Metro Detroit Muslims donate substanial amount of meat to the poor today

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071229/LIFESTYLE04/712290334/1041

Charities enjoy Muslim holy day tradition of sacrifice
Meat donations for poor increase in year of belt-tightening.
Gregg Krupa / The Detroit News

At a time of acute need, local food banks and soup kitchens say the tradition of Muslims donating meat from sheep or lambs sacrificed for the holy day Eid al-Adha -- the Feast of Sacrifice -- is particularly welcome this year.

Muslims in Metro Detroit this year collected nearly four times the amount of meat they did three years ago, when the program began. Distribution begins at 10 a.m. today from Gleaners Food Bank.

"There will be a lot of Muslims benefiting from this donated meat as well as a lot of non-Muslims," Dawud Walid of the Council on American Islamic Relations.

"What really increased the donations is that we ran out of meat last year before we met the demand that is out there."

In the first year of the program, spearheaded by the Islamic Shura Council of Michigan, the meat from 167 sheep or lambs was donated, Walid said. Last year, the number was 263. This year, Walid said, the meat comes from 625 of the animals.

For Gleaners, and for operations around the city that feed the poor of all faiths and no faiths, like the soup kitchen at the Muslim Center on Woodrow Wilson in Detroit, the timing of the donation could not be more beneficial. Charities working with the hungry in Metro Detroit are reporting historic shortages of food.

Experts attribute the shortage internationally to rising energy prices and the increased use of corn and grain to create fuel. While charities in Metro Detroit also experience that impact, the dire economy in Michigan is fueling the crisis.(MORE)

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/michigan/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1204354

DETROIT (2007-12-28) Thousands of pounds of meat will be distributed to poor families across southeast Michigan tomorrow.

The meat will be donated by Muslim families as part of the religious holiday Eid al-Adha - which commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac under the order of God, or Allah.

"During the hajj season, Muslim families will customarily either slaughter a lamb or pay to have a lamb to be killed, and then the meat is distributed to the poor," said Dawud Walid of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Michigan.(MORE)

Audio - Cut & paste:
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/michigan/news.mediaplayer?STATION_NAME=michigan&MEDIA_ID=662162&MEDIA_EXTENSION=mp3&MODULE=news

Palestinian Christians prepare for Christmas, call for Israel to drop title of "Jewish state"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/7154134.stm

Christmas under Hamas rule
By Katya Adler
BBC News, Gaza City

Earlier this year, the Islamist Hamas party took control of Gaza, home to a thriving Christian community now preparing to celebrate their first Christmas under Hamas rule.

Palestinian Christians are known as Nasserine - the people of Nazareth

Manawel Musallam - priest, headmaster and Gazan - is a rotund, avuncular man, fond of wearing berets.

I have come to his office to ask how Christians in Gaza were faring on this, their first Christmas under the full internal control of Hamas.

"You media people!" Father Musallam boomed at me when I first poked my head around his door.

"Hamas this, Hamas that. You think we Christians are shaking in our ghettos in Gaza? That we're going to beg you British or the Americans or the Vatican to rescue us?" he asked.

"Rescue us from what? From where? This is our home."

Extended family

The pupils at the Holy Family School, Gaza City, all call Manawel Musallam "Abunah" -Our Father in Arabic.

His is a huge family of 1,200 children and, although the school is part-funded by the Vatican, here, as in all of Gaza, Christians are the minority.

Ninety-nine percent of the pupils here are Muslim. This is one of the reasons Fr Musallam says he does not fear the Islamists.

"They should be afraid. Not me," he chuckled.

"Their children are under my tutelage, in my school. Hamas mothers and fathers are here at parents' day along with everyone else."

But there is more that binds Christians and Muslims in Gaza than their children's shared playground.(MORE)

http://www.speroforum.com/site/article.asp?id=13217&t=Patriarch+rapped+for+anti-Israel+remarks

Patriarch rapped for anti-Israel remarks
Jewish groups denounced remarks by Patriarch Michel Sabbah as an "insidious campaign to de-Judaize the State of Israel".
Sunday, December 23, 2007By Martin Barillas

Both the Anti-Defamation League and The Simon Wiesenthal Center denounced statements made by Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah in his annual Christmas message on December 19th. The Simon Wiesenthal Center called on Pope Benedict XVI to reject statements made by Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah last week in Jerusalem. Rabbi Marvin Hier, the founder and dean of the center, claims that Patriarch Sabbah is engaging in an "insidious campaign to de-Judaize the State of Israel". This came in response to the patriarch's call on Israel to "discard its identity as a Jewish State".

The leader of Latin-rite Catholics in Israel, Jordan, Cyprus, the West Bank and Gaza Patriarch Michel Sabbah said that where "there's a state of one religion, other religions are naturally discriminated against'' and that Israel should bring about a ''political, normal state." Furthermore, the prelate pronounced "There is discrimination linked to the nature of the state. Israel says simply 'I am a Jewish state' and that creates discrimination with regard to non-Jews."(MORE)

Hajj message from the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia

http://www.pakistantimes.net/2007/12/19/top.htm

Over 3 Million: Faithful Perform Hajj
‘Pakistan Times’ Special Correspondent

MAKKAH: Almost about three million Muslims – from all-over the world – performed Hajj on Tuesday – and sought forgiveness from Almighty Allah.

Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia Abdul Aziz in his Hajj Khutba at Masjid-e-Nimra called upon the Muslims to acquaint them with the true teachings of Islam, get guidance from the Holy Quran and adopt moderation for emancipation in the world and hereafter.

Imam Sahib said the main thrust of the Islamic teachings is service to humanity.

It provides complete guidance to live a good life and its teachings lead towards overall welfare and wellbeing of humanity.

He said Islam covers all aspects of life and provides a code to live a pious life.

Imam Sahib asked the leaders of Muslim Ummah to not become the instruments of enemies of Islam and should understand the true message of Deen.

He warned the Muslims to be aware of such elements who have penetrated into their ranks and are damaging their unity.

Imam Sahib said that some interested powers are usurping the resources of Muslims with tactics and have captured these resources.

He said it is the duty of the leadership of the Umma to foil the conspiracies being hatched and urged them to take the Muslims out of this crisis.

He underlined the need for the protection of economic system of the Muslim Ummah and the Muslims to control their own resources.

He also asked for adoption of the Islamic system of economy and to get rid of Riba. He urged the Muslim Ummah to be careful from the propaganda of the media.

He said that Islam guarantees the rights of all segments of the society and provides solution of all political, economic and social problems provided it is fully implemented.

He asked the Muslim leaders to give rights to the down trodden people easily. The pilgrims offered combined Zohr and Asr prayers at Masjid-e-Nimra and sought Allah Almighty’s forgiveness.

After sunset, they left for Muzdalifa where they offered their Maghrib and Isha prayers and spend the night there under open sky. Hujjaj will proceed to Mina today (Wednesday) to complete Hajj rites.

In Mina they will offer sacrifices of animals in commemoration of Sunat-e-Ibrahimi and throw pebbles on the three satans.

They will later go to Makkatul Mukkarma for twaf-e-ziarah which will complete the hajj.

Pilgrims from all over the world thronged the plane of Arafat south east area of Makkah after sunrise on Tuesday as Hajj rituals reached a climax.

The pilgrims had spent Monday night in Mina from where they headed towards Arafat in vehicles or on foot after the ‘Fajr’ prayers, reciting “Here I am, God at your command.”

Tracing the journey made by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBHU) more than 1400 years ago and following a tradition laid down by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), the pilgrims assembled at Arafat. They prayed for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.

In the sermon which was relayed from the mosque through loudspeakers, Saudi Mufti urged Muslims to cement and strengthen unity of the Ummah. The pilgrims started leaving Arafat after sunset for Muzdalifah.

As per the tradition, the Kiswa (Cover) of the Holy Kaaba was changed. Media people from different countries covered the pilgrimage rites and Saudi television provided live coverage. ●

"Prayer is a key player" but is this interfaith prayer or exclusionary prayer?

*The problem is not that having prayer in pro sports is a bad idea. With steroid/human growth hormone usage, drug & alcohol abuse and sports betting, those involved in the NFL and NBA need all the prayer that they can get! The problem is that if there are entities that are not interfaith groups, but groups that are pushing one religion expression (Evangelical Christianity in this case) over others in regards to counseling and prayer, this is indeed an issue.*

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071218/SPORTS0101/712180402

Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Prayer is a key player
Expressions of faith are part of the sport for Lions, Pistons and Tigers
Joanne C. Gerstner / The Detroit News

The scene is repeated at NFL stadiums every week. Moments after the game ends, players from both teams form a circle at midfield, join hands and kneel in prayer.

"Being a Christian is who I am, just as much as I am a football player, a father and a husband," said Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, who has drawn national attention for his faith. "I don't turn that off and on when it's convenient. In fact, being a believer in Christ is going to be there long after I am a football player.

"This part of my life (quarterbacking) will end someday. I'm going to believe in Christ for the rest of my life."

More and more, athletes and coaches are comfortable expressing their spiritual side, from informal religious meetings with teammates to publicly testifying their faith in the media.

The display is not as public, but many Pistons attend a prayer service before games, and Tigers gather regularly as part of the Baseball Chapel program.

Two of the Tigers' most visible players make very visible professions of faith.

Pitcher Todd Jones has "JN 20:29" tattooed on his left hand, a reference to the Bible verse John 20:29.

"Because I sign left-handed," Jones explained. "I'm always signing and people ask me, 'What's that?' and I get a chance to tell them. 'Blessed are those who do not see but still believe.' "

Catcher Pudge Rodriguez continually makes a sign of the cross.

"I do the cross of Jesus Christ every single pitch," he said. "It's not a superstitious thing. It's for Him to protect me for every pitch. I pray before every game, for everybody, for the whole team, even for their team, so nobody can get hurt."

