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Western media and Islamophobia
It is good to see Crescent International tackle issues like the role of Western media in promoting Islamophobia (November 2009). The lie about media freedom in the West is peddled so often and with such persistence that even its victims — primarily Muslims — are taken in by it.
The corporate-owned and controlled media does not care even for American or British citizens whose lives are directly affected by the policies of their governments so why should they care about Muslims who are perceived as the enemy? The concentration of media ownership in the hands of a few, mostly Zionists, is also extremely troubling.
This begs the question: what should Muslims do to address the problem? It is unrealistic to expect that Muslim governments will tackle it because they are part of the problem. The West’s brutal policies against Muslims and the Islamic movement would not succeed but for the help provided by the illegitimate regimes in the Muslim world. Is it realistic to assume that regimes in Egypt or Pakistan would confront the US or Britain on whose goodwill the illegitimate rulers of these countries depend? In Pakistan, many journalists, ministers, bureaucrats, generals (both serving and retired) and academics are on the US payroll and busy promoting its agenda.
Shakir Imam
Mississauga, ON, Canada
The contrived grief of Britain-doting Canadian royalists turned real upon learning that “Thatcher has died.” The Blackberry message was received at a November 10 black tie dinner attended by some 2,000 Conservatives to honour Canadian military families. The Iron Lady (Dragon Lady for some) of British politics is much revered by Canadian royalists.
While nobody choked on the five-course meal, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper immediately dispatched his advisor to call Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street to confirm that Thatcher was indeed dead. A palace official sighed: “I wish it were true!”
It turned out the message was sent by Canadian Transport Minister John Baird from his home in Toronto to a person at the gala dinner to say his beloved 16-year-old grey tabby cat, named after Margaret Thatcher, had died. Cats may not have nine lives, but 84-year-old Maggie surely does. Endowed with an acerbic tongue that continues to wag amid a formidable set of teeth reinforced by canines that would make a pit bull blush with envy, Maggie lives. What a pity!
Tanvir Ahmed
Toronto, ON. Canada
South African odyssey
I greatly enjoyed reading Sister Zainab Cheema’s travelogue about South Africa (Crescen,t Nov. 2009). Her narrative was captivating with the right mix of politics and social charm. While Crescent is best known for its hard-hitting commentaries and tales of sufferings of Muslims worldwide, which makes it unique among Muslim publications, it is also refreshing to see a lighter touch. I hope Sister Zainab will continue to contribute to the magazine to increase the variety of stories available in its pages. What I have heard about the hospitality of the South African Muslim community is confirmed by her.
Sabira Jeevani
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Turkey makes its move
It is good to read that Turkey is once again beginning to assume a leading role in the Muslim world. It is an important country with a glorious history. Unfortunately, Kemalism des-troyed the prestige it had acquired as a result of being a Muslim power even if not entirely an Islamic power. Kemal-ism turned it into the sick man of Europe. Turkey should abandon its quest to join the European Union. The racist Europeans will never accept it. Why not stick to the Muslim world where it will enjoy its rightful place as a leading member of the Ummah?
Selim Pasha
New York, NY, US
Zardari’s exit?
With the demise of the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), can we look forward to the end of Asif Zardari’s rule? The man’s character is so low that it is a disgrace for him to be president of a country calling itself the “Islamic Republic”. It is Pakistan’s tra-gedy that one terrible ruler is replaced by another. Unless the people of Pak-istan rise up to take charge, nothing will change. Instead of looking for saviours, people should look to themselves.
Javed Ahmed Khan
Lahore, Pakistan
