An Apology by an Arab for 9/11-Great Essay

[fratty]

As an Egyptian, I find myself compelled to apologize to the American people for what happened to them on Sept. 11. I apologize because one of those involved in that horrible disaster was Egyptian. As a man of letters, I declare myself innocent of having any part in the creation of the culture that spawned these individuals.

A long time before New York City's Twin Towers were destroyed, many towers in my country were brought down by this same brand of perpetrators. They killed President Anwar Sadat, who initiated peace with Israel and liberalism in Egypt; they killed the Egyptian writer Farag Fouda, a defender of freedom and secularism; they stabbed our Nobel laureate, Naguib Mahfouz, when he was 82 years old, after discovering that 30 years earlier he had written a novel they considered the work of an infidel. They said they had not read the novel. Who told them it was sacrilegious? Someone living in a cave in the mountains of Afghanistan, or sitting in a London café or a mosque in New Jersey, told them so. In Egypt alone, these fundamentalists have killed more than 1,000 policemen and ordinary citizens, Christian and Muslim alike. In one of the most beautiful places on earth, the temple of Queen Hatshepsut in Luxor, they slaughtered nearly 60 tourists in 1997. In Algeria their sickles endlessly harvest the souls of the poor and helpless. They have committed all these crimes with the purpose of establishing the kingdom of God on earth and have succeeded only in turning our lives into hell.

In my country, art, education and the economy have all been leveled to a ground zero. I'm convinced, though, that the problem we face is not religious but political. And so it will never be solved with a religious summit. If you hold a meeting of Muslim sheiks, Christian pastors and Jewish rabbis, they inevitably come out with blissful smiles and report that they have found their values to be mostly identical, and they are right.

Extremism may claim God as its redeemer, but it's really the selfish product of lunacy. In America, the most free and modern nation of our time, you see it too. You saw it with Jim Jones, who told his flock in Guyana to follow him into death by drinking poisoned Kool-Aid, and you saw it when David Koresh created his own small hell in Waco, Texas.

In my part of the world, the Arab Middle East, a great tragedy results from our governments' well-intentioned attempts to cure society of extremism through education. These leaders, however, don't teach what they should to produce the values they want. They seek moderation and enforce piety. They seek citizens who value life, yet their school curriculums exalt the value of science and ignore philosophy and history and the liberal, humanistic values they embody. That is why those who excel in such a system are no less immune to the call of extremism.

Our governments assume that people need to understand Islam in its purest form to stay religiously moderate. The result is the mass production of true believers, not good citizens. Because people initially welcome the imposed piety but then gradually realize it doesn't equip them to meet the challenges of getting through life, life becomes a morbid burden. To shake off this burden, some of them, usually young men, can't wait for natural death and decide instead to take a short cut to heaven.

Before ascending, they must have a cause that's canonized by their community—the greatest cause on earth, capable of justifying their sacrifice in the eyes of their kin. It's not enough to die fighting for their country; they must be fighting for God. Once they have secured that cause, they search for a way to ennoble it in the eyes of ordinary people who do not share their holy delusion but whose admiration they crave. They know that most people respect logic and reason. So they go looking for a nationalistic cause: this is what Osama bin Laden did when he claimed the Palestinian cause as a justification for the destruction of Sept. 11.

But beneath their claims is a sadder truth: these extremists are pathologically jealous. They feel like dwarfs, which is why they search for towers and all those who tower mightily. We must admit that we failed to teach these people that life is worth living. These extremists exist now, and will exist forever, so the question before us must be, How can we defend both our lives and theirs? We in the Arab world love freedom and want the chance at a decent life. We are not different from you, as it sometimes seems. We may be just temporarily backward. Working together, our governments must decide how, with what culture and b

http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101020909/asalem.html

[1coolguy]

any link?

[NYzNiCCa]

good read.....these people exist in every religion...just look at the high school shootings where kids plan massive attacks on innocent kids/teachers...

