[ladyinred]

How can anybody who is "familiar" with Islam take a positive view of it, especially if you are not a Muslim.

I guess that depends on what they mean by that statement. If they are familiar with it because they are Muslim that is one thing. If by saying they are familiar with it by way of the media propaganda they have heard, that is quite another.

[Sundiata]

AMEN.... I have studied Islam somewhat, and I would HARDLY call it a "religion of peace". Of course, one could contend that Christianity is a "warrior religion", but if you look at it, Jesus didn't go telling His followers to deceive, cheat, and to spread the faith by the sword if necessary. In fact, Jesus basically said, "Love everyone, even your enemies... leave the vengeance to the Lord...."

Frankly, I think that India and East Africa could use a new parking lot.... a self-lighting, glass-paved parking lot...

*raises eyebrow*