Debemos tener en cuenta una verdad desnuda que las mujeres son importantes y prestigiosos miembros de la sociedad como son hombres y tienen los derechos todos una vida como interpretado por sus ojos y el alma. ¿Entonces por qué hay este trato indiferente? No hay probablemente ninguna respuesta satisfactoria porque nos estamos contaminados por el orgullo de ser potente para modificar su suerte. La desafortunada chica era aliado pública trincada y no había nadie para detener esa violencia que se blurting la causa real de la creación de Pakistán, es decir, la jurisprudencia islámica. Realmente me siento yo mismo absorbida en una sociedad en tiempos prehistóricos donde las mujeres eran despreciadas a como fuente de dar a luz a guerreros y generales que llevaron una vida de agresión y la injusticia indebida.

Fueron considerados las máquinas para realizar diversas tareas en casa para cuidar de sus hijos y satisfacer deseos indebidas de sus hombres. Esto no es lo que predica el Islam y lo que el Santo Profeta (PBUH) ha dirigido a llevar una vida bien equilibrada y preparada en la tierra. Ninguna religión del mundo aprecia represión indebida sobre las mujeres. No veo de que hemos logrado el propósito básico de la existencia de nuestro Estado libre porque no parecen ser liberada de la dominación de pocos sobre muchos. Otro aspecto trágico y considerable de nuestra libertad es que aún estamos viviendo en la edad de piedra son sorprendentes guijarros para quemar el fuego de nuestra dominación sobre los becarios desesperados que se ven obligados a vivir con nosotros, simplemente porque sus ancestros también han establecido sus vidas por la causa de la libertad de injustas reglas de las Naciones extranjeras.

Avísame un hecho si somos musulmanes o es sólo un sueño que entre ellos porque no estoy de acuerdo que esto es lo que llamamos Islam que enseña todos los fundamentos peculiares de una vida próspera que garantiza la igualdad de derechos para todos independientemente de su género y estado??

Piensen!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Por: Nadeem Qureshi
Contacto: 00923314058114, Lahore, Pakistán

Declare an Exertion Against International Terrorism - The Time is Now

Apparently some international terrorist groups used the word Jihad in Muslim religion as an excuse to kill innocent people and an appeal to the young and naive to die in battle on behalf of their cause. If these groups only understand Jihad, then perhaps it is time to worldwide declare an effort against international terrorism and a time for the people of the Islamic faith to stand up and be counted almost 1 billion.

If the Islamic faith all takes the initiative to exercise international terrorists who give them a bad name, then the world will remain with them and may be born a new era of peace. The terrorists to exert international it makes sense and is apropos because "effort" and "Jihad" in fact have the same literal meaning. It is therefore timely that everyone join in common cause to rid the world of international terrorists and move as one to stop the killing of innocent life once for all.

Declare an effort is to fight fire with fire and spoke to the realities of the old famous human struggle of Good vs. Evil. If we do not stop international terrorism today and tomorrow there will be nuclear weapons used instead of small devices back packages and car is used. We can not risk the future of our Grand children and their children in a horrific perspective for the future, therefore it is up to us in the current period to declare an effort and plan a mission to make peace in this world now.

"Lance Winslow" – online Forum Board of reflection . If you have innovative ideas and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net /. Lance is a writer online at retirement.

The elephant roared and brought Forth a Turd: a case against the democratization of Middle East

The original vulgarity was bylined: ...The Constipation of America's Mid-East Peace Policy!

It is with some trepidation that I embark upon this discourse; for one, out of respect for elephants, but more so because within the American framework of democracy I have so greatly benefited. Thus, to liken the extension of America's efforts to democratize the civil administrations of Moslem states--even with the caveat "considering cultural sensitivities"--to the intestinal hardships of our beloved pacaderm is in itself cause for internal consternation, reflection, and a longing for interior relief.

"STUNT OMNES UNUM"

The current administration's mascot bears some responsibility for the chosen political metaphor; however, it must be duly noted, that this article could just as well be entitled: Asinus asinorum in saecula saeculorum! (Latin for: "The Jackass of Jackasses in the Centuries of Centuries", or "The Greatest Jackass in Eternity"--this, and other Latin expressions in honor of Pax Americana will be duly sprinkled throughout this missive)--giving equal honors to both dominate American political parties for their extended efforts at peace in the Middle East, for: Stunt omnes unum . . . they are all one!

Indeed, by giving credit to where credit is due, we must keep in mind that the commonality of purpose to secure America's interests in the Middle East and, ipso facto, the West's energy spicket, via proping up its Islamic dictatorships, or hastening the democratization of the region, is the continuous policy of both Democratic and Republican State Departments--make no mistake about it.