All teams take part
Teams from every major pro sport, except the NHL, have some sort of Christian-based ministry working with players. Independent chaplains, and representatives of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) or Athletes in Action (AIA), regularly host Bible studies, prayer meetings and chapel services.

Some chaplains develop particularly strong relationships, enabling them to counsel players and coaches through tragedies, relationship issues or how to deal with stressful athletic situations.

Bishop Robert Joyce, who ministers to the Pistons and Shock, said he tailors his discussions to players' and coaches' lives.

"I want to be in tune where they are," Joyce said. "If they're having a tough time as a team, we talk about how God can help them. If there is divisiveness, we talk about the unity of God. If they're worried about being traded, we talk about how God assigns me and releases me. We talk about accepting the grace of God.

"It's learning about what Paul said, on how there is a season for all things, and I need to be content where I am and glorify God, too."

Bringing religion into the team setting seems to be an asset, according to Pistons and Lions players and coaches.

"It's just who I am, being a Christian, so it's nice to be able to share it with my teammates and have them be with me," Pistons guard Lindsey Hunter said. "It brings a real unity, that you know these guys are with you in so many ways, they're on your team in life and in basketball. It adds another dimension to your relationship with your teammates."

Christianity predominates the ministries, reflecting the faith of the majority of the players and coaches.

Most Americans identify themselves as Christian, according to a 2001 survey conducted by the City University of New York. Around 76.5 percent of respondents said they were Christian in some form.

Only 1.3 percent said they were Jewish, and less than 1 percent identified themselves as Muslim.

A balm for the violence
Dave Wilson, one of the leaders of the Kensington Community Church, has been the Lions chaplain for 23 seasons. He's given some thought to why football seems to embrace religion, particularly Christianity, so strongly.

"I think because it's the most warlike, there can be fear because these guys put a lot on the line," Wilson said. "Having something bigger than game and sports enables you to hold onto something real when things are violent or stressful. I've been there when Reggie Brown and Mike Utley went down. It's very real. Very scary.

"It makes you search for something solid in your life -- and for us, that's Jesus Christ."

Lions kicker Jason Hanson sees his faith as a steadying influence, on and off the field. Hanson freely professes his faith, but not as publicly as Kitna.

"Having a relationship with Jesus Christ is something you can always rely on," Hanson said. "I'm going to make mistakes, maybe miss a kick or whatever, but I know no matter what, I have my relationship with Christ. And that's the most important thing of all."

Lions coach Rod Marinelli said his faith steadies him through the ups and downs of his job. He coached in Tampa Bay with Tony Dungy, one of the most outspoken Christians in sports. Marinelli said he shares Dungy's philosophy of spirituality mixing with football.

"The word humble is so special to me, and you can lose sight of that so quickly in this business," Marinelli said. "You have to have faith, even if you can't touch it, feel it, or put a saw or hammer to it. I always talk about faith and humility; they mean everything in football and life.

"There are two ways to look at things: those who are humble and those who are about to be. Being humbled is sometimes good, if you can come out of it. And that's where your faith comes in. What are you about? What are you made of?"

Religious freedom
Nazr Mohammed, traded from the Pistons to the Bobcats last week, is a practicing Muslim, something that causes an interesting situation during Ramadan -- mid-September through mid-October.

Per Islamic law, Mohammed fasts during daylight hours of the entire ninth month of the religious calendar. The purpose is to help attain taqwa, or a heightened consciousness of God.

Ramadan also coincides with the start of training camp, a grueling time of two-a-day practices and conditioning. Sometimes, Mohammed understandably has looked a bit tired during camp.

Mohammed balances his job and faith. He declined to comment, saying he does not publicly discuss his religion.

But other non-Muslim Pistons are aware of his spirituality and sacrifice.

"You have all kinds of guys from all walks of life on a team. We all come together and form a team," coach Flip Saunders said. "I've always let the players do what they want; they're free to worship and pray whenever and however.

"I think it's good for them, if they want it, to have that dimension."

Inclusion, or exclusion?
Some wonder if the Christian -- sometimes evangelical -- bent to the sports ministries could be potentially harmful to team chemistry.

A player or coach who is Jewish, Muslim, from another religion, or even non-spiritual, could feel like an outsider, since the services are not geared toward them.

Services are optional, and teams don't officially sanction or organize them.

Christian organizations, such as FCA, AIA, and local chaplains Wilson and Joyce, say they aim to make their ministries as inclusive as possible. Services always are listed as non-denominational.

"We're here for everybody. We want to be a support for all people in the game," said Les Steckel, president of the FCA and a former NFL and college coach. "I've seen the impact, over the last 32 years, that having faith can have. I've felt the intensity, so I never think it can be a bad thing. God is taking us where he wants us to be."

Dawud Walid, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, wonders how non-denominational services can really work.

"People who have a particular religion subscribe to a particular creed that not only teaches moral lessons, but guidelines for how you have your relationship with God," said Walid, an associate Imam at Masjid Wali Muhammad mosque in Detroit. "Muslim athletes in the NBA and NFL should not be placed in a situation where they are exposed to only one denomination of ministry and counseling. Same for the Christians and the Jewish athletes who are exposed.

