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Subscribe to RSSRev. Michel Louis was on a church group trip when he was abducted in Egypt, along with woman in the group and a tour guide. NBC's Ayman Mohyeldin reports.
Updated at 11:15 a.m. ET: Egypt is working with U.S. Embassy officials to secure the release of 61-year-old Boston pastor Rev. Michel Louis and two others who were abducted while on a church trip to the Middle East, U.S. officials told NBC News on Sunday.
The son of Louis told The Associated Press that his father was on a church trip to retrace Jesus' steps through the Holy Land with 23 other members of the clergy and worshippers when he was abducted. Along with him, a 39-year-old Boston woman in the group and a tour guide were kidnapped Friday.
The AP said an Egyptian Bedouin, Jirmy Abu-Masuh, was the captor – and that he was demanding police release his uncle from prison. It reported Abu-Masuh vowed to take more hostages of different nationalities if his demands were not met.
Gov. Gen. Tayeb Mabrouk of North Sinai said Sunday authorities are seeking to get the kidnapper's uncle released in exchange for the freedom of the three hostages, accoeding to NBC News. The kidnapper has refused to negotiate with three tribal Bedouin chiefs until his uncle is freed. He gave a 24-hour deadline to release his uncle but authorities have asked for more time, NBC News reported. The hostages are fine and being treated as guests, the kidnapper told authorities.
North Sinai authorities have been given orders by the ministry of interior to resolve the situation.
Rev. Jean Louis said his father was making his annual mission trip to the Holy Land.
Rev. Michel Louis and woman in the church group were kidnapped at gun point. NBC's Tom Llamas reports.
"He's been doing it for the past four years now, and this just turned out to be a little different from any other year," said the younger Louis, who works as a youth pastor at a church founded by his father. "He's a diabetic, so we'd like the person that, or the people that have him in captivity, to know that. We're just concerned for his health. But we know that the governments are working very hard negotiating."
A spokesman for the U.S. Embassy told NBC News it was in close touch with the Egyptian authorities as negotiations continue, and that Egypt was “working hard to resolve the situation and bringing about a safe release of the hostages.”
The abduction took place along the road linking Cairo to the sixth-century St. Catherine's Monastery, located at the foot of Mount Sinai where the Old Testament says Moses received the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments.
The route is a frequent target by Bedouins who abduct tourists to pressure police to meet their demands, which is usually to release a detained relative they say has been unjustly arrested.
Friday's abduction was the latest in a series of kidnappings in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula over the past year. Abducted tourists are rarely harmed and usually released within days.
Louis' son said the family is concerned about all three captives and does not want to discuss communications with the U.S. government so as not to jeopardize the chances for their release.
"Any other family or anybody that has loved ones that are in a situation like that can feel ... a bit uneasy," Louis said outside the family home in Boston's neighborhood of Mattapan. "In spirit, we are confident, we believe in God and we know that our God is active and is real and is gonna intervene on our behalf."
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton meets with newly elected Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, a scene that no one would have believed just 18 months ago. NBC's Ayman Mohyeldin reports.
The Louis family gathered at the elder pastor's home Saturday to pray and comfort each other. The elder Louis is pastor of the Free Pentecostal Church of God.
"We have a little command center, crisis command center inside and we are trying our best to do what we can do and be very calm in our action also," Louis said. "... we have some good people that are praying for us across the country, across the world ... we thank everybody that's working on our behalf."
Abu-Masuh, of the Tarbeen tribe in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, told the AP that Egypt's Prime Minister Kamal el-Ganzouri called him personally and asked him to release the Americans "who are guests in our country." He said his uncle called him from prison pleading the same and fearing police might arrest his children or wife to pressure Abu-Masuh.
But Abu-Masuh insists that police release his 62-year-old uncle, who he said suffers from back and heart problems and diabetes. He said his uncle was arrested a week ago after refusing to pay a bribe to police who stopped him along the way.
NBC News' Charlene Gubash and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Did he not think it possibility when he went there?
The new and improved Egypt? Same old BS and the new President needs to step up to the plate.........
There is a possibility of getting kidnapped anywhere. Hopefully he realised this and decided it was worth the risk.
Seven2Seven - this has nothing to do with the President and everything to do with stupid people going where they shouldn't.
