Free Republic

The recent brouhaha surrounding Pope Benedict XVI comments on Islam delivered in Germany should give Muslims a pause. Not one that would conjure the recalcitrant attacks that we have seen recently but rather one that would question why such a prominent religious leader would utter these words. What the Pope said allows me, as a Muslim, to ponder self-examination and not rush into a reaction of condemnation. Islam, throughout its history, delivered its share of great minds to humanity during times of peace and prosperity. Scientists like Mohammad al-Khawarizmi who invented Algebra and Avicenna who contributed greatly to medicine lived...

Minarets tower over two of the tallest roller coasters in the world, on the flyer announcing today’s big event at Six Flags’ Great Adventure & Wild Safari.  On this day, the park will be “transformed,” as thousands of Islamists from across the northeast come together in Jackson, New Jersey for "The Great Muslim Adventure Day."  Regrettably, Muslims will be the only ones having fun, as non-Muslims have been told that they are not welcome. The event, which also goes by the name "Muslim Youth Day," is being sponsored by the New Jersey chapter of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA),...

Gunships level minaret as US cancels assault By David Rennie in Washington and Toby Harnden in Baghdad (Filed: 27/04/2004) An American assault on the Iraqi city of Fallujah was postponed yesterday after local commanders said bloody urban warfare could provoke retaliation across the country and protests throughout the Muslim world. The commanders, citing progress in political negotiations on Saturday night, agreed to extend the threadbare "ceasefire" for at least two more days despite residents' failure to surrender heavy weapons as demanded. US army vehicles wrecked by an explosion in Baghdad But yesterday morning a fierce battle left marines "fighting like...

Penhaul: Fallujah scene of intense gunbattles FALLUJAH, Iraq (CNN) -- U.S. Marines, backed by helicopter gunships and fighter jets, engaged in a raging firefight Monday with insurgents in Fallujah, a stronghold of resistance to the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq. CNN's Karl Penhaul described the scene Monday for the U.S. networks pool.PENHAUL: Sporadic gunfire can still be heard echoing across this northwest corner of the city of Fallujah.It was a very different picture though this morning and early afternoon because the area just behind me was the scene of some very intense gunbattles.The Marines say [it was] one of the most...

BAGHDAD, Iraq - The rumble of heavy explosions was heard after sundown Tuesday in the Iraqi capital as it appeared U.S. forces were launching another operation against Iraqi insurgents. The explosions, apparently heavy weapons firing, seemed to come from the western edge of the city and could be heard in the center of the capital about 8:40 p.m.. A U.S. military spokesman had no comment on the blasts.

Remember the scene in "Apocalypse Now" where the Air Cav attacks the Vietcong village, and "Ride of the Valkyries" is blaring from a speaker on the lead copter? I was wondering what songs would be apropos for this war? Any good ideas? I thought a good one would be "The End" by The Doors.

Punk legend Joe Strummer dies 12/23/2002 Associated Press LONDON - Joe Strummer, the gravel-voiced lead singer of the legendary band The Clash, whose hits "London Calling" and "Rock the Casbah" electrified the punk scene, has died at age 50. The singer, guitarist and songwriter died Sunday at his home in Broomfield, in the southern county of Somerset, his record company said. The British Broadcasting Corp. quoted The Clash's video director Don Letts as saying Strummer died of a heart attack. The Clash was the politically militant face of the British punk rock movement, enjoying chart success both in Britain...

Just heard on the radio that Joe Strummer was found dead, presumably of a heart attack. RIP Joe.