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Maldives Presidential Office via AFP - Getty Images
Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed announces his resignation during a televised press conference.
Updated at 6:16 a.m. ET
MALE, Maldives -- President Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives resigned on Tuesday after weeks of protests erupted into a police mutiny, leaving the man widely credited with bringing democracy to the paradise islands accused of being as dictatorial as his predecessor.
Nasheed handed power over the Indian Ocean archipelago to Mohammed Waheed Hassan, who previously worked as a top UNICEF official. He was sworn in as the new Maldivian president in the afternoon.
Maldives, an Indian Ocean archipelago known for luxurious resorts for upmarket tourists, has a new democracy after being under autocratic rule for 30 years.
"I resign because I am not a person who wishes to rule with the use of power," Nasheed said in a televised address. "I believe that if the government were to remain in power it would require the use of force which would harm many citizens.
"I resign because I believe that if the government continues to stay in power, it is very likely that we may face foreign influences."
It was not immediately clear to what influences he was referring. India helped foil a coup on the islands in 1988 by sending a battalion of soldiers to back the government.
A spokesman for India's Foreign Ministry, Syed Akbaruddin, said the rebellion was an internal matter of the Maldives "to be resolved by the Maldives."
In the morning, soldiers fired teargas at police and demonstrators who besieged the Maldives National Defence Force headquarters in Republic Square.
Sinan Hussain / AP
A police officer, in blue, charges soldiers during a clash in Male on Tuesday.
Reuters reported that mutinying police took over the state broadcaster and broadcast an opposition-linked station's calls for people to come on the streets to overthrow Nasheed.
Nasheed, a former pro-democracy political prisoner, campaigned successfully for democratic reforms and was elected to office in 2008 in the country's first multiparty election. He spoke out passionately on the dangers of climate change to the low-lying islands.
The violence on the Indian Ocean archipelago best-known as a beach getaway is the worst in a struggle between Nasheed, widely credited with ushering in full democracy to the archipelago, and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, whose 30-year rule was widely seen as autocratic.
Constitutional crisis
Protests began weeks ago after Nasheed ordered the military to arrest the top criminal court judge, whom he accuses of being in the pocket of the former president.
That set off a constitutional crisis that has Nasheed in the unaccustomed position of defending himself of acting like a dictator.
Gayoom's opposition Progressive Party of the Maldives accused the military of firing rubber bullets at protesters and a party spokesman, Mohamed Hussain "Mundhu" Shareef, said "loads of people" were injured. He gave no specifics.
An official close to Nasheed denied the government had used rubber bullets, but confirmed that about three dozen police officers defied orders overnight and smashed up the main rallying point of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party.
"This follows Gayoom's party calling for the overthrow of the Maldives' first democratically elected government and for citizens to launch jihad against the president," said the official.
The protests, and the scramble for position ahead of next year's presidential election, have seen parties adopting hardline Islamist rhetoric and accusing Nasheed of being anti-Islamic.
On Twitter, opposition-linked groups or individuals have called for Nasheed's impeachment and, in at least one case, beheading under Shariah law.
The trouble has also shown the longstanding rivalry between Gayoom and Nasheed, who was jailed for a combined six years after being arrested 27 times by Gayoom's government while agitating for democracy.
The trouble has been largely invisible to the 900,000 or so well-heeled tourists who come very year to visit desert islands swathed in aquamarine seas, ringed by beaches of icing-sugar sands, would get a hint of that.
'Potentially a tropical Afghanistan'
Most tourists are whisked straight to their island hideaway by seaplane or speedboat, where they are free to drink alcohol and get luxurious spa treatments, insulated from the everyday Maldives, a fully Islamic state where alcohol is outlawed and skimpy beachwear frowned upon.
Maldivian intelligence officers and Western officials say hardline Salafist and Wahabist groups are gaining political ground in the more distant atolls and making a beachhead in Male.
The capital island is home to almost 200,000 of the Maldives' 330,000 people, all Sunni Muslims. It is also home to the majority of the estimated 30,000 people on the islands who are addicted to heroin, according to U.N. estimates.
"It's potentially a tropical Afghanistan. The same forces that gave rise to the Taliban are there -- the drugs, the corruption and the behavior of the political class," a Colombo-based Western ambassador who is responsible for the Maldives told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Oh look another area where muslims are in control that is turning into a cesspool.
Anybody who knows how close Maldive's is to India would see this as quite a disturbing development for India's security. And they say its Maldive's internal matter!! They must be out of their minds.
