On May 1st, 2010 Faisal Shahzad reminded New York and the world just how eminent the threat of a terrorist attack still is by parking a car in the middle of one of the world's most busiest areas: Times Square. He abandoned the car which had the materials to make a bomb in it. Apparently the bomb was set off however it was a bit faulty and luckily enough there were no casualties because the bomb never exploded. Imagine if there had been though? What if the bomb had gone off? What if there had been injuries/casulaties? It is nerve racking to think that had that bomb actually been assembled correctly and it did go off what the effects would have been. The world cannot handle another 9/11.
Faisal Shahzad is a Pakistani-American (he just earned his citizenship last year). He lived in Connecticut with his family. He sounds like a normal guy to me--He is a well educated man who came from a well-to-do wealthy family. He had a decent job as a financial analyst. Seems relatively normal to me! So what made Faisal Shahzad do what he did? What can make a man who seems on the level just turn like that? I have to agree with the news sources who said he basically threw away his life. I have been reading up on this man from several news sources and they all seem to say the same thing. He was a quiet and happy family man with a wife and children. He owned a luxury car and a condo in Connecticut. What more could a man ask for? Family, money, house, car?? What went wrong with this man? Sources say in 2008 is when Shahzad started to have a change of behavior....did the economic downturn make him radically change his behavior so much that he hated America?
Another question that is irking me to death's end is why on earth did the FBI, CIA, Homeland Security and other security forces not pick up on this guy sooner?? If he is on some sort of watchlist why was he not watched? Why was he not on some sort of surveilance? How did it take this long for all this information to come out about him? This really shakes me up because there are possibly hundreds others like him living in America who might just flip at the drop of a hat. Furthermore, eventhough he was arrested it was by the skin of someone's teeth because apparently Shahzad had already paid for the ticket, went through security and boarded the plane. The flight was about to take off before authorities realized he was on the no-fly list.
At any rate, I cannot fathom the effects of another terrorist attack. 9/11 even though it happened almost a decade ago is still too fresh in the minds of the American people; especially new yorkers. If the bomb did in fact go off who knows how many could have been injured or killed. It happened on a Saturday night in Times Square of all places. Wow. Catastrophic cannot even begin to describe things.
However, thank God Faisal Shahzad was arrested within two days of the planned terror attack. Honestly, the guy was an idiot on that part. Who tries to board a flight headed to the Middle East after an attempted attack? Obviously, security is going to be heightened at bridges, tunnels, any roadway and most especially airports. He tried to board a flight bound for the Emirates only two days after the attempted attack. Supposedly, he had financing from terrorist organizations and had been receving money from them for months now. He also receiving training from the Pakistani Taliban which helped him in preparing bombs.
Luckily for the U.S. Faisal was willing to cooperate with authorities. He was indicted on ten different counts. Thank God this guy was caught and arrested before he did any serious damage to the United States. While I am outraged and angered by some of the things the U.S. does it most certainly does not mean I agree with the radical ideologies of people like Faisal Shahzad. Any person who can take innocent human lives is a despicable humanbeing who does not deserve to see anything more than a jail cell. May God forgive him for his sins and May God bless the United States.
27.5.10
Islamic Center being built near WTC site
It was recently announced that an Islamic Center is going to be built near the World Trade Center Cite. This has raised much controversy amongst not only New Yorkers but Americans as a whole. People are arguing that building any type of institution that is geared toward the Islamic faith is "insensitive" when in fact it is just the opposite; by creating such a center it would allow non-Muslims to potentially get to know Muslims better. This can be a building block for better relations between the Islamic world and the U.S.
I understand that it was Muslims who attacked us on September 11th so building a Mosque or Islamic center so close to the cite hits a sore spot in the lives of those effected by the tragedy. However, I must raise a key point. Does anyone not realize that there were Muslims who lost family and friends in the September 11th attacks too? Furthermore, isn't there already a Mosque in the immediate downtown area anyway? A third issue is this: there needs to be a point where people begin to heal and begin to accept. Now do not get me wrong....I am a huge supporter of the slogan "Never Forget 9/11". I am in NO WAY saying we should forget. However, we must learn to accept that not all Muslims are terrorists. Not all Muslims support the radical ideologies of the men who executed the horrific plan set in motion by a lunatic know as Osama Bin Laden. People need to realize that Islam is actually a peaceful and humble religion. So by building this center it will allow for the Islamophobia that has run rampant in New York City to die down a bit (hopefully).
