July 23, 2007

Conscience Prevails: Al-Qaeda faces rebellion from the ranks - Times Online

 All of mankind have a conscience.  The conscience will prevail over the barbarism used the misguided religious fervor of Muslim fanatical jehadists like Al-Qaeda.  Here is an example. 

“Al-Qaeda’s days are numbered and right now he is scrambling,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Stephen Michael, who commands a battalion of 700 troops in Doura.

A key factor is that local people and members of al-Qaeda itself have become sickened by the violence and are starting to rebel, Lieutenant-Colonel Michael said. “The people have got to deny them sanctuary and that is exactly what is happening.”

Al-Qaeda informants comprise largely members of the Doura network who found themselves either working with the group after the US-led invasion in March 2003, or signed up to earn extra cash because there were no other jobs going. Disgusted at the attacks and intimidation techniques used on friends, neighbours and even relatives, they are now increasingly looking for a way out, US officers say.

“It is only after al-Qaeda has become truly barbaric and done things like, to teach lessons to people, cut their face off with piano wire in front of their family and then murdered everybody except one child who told the tale afterwards . . . that people realise how much of a mess they are in,” Lieutenant James Danly, 31, who works on military intelligence in Doura, said.

It is impossible to corroborate the claims, but he said that scores of junior al-Qaeda in Iraq members there had become informants since May, including one low-level cell leader who gave vital information after his arrest.

“He gave us dates, places and names and who did what,” Lieutenant Danly said. When asked why he was being so forthcoming, the man said: “Because I am sick of it and I hate them, and I am done.”

Working with insurgents – even those who claim to have switched sides – is a leap of faith for both sides. Every informant who visits Forward Operating Base Falcon, a vast military camp on the southern outskirts of Baghdad, is blindfolded when brought in and out to avoid gleaning any information about his surroundings.

The risk sometimes pays off. A recent tip-off led to the fatal shooting of Abu Kaldoun, one of three senior al-Qaeda leaders in Doura, during a US raid last week. “He was turned in by one of his own,” Colonel Michael said.

 

Source: Al-Qaeda faces rebellion from the ranks - Times Online

 

Stephen Prothero: Religious Literacy is Vital or Not

Without religious literacy culture, and civic harmony will decline.  You will hear more and more about Stephen Prothero.  He brings forward the need for Religious Literacy with historical insight, tactful application and vision for a change of course.   His work sheds light on the present morass of ". . . all religions are myths, are the same, are makers of war/oppression and therefore there must be constant vigilance for the separation of church and state. . .  "  type thinking. Here are some clips from his web site.  

Do you think religious literacy is important?  I ask my own son about Sodom and Gomorrah.  "What is that?", he said.  I spent some time to explain.  Better late than never. 

And one more thing, Religious Literacy is not exclusive to one religion. Go out and ask someone about their religion. 

Mallard Fillmore On Religion and Education

You know Stephen Prothero's book is striking a chord when . . .

Time Magazine Cover Story on "Religious Literacy"

"The Case for Teaching the Bible": April 2, 2007 "Time Magazine" cover story by religion writer David Van Biema explaining "Why We Should Teach the Bible in Public Schools (But Very, Very Carefully)." Van Biema is a great reporter, and this piece is well researched, well written, and timely. "Religious Literacy," writes Van Biema, "presents a compelling argument for Bible-literacy courses." He then devotes the rest of the article to exploring that argument.

Source: Stephen Prothero: News