The Democrats differ only in the design of a better mouse trap and have no right to cast their stones of dispersion from their glass palace at the failed policies of the GOP--policies now garbed in democratic hyperbole.

WELCOME TO THE THEOLOGICAL CALDRUM

Peace in the Middle East! Better yet: What is the current administration's Mid-East Peace Policy? Road Map to Peace? Peace Process? It is prudent, though policy makers would dearly extract this fixation from the debate, the theological implications--Moslem, Jewish, and Christian--from this canundrum of canundrums, and why, specifically, "Jerusalem (has become) a cup of trembling (i.e., "reeling" or "drunkeness") to all the surrounding peoples . . . a very heavy stone for all peoples . . . though all nations of the earth are gathered against it" (Zechariah 12:2-3)?

The Biblical metaphor of "reeling" and "drunkeness" is actually the physical reaction of a person who trembles after imbibing a poisonous potion. You drink of this venom, you immediately go into radical convulsions, with one destination in view: death!

Initially, so it appeared, our President's so-called lack of a coherent Mid-East peace plan at the commencement of his administration both mystified and concerned--sooner or later he too would be compelled to deal with this Middle East "tar" baby. Could you blame him--grasping this "cup of trembling" portends incessant disappointment and, worse yet, staggering political liability with purient involvement leading to--as we now bemoane--intractable conflict.

Yet, the greatest "Consuming Nation" ever to countenance the planet--fueled by the mecurial petroleum molecule--would inevitably be sucked into this black hole whose exit strategies escape all nations.

EXTOLING OUR VIRTUES--PLAIN VANILLA

Nothing like pontificating--i.e., extolling our efforts at peace in the region. This was masterfully accomplished by the Council on Foreign Relations' Aaron D. Miller at the CFR's "Transition 2005: Israel, Palestine, and the Middle East Peace Process" forum in February. Dr. Miller--a former U.S. State Department official, having served six previous Secretaries of State by helping to formulate U.S. policy on the Middle East and the Arab-Israeli "peace process"--confirmed my original thesis regarding the bi-partisan nature of our endeavors at formulating peace in the Middle East; to wit:

"The three Americans that have made the most compelling contribution in the history of American diplomacy, and there are only three--two Republican secretaries of state, Henry Kissinger, James Baker, and one Democratic president, so it transcends party lines, Jimmy Carter--all combined those qualities, with an acute sense of knowing when to intercede. That is how to do effective American diplomacy. And if in fact we were to succeed again, that is an approach that we have to come back to. (Note: Apparently, Miller dismisses President Clinton's endeavors.)

In any event, bi-partisan consensus was summed up by political think tank Seeds of Peace president Miller as follows:

(1)President Bush must make the Middle East Peace Process a 24/7 top priority--working with a diverse team of "competent" advisors.

(2)Policy must not neglect what's happening on the "ground" (i.e., realities on the ground integrate with immediate policy).

(3)The U.S. must remain in control of its own policy (i.e., don't let either side, Israeli or Palestinian/Arab, dictate).

(4)Beware of interim deals, but also beware of high-risk efforts to solve this problem quickly.

(5)Combine empathy and trust, with toughness, to both Israelis and Arabs.

Furthermore, avoidance of the black hole is useless--Miller concludes:

"If we want to supplement our war against terror, further the cause of democratization, there is no other issue that would do more to enhance our credibility than the pursuit of this one" (i.e., full engagement in the so-called "Middle East Peace Process" involving Arabs and Israelis).

Safe, reasonable, intelligent, thoughtful--yep, just plain vanilla. But the status quo of Dr. Miller's world was about to be shaken with the departure of one Collin Powell, and the subsequent installation of National Security Advisor, now Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!"

"In this time of great decision, I have come to Cairo not to talk about the past, but to look to the future -- a future that Egyptians can lead and define.

"Ladies and Gentlemen: In our world today, a growing number of men and women are securing their liberty . . .

"After all, America was founded by individuals who knew that all human beings -- and the governments they create -- are inherently imperfect. And the United States was born half free and half slave. And it was only in my lifetime that my government guaranteed the right to vote for all of its people.

"Nevertheless, the principles enshrined in our Constitution enable citizens of conviction to move America closer every day to the ideal of democracy. Here in the Middle East, that same long hopeful process of democratic change is now beginning to unfold. Millions of people are demanding freedom for themselves and democracy for their countries" (Excerpts from Sec. of State Rice's speech at the American University in Cairo, Egypt on June 20, 2005).