Ray....Before Mubarak was ousted, with the full support of Obama, Americans and other Westerners could go to Egypt with no concerns. Now Americans and other Westerners are targets in the ME countries that we have been able to visit without incident...
So, txmom32, you think the U.S. should support repressive dictatorships, as a way to keep our tourists safe? I'll bet you could have walked the streets of Moscow without any fear of crime in, say, 1950. By your logic, that would mean that Stalin was a splendid fellow.
JW, it has everything to do with new leadership and change......
Asking an American to think? That's what the great federation is for.
What is doing Hillary in Egypt, giving more money to the terrorist Hislamic Britherhood, while peaceful American pastor are kidnapping by Muslims troglodytes, why is doing Obama to spread the tolerance among the Arab Spring that he support. Where is the change Mr. President in the Meddle East beside the change of power , betwen secular tyrand to religious intolerant. Those countries are going to join Iran and turn they guns agaist us, by that time where is going to be Obama to defend his police.
NO, this fool didn't think,period!
.
@Txmom32,
You car confusing Beduoins with Egyptians --- a common mistake for ill-informed jingoists. The Beduoins in the article are stateless nomads who wander from country to country, harrassed by the authorities and accused of every crime they can think of. They are exactly like the Roma (Gypsies) in Europe.
And if you will go back and google the press reports on western hostages taken by the Beduoin, you will find that they are released, claim to be well-treated, and tend to rave about how well they were treated and how much sympathy they now have for the Beduoin and how little they have for the Israelis or Egyptians who mistreat them.
Before Mubarak was ousted, with the full support of Obama, Americans and other Westerners could go to Egypt with no concerns .....that's simply not true TXmom. For the past 20 years or longer Egypt has been a place where you take your chances as a Western tourist. Either you don't keep up with the news or you're misinformed.
We support all these uprisings in foreign countries as steps toward democracy but, in many cases, they lead the way toward strict Islamic states. These may have been Beduoins, but it's must a matter of time before foreigners will starting becoming the target of militants who want to live as they did centuries ago. The unfortunate part is that Egypt, with it's fascinating history, can survive on tourism. Tourists want to feel secure and not risk being captured by anyone even if they're not harmed.
ROFL, txmom is correct. YOU guys have on the blinders. With the Muslim Brotherhood in control, Egypt is a much more dangerous place for Christians to visit. I do agree that the Beduoins are nomads BUT Txmom is correct in saying that Egypt and other countries led by Muslim extremists are not the place to visit if you are a westerner!
How many abductions in appalachia? Let's face it, the world is a dangerous place. Go to a muslim country and preach christianity; you take risks. That's what martyrdom is for I guess. What a screwed up system. Religion...
I'm trying to figure out why someone would do this? Could it be that they now have a muslim for president? Probably Al-Quida or muslim radicals!
I'm actually surprised MSNBC decided to cover this. Christians have been known to be captured in a lot more places than Egypt despite all their countries' talks for diplomacy. Christians are being persecuted everywhere, not just in the US. And we are being persecuted here in the US as well!
Everyone knows that in Egypt, muslims rule the land. Even when applying for jobs, the first thing they ask you is what religion you are with preference given towards muslims. This is not the first time we have seen muslims and christians in Egypt fight with each other. The only thing that brought this to light is that they have captured a US christian pastor and not one of their own.
Njofaustintx....According to the article the Reverend was kidnapped because the Egyptians are holding a family member and the family member is concerend that the current Egyptian goverment will take the captives family members.....
I would imagine any Christian would have these concerns.
Yeh though I walk through the valley of nomads, I will fear no Islamist. lol
I agree with most posts here the Mid East is no place to visit when Islamist are in control regardless whether this is related or not. I personally would not.
What moron would go to Egypt right now? The country is far from stable and Christians are not appreciated over there, especially now that more conservative Islamists are in control. Bedouins are no longer the camel-loving nomads they once were and they have been known to harrass and attack Egyptians and others alike. If these people are so keen on retracing Jesus's footsteps, vague as they may be, hire a movie (I'm sure there is one) and show it at a church social right here at home. Free popcorn and soda will bring in the crowds, and it's so much safer.
I would point out that a little over 15% of Egyptians are Christians --- and Egypt has had a Christian population since shortly after the time of Christ.