"There's a lack of fairness."

Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld, leader of the Ohev Sholom -- The National Synagogue in Washington, D.C. -- questioned the message players such as Kitna send to their wide base of fans.

"When you sit in the stands, you are not Catholic, or Jewish, or Muslim. You are a fan of the game and your team," he said. "I think athletes are given the privilege of having kids look up to them, and outspoken athletes like Kitna have more than just Christian kids looking at him. The message he's sending to all children is, 'If you're not Christian like me, you're burning in hell.' And who is he to make that judgment?"(MORE)

Hajj begins today

Currently Muslim pilgrims are at the tent city of Mina praying, reading Qur'an and resting before tomorrow's events, the 2nd day of Hajj at Mt. Arafat.

According to Prophet Muhammad (SAAS), the Day of Arafat is the best day to supplicate to G'd. Muslims, who are not making Hajj are urged to fast this day as well and to increase good deeds.
---

http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/world/25+million+make+hajj+pilgrimage/1198847

2.5 million make hajj pilgrimage

Muslims from around the world have gathered in Mecca, birthplace of Islam's Prophet Muhammad, for the start of the annual Islamic hajj pilgrimage.

More than 2.5 million pilgrims will move out of Mecca to Mount Arafat for Tuesday's climax of symbolically stoning the devil.

Security around the pilgrimage has mounted amid increasing concerns across the Islamic world, including the bloodshed in Iraq and Afghanistan and recent attacks by al-Qaeda-linked groups.(MORE)

Eid to be on the 19th of December, not the 20th - Here we go again

As many mosques in America have stated that the Eid Al-Adha would be on the 20th of December due to Dhul-Hijjah starting today, the Saudi religious authority stated that Dhul-Hijjah started on Monday. Thus, Hajj will begin on the 17th of December in Saudi, and the Eid will be on the 19th.

As with every year, there is constant confusion regarding this issue. Some state that we should have Eid here the day that it is being celebrated in Saudi Arabia. Others state that Eid should not be celebrate here on the same day as the Saudis, especially if the date in which the beginning of the lunar month was called in Saudi is incorrect according to astronomy.

I'll be celebrating the Eid on the 19th, G'd willing, and call it a day.
---
http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Society/10174029.html

First day of Eid Al Adha on December 19
Staff Report
Published: December 10, 2007, 21:58

Riyadh: The first day of Eid Al Adha, the Muslim feast of sacrifice marking the end of annual Haj, will fall on December 19, Saudi Arabia's Supreme Judicial Council announced on Monday.

According to a statement issued by the council, on Monday, December 10 was the first day of Dhu Al Hijja, and hence December 18 (Tuesday) will be Arafat Waqfa Day, and December 19 (Wednesday) will be the first day of Eid Al Adha.

The council, in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, said it had established that Monday marked the start of the month of Dhu Al Hijja of the lunar calendar.

Protest to take place at CMU today regarding nooses

Today's planned protest at Central Michigan University centers around an incident that took place last month in which nooses were found on campus. No doubt, the noose is an extremely provocative symbol that conjures up images of "Night Riders" committing terrorism upon Blackamericans using the tools of rape and murder.

Kudos to the Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, Linda Parker, for addressing this issue in a very firm manner as well as mentioning the acts of Anti-Muslim bigotry that have also taken place on CMU's campus this year as well as the Anti-Native American activity that has taken place there.

*NEWSFLASH* - THE SAME PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE MENTALITY TO HAND NOOSES ARE THE SAME PEOPLE WHO PROMOTE ANTI-MUSLIM BIGOTRY TO INTIMIDATE STAFF AND STUDENTS. THIS SAME MENTALITY ALSO PROMOTES ANTI-NATIVE AMERICAN SENTIMENTS.

http://blog.mlive.com/saginawnews/2007/12/noose_case_protest_set_in_moun.html

Noose case protest set in Mount Pleasant

Posted by LaNIA COLEMAN/THE SAGINAW NEWS
December 05, 2007 08:00AM

MOUNT PLEASANT -- Dissatisfied with Isabella County Prosecutor Larry Burdick's handling of the discovery of four nooses at Central Michigan University, the National Council for Community Empowerment and Council of Baptist Pastors are organizing a demonstration in Mount Pleasant.

The "Rally for Justice" is planned for noon Friday at the Isabella County prosecutor's office, 200 N. Main.

Officials at the prosecutor's office and CMU were not immediately available for comment.

Buses will leave from Pontiac, Ypsilanti, Grand Rapids, Detroit and Flint, said the Rev. Charles E. Williams II, president of the community empowerment group.

A student found the hangman's nooses fashioned out of flexible tubing Nov. 12 in Room 228 of the Engineering and Technology Building.

Students responded five days later with a rally to protest hate crimes.

After the rally, a student admitted to playing a role in hanging the nooses as a prank.
Burdick has said his office is investigating the possible ethnic intimidation case.