Naturally, Dr. Rice's (later references) to democratic aspirations for the region--addressing her audience as "ladies and gentlemen" to highlight Islamic suppression of women in general--blew the Kaffiyeh off her Arab audience.

Notwithstanding all the cultural sensitivities to the contrary . . . it is nigh impossible and absurdly ridiculous to fathom how Judeo-Christian Americana ideals and cultural backgrounds relate to Middle Eastern realities on the ground (as we speak). Never mind--the President must opine:

"America will not impose our style of government on the unwilling. Our goal instead is to help others find their own voice, to attain their own freedom, make their own way" (Rice, in her same speech, quoting from President Bush's second inaugural address, while prefacing his words with: "We are supporting the democratic aspirations of all people.").

Thus, in one-fell swoop, we witness cultural wiggle room at its height as Arab states commence their march toward freedom and Islamic-style democracy!

EGYPT MUST LEAD, AS SHE LED OF OLD

"The people of Egypt should be at the forefront of this great journey, just as you have led this region through the great journeys of the past" (Again, excerpt from the Rice speech.).

At this point, one must ponder: What Egyptian journey of the past do we contemplate? How about the slave-driven, pyramid-building, totalitarian civilizations of the Pharaohs?

Of course we Americans intuitively know what the President and Dr. Rice mean (at least we once did) . . . but driving this democratic square peg into the black, moon-shaped hole of Islamic civilization may ultimately necessitate Alexander the Great's resolution of untying the Gordian Knot he encountered at the ancient city of Gordium (100 miles west of Ankara, Turkey).

An oracle of Zeus alleged that if anyone could untie this knot, that person would be the conqueror of all Asia. Of course everyone knows, Alexander (champion of the Ancient West) cheated on the oracle by cutting the knot with his sword instead of untying it--notwithstanding, the avaricious behavior of the god Zeus still gave Alexander Asia!

Even so, the conclusion of the matter (i.e., incorporating nigh 1,500 years of Islamic civilization into Western thinking and democratic idealism first proclaimed by the Greeks) may ultimately necessitate a rather crude Greco-Roman application; simply put: CUT TO THE CHASE!

And, why might this be the case? Consider the utter futility of the West approaching the "Islamic Knot" of Asia--let's just consider the "lead" of Egypt toward democratic liberalization:

Nina Shea's piece on Egyptian democratic ideals tells it bluntly--the Muslim Brotherhood would be swept to power if open elections were held in Egypt:

"Mubarak's policies have created a situation in which pro-Western democrats like Ramy Lakah are silenced or driven abroad, leaving the Muslim Brotherhood as the only organized opposition within Egypt. If an open election were held this year, few doubt that the Muslim Brotherhood would win. An Islamist group, the Brotherhood has won hearts and minds through charitable work and exploited religion to thrive despite ruthless repression against it. It purportedly renounced violence in the 1970s, but its motto continues to be: 'Allah is our objective. The Prophet is our leader. Qur'an is our law. Jihad is our way. Dying in the way of Allah is our highest hope.'"

And, what of Islamic Brotherhood?

"A social and political movement which started in Egypt in 1928 by Hasan al-Banna for the purpose of establishing a pan-Islamic state, transcending all current political and geographic divisions. Like those before him, al-Banna also regarded the West as posing a fundamental threat to the future of Islam. He felt that even worse than military campaigns were the attempts to import Western culture and political ideals. The root of Muslim problems was that the Shari'a (Islamic law) had not been implemented - once this was accomplished, everything would be better." (Taken from: Islamic Extremism)

This is the same Muslim Brotherhood that assassinated Anwar Sadat--in spite of Sadat's attempts to assure them of his Islamic fidelity. Is it any wonder that the Brotherhood continues to call for "a more open and democratic political system in Egypt."

Tracing the so-called hydra-headed monster of Islamic terrorist organizations is not the intent of this discussion. One can deliberate for countless hours on this serpentine figure (Please see http://www.state.gov/s/ct/rls/rpt/fto/2001/5258.htm). But, what is of peculiar note is where Secretary Rice delivered this sea-change in American foreign policy: In the heart of Egypt, where the Brotherhood and scores of Islamicists recruit insurgents against America's War on Terror!

IRANIAN DEMOCRACY AT WORK

While the U.S. attempts to light the fires of Iraqi liberty and democracy--against the backdrop of rabid Islamic insurgency, London bombings, and ominous threats upon homeland US targets (Including "soft targets in the U.S. like movie theaters, restaurants and schools" etc.) (Please see: http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/005364.php), the Iranian people by the millions decide it's time to elect an even more radical regime to pilot their nation through the incursions from the West!