Most tourists who go to Egypt are well-received, well-protected, and simply have zero problems. Even today.
lol I love how everyone on here posting is an expert in all things. I love how some of the people here try to blame Obama or Hilary etc. That's just childish and dumb. And it's not a Muslim vs Christian thing either. Some of you need to grow up and learn a few things. Hell, even the article provided information that some of you seemed to overlook. Makes me thing you didn't read the article just read the title and jumped to the comments section.
I just returned from a trip to Israel. We didn't venture into Egypt! Unfortunately, as Hillary sits on the couch with the new Pres, promising more money to them, the MB will ruin tourism in Egypt!
Loved Israel though and would go back again in a heartbeat!
Ok, where are Jesse & Al now? why aren't they there marching for HIS civil rights?? I think I can make a good guess.
bandit, what has this got to do with Jesse & Al???? LOL
And again President Obama haters, this also has nothing to do with the President. Your abnormal obssession with him is literally funny! LOLOL!
Pentecostal preachers ought know better than to go runnin' round in them there areas!
redvirginia
That was probably the funniest thing I've read this week, especially considering spellcheck is available when entering comments.
I guess the Pastor thought that since Obama had a hand in removing Mubarak that everything would be okay. Obama dealt a bad hand and now Egypt has gone backwards instead of forward. I hope the Pastor is found safe along with the others.
Ideally, anyone should be able to travel to any country but this is not an ideal world. Countries have rights just like the US has rights.
Oh, by the way. I really would like to leave the US (my ancestors came the New World circa 1780-1790 and have carried out numerous civic works, all have been respected citizens). As for me, I have managed to fight the system and obtain an education far beyond the norm.
So, would Egypt like a US History teacher? Readyand able to leave immediately.
@Chris749391,
I enjoyed both your posts and appreciate your knowledge and input. I haven't even thought of the Beduoins in at least 20 years. Thanks also for the reminder of their history.
My best wishes to the Pastor and I hope that he comes home safe and sound. I understand why he would want to make that trip from a religous and historical perspective but could they pick a worse time to go.
@daotien,
Your comment was spot on. Seems to me that you nailed the problem to a tee.
I don't understand why any one with the intelligence span of a gnat would want to visit these middle east sewers to begin with. There are more beautiful places in the U S alone than all those holes put together.
look at my post bandit3097615 maybe you would want to change your thinking
I would point out that there is NO current State Department travel warning for Egypt. Period. The last warning, posted 11/11/2011 said, in part, "The security situation in most tourist centers, including Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea Resorts such as Sharm el Sheikh, continues to be calm. This Travel Alert supersedes the Travel Alert dated April 28, 2011 and updates information on the security situation and upcoming elections. This Travel Alert expires on April 1, 2012."
Notice that even this travel alert expired in April and has NOT been re-issued. There has not been even one incident of terrorism against an American tourist by Egyptians and the liklihood of such an event is considered "extremely low" by the State Department.
The situation with Beduoins all over the Middle East has absolutely nothing to do with Egypt, Islam, Christianity, or anything else. It is about governments, Muslim, secular, and non-Muslim alike, conducting exactly the same sorts of campaigns against Beduoins that Europeans have conducted against the Roma (Gypsies.) Governments of every ilk seem to have a particular hatred for nomads who disregard borders and follow traditional lifestyles. But that still does not make it right.
I hate to sound cold hearted, but don't set foot outside of American soil. I won't even set foot in Canada, and totally forget Mexico. We are hated in every foreign country. Stay in the U.S. How hard is it to figure this out.
Chris , but you ignore that this 15% of Christian Coptic are suffering under the rule of Islamic governments, where Christians are less than a second class, we are against all kind of discrimination and in favor of tolerance , how Obama can be part of that kind of "Democracy"can you name a single member in their "democratic " Assembly that is a Christian" how can this country can be named as Democratic country when Christians as no representation. This is absurd.
Redvirginia
I bet dollars to donuts you suffer from ADD, your comments are chasing butterflies without direction.
Still a bunch of cowards over in those nations who have nothing better to do that abduct and kill people. It's about time their governments step up the arrests and do something.
understand, there new voted in government promotes this sort of thing !!!!!
How's the Arab spring working out for you? Egypt you have done the dumbest thing you could ever do, kill your tourism business. Fools. But what can you expect from a bunch of uneducated Muslim men who treat females like chattel, and keep them as "third class citizens". Your future is mighty grime.
Come on. I remember when European tourists were carjacked in MIami and killed. Did that speak to the US as a whole or just our criminal element?