Coming soon to America?
The Maldives are a nation of 300,000 people. Their proximity to India, a nation with a population in excess of one billion is of no concern to me, or anybody else who is using their head.
Just a though - If the Islamic Terrorist groups take over the island, they will be easier to find and easier to destroy.
dman, by that standard JFK shouldn't have been worried about Cuba. Is that what you are saying?
I wonder if the United States is the only Western nation in history to elect a leader with a Muslim name like Mohamed or Hussein?
Well, I believe it has more to do with the rich and powerful using it for their playground. As is the case with most of these places, the denizens are quite happy and content living their humble lives until the corrupt movers and shakers show up. It is the same story everywhere. Everywhere.
"have seen parties adopting hardline Islamist rhetoric and accusing Nasheed of being anti-Islamic."
Sounds like the same ole garden variety politics ... just like we have here!!!!
Agitate the sheep ... fire a few guns in the air ... and watch them run around like fools who think they have a purpose ... works every time!!!
As there is trouble in Maldives, we can confirm that Maldives is a Muslim majority nation.
The article misses the troubles invented by Islamists trying to impose restrictions on tourists a few months earlier!
It was cesspool earlier and now it will be hate, drugs, stealing, looting and if Allah is willing a killing pool!
What is your definition of cesspool? Sort of which I had the funds to be in this one!
JK-4363698.......small mind
JK - why don't you Google your stupid question?
JK,
RE: your post #1.6
JK, you could go through your whole life wondering about that facinating question OR you could spend 10 minutes of your time, if you are capable, and actually look on the internet for the FACTS and answer your thought provoking question. I personally wonder what the hell difference it really makes, and if you are capable of any reasonable exercise of the mind! Just can't check that on the net, can I?
AJ, MM and scrambolo -
I made the comment just to enjoy the reactions from newsviners like you. (Sounds like you are a little bit sensitive about the issue.) Chill out, Obama is a Christian. Have a nice day.
:)
@JK-4363698, the name Hussein means "good looking boy." Does that scare you? Were you scared of King Hussein of Jordan, husband of U.S.-raised Queen Noor, and our longtime ally, friend of Israel and foe of terrorism?
I don't know about cesspool but they seem headed to ban the "sinful" tourist industry that pays their bills. I hope they implode big time as a demonstration of what the 'wages of intolerance' are. Muslims are definitely not alone when it comes to forcing their religious beliefs on other people. Our democracy is in more danger from 'evangelical law' than sharia law.
JK you just admited to being a troll. LMAO.
Rick in SD -
Did my legitimate, straightforward, simple comment (post 1.6) "scare" you?
It's only "small minds" who can't tolerate openess and candor about something they perceive as controversial. Don't be quilty of reading more into a comment than exactly what is written.
Greg - That's what makes newsvine interesting for you and the rest of us! Most of us "troll" on here from time to time. Enjoy.
I guess you don't know the definition of trolling as you just admitted to it. It is also frowned upon here as it is in most civil forums.
And, no, you aren't scaring anyone, just exposing yourself.
"Rick in SD - Did my legitimate, straightforward, simple comment (post 1.6) 'scare' you?"
Not at all, JK, it just made me realize you don't have a whole lot going on upstairs. If what you're now saying is true: that you're "just trying to make Newsvine interesting" and are admitting that you're trolling, then I would suggest you need to get a life.
Rick - You're the one doing the "Trolling". If you don't like my comments, just ignore them.
Explain how responding to your post is trolling.
Well, PJ-1795048, lets take a closer look at your parallel. In 1962, the Soviets were busy preparing a nuclear launch site 70 miles off the coast of Florida. Today, in the Maldives, there is some political unrest in a nation of 300,000, which has apparently been resolved by the resignation of its President.
There are no missiles or foreign troops being placed there, by Pakistan or anybody else.
Soviets actively seeking to place nuclear missiles in Cuba = Police demonstrations in the Maldives???
Nice try, and thanks for playing.
In the news report from a Muslim nation, "jihad" was missing!
Now with more details, "Islamists" and "jihad" are there!
Then it will be business as usual: hating, stealing, kidnapping, raping and killings with blames, excuses and lies from "moderate Muslims."
So Allah's and Mohammad's cycles are complete!
Jonathan - this place has been predominantly Muslim for centuries. Why is it now you think it is going to explode with violence.
