Last Note Before Bed

I haven't guided y'all toward Dr. Mohammad T. Al-Rasheed's writing lately--partially because I've been busy with other thoughts and partially because I find some of his views to be a little bit disturbing. Allow me to explain: Al-Rasheed is not precisely a friend of the US, certainly no friend of Sharon, and is a very strong advocate of Arab interests. That doesn't bother me, but it does lead him to some conclusions that I would heartily disagree with.

I continue to read Al-Rasheed because I consider him to be a principled man whose convictions sometimes run powerfully contrary to my own. I would still love to sit and share tea with the man and still find intriguing ideas in his writing for Arab News. His article today proves that, while I may disagree with him, he is no blind apologist for Muslim and Arab interests. In fact, I'm surprised that his sharp tongue doesn't get him in trouble.

A taste:

3. Israel is not wrong to build a wall; they are wrong in building it on other people’s land. We should know that since all our homes are walled in a way that makes the Israeli project silly in comparison.

4. It is not natural to employ suicide bombers to advance any agenda.

5. It is wrong to behead people in public to force others to do your will.

6. “Might is not right and neither is wealth.” That is direct quote from a learned source.

I suggest reading the whole thing--and allowing for the fact that there will be points that you'll disagree with. Al-Rasheed would likely find some of what I write and believe appalling, but I respect a man willing to dissent in the political, cultural, and journalistic environment of Saudi Arabia.

His articles are often worth deep consideration.

Read the article.

Posted by zombyboy at July 22, 2004 01:32 AM | TrackBack