Prosecutors reviewed the campus police's 66-page report and Friday asked investigators for additional information.

FBI officials also are working on the case.

"After meeting with Prosecutor Burdick on Nov. 26, the National Council for Community Empowerment, accompanied by two CMU students, left distraught and unsatisfied," Williams, of Detroit, said in a written statement released Tuesday.(MORE)

Clarification regarding Sufism and Extremism

The Christian Science Monitor today published an article called "Sufism May Be Powerful Antidote to Islamic Extremism." Although well meaning, the article advances a couple of misconceptions:

1) The article implies that Sunnis and Shi'ahs, who are not Sufis lack spirituality. In other words, it inaccurately implies that Muslims who are not followers of a Sufi order (tariqah) are adhering to a form of Islam that lacks spirituality. This is false.

2) The article also implies that Sufis heighten level of spirituality makes them immune to extremism, which connotes that Sufism is non-violent. Extremism among Muslims can take on many shades. If a Muslim, for instance, divorces himself from their socio-political environment and the Islamic mandate to establish social justice for all and practices a sanctimonious form of religion, this would be a form of extremism although non-violent. Physical struggle against tyranny is not absent among Sufis either. Uthman Dan Fodio, a West African Sufi, was a leader in the struggle against corruption in 19th century Hausaland. The Sanusis in Libya also took up struggle against colonialists, who occupied Libya. The Chechen resistance against the Russians, which peaked in the 90s also had Sufis amongst its ranks.

Portion of CSM article below:
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1205/p13s02-lire.html?page=1

Sufism may be powerful antidote to Islamic extremism
With its spiritual tradition, 'the Sufi way' is an age-old alternative for radicals and modernists alike.

By Jane Lampman | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor
from the December 5, 2007 edition

Images of Islam have pervaded the news media in recent years, but one aspect of the faith has gotten little attention – Islamic spirituality. Yet thousands in America and millions in the Muslim world have embarked on the spiritual path called Sufism, or the Sufi way. Some see its appeal as the most promising hope for countering the rise of extremism in Islam.

In recent weeks, celebrations in cities on several continents have marked the "International Year of Rumi." Sept. 30 was the 800th anniversary of the birth of Muslim mystic Jelaluddin Rumi, who is a towering figure in Sufi literature and, paradoxically, the bestselling poet in the United States over the past decade.

In the West, Sufism has appealed to seekers attracted by its disciplined spiritual practices as well as its respect for all faiths and emphasis on universal love.

"I was searching, and the writings struck me – particularly the poetry," says Llew Smith, a TV producer in Boston who has joined a Sufi order. "It's direct and consistent about turning you away from the self, but also being connected deeply to the Divine and to other people."

Across the Muslim world, Sufism has been an influential force throughout Islamic history, though it has frequently come under attack by more orthodox Muslims. Some consider it an Islamic heresy because Sufis go beyond the faith's basic tenets and pursue a direct union with God.

Many Muslims today, however, see the spiritual tradition as the potential answer to the extremism that has hijacked the faith and misrepresented it to the world.

"In the Islamic world, Sufism is the most powerful antidote to the religious radicalism called fundamentalism as well as the most important source for responding to the challenges posed by modernism," says Seyyed Hossein Nasr, professor of Islamic studies at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Nasr has written a new book, "The Garden of Truth," to present Sufi teaching in contemporary language.

"Its influence is immense," Nasr adds. "Sufism has kept alive the inner quality of ethics and spiritual virtues, rather than a rigid morality ... and it provides access to knowledge of the divine reality," which affects all other aspects of one's life.

But Sufi practice faces intense pressures in Islam's internal struggle. "What the Western world is not seeing," says Akbar Ahmed, a renowned Pakistani anthropologist who teaches at American University in Washington, "is that there are three distinct models in play in the Muslim world: modernism, which reflects globalization, materialism, and a consumer society; the literalists, who are reacting, sometimes violently, against the West and globalization; and the Sufis, who reject the search for power and wealth" in favor of a more spiritual path.(MORE)

Iran welcomes US Intelligence nuclear report

So it looks like the Iranian "Axis of Evil" regime was actually telling the truth about its peaceful nuclear program while the Bushies were fudging, huh?

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-12/05/content_7200403.htm

Iran welcomes U.S. intelligence nuclear report, Israel calls for tighter sanctions

TEHRAN, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Iranian officials on Tuesday welcomed a new U.S. intelligence report that concluded the Islamic Republic is not actively building a nuclear weapon, while Israel said the report justified the need for tighter international sanctions on Tehran.

"We naturally welcome those countries that had questions about Iran's nuclear case in the past and now correct their views realistically," Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki was quoted as saying by the state radio.

"The whole world is becoming to know that Iran's nuclear activities are peaceful," he added.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini, in a statement faxed to the media on Tuesday, also welcomed the U.S. intelligence report as "positive and factual."

The report reflected the elaboration of 16 U.S. intelligent services and confirmed that Iran's nuclear program is peaceful and no violation is detected, Hosseini said.