"...working out for you..." Those who paraphrase Sarah Palin have nothing to offer.
Who are are you talking about? It could any country.
Jeez, people can post wrong opinions about almost anything. I guess they are that eager to show how poorly informed they are.
These Beduoins have absolutely nothing to do with the Egyptian. They are stateless nomads who wander all over the middle east. They cross borders with impunity as they have done for thousands of years. But the police in the countries harrass them endlessly, mostly accusing them of being smugglers and thiefs. They arrest them on any pretext, or on no pretext at all --- very similar to the historical treatments of the Roma (gypsies) in Europe.
The Beduoins have, for centuries, taken hostages from these goverments to trade for those the government are holding. The hostages are always treated very well --- hospitality and good treatment of those they encounter is a well-known trait of the Beduoin. The Beduoin have Honor Codes that predate any written system of laws in the world.
Israel especially has been hard on Beduion, killing tens of thousands of them, mining traditional camel routes, and driving thousands more into refugee camps. The Nagev was once home to over 120,000 Beduoin and now there are zero except a few brought out for Israeli tourists to have pictures made with.
If you go back through press articles, you will see that virtually every hostage has been released after the governments (but never Israel) complied by releasing the Beduoins they have detained. Sometimes the Egyptian government has also paid small ransoms as well --- usually bags of salt, tea or flour. When released the hostages speak very highly of the Beduoin and their hospitality and refuse to say anything bad about their captors, often lambasting the Egyptian or Israeli governments about the way Beduoin are treated.
Chris-749391 The folks who post nonsense are called trolls. I have a very different name for them that I can't post! Trolls love to take an article and rewrite it for themselves to aggravate and anger people. Trailer trash folks who love to live their lives with drama, lies and idiotic comments.
Hey Sandy, you ever been to Cairo? Well I have. To compare that city to Miami or for that matter to ANY city in the USA shows your ignorance. Cairo is lawless and HUGE. Egypt is third world completely. I can't stand to hear ignorant Americans discuss the world when they have no idea what they are talking about, and most do so after never even visiting a place that requires a passport. Cairo is the one of the most dangerous places on earth, period. You want a microcosm of what male Egyptians are like, go ask Lara Logan.
Chris
You obviously have never been to Israel. Go sometime. You can live with the beduins and experiance for yourself that what you have posted is not true. I did not write that to be sarcastic.
JCB,
You are on the spot. Egypt is one sorry place. Has been for a long time.
I have been to Israel. It is a very sad military camp that left me longing so see something green. The hassles of just trtaveling around are incredible. Americans are not well thought of.
Your statement about Bedouins shows your basic racism.
@Ixor,
As an American, one is not permitted to visit any of the seven areas in which Israeli Bedouin are allowed to live. The only Bedouin that an American can come in contact with in Israel are those "approved" by the IDF who are mostly NOT descendants of traditional Arab Beduoin. So your implication that, as an American (or an Israeli for that matter) that I have the choice of living with Beduoin in Israel is a complete falsehood. It is not possible.
In fact, most that I hear from Israelis and their American supporters about Arabs is seldom true. It simply does not check out. Israel is one of the most racist and repressive countries in the world. And those who befriend it do so at their peril.
I had friends on the USS Liberty.
Ixor ----- Chris just took the opportunity to bash Israel in responding to an article which has nothing to do with it. He wants to exalt the nobility of the kidnappers and disparage those who had nothing to do with the incident described, the Israelis. Just check out his comment # 2.6. He's not interested in the Islamists who have taken over Egypt and are responsible for dealing with this incident.
Can we claim israel as a dependent?
I can think of nothing mor cowardly that using remote control drones to murder women and hildren as the US has done numerous times. This is the true reason why this nation is in decline, we know longer stand for anything other than which dumps money into the US companies that own the government, and their aided in large part by trailer trash chirstians who don;t follow Jesus, but rather satan to serve their petty vanity.
leftrightcenter -------Why do you think Obama is ordering the remote control " murder " you describe?
Whatever happened to not negotiating with terrorists?
@gary,
Nope. Just responding to a pro-Israeli troll who objected to my characterization of both Israeli and Egyptian treatment of Beduoins. And yes, there IS a certain nobility, as T.E. Lawrence very well expressed it, "This creed of the desert seemed inexpressible, and indeed in thought." It is an ancient way of life that vastly predates Christianity thought is has been under constant assault for thousands of years.