One other point that I must make is that during a meeting to discuss this proposal a woman stood up and said something to the effect of "we can not support these people as they worship their monkey God". UHHH hello?? Lady really? "Monkey God". That god's name is Allah. Allah translate to God. Islam is monotheistic religion just like Christanity. Muslims believe in the same God Christians do. The main difference between the two religions is that Muslims do not accept Jesus as the son of God. But just because they view Jesus as a prophet and not the son does not mean they should be called out like that and told they worship a "monkey God".
Furthermore, what is the big deal?? It is not being built right on the WTC cite. It is being built near it. It is a property up for purchase...just like any other. So why can't a Mosque be built there? Would the community say no if it was a church or synagogue?? Would they say no if it was a clothing store?? I highly doubt it.
I think it is time for America to realize that NOT all Muslims are bad. Every religion, race, ethnicity etc has its flaws. Islam is definitely one of them. However, America is not so perfect either. So we should do the American thing and embrace these people for the beautiful and mysterious unique culture and religion that they are!! Lets bridge the divide between Muslims and Non-Muslims! Come on America...we are strong versatile and resilient people- we can do this! This center/Mosque is just the thing to help bridge that gap!! By building the Mosque in the very area that was attacked, Muslims are being the braves one in fact. They are standing up and saying "we are proud of who we are" and "we will not let a handful of people deface the identity of a religion that is home to nearly two billion people". By building this mosque the Muslims are being the mature ones and saying here we are wanting to be a part of the community even after you guys pushed us away and wrote us off as "monkey God" worshipers.
I honestly hope this Mosque is approved so that Muslims in the downtown area can have a place to worship. I want this center to be approved too so people can see something I view as so peaceful and wonderful....the image of a man and his son praying side by side. A father teaching his son the beauty of religion and how great it can impact his life for the good. May Allah bless America. May Allah bless the downtown area.
I understand that it was Muslims who attacked us on September 11th so building a Mosque or Islamic center so close to the cite hits a sore spot in the lives of those effected by the tragedy. However, I must raise a key point. Does anyone not realize that there were Muslims who lost family and friends in the September 11th attacks too? Furthermore, isn't there already a Mosque in the immediate downtown area anyway? A third issue is this: there needs to be a point where people begin to heal and begin to accept. Now do not get me wrong....I am a huge supporter of the slogan "Never Forget 9/11". I am in NO WAY saying we should forget. However, we must learn to accept that not all Muslims are terrorists. Not all Muslims support the radical ideologies of the men who executed the horrific plan set in motion by a lunatic know as Osama Bin Laden. People need to realize that Islam is actually a peaceful and humble religion. So by building this center it will allow for the Islamophobia that has run rampant in New York City to die down a bit (hopefully).
One other point that I must make is that during a meeting to discuss this proposal a woman stood up and said something to the effect of "we can not support these people as they worship their monkey God". UHHH hello?? Lady really? "Monkey God". That god's name is Allah. Allah translate to God. Islam is monotheistic religion just like Christanity. Muslims believe in the same God Christians do. The main difference between the two religions is that Muslims do not accept Jesus as the son of God. But just because they view Jesus as a prophet and not the son does not mean they should be called out like that and told they worship a "monkey God".
Furthermore, what is the big deal?? It is not being built right on the WTC cite. It is being built near it. It is a property up for purchase...just like any other. So why can't a Mosque be built there? Would the community say no if it was a church or synagogue?? Would they say no if it was a clothing store?? I highly doubt it.
I think it is time for America to realize that NOT all Muslims are bad. Every religion, race, ethnicity etc has its flaws. Islam is definitely one of them. However, America is not so perfect either. So we should do the American thing and embrace these people for the beautiful and mysterious unique culture and religion that they are!! Lets bridge the divide between Muslims and Non-Muslims! Come on America...we are strong versatile and resilient people- we can do this! This center/Mosque is just the thing to help bridge that gap!! By building the Mosque in the very area that was attacked, Muslims are being the braves one in fact. They are standing up and saying "we are proud of who we are" and "we will not let a handful of people deface the identity of a religion that is home to nearly two billion people". By building this mosque the Muslims are being the mature ones and saying here we are wanting to be a part of the community even after you guys pushed us away and wrote us off as "monkey God" worshipers.
I honestly hope this Mosque is approved so that Muslims in the downtown area can have a place to worship. I want this center to be approved too so people can see something I view as so peaceful and wonderful....the image of a man and his son praying side by side. A father teaching his son the beauty of religion and how great it can impact his life for the good. May Allah bless America. May Allah bless the downtown area.