Therefore, the previous claims of U.S. officials turned out to be totally baseless, Hosseini said, adding that sending Iran's case to the UN Security Council had been "illegal."

Iran's government spokesman Gholam-Hossein Elham, commenting on the U.S. intelligence report, said on Tuesday that Washington should "pay the price" for its accusations against Tehran.

"U.S. officials have so far inflicted many damage on the Iranian nation by spreading lies against the country and by disturbing public opinion, therefore, they have to pay the price for their action," Elham said.

Mohamed ElBaradei, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said Tuesday that the latest U.S. intelligence report on Iran's nuclear activities was "consistent" with the organization's findings in recent years.

"Although Iran still needs to clarify some important aspects of its past and present nuclear activities, the agency has no concrete evidence of an ongoing nuclear weapons program or undeclared nuclear facilities in Iran," ElBaradei said in a statement.

This new assessment by the United States should help to defuse the current crisis, and encourage Iran to more actively cooperate with the IAEA on its current nuclear activities, he added.(MORE)

Expectations low for upcoming summit in Maryland

Political division within Palestine and Iranian-Saudi jockeying for position and influence in the Middle East are the backdrops for the lifeless "Peace Summit" in Annapolis, Maryland that is about to take place between the Arabs and Israelis.

A meeting without clear objectives that has the agenda of bringing people together to agree to possibly meet in the future is a waste of time.

There can be no peace in the region as long as the occupied lands are not returned to the Lebanese, Palestinian and Syrian peoples. Freedom of access to Jerusalem and the right of religious groups to be custodians of their own holy sites without outside interference must be addressed. The right of return and/or payment of reparations for confiscated land is another issue that must be addressed head on.

Likewise, Israel will never accept to have armed militias on its borders that operate outside of the authority of the central governments of those nations. Surely, Israel wants the Lebanese Army and the Palestinian Security Forces to be the sole militaries in their lands, not Hizbullah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad with the capability to fire rockets anywhere within Israel proper.

SEE article below how the summit is being discussed in Iran.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/11/26/africa/ME-GEN-Iran-Mideast-Summit.php

Iran's supreme leader calls upcoming Mideast peace conference a failure

The Associated Press

Published: November 26, 2007

TEHRAN, Iran: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the upcoming Mideast peace conference in the U.S. a failure on Monday, claiming it was meant to salvage America's reputation in the region rather than realize the rights of Palestinians, state television reported.

"Today, all politicians in advance know that this conference has already failed," Khamenei said in a speech broadcast by state TV. "The U.S. and its accomplices hope to preserve their reputation by this conference and compensate past failures of the fake Zionist (Israeli) regime." *He's implying that Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan are the accomplices*

Khamenei's comments came on the heels of a telephone call late Sunday between President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah in which the Iranian president expressed disappointment at Saudi's participation in the conference, which is scheduled for Tuesday in Annapolis, Maryland.

"I wish the name of Saudi Arabia was not among the participants at the Annapolis conference," the official news agency IRNA quoted Ahmadinejad as saying.

The Iranian president said the U.S. could not be a legitimate host for the conference because "it is an accomplice to Zionist (Israeli) crimes." He urged Arab countries to be watchful of Israeli plots and deception, IRNA reported.

Also Sunday, Ahmadinejad said in a public speech that the peace conference would help Israel and "has no benefit for the oppressed Palestinian nation."

He questioned the intelligence of the representatives attending the meeting, accusing them of making concessions to Israel — an apparent reference to Arab neighbors like Saudi Arabia and Syria who are sending senior officials to the conference.(MORE)

Brits are correctly adjusting their messaging, when will our (US) government?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,2213823,00.html

Counter-terrorism officials rethink stance on Muslims

Richard Norton-Taylor
Tuesday November 20, 2007
The Guardian

Counter-terrorism officials are rethinking their approach to tackling the radicalisation of Muslim youth, abandoning what they admit has been offensive and inappropriate language. They say the term "war on terror" will no longer be heard from ministers. Instead, they will use less emotive language, emphasising the criminal nature of the plots and conspiracies. The government in future, they add, will talk of a "struggle" against extremist ideology, rather than a "battle".

"We hadn't got the message right," said one senior official. He added: "We must talk in a language which is not offensive." Another said that the terrorist threat must not be described as a "Muslim problem".(MORE)

Advertisers stay away from Islamophobe, Michael Savage Show

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071119/LIFESTYLE04/711190366/1041

Anti-Muslim talk spurs action

Advertisers withdraw from radio show 'The Savage Nation,' aired locally on WDTK-AM.

Gregg Krupa / The Detroit News

Two companies have withdrawn advertising for "The Savage Nation," a nationally syndicated radio talk show broadcast in Metro Detroit by WDTK-AM 1400, after host Michael Savage repeated hate-filled assertions about Muslims during a recent broadcast.

OfficeMax, of Naperville, Ill., and Citrix Systems, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., pulled their advertisements at the urging of religious and civil rights groups, which have long campaigned against the program. The groups have now moved on to other advertisers, including J.C. Penney, urging them to withdraw.