Actually, if you do but just a tiny bit of research, you will find that the Bedouins that Egypt particularly single out are those Israel drove from the Negev deesert into the Sinai and into southern Egypt itself. It's not like Israel had nothing to do with it. They are every bit as responsible for the ill-treatment of Beduoins as Egypt, if not more so.
And I will respond, as well. Marked inflammatory.
How should others refer to you??? Anti-Israeli troll???
In today's instant communication world- news reaching US of A seem to take extra orbits before being reported. The Bedouin kidnapper of Rev.Louis and his son and their tour guide is named Jermu Abu Masouh from the al-Tarabin tribe and he kidnapped the Yankees in order to get his uncle Mosleh Abu Masouh and Mahmoud Salama released from custody since they claim that they were arrested on fabricated drug charges. What is not reported that US/State -Ambassador to Egypt is releasing her statements via TWITTER (for all to see and hack in) regarding the abduction and embassy working with the authorities. What should also be reported that Secr. of State HRC is in Cairo and met with Pres.Morsy and promised all kinds of monetary help and suggested that Israeli PM Netanuahu should meet Morsy (whose MB/Nours et al want Palestinian capitol to be Jerusalem- repeat- Jerusalem). No wonder that Obama/HRC did not recognize Jerusalem being the capitol of Israel and in their view Israel is not sufferinbg from terrorism- not invited to counter-terrorism conferenced nor mentioned by State/Otero as countriues suffering from terrorism- the new Sotero Doctrine it seems
Well it seems we agree that the current US President is a few bricks short of a full load. As an American who understands corrupt police I feel for the abductor's situation but do not think he put much thought into his solution. Abducting Americans generally turns out very badly for those who do so not to mention that Innocents being taken rarely elicit sympathy. The action only serves to make this person look like he comes from a criminal family.
On the other hand, Had he abducted the corrupt Police or Member of the Police's family, sympathies might be more forthcoming...
At this point Releasing the Pastor with the diabetes problem would be a step in the right direction, AND that pastor might even go to bat for this individual IF he were treated well, had the situation explained to him and was given an understanding of the oppression the Bedouin people were experiencing.
Some questions that I would want answers to......
Did the uncle have any History of criminal activity?? If so, was it drug related?
Do the Police involved have a History of questionable ethics?
Has the imprisoned Uncle been to trial? Given competent council?
Involving Innocent people is never a good thing and does not produce public support which is what Really gets action....When the Public is inflamed, things get done!!!
And who is this we and wtf does throwing you political vitriol into the conversation add? Other then that good post.
I can't verify the veracity of that report Mimi but none of this surprises me if true... I appreciated the additional info..... as to that posters who mentioned carjackings in Miami of tourists... I lived in Fl. at the time... that was gang activity and it was squashed within a year. That , by know means is a "national" pastime as the article suggest. There is NO comparison whatsoever to Egypt or any other country.
If you want to learn about the Beduoin, I would strongly suggest anything by T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) and especially "Seven Pillars of Wisdom."
Not much to do in Arid Zona. Beduoins use kidnapping as a negotiation technique. Also see the movie "The Wind and the Lion" That movie is a great illustration of how complicated it can get.
I would point out that in the real incident on which the movie was very loosely (and inaccurately) based, the two people who were kidnapped in 1904 were released unharmed and became advocates for the Beduoin cause.
"Despite the [kidnapping], Perdicaris came to admire and befriend Raisuli, who pledged to protect his prisoner from any harm. Perdicaris later said: "I go so far as to say that I do not regret having been his prisoner for some time... He is not a bandit, not a murderer, but a patriot forced into acts of brigandage to save his native soil and his people from the yoke of tyranny."
lesson: stay out of Egypt.
if you were, you wouldn't have sent an overweight diabetic to this sh!thole
Sometimes people just have to take into account the instability of where they travel.
these sh!tty third world countries don't want democracy or our help, just our money.
PULL ALL FOREIGN AIDE - We have our own problems, the biggest one of course is in the WH
YES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Blah Blah Blah? Obama 2012!
Of course you realize that the bailouts, the economic stimulus plan, and the overhaul of healthcare were all done to help Americans at home. You didn't want that either...
Who will be surprised when the Muslim Brotherhood is credited for their release?
dream on !
