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Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Ilaine who wrote (4039)	10/10/2001 12:32:10 PM
From: Michael Watkins	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281500

I read Said's article and didn't find it wholly objectionable although I agree with you that his characterization of OBL as fringe elements not unlike Jim Jones is incorrect or rather, half correct. Correct in the sense that OBL is a 'fringe' element in the true sense of the word. Incorrect in that OBL fully intends to infect, like a virulent virus, large population groups of followers of Islam with his own brand of illegitimate, immoral, and unfaithful religious behaviour with the goal of destabilizing a very large region of the world for his own purposes (my assumption). Jim Jones and Branch Davidian et al had no plan or hope of spreading their message in a manner that would draw huge numbers to their cause. They were fringe elements basically sealed off from society by their own choice. However OBL uses his cultural and religious links to a greater society purposely to foment hate, terror and political instability to further his goals. That is the big difference, and the unspoken flaw in Said's characterization of the issue in which he suggests that world reaction is overblown.

To: Ilaine who wrote (4039)	10/10/2001 12:39:30 PM
From: Win Smith	Respond to of 281500

There is no lack of people with agendas in the world today. I think the main purveyors of the idea that bin Laden is "Islamic mainstream" have a rather obvious agenda for a wider war, and I don't think that is in the US interest at this point. Be careful what you wish for. A repeat of Iran in Saudi Arabia (e.g. a popular uprising up to the general strike level against a regime considered too friendly to the US) is a nightmare scenario with no easy solution, military or otherwise. I think that maybe instead of thinking about how much hate we can reflect back at Muslims, we ought to all say a prayer for the Saudis during the Hajj this year.

To: Ilaine who wrote (4039)	10/11/2001 11:28:00 AM
From: JohnM	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281500

Well, I think it does bear on Said's points. If the man has a bias, an agenda, then put it on the table. Good morning, CB. I just typed a reply to Nadine which is basically the same I would type here. So, here's the link. Message 16487857 As for the notion that Said hid some sort of bias, I can't imagine where you got that notion. Said's political convictions are about as public as those of any academic I know. He's written extensively about them and has been criticized well beyond the bounds of civility. Of course he has a position, but the central thrust of his point, that Huntington not only over generalized but that such contributes to very bad public policy, is difficult to argue with. Want to try? John