The first democratically elected president, Mohamed Nasheed is honest patriotic president. He saved people of Maldives from a monster no different to Hitler. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was a murderer and a thief. This Egyptian trained terrorist was terrorizing the people of Maldives for 30 years. If any one criticized his government, they will be arrested and jailed with out trail. The paramilitary was given powers for arbitrary arrests and torture. Mohamed Nasheed was jailed 27 times and badly beaten, still now he walks with a limp.
Maumoon has been actively operating in Malaysia to topple the democratically elected government of Maldives from the day he was thrown out of the government. The torture machine and corrupt followers of him blended in to Nasheed government and have been actively disrupting the democratically elected government to make reforms in the government. Such as free health care, dental and optical were provided to all people. Monthly Pensions were given to the old and frail. Water and electricity subsidies are provided to every family in the country. People of Maldives do not know there government must give these kinds of services before. Nasheed’s mode of transport to presidential office is by bicycle or foot. Maumoon lives in a million dollar palace and mode of transport was BMW and Mercedes Benz and road closure were imposed every roads he have to travel.
The democratically elected president Mohamed Nasheed is toppled by hefty bribes to junior police officers and low-level military officers. This is confirmed because; the police officer giving the interview is the leader of the mutiny. Acting Commissioner Abdulla Fairooz is a one of notorious torturer of Maumoon Abdul Gayooms. The torture area is located in the basement of the police headquarters in capital Male’. He is believed to arbitrarily arrest people for minor offences like passing red light and torture them for weeks striping them in naked, sexually abusing them and keeping them wet in solitary confinement, Abu Ghraib style. Then send them to notorious prison in Maafushi Island for more.
Abdulla Fairooz is a believer in fundamental Islam and believes that Mohamed Nasheed is having anti Islamic policy. He has brain washed about 20 junior officers and DRP thug’s of former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom to initiate a jihad against the Mohamed Nasheed’s modest policies.
The poor people of Maldives need help of international communities and freedom loving people of the world to boycott the tourism sector in Maldives. Until the military rule is abolished and democratic government is elected. These poor people are already affected by global warming. Please help them at least to have their freedom.
dman: As slowly Islamic extremist and terrorist nutcases have hijaked Islam, Maldives will not be exception.
Already Islamists have begun the beastly battle song: jihad!
Is there noplace on Earth free of the Islam scourge?
I guess Green is the new Red,eh? It's starting to sound more and more like the 1950's here in the US, it's just a different evil imperial boogeyman. The problem is with you youngin's, very few people remember what it was like, and how fairly futile all the blacklisting and spite drummed up by McCarthy really was in fighting those who were really a threat to American society. The more effort you spend paranoically chasing shadows and innocent bystanders with political views that don't agree with yours, the more time and opportunity you provide to the people who really are out to get you.
To see it full action, it is coming to a place near you right in the US!
Too true. if you have a clearly-defined "enemy" it takes your mind off the other issues you should be paying attention to.
I remember the days of McCarthy; they weren't much fun.
Will exchange Obama for McCarthy any day of the week, any time of the day.
Those who forget history are condemned to repeat it. You are a perfect example.
Steel Toe; probably very few considering 22% of all humans are of the Islamic faith. But that isn't the problem since Islam is very similar to Christianity in that it believes in one God and that Moses, Abraham and Jesus, but added Muhammad, were profits of that God. The problem is, just like Christianity, when people tell others what God wants them to do.
Just think, the original people of North America thought the same thing about Christianity when the Christians invaded their country, killed the unbelievers, raped the women and stole their gold.
steal toed boot,
RE: your post #2
There is a place which I hope you find sooner rather than later. That place is in your heart, mind, and soul! Good Luck, it is an important search--- for YOU!
I think hes making a mistake. He should continue to stand his ground. He doesnt need to use force, simply keep order and prevent violence. There is a difference. As long as the army is up to it.
He also needs to immediately get the case involving the judge before a court. He should ask an international court, with no stake in the outcome, to judge the evidence. As long as the people want the truth, he has nothing to worry about. Thats if hes telling the truth of course. Otherwise, he will look like the bad guy for arresting the judge. He needs to prove his case against the judge, as soon as possible.
Freedom4...
In theory what you say is true. Unfortunately, people don't want the truth. They want to be promised a utopia by blathering politicians. When said politician doesn't produce utopia, they try the next guy who promises it. Doing the same thing and expecting different results - again and again - the definition of insanity.
Speak for yourself, I'll take the truth.