[fratty]

Originally Posted by NYzNiCCa

good read.....these people exist in every religion...just look at the high school shootings where kids plan massive attacks on innocent kids/teachers...

The school shootings were never done in the name of religion. They were kids who were ridiculed and bullied and took their pain to a horrible resort.

[jardras]

Originally Posted by NYzNiCCa

good read.....these people exist in every religion...just look at the high school shootings where kids plan massive attacks on innocent kids/teachers...

lol

[shiahazara]

Originally Posted by NYzNiCCa

good read.....these people exist in every religion...just look at the high school shootings where kids plan massive attacks on innocent kids/teachers...

You never cease to amaze me with your stupidity.

What's next? Gonna used the tiresome McVeigh excuse to rationalize the acts of them?

[QqQueen BbBee]

Originally Posted by fratty

But beneath their claims is a sadder truth: these extremists are pathologically jealous. They feel like dwarfs, which is why they search for towers and all those who tower mightily. We must admit that we failed to teach these people that life is worth living. These extremists exist now, and will exist forever, so the question before us must be, How can we defend both our lives and theirs? We in the Arab world love freedom and want the chance at a decent life. We are not different from you, as it sometimes seems. We may be just temporarily backward. Working together, our governments must decide how, with what culture and b

http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101020909/asalem.html

I try to refrain from Ad Hominem attacks, but this just screams it. That's Egyptian people for you, they would sell out anyone just to get ahead a little bit.
I honestly don't think the Arab world is "backward"... It's just different. Who's to say that the West is the best way to live?

[shiahazara]

Originally Posted by QqQueen BbBee

I try to refrain from Ad Hominem attacks, but this just screams it. That's Egyptian people for you, they would sell out anyone just to get ahead a little bit.
I honestly don't think the Arab world is "backward"... It's just different. Who's to say that the West is the best way to live?

Yeah Egyptians have brought nothing but assholes like Gamel Abdel Nasser and Sayyid Qutb and the fanatical elements have no problem persecuting the Coptics there.

On another note, what do you think of Egyptian bloggers like BigPharaoh or SandMonkey?


Here's another good read by an Arab in the wake of Beslan.

Why don't you take the big effort to condemning your people for the acts they have caused? Is it because you have some delusional view thinking all Arabs are perfect and not capable of committing acts like this?

Moron.

[dopekhor]

Originally Posted by shiahazara

You never cease to amaze me with your stupidity.

What's next? Gonna used the tiresome McVeigh excuse to rationalize the acts of them?

and how do u explain the isreali actions in the middle east?

[dopekhor]

Originally Posted by shiahazara

Yeah Egyptians have brought nothing but assholes like Gamel Abdel Nasser and Sayyid Qutb and the fanatical elements have no problem persecuting the Coptics there.

On another note, what do you think of Egyptian bloggers like BigPharaoh or SandMonkey?


Here's another good read by an Arab in the wake of Beslan.

Why don't you take the big effort to condemning your people for the acts they have caused? Is it because you have some delusional view thinking all Arabs are perfect and not capable of committing acts like this?

Moron.

why should be condem them? ever seen any american condem the acts of the israelis? infact the americans provide em with money to carry out such attacks

[shiahazara]

Originally Posted by dopekhor

and how do u explain the isreali actions in the middle east?

I don't support Israel, but thanks anyways.

How do you explain the acts committed by your fellow Sunnis who bomb marketplaces in Iraq? Recently 66 people were killed yet no one gave a shit here.

If you're going to condemn Israel, then perhaps you should condemn the "mujahiddeen" as some ignorant Muslims call them who butcher innocent Shi'a in Iraq on a regular basis.

It was YOUR fellow al-Qaeda suspects who bombed our shrine in Samarra.

[shiahazara]

Originally Posted by dopekhor

why should be condem them? ever seen any american condem the acts of the israelis? infact the americans provide em with money to carry out such attacks

Are you this retarded?