Of course, with the election of hardliner and American hostage taker, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (though vehemently denied by Iranian authorities), at summer's commencement (2005), how heartening are his initial exploits heard in the West:

"Today, we can say that nuclear technology is our right!"

How comforting too, to know that a "Greater Persia"--which encompasses Southern Iraq's Shiite majority--also awaits the full development of the democratic Islamic Republic's nuclear program. Some, like Michael Rubin in Forward Magazine, conjecture that the Bush Administration has no coherent policy on Iran regarding the spread of "democracy." Dear Michael--let me disabuse you of such folly! The West, led by the Bush Administration, knows precisely how to "democratize" and, ipso facto, diffuse the Islamic Bomb! If, on the other hand, you consider this contrary to "democratic ideals" - live with it.

ISLAMIC MODERATES?

There is this Western fascination, perpetrated by certain strata of its intelligentsia and fomented by both the progressive and entrenched liberal media, that the vast majority of clear-thinking Moslem leadership, when push comes to shove, is tolerant and merciful; yes, caring souls who long to live in peace with all mankind, especially with folks in the West.

Frankly, let's quit pussy-footing around with discovering a Salman Rushdie here, a Dr. Khalid Duran there, or even a Tashbih Sayyed, President of the Council for Democracy and Tolerance--these rare exceptions dwell in the ethereal world of the West's civilization. What's happening on Dr. Miller's ground bespeaks the antithesis of the so-called moderate Moslem.

One gets this image of President Bush standing amidst a sea of moderate Moslem clerics gathered--all the while this minuscule segment of Islam is utterly overshadowed by the vast majority of mainstream believers in Allah to whom "moderate Moslem" is regarded in the Qur'an as an Infidel and should be treated as any Christian, Jew, Hindu, Buddhist, etc.

(For entire article . . . please go to http://www.the-tribulation-network.com; includes graphics, links, etc.)

Doug is a member of the "Last Days Network" . . . a group of evangelical pundits providing news and analysis on Religion in Politics. "Applied Biblical prophecy," apostasy and deception, the impact of the New American World System, and the influences of the Religious Right and Left upon American culture, are topics discuss by the group. He is an educator based in Northern California; his articles appear on numerous blogs throughout the nation and the world.

El monopolio contra Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi

I am a follower of Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi (RAGS) (25 November 1941 to 25 November 2001) the pattern in-chief of International Spiritual Movement Anjuman Serfaroshan Islam and whose tomb is located at Kotri Sharif, Sindh, Pakistan but I am unable to understand, why specific Muslim Clergy is not allowing us to practice religion like normal Muslims in Pakistan does. The only additional thing which we have is we believe in Gohar Shahi as our Pir-o-Murshid, which is not harmful to any party's believe and that's all. When the constitution of Pakistan allow us to do so then why government official don't pay attention to this matter and stop religious clergy who is still misleading people and doing negative propaganda against Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi.

We believe that:
1 Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is last among the prophets.
2 We practice Islam as normal Muslims do; There is no difference in dogmas to normal Muslim and us.
3 We believe and practice five pillars of Islam.
4. The Jashan-e-Milad-un-Nabi (Peace be upon him), Moharram, Ramadan and Giarwheen Sharif is celebrated with religious fervor and zeal.

Presently:
1 Permission for Public gathering is not given to International Spiritual Movement Anjuman Serfaroshan-e-Islam
2. Do not press coverage is given to International Spiritual Movement Anjuman Serfaroshan-e-Islam or all the press in directed from government to not cover our activities or belief.
3 Book co-authored by His Holiness Gohar Shahi "The Religion of God" known as Deen-e-Illahi in Urdu is banned by Government of Pakistan.

The Gohar Shahi was the first ever Muslim Spiritualist, who was invited by in Churches, Hindu Temples, Sikh Gurdwaras, Imam Bargahs & Mosques even till date so many people from other faiths are working actively under the umbrella of All Faith Spiritual Movement an organization which was made for non-muslim believer of Gohar Shahi and its job to promote religious harmony among all religions. Gohar Shahi to world renowned spiritualist has uncountable followers and believers across the world.

He was the founder of International Spiritual Movement Anjuman Serfaroshan Islam only any other movement is not linked with him; as I did not form any movement other than International Spiritual Movement Anjuman Serfaroshan Islam, which has branches in USA, China, UK, Italy, UAE, Oman, Germany, Gulf countries, European Countries with International Secretariat in Kotri Sharif, Sindh, Pakistan. I have nominated Wasi Muhammad Qureshi as the president of International Spiritual Movement Anjuman Serfaroshan Islam in 1996, who is till date working as per the instructions of Gohar Shahi. His family including his wife, five sons and daughter to have no role in International Spiritual Movement Anjuman Serfaroshan Islam as per the instruction of Gohar Shahi but they favored all the decisions taken by the officials of International Spiritual Movement Anjuman Serfaroshan Islam.