Good post Des. Didn't think of that. But I know the anti-muslim crowd didn't have a clue either. lol
des ----- good insight and very possible. Then the Islamists will be credited as humanitarians by certain groups and individuals. This will be an attempt to sell their good will despite the fact they oppose freedom of speech , press , religion and equal rights for women.
Are they republican?
No, they are Muslim. Just like the leader of the US. Who is a liberal, but calls himself American, I mean democrat.
Welcome to Hussein Zero's Muslim Brotherhood Egypt. They are just lucky they haven't found their severed heads yet. Stay Out of Egypt. It is still under a Curse from GOD. Read Eziekiel 29:12-15
Yeah, god has it on a no fly zone for angles. ROFLMAO
Is that angle "acute" (like my daughter) OR "obtuse" like yourself!
Good let them keep him as it will be one less vote for the inept obama.
Obama 2012!
The abduction must have been God's will. If it wasn't, why did He permit it to happen? Who are we to interfere?
He went to retrace the steps of Jesus. Well, Jesus was eventually captured, then nailed on a cross.
Just saying...........
The current odds of Obama winning on Nov 6th are 67% versus 33% for Romney. If the election were held today, the odds would soar to 78.6% for Obama versus 21.4% for Romney. The GOP is not a very good bet these days.
How scary to think that in a split second we might be called to represent God in a way where our lives are in jeapardy. It is 2012, and yet those realities are here already. Praying for him...
In fact, putting ones life on the line for the cause of Christ is nothing new. I suppose in our pampered lives here we just do not think it possible, yet here it is.
What's your theory?
God didn't know this happened, so you're praying in order to draw His attention to it? Doesn't sound very all-knowing to me.
God was unable to prevent this from happening, so you're praying in order to give God more power? Doesn't sound very all-powerful to me.
God has chosen to allow the abduction, so you're praying in order to convince God to change his mind? Doesn't sound very loving to me - in fact, He sounds like a bit of a sociopath.
No, just another idiot.
That won't help but money might.
Diplomacy. Nice doggie, nice doggie (oh, there's that stick) TAKE THAT! you mutt.
Well what do ya know!? He's been there 4 times to trace Jesus footstep but does he really follow in His footsteps? Some consider 1 trip to the Hole Land to be by the Grace of God, yet he temps locals with 4 trips appears as though his faith wains only to be tested. And what happened to the others of his group? The Bedouin have traversed North Africa for centuries not claiming any land as their own and no doubt local authorities are going to harass them because they live so freely. A perfect example of rebellion to oppression. I may not agree with their tactics but I do understand the theory.
This is awful, why does this country keep giving this country money and they hold a christian hostage, just does not make any sense.
Randy...Who says this idiot was a christian. Just because he has a big mouth? Actually , it was his mouth that GOT HIM INTO TROUBLE. Good luck there, Mr Big Mouth.
Islamic supremists now rule Egypt. The concepts of freedom and democracy have been shredded. Tolerance, human rights, freedom of religion, respect for women and minorities have been obliterated. The new Egyptian regime has clearly stated that there is no room in Egypt except for Islam. Convert or die or be enslaved. BTW the new Egyptian dictator will be a welcomed guest of Mr Obama.
My God, how stupid can you be? The military still rules in Egypt. As yet nothing has changed, but you're too dumb to realize that.
Good post Mikeo. Too bad DJM is deaf, dumb and blind.
@IMHO: So I guess he (DJM) cant' read your idiotic post(s) then, huh?
dougjmiller -----See what happens when you tell the truth. IMHO and Mikeo76 call you names providing a perfect example of ad hominem attacks not on the validity of your analysis but on you personally.
Anyone who defends the Muslim Brotherhood which seeks to eliminate freedom of speech , press , religion and equal rights for women aids and abets the spread of intolerance and totalitarianism.
The new Muslim Brotherhood President of Egypt recently called for the release of the Blind Sheik from his imprisonment in the USA. He is imprisoned because he plotted to murder in cold blood thousands of innocent human beings by blowing up buildings in NYC yet this friendly group of Islamists now leading Egypt demands that we release the aspiring murderer.
Yes, you've got the new leaders of Egypt pegged.
@dougjmiller,
The problem is what you are ranting is NOT the truth.