"We have freedom of speech in this nation, and Mr. Savage is free to say what he chooses, just as we as a community are free to support the businesses we choose," said Dawud Walid, executive director of the Council on American Islamic Relations -- Michigan. Its national office has launched a campaign against the program.

"And it's good to know that corporations such as OfficeMax uphold the principles of diversity and justice and will not advertise on bigoted shows such as Michael Savage's show."

Savage, whose real name is Michael Alan Weiner, vented his rage at Muslims in an Oct. 29 broadcast that critics say is representative of some of his previous statements.

"I'm not going to put my wife in a hijab," said Weiner. "And I'm not going to put my daughter in a burka. And I'm not getting on my all-fours and praying to Mecca. And you could drop dead if you don't like it. You can shove it up your pipe. I don't want to hear any more about Islam." (MORE)

Conference on Muslims in Europe begins on Friday

The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor will be holding a two day conference on Muslims in Europe on 11/2/07 - 11/3/07.


For more info, see: http://ii.umich.edu/umich/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=6dc3ce9ec64a5110VgnVCM100000a3b1d38dRCRD&vgnextchannel=556177861cb82110VgnVCM1000005b01010aRCRD

European group accussed of enslaving Chadian and Darfurian children

This is a prime example of why African nations are reluctant to allow European aide workers to have free reign in areas that are war torn or stricken with severe poverty. Usually, the primary concerns are that such groups use relief work as a cover to prostelyze the natives or are spies of foreign governments under the cloak of Samaritanism.

http://www.reuters.com/article/homepageCrisis/idUSL31303630._CH_.2400

Chadians protest children case, cite "slave trade"

Wed Oct 31, 2007 8:05am EDT

By Stephanie Hancock

ABECHE, Chad, Oct 31 (Reuters) - Chadians chanting "no to the slave trade, no to child trafficking" protested on Wednesday against a French group accused of trying to illegally fly children from the central African country to Europe.

Several hundred angry locals gathered outside the governor's office in the eastern town of Abeche, where nine French nationals and seven Spaniards were arrested last week as they tried to fly 103 children out of the impoverished state.

"We can't accept this act of barbarity, of vandalism. Whether in the 8th century or the 20th century there shouldn't be these kinds of acts in Africa," shouted one protester.

The detained French are members of a group called Zoe's Ark which said it wanted to place orphans aged 3-10 years from Sudan's war-torn Darfur region with European families.

The scandal has triggered outrage among Chadians, with many on the barren border with Sudan questioning the motives of scores of foreign humanitarian groups that work with refugees who have fled years of conflict in Darfur.

Families of children missing in eastern Chad, itself riven by conflict and sheltering some 230,000 Sudanese refugees from Darfur, arrived at the orphanage where the 103 children are being held in the hope of finding lost relatives.

"I can assure you that the Chadian government ... is aware of your complaints and is putting in place all the necessary judicial measures to investigate this issue," Abeche governor Tourka Ramadan Karo told the crowd.

In a bid to calm anger against former colonial power France, he emphasised the group responsible was acting independently and said the French government was helping with investigations.(MORE)

Juror of HLF trial speaks

Video of juror of Holy Land Foundation (HLF)trial is very telling about how there was ZERO conclusive evidence linking HLF to Hamas.

SEE: http://www.dallasnews.com/video/dallasnews/hp/index.html?nvid=185986

The juror clearly says that the trial against HLF was "political," not based upon justice. An anynomous foreign agent who admits that he was paid to testify against HLF?

HLF mistrial a stunning defeat for US government, "little evidence" presented

The judge in the Holy Land Foundation (HLF) trial today declared a mistrial in regards to allegations that HLF gave material support to Palestinian terrorists.

The government could not produce one single guilty verdict on the 192 charges brought against the defendants. Considering how much negative media coverage surrounded the defendants, one would have thought that the goverment's case would have been a 'slam dunk' if there was veracity to the evidence presented.

SEE emotional video of the defendants leaving the courthouse in Dallas after the mistrial was declared:

http://www.wfaa.com/video/wfaageneral-index.html?nvid=185749

Also, one juror says that there was "little evidence" for a conviction on anything.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D8SEFSUO0.html

"I thought they were not guilty across the board," said the juror, William Neal, a 33-year-old art director from Dallas. The case "was strung together with macaroni noodles. There was so little evidence."

Cole & Meek discuss HLF mistrial on Democracy Now

David Cole, Prof. of Law at Georgetown University, and Khalil Meek, President of the Dallas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) discussed the Holy Land Foundation mistrial on Democracy Now hosted by Amy Goodman.

Cut & paste to watch:

http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=07/10/24/1528208

Islamophobia at U of M Flint

http://www.mlive.com/news/flintjournal/index.ssf?/base/news-46/1192629122104170.xml&coll=5

UM-Flint struggles over nasty letter to paper

THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
By Beata Mostafavi

FLINT - A derogatory letter bashing Muslims in the student newspaper at the University of Michigan-Flint outraged some campus members, prompting a university apology and pleas for stricter journalism standards.

