Day: September 19, 2006

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Muslims, terrorists and the U.S.A. A different spin on the Iraq War

I recieved this thoughtful email… I thought I would share it:
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Subject: Muslims, terrorist and the USA. A different spin on Iraq war.This WAR is for REAL! Dr. Vernon Chong, Major General, USAF, Retired

Tuesday, July 12, 2005


To get out of a difficulty, one usually must go through it. Our country is now facing the most serious threat to its existence, as we know it, that we have faced in your lifetime and mine (which includes WWII).The deadly seriousness is greatly compounded by the fact that there are very few of us who think we can possibly lose this war and even fewer who realize what losing really means.

First, let’s examine a few basics:

1. When did the threat to us start?

Many will say September 11, 2001. The answer as far as the United States is concerned is 1979, 22 years prior to September 2001, with the following attacks on us:

* Iran Embassy Hostages, 1979;
* Beirut, Lebanon Embassy 1983;
* Beirut, Lebanon Marine Barracks 1983;
* Lockerbie, Scotland Pan-Am flight to New York 1988;
* First New York World Trade Center attack 1993;
* Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Khobar Towers Military complex 1996;
* Nairobi, Kenya US Embassy 1998;
* Dares Salaam, Tanzania US Embassy 1998;
* Aden, Yemen USS Cole 2000;
* New York World Trade Center 2001;
* Pentagon 2001.

(Note that during the period from 1981 to 2001 there were 7,581 terrorist attacks worldwide).

2. Why were we attacked?

Envy of our position, our success, and our freedoms. The attacks happened during the administrations of Presidents Carter, Reagan, Bush 1, Clinton and Bush 2. We cannot fault either the Republicans or Democrats as there were no provocations by any of the presidents or their immediate predecessors, Presidents Ford or Carter.

3. Who were the attackers?

In each case, the attacks on the US were carried out by Muslims.

4. What is the Muslim population of the World? 25%.

5. Isn’t the Muslim Religion peaceful?

Hopefully, but that is really not material. There is no doubt that the predominately Christian population of Germany was peaceful, but under the dictatorial leadership of Hitler (who was also Christian), that made no difference. You either went along with the administration or you were eliminated. There were 5 to 6 million Christians killed by the Nazis for political reasons (including 7,000 Polish priests). (see http://www.nazis.testimony.co.uk/7-a.htm )
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Behind the Lessons of History quoted by Pope Benedict XVI

Coins from the Empire 

The Byzantine quote that the Pope Benedict XVI referred to has an interesting history. The Byzantine Empire was in decline and alone in facing it’s greatest enemy. After existing nearly 1000 years, it’s time was nearly over.

Byzantine Emperor Manuel II A 14th-century Byzantine emperor, Manuel II Paleologus, in a conversation with a “learned Persian” on Christianity and Islam  asked:

“Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread the sword by the faith he preached.”

Another insight into the Moslem invaders came when he asked why they changed the names of Christian cities they pillaged and devastated, he received the answer:

“the way we destroy them their name is also disappearing from earth…”.

So sayeth the ‘Religion of Peace.”

Manuel II  is an interesting fellow and here is some of his history and a link:

“Manuel II Palaeologus (1350 – July 21, 1425) was Byzantine emperor from 1391 to 1425, and son of Emperor John V Palaeologus. By Helena Dragas, the daughter of a Serbian prince, he had seven sons: Michael (died 1406), John, Theodore, Andronicus, Constantine, Demetrius, and Thomas.

At the time of his father’s death he was a hostage at the court of the Ottoman emperor Beyazid I at Proussa (modern Bursa), but succeeded in making his escape; he was forthwith besieged in Constantinople by the sultan, whose victory over the Christians at the Battle of Nicopolis, however (September 25, 1396), did not secure for him the capital.

Manuel subsequently set out in person to seek help from the West, and for this purpose visited Italy, France, Germany and England, but without material success; the victory of Timur at the Battle of Ankara in 1402, and the death of Beyazid in 1403 were the first events to give him a genuine respite from Ottoman oppression. He stood on friendly terms with Mehmed I, but was again besieged in his capital by Murad II, in 1422. Shortly before his death he was forced to sign an agreement whereby the Byzantine Empire undertook to pay tribute to the sultan.

Manuel was the author of numerous works of varied character — theological, rhetorical, poetical and letters.”

Extent of the Empire

The Byzantine Empire around year 1400…. surrounded.

It is clear to me that Emperor Manuel II was a man of great courage… and vision. Besides the fundamentalist menace, the outbreak of bubonic plague in 1349 had weighed heavily on the empire. Nevertheless, Manuel II handles his world with great skill and even though his efforts in acquiring support from other European nations was little and late, he is still offering lessons for those willing to listen.

Pope Benedict XVI wasn’t wrong in reminding the world that we have seen this threat before.

Europe… just as in the 14th century… is refusing to recognize the threat of fudamentalist Islam … which they ignore at their own peril.

Roger Freberg