I donot know all the facts but I agree he is making a mistake. History is filled with brave men who made a choice to cross that threshold to persue for greater good. Sounds Like he is not willing to go down that road as he is seeing it as a difficult one. His efforts will be but a foot note in time later in his countries history.
Democratically elected president arrested by rouge police. Pls see the video
Heroin addiction and Islam are cut from opposite sides of the same cloth. Both are a bane to humanity and progress, One destroys lives and the thinking process, the other destroys culture and the thinking process.
I find it to be an ironic picture of enwly weds and celebrities drinking mint julips on a tropical paradise beach, with an Islamic Jihad raging in the near horizon.
The heroin use in the USA is the greatest in the world. This you cannot blame on the arabs.
John
I don't use heroin and I'm not a Muslim. Looks like I win on both counts. I don't want Islam imposed either to curtail heroin addiction.
By the way, your statistics are completely wrong. You need to check out the UN report on heroin and opium consumption. The Islamic Republic of Iran leads the pack on opium+heroin consumption (469 tons estimated in 2008). If you combine the heroin and opium use of Canada + US + Australia, (total 22 tons estimated in 2008), the consumption is still less than in Africa, or Iran, Europe or Russia or China or etc...
You made a false assumption and published it as a statistic.
All religion, when rigorously enforced and applied, destroys the thinking process--we see that in the U.S. as we speak. As for the Maldives, they don't hesitate to benefit from the "sins" of others but their own people are kept under strict religious control. Let them figure it out. There are better places to vacation.
It won't be a vacation padadise for long after the Muslims get what they want.
It is THEIRS to do as they please. Live with it. If it was transportable (the paradise) the US would have taken it already.
Yes John that evil US, you know the place where you live.
Interesting sentence in the article: "On Twitter, opposition-linked groups or individuals have called for Nasheed's impeachment and, in at least one case, beheading under Shariah law." Is the free world paying attention or are our collective non-Islamic heads buried in the "desert islands swathed in aquamarine seas, ringed by beaches of icing-sugar sands."?(quote from the article). Certainly makes a wonderful case for an Islamic, Shariah law, dominated world?
Not much different then the religious bible thumper right wing, are they.. Both have similar laws and religious rules, only the punishments for breaking the rules are different. But both would put similar religious edicts on everyone, if they could. Like I said, only the punishments are different. Otherwise they arent much different at all.
Well said!
You are both a bunch of Atheist Morons. There is no comparison what so ever between Christianity and Islam. Jesus says LOVEyour enemies Mohammad says cut their heads off. If Sharia Law ever comes to America ,Atheist like you two ,will see the difference, because even though Christians may try to ,save your soul , by telling you what you SHOULD do ,they wont kill you if you don't.
The Supreme Court, just handed down a decision 9 - 0 allowing a religious school to fire a teacher, because of a disabilty. The court also decided she could NOT sue the school. She sought treatment for narcolepsy and when she returned to work she was fired. Damn the American Disabilities Act, Up with the power (and money$) of the church. Isn't that a display of Sharia law using Christianity
Jefferson believed in Deism. You have your tax exemptions, advertisment on money and as you said some on monuments. Always wanting more. That's the problem with not have a secular government. If anyone is a POS its you.
joe-904290....Joe, they are both based on the same fairy tales and combined have caused more suffering and death on this planet than any other human causes.
Uh huh, The same ole "love thy enemies speech while actually spewing vile hate toward them". The hypocrisy of both these posters is unbelievably obvious. Yet, they can't see it themselves.
I would suggest actually reading and trying to comprehend what Jesus taught and apply it to your daily lives. I don't see Christ-like in these two "Christians" at all.
Do you believe in God Jim? Christians aren't perfect just forgiven.
wlee -- Unfortunately, too many so-called Christians not only think they're perfect, they want to impose their own "perfection" on everyone. Many of the Founding Fathers were deists. They were intelligent people and could distinguish fact from fiction. There was good reason they wanted "separation of church and state."
Yet another meaningless bumper sticker phrase. And always used as an excuse when some so-called Christians are shown themselves and their true nature in a mirror.
If one does not heed the words and live them, they have no claim to forgiveness. They are posers. As I understand the scripture, they will be judged the most harshly.
Being "Christ-like" is much more than putting on the label and acting any way you want. It has absolutely nothing to do with spewing hatred in Christ's name. Nothing.
