A map of the Sahel region showing where Al Qaeda operates (AFP/Graphic)
Posted on 08/14/2012 7:43:46 AM PDT by Former Fetus
Residents of Gao, one of the thre e main towns in northern Mali occupied by armed Islamists since late March, are fighting back against radicals who brutally apply strict sharia law.
The stoning to death of an unwed couple, the amputation of the hand of a thief, whippings for "illegitimate" couples and people who smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol have been among the harsh punishments meted out by the Islamists, who claim ties with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).
In Gao, near the border with Niger, hundreds of residents, mainly youths, have taken their lives in their hands several times since May to oppose hardline tactics, initially because they were banned from watching television and playing football.
One week ago, people again took to the streets in a successful protest to stop the Islamists cutting the hand off a thief, then to protect a radio show host from being beaten up for reporting the first demonstrations against the amputation.
(Excerpt) Read more at 1.rp-api.com ...
So much for the "infidel" Spring!
Protests and demonstrations wont be enough. Until they start killing the Islamists, they will continue to be persecuted.
I think it is rather a hopeful sign. You actually have Muslims who truly ARE fighting radical Islam.
Whether we think Islam is a valid religion or not, nevertheless, it is possibly a baby beginning for Islam of a reformation like that which Christianity went through several hundred years ago, and which Islam has sorely needed for quite some time. I’m praying for the Will of God for this struggle in Mali.
I hope theirs isnt as long or bloody as that which roiled Christianity for a number of centuries...and even in some areas to the present hour.
Just IMHO.
Thanks for sharing your insights, dear TEXOKIE!
Ditto to what Alamo-Girl said!!!!
:-D
Blessings to you both!...and to all whom God loves!
A map of the Sahel region showing where Al Qaeda operates (AFP/Graphic)
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