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Kingdom to Foster Moderate Image of Islam, Says Abdullah
Arab News ^ | May 22, 2003 | P.K. Abdul Ghafour

Posted on 05/22/2003 2:00:31 AM PDT by Lawrence of Arabia

JEDDAH, 22 May 2003 — Saudi Arabia has set up a special committee of experts to promote a moderate image of Islam, Crown Prince Abdullah announced yesterday. The move seeks to uproot extremism from the country.

“We have entrusted a committee of experienced and knowledgeable people to propagate the moderate views of Islam,” Prince Abdullah told Kuwait’s Assiyassah newspaper.

He suggested there were possible terror cells in other Arab countries. “What we have in Saudi Arabia also exists in abundance in all other Arab countries in the form of sleeping cells,” he said. “Some of them have risen and some others are yet to rise. So we are very worried about these countries,” he said.

He called for strong and frank inter-Arab relations.

He said a number of committees had been set up to implement the ideas expressed in the keynote address of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd to the Shoura Council.

The king had called for improvement in the performance of government agencies.

In his address, King Fahd said the government would go ahead with its reform programs, broaden the scope of popular participation and widen the scope for working women.

Highlighting the moderate views of Islam, Prince Abdullah said he had openly criticized those scholars who follow the extremist line while giving their edicts and opinions.

“Islam is a complete political, social and economic system,” the crown prince said and urged Muslims to act in accordance with the true spirit of their religion.

The crown prince said the Saudi people had dealt with the recent Riyadh bombings in the true spirit of patriotism and a great sense of national responsibility.

He said the government would not show any mercy toward the perpetrators of the terror attacks and those who sympathize with them or condone them.

There was no concrete evidence to prove that Al-Qaeda network had been behind last week’s Riyadh blasts, Prince Abdullah said.

“There are people who say that the attackers are from Al-Qaeda. However I don’t have anything accurate before me that confirms this,” the prince said.

“Whatever the roots of this false ideology, it has deceived youths and promised them heaven after they kill innocent people,” he said.

Describing the blasts as “a satanic act,” he said the terrorist attacks were at odds with Islam and morality. “What were the sins of the elderly, the young and the children of different nationalities who were killed in the blasts?” the crown prince asked. He added: “It’s a satanic act. Any other interpretation has no place in our dictionary. Such acts are not religious. They have nothing to do with Islam.”

Prince Abdullah highlighted the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States, adding that the terror attacks that targeted American residential compounds in Riyadh would not affect these relations.

“There are some parties, especially certain media organizations, which try to harm this relationship. Our relations with the United States have never been tense. We have been in constant touch and consultations on issues of mutual concern,” the prince explained.

“We have good relations with the US. They respect our views and traditions. What has been reported is baseless. The Americans have never asked us to do specific things. Moreover, those who say that our relationship with the US is tense, they mess up international affairs, notably issues relating to the region and the Middle East,” he added.


TOPICS: Extended News; Foreign Affairs
KEYWORDS: islam; saudiarabia; terrorism
He can start with the Matawahs.
1 posted on 05/22/2003 2:00:31 AM PDT by Lawrence of Arabia
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To: Lawrence of Arabia
At this point I wouldn't trust anything coming out of Saudi Arabia. The Saudis are not our friends. They have shown time and again that in reality they are our enemies.
If they care to change our views then they must change their behavior. Quit supporting Wahabbi radical muslims. Quit exporting terror and terrorists. Allow the U.S. to investigate the murder of Americans. Quit acting as if you clowns in Saudi Arabia are above it all. Quit your persecution of Christians.
Until this all happens then Saudi Arabia and its people can go to hell.
2 posted on 05/22/2003 2:06:25 AM PDT by Joe Boucher
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To: Lawrence of Arabia
"Foster" should really be "Fabricate".

They intend to "fabricate" a moderate image of Islam...

...at least until we've allowed enough of the Islamofascists into this country, and the rest of the West, that they feel safe and confident in trying to take over our political systems, call for the institution of Sharia law, and feel emboldened enough to try and kill us all openly in the street.

Islam: it's a religion of peace...and they'll try to kill you to prove it...

3 posted on 05/22/2003 2:07:03 AM PDT by Im Your Huckleberry
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To: Lawrence of Arabia
He suggested there were possible terror cells in other Arab countries

Ya think?