19.5.10
!0 reasons to love arabs
Ok! So I am so tired of hearing about Arabs being the target of negative publicity. We are NOT all terrorists. We do NOT all believe in radical ideas brought forth by crazy religious extremists. We DO NOT oppress our women. we DO NOT belief in 72 virgins in Heaven. We DO NOT have any more of a backwards ideology then other races. We are NOT sand-dwelling camel riders.
All of these stereotypes plus the many more that exist in which Arabs are portrayed in a negative light are just down right hurtful and untrue. The stereotypes make an accusation and place blame on a culture deeply rooted in tradition and value. Arabs are a people who tend to be humble and gracious. Their hospitality is second to none....truly first rate.
So therefore below I have come up with a list of ten reasons to love arabs for the wonderful people that they are.
10) If it weren't for arabs and muslims: the world would never know the number 0. we would never know algebra! Arabs and Muslims also advanced the field of trigonometry as well.
9) Good Food!!!! If it was not for the arabs/muslims the world would not know the beauty of hummus, falafel, yogurt, koshari, tahini etc.
8) Hospitality: the Arabs are the most hospitable and giving people I have ever met in my entire life. They will literally give you the shirt off of there back if they know you like it. They will go out of their way to help a person.
7) modern day international law for refugees is based off of the teachings from over a thousand years ago in the Quran, the holy book for Muslims. One of the major components of international law for refugees is the idea of non-refoulement or forced return---this idea is not new to mankind in modern day..it was mentioned in the Quran 1,400 years ago. Thanks to Islam modern day international law for refugees is a little better off due to the teachings found in the Quran.
6) the Arabs brought you great actors like Tony Shaloub and Omar Sherif or great inventors like Steven Jobs, creator of Apple (his biological father is Syrian), great writers, poets, activists, scientists, professors and even great comedians like Dean Obeidallah and Aron Kader.
5) Arabs gave the world the harp, drum, tambourine, oud and other instruments.
4) lets not forget about a major major major contribution to civilization: the phonetic alphabet!!
3) cosmetics: thanks to the ancient arabs the world knows the beauty of eye liner, body lotions, nail polishes, lipsticks, jewelery etc.
2) the magnetic needle discovered by medieval arabs helped to improve navigation since the 9th century.
1) Arabs and Muslims brought you everything from makeup to navigation to food to dance to clothing to science to law to perfume. whats not to love about them?
All of these stereotypes plus the many more that exist in which Arabs are portrayed in a negative light are just down right hurtful and untrue. The stereotypes make an accusation and place blame on a culture deeply rooted in tradition and value. Arabs are a people who tend to be humble and gracious. Their hospitality is second to none....truly first rate.
So therefore below I have come up with a list of ten reasons to love arabs for the wonderful people that they are.
10) If it weren't for arabs and muslims: the world would never know the number 0. we would never know algebra! Arabs and Muslims also advanced the field of trigonometry as well.
9) Good Food!!!! If it was not for the arabs/muslims the world would not know the beauty of hummus, falafel, yogurt, koshari, tahini etc.
8) Hospitality: the Arabs are the most hospitable and giving people I have ever met in my entire life. They will literally give you the shirt off of there back if they know you like it. They will go out of their way to help a person.
7) modern day international law for refugees is based off of the teachings from over a thousand years ago in the Quran, the holy book for Muslims. One of the major components of international law for refugees is the idea of non-refoulement or forced return---this idea is not new to mankind in modern day..it was mentioned in the Quran 1,400 years ago. Thanks to Islam modern day international law for refugees is a little better off due to the teachings found in the Quran.
6) the Arabs brought you great actors like Tony Shaloub and Omar Sherif or great inventors like Steven Jobs, creator of Apple (his biological father is Syrian), great writers, poets, activists, scientists, professors and even great comedians like Dean Obeidallah and Aron Kader.
5) Arabs gave the world the harp, drum, tambourine, oud and other instruments.
4) lets not forget about a major major major contribution to civilization: the phonetic alphabet!!
3) cosmetics: thanks to the ancient arabs the world knows the beauty of eye liner, body lotions, nail polishes, lipsticks, jewelery etc.
2) the magnetic needle discovered by medieval arabs helped to improve navigation since the 9th century.
1) Arabs and Muslims brought you everything from makeup to navigation to food to dance to clothing to science to law to perfume. whats not to love about them?
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