But the student editors who published the inflammatory letter - which described all Muslims as "ungrateful, self-centered peons who are beneath the rest of civilized society" and "selfish brats" - called it free speech.

Following a month of back-and-forth letters to the editor and criticism of The Michigan Times for publishing the Sept. 17 opinion piece, students hosted a forum Tuesday to discuss the First Amendment.

About 50 students - including some who came for a class assignment - filled Clint's Cafe in the University Center for the forum "Free Speech: Is it really free?" Four panel members represented the newspaper, Muslims and expertise in journalism and hate speech.

In an often passionate debate, most students protested what they deemed irresponsible journalism.

"It offended me that someone would single out an entire religion like this," said student Greg Lipinski, 21, who is a Christian. "I think the MTimes runs just about anything.

"Definitely there should be a change in standards. You can't just publish everything."

The letter's author, who is also listed as a contributing writer for the paper, did not attend and could not be reached for comment.

The newspaper, which ran an editorial calling the writer's opinion troubling, stood behind the decision. Editors said it exposed existing racism and forced dialogue.

"It's the practice of the MTimes to not censor any letter to the editor," editor-in-chief Amanda Durish, who couldn't attend the forum, told The Flint Journal. "Just because I disagree with it, I don't shut it down. I think these opinions are definitely useful to the university community."

"We do fully support free speech," said Dawud Walid, executive director for the Michigan branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. "At the same time, blanket generalizations that seek to demonize an entire demographic of people (are) dangerous."(MORE)

"Prince Among Slaves" documentary playing tomorrow

"Prince Among Slaves" will be shown tomorrow evening, Thursday, at 7 PM at the Fellowship Chapel Church at 7707 W. Outer Drive in Detroit, Michigan.

Admission is FREE.

A NEW LOOK AT HISTORY: Film shows dignity of slaves, Muslims
October 17, 2007

BY NIRAJ WARIKOO

FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

It's a story not well-known: A prince in west Africa who is heir to a sizable kingdom is enslaved and taken to America in 1788 at age 26 and fights for 40 years to regain his freedom.

But now, the life of Abdul-Rahman Ibrahima, an African Muslim, may reach a wide audience through a new film about his struggles.

The movie, "Prince Among Slaves," will make its Detroit debut Thursday at a screening sponsored by local Muslim and African-American groups, including the Detroit Branch NAACP and the Council on American-Islamic Relations. It comes at a time of renewed interest in some slaves' Islamic faith.

"It's a very moving film," said Mitchell Shamsud-Din of Detroit, who is helping to organize the event. "We need to be conscious of where we came from, so we can know where we want to be."

Born into the Fulbe group, Ibrahima was sold in Natchez, Miss., to a plantation owner. He wrote letters to his family in Africa, trying to regain his freedom, and his case got African leaders' attention.

He eventually won his freedom, but his children were still slaves, and he fought hard for years to get them released. He returned to Africa, but died a few months later, with his children still in slavery.

Directed by Bill Duke and narrated by Mos Def, the movie will resonate with many in metro Detroit because of the area's large African-American and Muslim populations, organizers said. Shamsud-Din said he was touched by the prince's struggles to help his children.(MORE)

Last day of Ramadan is today for most mosques in Metro Detroit

Out of 40 mosques in Metro Detroit, 8 of them are observing the Eid holiday today. Thus, today will be the last day of fasting of the majority of Muslims in this locality.

Eid Sa`eed wa kull `aam wa antum bikhayr!

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071012/LIFESTYLE04/710120383/1409/METRO

A FEAST OF JOY: Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr at new, bigger Detroit mosque

Gregg Krupa / The Detroit News

Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holy day celebrated today and Saturday, marks the joyous end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and abstinence. But for Imam Abdul Latif Azom, and his congregants at the Islamic Center of North Detroit, this year's Eid is even more special.

"To have our first Eid in our new mosque is truly a happy occasion for everyone involved," said Azom, whose congregation moved last month from a former funeral home on McDougall near the Hamtramck line into the former Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church. "Now we have more space and a chance to provide some services and, especially for the young, now we have a gym."

The actual beginning of the feast is sometimes puzzling -- even for Muslims. The moon determines the timing, and when the crescent moon is sighted, the feast begins.

But it all depends on who is doing the sighting.

Some Muslims abide by the determination made in Saudi Arabia, because it contains sites revered in Islam. Others recognize the judgment made in their country of origin. Either way, they generally end up celebrating the feast a day before Muslims who abide by the sighting of the moon in North America...

"We have a saying in our religion that: Man is an enemy to that which he does not know," said Dawud Walid, of the Council on American Islamic Relations, who encouraged members of the new mosque to actively seek out neighbors, explain that they are welcome in the mosque and to offer invitations to social events. "So, some in the old community were a little uptight, at first. But once they got to know the Muslims better and conversed with them, most of the tension has subsided."