4 posted on 05/22/2003 3:15:47 AM PDT by libertylover (Support for abortion is caused by the same flawed thinking that supported slavery.)
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To: libertylover
Yeah......really. Knock me over with a feather.
5 posted on 05/22/2003 3:23:14 AM PDT by RightOnline
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To: Lawrence of Arabia
The Saudi's can't be trusted! They are evil incarnate.
6 posted on 05/22/2003 3:32:11 AM PDT by USMMA_83
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To: Lawrence of Arabia
“Islam is a complete political, social and economic system,”...[sic]

And the liberals thought it was a religion...

7 posted on 05/22/2003 3:33:50 AM PDT by expatguy
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To: Lawrence of Arabia
And after all image is everything...ask bill und hiltlerly
8 posted on 05/22/2003 4:35:36 AM PDT by joesnuffy (Moderate Islam Is For Dilettantes)
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To: Lawrence of Arabia
Kingdom to Foster Moderate Image of Islam

In the same vein of empty PR gestures ...

Satan Gets Trendy New Haircut

Sow Buys New Tutu

Bill Clinton Takes Communion

9 posted on 05/22/2003 4:40:52 AM PDT by IronJack
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To: Lawrence of Arabia
In order to promote this "kinder, gentler" version of Islam, will they allow building of churches and synagogues in the kingdom?
10 posted on 05/22/2003 4:44:15 AM PDT by Alouette (Why is it called "International Law" if only Israel and the United States are expected to keep it?)
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To: Alouette
They only want to promote tolerance outside the Kingdom..
11 posted on 05/22/2003 4:53:56 AM PDT by MEG33
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To: MEG33
They only want to promote tolerance OF SAUDIS outside the Kingdom.
12 posted on 05/22/2003 4:56:05 AM PDT by Alouette (Why is it called "International Law" if only Israel and the United States are expected to keep it?)
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To: Lawrence of Arabia
“There are some parties, especially certain media organizations, which try to harm this relationship.

Yeah, right. It has nothing to do with Sadi support for terrrorism.

“We have good relations with the US. They respect our views and traditions.

.......talk about a one way street.

13 posted on 05/22/2003 6:40:33 AM PDT by He Rides A White Horse (For or against us.........)
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To: Lawrence of Arabia
Saudi.
14 posted on 05/22/2003 6:41:02 AM PDT by He Rides A White Horse (For or against us.........)
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To: Im Your Huckleberry; Lawrence of Arabia; Joe Boucher
How can you infidels be against the Religion of Peace? Surrender to the Divine Will of Allah, as revealed by The Prophet Muhammed, (May Peace Be Upon Him) and all will be peaceful.

Or else, infidel dogs, we will have to achieve the Peace of Islam which Allah commands for the world through his Prophet Muhammed, (May Peace Be Upon Him) by removing you from this life to serve peacefully as our slaves in Paradise.

What is it you infidel dogs do not understand about Peace here? As Muhammed (May Peace Be Upon Him) might have Himself Said,"It ain't rocket science. It's the Peace, stupid."

15 posted on 05/22/2003 6:52:03 AM PDT by Francohio
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To: Alouette
In order to promote this "kinder, gentler" version of Islam, will they allow building of churches and synagogues in the kingdom?

Well, if that isn't just the sort of unfair question an infidel would ask?

OBTW, The Pope asked the same unfair question when the Muslims in Italy got permission to build a HUGE ugly mosque in Rome. Look forward to discussing this issue with you at the annual Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, June 10th 9AM, Our Lady of Mecca Parish Hall. It's the new brick building behind the Kaaba.
C'est la tête, Alouette.

16 posted on 05/22/2003 7:01:03 AM PDT by Francohio
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To: Lawrence of Arabia
HAHAHAHAHA!

Good one, Abdullah. Now ShutUp, you lying POS.
17 posted on 05/22/2003 9:15:49 AM PDT by swarthyguy
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To: Joe Boucher
The Saudis are not friends. Drop the "r" and see them for what they are!
18 posted on 05/22/2003 9:38:08 AM PDT by sheik yerbouty
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To: babylonian
He called for strong and frank inter-Arab relations.

Looks like bear hunting is right up his... alley.

19 posted on 05/22/2003 4:35:55 PM PDT by Thinkin' Gal
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To: Thinkin' Gal
Ol' Frank really gets around.
20 posted on 05/23/2003 9:03:20 AM PDT by babylonian
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