I'm a Christian, and I'm all for separation of church & state. Yes, some of the founding fathers were diests, but honestly who is to say how many and who? The only people that know this are the founding fathers themselves, perhaps they were all labeled as diests for the support of church & state ... who knows. I digress, the only reason I believe the founding fathers supported the separation of church & state was to preserve free will. Just as Jesus Christ came to abolish many laws and essentially religion be becoming the one and only way to reconcile us with God, I'm sure the founding fathers that were believers fully understood this. No laws should ever be put into place with religion being used as a foundation. On the other hand, we must remember that separation of church & state is still just as important as freedom of ALL religions. God bless this country, Lord knows we need it.
Historians. And, btw, most of those that signed were.
Zo-86 I'm an Atheist and believe your post was right in line with my thoughts. I wish more religious people would see the importance of a secular government. Thanks!
joe-904290, you are suspended for a day for violating rule # 1 of the Code of Honor.
Jim, actually the saying is not meaningless,but I agree with the rest of what you said. Accepting Jesus doesn't give you the right to sin.
"Bum, Bum, Bum Another one bites the dust." To quote a certain Rock Song. Someone once used the term Domino Effect to defend the need of our War in Vietnam; seems they were ahead of their time with that phrasing. Does anyone else sense a reverse Crusade in the making lately?
Sounds like a very up right guy,he voluntarily stepped down to protect his own people. I think his people just made a big mistake they will regret later.
Just wish Odumbo would do the same!
You got the Son-Of-a part right; but I wonder if a deified desert jackal is right for the last part, because I think Anubis was a MALE Deity.
First the nazi's then the communist's & now the muslem's who will be next ? Maby the attack of the killer tomatoes.( oops we already saw the movie )
Do some social/charity work instead of wasting your time.
Power corrupts. NO exception.
Just say, "No!" America!
We will NOT go to Maldive and reconstruct their nation for them and train their soldiers. This is becoming a habit, now. Time to just say no.
No sending our soldiers to rebuild your nations of Islam.
No shipping food and money at OUR families' expense.
No cause to do so.
Our schools and infrastructure is suffering.
Do not listen to any Hollywood actor plead for Maldive as they have done for Sudan, for Iraq, for Afghanistan, for Syria - all that oppose Israel. (Do you see a pattern, here?)
"Get your own bag."
This sentence alone proves that he is right.
Wow, just...wow.
Maybe 3764240 should be banned.
A fully Islamic state with 1 in 10 addicted to heroin. I'm booking my next vacation there today!
"You are both a bunch of Atheist Morons. There is no comparison what so ever between Christianity and Islam. Jesus says LOVEyour enemies Mohammad says cut their heads off. If Sharia Law ever comes to America ,Atheist like you two ,will see the difference, because even though Christians may try to ,save your soul , by telling you what you SHOULD do ,they wont kill you if you don't."
Tell that to the thousand around the world burned at the stake. Christianity would have you stone gays and adulterers. There is no love for anyone in the bible, have you read it? Sacrifice here ,sacrifice there, kill your son and burn your wife. Where's the love?
Only by removing chrisitianity from the laws of the us and seperating church and state have we survived.
There is that "Christian" love again. Do you honestly think this is the way of Jesus? I mean...seriously?
Breathe deep, take a moment and calm yourself. Oh yeah, and you might want to take a couple of those pills you wrote about. Your Christianity is oozing through the cracks in your inadequate veneer of civilization. Our founding fathers very deliberately did NOT incorporate any religion into our government. They had seen what happens when that is done and wanted nothing to do with it. Most of the Christian additions to our government were added during our lifetime as in the 1950's to seperate us from the 'demon communists'. I somehow doubt God is overly thrilled to have his name used for political purposes. You may ask him when you finally go to your just reward. Until then, look in the mirror occassionally and fill in the cracks.
merckx, I believe you are talking about the Old Testament ,not the New where Christianity started, have you read it? Most of your complaints are man made not from Jesus teachings. The difference between Christian teachings of Jesus and Islamic teachings of Muhammad are clear. Read for yourself and don't depend on what others say, all things are corrupted by man.
Regardless of how long ago someone was burned at the stake, thousands of people are still not breathing anymore because of Christianity.
Yes merckx, don't you know the bible evolves as well?
That's 100s of millions. And counting.
Sorry but it's not because of Christianity's teachings , it's mans distortion of Christ words.
wlee god is imaginary and the bible was written by man.
Oh, Boy! An "island paradise" getaway -- perfect for sending American troops!
Yeah ....soldiers vs "mutinous" cops .....never a good sign.
the 2012 theme: I am your dictator...
