posted on January 19, 2003 08:31:35 AM new
If war breaks out, as many as 1.3 million iraqis will begin to emigrate to adjoining countries. This will inevitably create some problems, perhaps serious, for the countries in question. Overpopulation of border regions and political allegiances will be the most pressing issues. Some territorial skirmishes are expected.
posted on January 19, 2003 12:07:00 PM new
This concern might just encourage the neighboring countries to pressure Saddam more so this won't come about.
posted on January 19, 2003 05:41:13 PM new
>The Arabs are only "brothers" when it comes to killing Israelis and Americans.
I hate to agree with that racist comment, but from experience, I'd have to agree.
Most of my friends are Central Asians and Middle-Easterners -- all devout muslims. Trying to talk politics with them is fun, but only at first, because they are often well educated in politics, religion, and millitary amtters (much more so than the average American). And asking them their opinion about the situation here and there, you get surprizing answers. For instance, when I asked about the different tribes in Afghanistan and the Pushtoons to the south.
"Oh. We *HATE* the Pushtoons!"
And the Khazacks?
"Oh. We *HATE* them too!"
And the Saudis?
"Especially those Saudi bastards!"
And the Iranians?
"I'd like to see them all dead!"
And so on and on and on.
I point out to them that since they are so devoutly muslim, then why do they hate everyone?
"Oh. We don't hate -everyone-!"
Who don't you hate?
Well, that's not a fair question! You have to consider the situation in ... blah, blah, blah ... etc.
posted on January 20, 2003 10:04:10 AM new
Your tale cracks me up, Borillar!
The muslims I've known are hypocritical - they get over here and drink like fish, contrary to Islamic law.
The other thing that gets me is that Islam translates as "submission" - muslims are supposed to submit to God's will.
Radical muslims pervert the teachings of the Koran to suit their wishes, however, and therein lies the rub.
The Koran does encourage followers to "kill the infidels", but Christians, Jews, and Hindis, for instance, do not qualify as infidels - infidels are described in the Koran as "godless", and Islam, like most bona-fide religions, is supposed to be tolerant of other faiths.
I certainly don't wake up with any animosity toward muslims or any other religious group . . . I wish the Islamic extremists would quit making hatred an artform and embrace "submission" as they're supposed to. It would definitely calm things down . . .