Why aren't you on ClearGuidance if you support those acts dipshit? People like you who want to turn the whole world into another Talibanized shithole should be dealt with immediately.

Some Americans do condemn the acts of Israelis you retard, but like the people whom you hate, you have no problem selectively choosing evidence when it suits you and discard it when it doesn't.

Fucktard.

[dopekhor]

Originally Posted by shiahazara

I don't support Israel, but thanks anyways.

How do you explain the acts committed by your fellow Sunnis who bomb marketplaces in Iraq? Recently 66 people were killed yet no one gave a shit here.

If you're going to condemn Israel, then perhaps you should condemn the "mujahiddeen" as some ignorant Muslims call them who butcher innocent Shi'a in Iraq on a regular basis.

It was YOUR fellow al-Qaeda suspects who bombed our shrine in Samarra.

how do u know that those are the sunnis and not some traitor whos linked up with american and trying to start a religious civil war there?

as far as i know the "mujaheeden" served in afghanistan not iraq!

[fratty]

America would not want a Civil war in Iraq. If a civil war happened than the Middle Eastern countries would do a land grab. Turkey might try to take over kurdistan, Iran take over southern Iraq, and the other Sunni states take over the Sunni-dominated areas. I am pretty sure America does not want a civil war. Thats completely dishonest of you to try to push such a hokey conspiracy.

[dopekhor]

Originally Posted by shiahazara

Are you this retarded?

Why aren't you on ClearGuidance if you support those acts dipshit? People like you who want to turn the whole world into another Talibanized shithole should be dealt with immediately.

Some Americans do condemn the acts of Israelis you retard, but like the people whom you hate, you have no problem selectively choosing evidence when it suits you and discard it when it doesn't.

Fucktard.

Why shouldnt i support the people who had everything stolen from them and then are trying to fight back they are labeled as terrorists!

If you dont know how to debate, please stay away from such sort of threads and go live in the ghetto!

[shiahazara]

Originally Posted by dopekhor

how do u know that those are the sunnis and not some traitor whos linked up with american and trying to start a religious civil war there?

Why don't you go ask your friend Mr_GQ then? He's a Salafi from Chicago yet has extreme hatred towards us Shi'as.

Iraqis capture Tunisian al-Qaeda suspect wanted for bombing the Askariyah shrine

He was part of a group including two other Iraqis and four Saudis who carried out the attack on the Askariya shrine, along with the group's leader, Haitham al-Badri, the al-Qaida leader in Salah al-Din province who al-Rubaie said masterminded the bombing.

Consider yourself OWNED dipshit.

Now go throw acid on the faces of women who refuse to cover themselves, since that's what your backward lot are good at.

There's proof everywhere, but you as always are an idiot and bash the West yet shamelessly reap the benefits of it.

as far as i know the "mujaheeden" served in afghanistan not iraq!

And what about those that call themselves that while butching innocent Iraqis, blowing up masjids, bombing shrines, etc.?

Fucking idiot.

[Indian_Eyess]

I dont think Muslims should have to apologize for 9/11. There were Muslims in the World Trade Center, there were Arabs in the WTC who died as well along with 2,000 of their fellow human beings, we were victimized, not only by the terrorists, but also by the so called 'war on terror'. Our lives were sacrificed on that day as well, so why should the victim apologize? I dont think we should apologize to anyone, but stand in solidarity against oppression worldwide with our fellow human beings.

[dopekhor]

Originally Posted by fratty

America would not want a Civil war in Iraq. If a civil war happened than the Middle Eastern countries would do a land grab. Turkey might try to take over kurdistan, Iran take over southern Iraq, and the other Sunni states take over the Sunni-dominated areas. I am pretty sure America does not want a civil war. Thats completely dishonest of you to try to push such a hokey conspiracy.

my bad bro!! i just remembered that americas sole purpose in iraq was to bring back democracy for the people reaturn them their rights and liberate them from poverty and opression!