Idiots we will no longer tolerate totalitarians.
Do not all ow FEAR to control you. Stand Strong. Do not fear to look behind the curtain...
Another Muslim country that tried democracy and it failed. Hope this is a clue to the US, probably not! The religion of Peace and Love just cannot control their base instinctual need to riot, rape, kill and destroy. This is a failed quasi religious/political institution that has lost control and legitimacy on a growing global basis.
"leaving the man widely credited with bringing democracy to the paradise islands accused of being as dictatorial as his predecessor."
Democracy dream balloon floated by many in a Muslim nation has burst too quickly!
Democracy, secularism, liberty, human rights and so on in an Islamic nation or any nation with more than five percent Muslims are a myth and another weakening by day baloon ready to burst any moment.
Nasheed spoke about climate change and if he wanted to increase minimum wage in the Maldives, you can bet
CIA jackals had EVERYTHING to do with this overthrow.
That's exactly what happened when Ariside tried to raise minimum wage in Haiti.
US industrialists talked GW Bush into invading Haiti. ie Levi Strauss, Hanes and Fruit of the Loom.
Lee, seriously I laughed so hard milk came out of my nose.
The majority of the island nation is Sunni muslim. If they want to run their country under Sharia law it is their business. Just don't send aid and assistance when the country can no longer feed itself or provide its citizens basic services. That is the only way for them to decide that mabe sharia law isn't such a good thing after all!
They already know its a bad thing. That's why sharia has to be FORCED on them. Kinda like taxes.
Hey, I have an idea: Let's just blame Israel!!! (/sarcasm off)
If they start to treat their women like the Taliban do, the word will spread among the rich women who use the Maldives as a vacation spot. This will spark a boycott of the Maldive islands. The beginning of all these resort states is rooted in surfers who came first exploring for good waves and then the tourist industry grew from the desire of the surfers to have a decent place to stay. The surfers will also stop coming to the Maldives. They have already started to go to other places because the Maldives has become too expensive for a surf trip , unless of course the surfer is a Trustafarian and has no concept of human suffering, persecution and doesn't care. Most of the Maldivians are living in the stone age anyway. All of these concepts of religion and politics is probably beyond their comprehension. That is why the Muslims can bully and influence them so easily.The Maldives are just another dumb country that the Muslims see as easy pickings for their crusade.
Who says muslims are terrorists??
I liked the answer of this Germaniun Muslim scholar when he was asked about terrorism and Islam : He said : Who started the first world war ? Muslims ? Who started the second world war ? Muslims ? Who killed about 20 millions of Aborigines in Australia ? Muslims ?? Who sent the nuclear bombs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki ? Muslims ?? Who killed more than 100 millions of Indians in North America ? Muslims ?? Who killed more than 50 millions of Indians in south America ? Muslims ?? Who took about 180 millions of African people as slaves and 88% of them died and was thrown in Atlantic ocean ? Muslims ?? No , They weren't Muslims!!! First of all, You have to define terrorism properly... If a non-Muslim do something bad..it is crime. But if a Muslim commit same..he is terrorist... So first remove this double standard...then come to the point!!!
also y did this discusion become about religion??!?!??
Because it has been that way since Bush Jr. declared his "holy war" and convinced fundamentalists to embrace it. It was made much worse by the McCain campaign that whipped little old ladies into screaming "Arab" and "Muslim" like curse words at rallies. It is perpetuated by Faux "News" constantly painting Muslims as monsters.
One cannot say the word Muslim outloud in America without it becoming some weird religious confrontation. It is sad and scary at the same time.
Raif, nearly every culture is guilty of atrocities, either currently or historically. Keep in mind that each of the events that you've brought up have been settled, for the most part. While we have much to learn from history, failed (or soon-to-be failed) Islamic quasi-theocratic states are a current event that will not be settled by pointing out the historical failings of the West. The issue here is that religion and gov't DO NOT mix. It seems that Islamic culture has not embraced the separation of church and state, which is undoubtedly at the root of these troubles. Could the labeling of modern Muslims who routinely use violence as their voice in world affairs be adjusted? Perhaps, but that won't solve the problem, either.
Most rich women only care about themselves. Now if it becomes un-politically correct, then that's another thing.
The Maldives are building new larger airports to bring in more tourists but then they claim that CO2 (from airplanes) threaten the Maldives. What a scam!
really its not immediately obvious who that foreign influence might be.... Seriously!!!!!!!!! Where is your journalistic integrity.