One big confusion among the Muslims is that Gohar Shahi has claimed the status of Prophet or Imam Mehdi, which is totally wrong because Shahi himself has said many times that "I have never claimed to be Mehdi or Prophet as we strongly believe that Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was last among the prophets." The false claimant is misled and ill-fated. However, I have elaborated the signs of True Mehdi. "As Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) has a seal of prophet at his back Likewise on the back of Mehdi there will be a seal of Mehdi which will be embossed by veins and who so ever will tensile this sign will accept him we've Imam Mehdi."

Even in presence of Gohar Shahi the religious clergy was after him and after his death again the same religious clergy is after his followers and activists of International Spiritual Movement Anjuman Serfaroshan Islam. The religious clergy used to issue sentences (Fatwas) against His Holiness Gohar Shahi, now they are issuing sentences against the activists of International Spiritual Movement Anjuman Serfaroshan Islam. Several attempts were made onto the life of Gohar Shahi, now the target is activists of International Spiritual Movement Anjuman Serfaroshan Islam.

I would like to invite all writers, intellectuals, scholars and people from all discipline of life to research over us and then decides what to do, either join hands with us or keep monopoly by going against us. We are Islamic element or anti-Islamic.

The Evil Eye in Islam - Protecting Against the Evil Eye

The evil eye has been part of the Islam belief since the earliest times and is based on the belief that a piercing, coveting glare from a person can inflict actual misfortune on a person. Most of the time, the evil look is founded on jealousy and envy. The Islam religion recognizes that the effects of the eye are facts and provides several precautionary measures to guard against it. The mention of the concept or the theory can alluded to from various sections of the holy book or even stories associated to the Prophet Mohammad.

In the early times of the Islam religion, the evil eye was considered responsible for a variety of misfortunes that befell the religion's members. These misfortunes can range from diseases, withering crops, and most of all, death. The effects can vary and is mainly connected to the concept due to perception of the receiver and how it is thought that the eye is the cause of these mishappenings.

These effects however, can be avoided. According to the Islam belief, the eye can bring negative effects but never out of Allah's will. Its negative effects will not take effect unless Allah wills it to. This is why the Islam religion teaches that it should not bring fear to anyone because Allah still holds the power over evil eye in religion.

Nonetheless, the Islam religion recommends several precautionary measures against the evil eye. First of all, seeking Allah's protection is the most effective measure against the effects of the evil eye. Constantly remembering Allah can help build a shield to protect you from Satan and any possible effect of an evil eye and from any other form of witchcraft. One must also trust Allah and have faith in his persevering protection.

Observing piety in obedience of Allah's word is also one way to protect oneself. One must also demonstrate peace and perseverance at all times. One must guard his own thoughts so that he will not be affected by envy or dwell on any negative, coveting thoughts. This almost becomes contradictory since the entire concept is based on the fact that the effects are a result of another's negative thoughts. Of course the thoughts do not necessarily have to be negative and it could be caused by the harmless envy of the onlooker.

The defense against the concept in Islam is the "turn the other cheek" concept in which the victim  should do good to the source. This includes speaking kindly to them and treating them with compassion like a friend. According to this concept, this will eventually turn the enemy into a friend. Aside from that, the Islam religion also recommends doing rugya and washing off envy by pouring water on oneself in case a person gets the eye.

Despite all these precautionary measures, a lot of Islam believers as well as those who simply believe in the truth behind the concept rely on various protective measures to defend themselves from the evil eye. Several people trust lucky charms that can fend off the effects of the evil eye. These charms are also known as the lucky eye, or simply evil eye jewelry to mean jewelry that protects against the evil eye. Evil eye jewelry includes bracelets, pendants, key chains, and a variety of other charms. There are silver, gold, and beaded ones so people can also choose the ones they prefer. This kind of jewelry is available for men, women, and kids, so all can be protected from the negative effects.

Angie Uras is the sales and marketing manager of JEYLA http://www.jeyla.com, the evil eye jewelry store. Angie has been working with production,marketing, and sales of evil eye jewelry for over 10 years. She currently resides in Chicago, IL but is involved in evil eye sales and marketing all over the world with close contacts in Turkey as well as a wholesaler for evil eye shops in Australia, Mexico, Spain, Canada, Russia, Greece and throughout the US.