1) Egypt is controlled by the secular military. The country has NO constitution, NO sitting parliament, and Mosri is opposed by not only the entrenched secular military, but by an entrenched secular bureaucracy, and an entrenched secular legal system.
2) The concepts of freedom are quite alive. The elections were both free and fair. They just didn't come out the way YOU wanted them to. There were numerous poll watcher groups who ALL attested that the elections were free and fair.
3) At this point there is NO new Egyptian regime. That will take months, if not years to form.
4) About 15% of the Egyptian people and about 25% of the economy consists of Coptic Christians who have been a central part of Egyptian life since the time of the Romans and the Ptolemaic rulers.
5) The Muslim Brotherhood is not the organization portrayed by the American right. In fact, the movement has been criticized by al-Qaeda for its support for democratic elections rather than armed jihad. You are putting youself squarely aligned with al-Qaeda, not with reality.
An easier example to understant what is going on is Libya. There a Muslim Brotherhood candidate ran against a secular candidate. The secular candidate easily won. The reason that did not happen in Egypt has nothing to do with the Muslin Brotherhood, but everything to do with the fact that Morsi's opponent was a holdover from the Mubarrak regime and was a supporter of the military. The Egyptians would have voted a dog in instead of another military man.
Where is Jesse Jackson? Why isn't he there throwing around his weight? Where is The Black Panther Party, they sound like a respectible political groupe?
one quick look at the 'black leaders' and you don't have to wonder why Chicago is the way it is.
by the way, anyone have the numbers for last week in shootTown?
I don't know about last week, but year by year many cities have more murders per capita than chicago.
but hey, there's always room for more racism by people like obama-azz.
How is a Pentecostal pastor going to Egypt different from a snake-handling pastor from Alabama? Either way, you run the risk of getting "bitten". It's a personal choice. Bad decision making to be sure, but now he's paying the piper. Let's move on.
Yes, forget this fool!
What? "forget this fool."? And forget all the drama, skullduggery, and the human interest story? No, that's "NEWS".
I can understand why are giving USA money to Egypt per year ...Restult is hate and kippnapping? now a day America is not rich like 30 years...We should use our Tax- money for our own people ..why Egyptian and Jews. Our people need Healthcare, Education....Both Demo and Reb are using money for arab and jews....pls,,care for own people..we need your help Roney. and Obama.........Focus to own problem if will not, america will be happen to Revolution like fomer Russia time about 100 years ago .. because poor situration of people.......
I assume you meant "Egyptians and Israelis" not "Egyptian and Jews"? Or at least I hope you did, for your sake.
yes..I mean Israelis and Arabs....buddy..not Jews from America and Arabs. American' Money ...for whom ? for their own Citzen people ? If you will be American citzen whatever your original, you will love USA.. aleast if will not, leave America...It's better for us
Yup just another "stable" country brought to you by the good ole USA.
Hey, what's the big deal? It's Egypt, for crissakes! Why would anyone think this was not going to happen? Here's the simple solution next time - don't go there. Period.
Focus for own problem and Change your Foreign policy ,it's better for USA...I never hate jews and Arabs.. This problem between both sides ......Nobody can solve....it. ,,,,, who can solve it.....Russia ? China ? USA no sucesss.... cost money from tax-payer.... Their Gods will solve this problem ....pull out from ME ....
Ellipses are not a substitute for profound thought.
Earlyout, it appears that David is experimenting with that substitution.
What he meant to say was let's worry about our own problems and if you want to missionary, our own religion here before we decide to go somewhere else and offend people.
Waiting breathlessly for the kidnapping in Egypt of an LGBT tour group....
@The Truth and Nothing but the Truth
Politically correct or not- I don't Care. Your post was f*cking hilarious.. I laughed out loud!
@The Truthand Nothing but The Truth:
Now THAT would cause IMMEDIATE UN INTERVENTION(and our POTUS, of course!)
Maybe they don't like religous freeks trying to change what they believe. Perhaps he would have been smarter to try and help his own people, eh! I was brought up to mind my business and not stick my nose into other peoples lives. Looks like he lacked this common sense. Good luck buddy, cause it on your neck, not mine.
His chances are better there than in most urban areas in the US.
I pray that they will be released unharmed and the US will stop supporting the muslim brotherhood.
I could care less. One less tax evader.
I pray the psuedo-missionaries will wise up and quit causing this sort of international problems. How's about it "God"? Can you get your people under control?
God gave us free will