[NYzNiCCa]

Originally Posted by fratty

The school shootings were never done in the name of religion. They were kids who were ridiculed and bullied and took their pain to a horrible resort.

man most of this shit is the same way.....these kids r retarded in the head the sameway....bunch of brainwashed fucks.

[fratty]

Originally Posted by QqQueen BbBee

I try to refrain from Ad Hominem attacks, but this just screams it. That's Egyptian people for you, they would sell out anyone just to get ahead a little bit.
I honestly don't think the Arab world is "backward"... It's just different. Who's to say that the West is the best way to live?

I don't think he is selling out. He is just a moderate Muslim who actually condemns terrorism. First the Arab/Muslim world rejoiced after 9/11, then they were in denial of it, and I think finally they will have introspection on islamic terrorism. Trust me, there will be a push in the Arab/Muslim world to stop such behavior. Terrorism is not conducive to becoming a modern society. If anything they are sinking deeper and deeper into the backwaters of the world.
http://chronicle.com/free/v50/i26/26a03601.htm
Statistics on the Backwardness of the Arab World
-No Arab country spends more than 0.2 percent of its gross national product on scientific research, and most of that money goes toward salaries. By contrast, the United States spends more than 10 times that amount.
-Fewer than one in 20 Arab university students pursue scientific disciplines.
-There are only 18 computers per 1,000 people in the Arab world. The global average is 78 per 1,000.
-Only 370 industrial patents were issued to people in Arab countries between 1980 and 2000. In South Korea during that same period, 16,000 industrial patents were issued.
-No more than 10,000 books were translated into Arabic over the entire past millennium, equivalent to the number translated into Spanish each year.

[shiahazara]

Originally Posted by dopekhor

Why shouldnt i support the people who had everything stolen from them and then are trying to fight back they are labeled as terrorists!

Can you read dipshit?

You said Americans as a whole support the acts by Israelis, which I countered by saying it is false.

There are plenty of Americans who do not support Israeli actions, but you conveniently ignore that due to your serious anti-American bias.

The point I'm making is that you express outrage when Israelis murder Palestinians, yet stay silent when it is Muslims who are butchering other Muslims in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

If you dont know how to debate, please stay away from such sort of threads and go live in the ghetto!

So anyone who disagrees with your backward mindset cannot automatically debate? Get a clue already Einstein.

Shouldn't you stop using a PC? After all it is bidah.

[NYzNiCCa]

Originally Posted by shiahazara

You never cease to amaze me with your stupidity.

What's next? Gonna used the tiresome McVeigh excuse to rationalize the acts of them?

damn bitch go get laid....your one sided views never seem to amaze me either...

[hindu_heat]

5 years after the fact and all he has is 1500 words?

death to arabia.

[Indian_Eyess]

Originally Posted by shiahazara

Are you this retarded?

Why aren't you on ClearGuidance if you support those acts dipshit? People like you who want to turn the whole world into another Talibanized shithole should be dealt with immediately.

Some Americans do condemn the acts of Israelis you retard, but like the people whom you hate, you have no problem selectively choosing evidence when it suits you and discard it when it doesn't.

Fucktard.

He probably meant the US government. The fact remains that 99% of the Muslim countries, even countries like Iran, Libya, and the former government of Iraq condemned the attacks against the US, but the US government hasnt been able to do the same for Palestinians and many of the people who continue to suffer around the world.

[shiahazara]

Originally Posted by Indian_Eyess

I dont think Muslims should have to apologize for 9/11. There were Muslims in the World Trade Center, there were Arabs in the WTC who died as well along with 2,000 of their fellow human beings, we were victimized, not only by the terrorists, but also by the so called 'war on terror'. Our lives were sacrificed on that day as well, so why should the victim apologize? I dont think we should apologize to anyone, but stand in solidarity against oppression worldwide with our fellow human beings.

I don't think anyone is asking for us to apologize bro.

BTW, shouldn't we also inform those who believe 9/11 was a blessing by ignorant Muslims everywhere that there were Muslims in the buildings as well?