We are all in this together (21)

From magnificent domes...

... to bomb craters

 Currently on BBC2 Rageh Omaar is presenting a spectacular three-part series, The Ottomans: Europe's Muslim Emperors (clip here). There are many great works of art to be seen in classical Islam but as Omaar's commentary explains, much of what is witnessed was achieved at great cost to others. The credit for the most spectacular architectural achievements is attributed to Mimar Sinan who along with many other Christian children was abducted and forced to convert to Islam, a process of intimidation and gain which continues to this day with scant reporting by the media. Read some modern day horror stories from Egypt here.

In 2004 former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr George Carey denounced moderate Muslims for failing unequivocally to condemn the "evil" of suicide bombers. He said: "Although we owe much to Islam handing on to the West many of the treasures of Greek thought, the beginnings of calculus, Aristotelian thought during the period known in the West as the dark ages, it is sad to relate that no great invention has come for many hundred years from Muslim countries". These assertions have been tested with shocking results here.

Muslims themselves are not immune from the violence perpetrated by Islamic fundamentalists. There is no discrimination when so-called 'martyrs' blow themselves up along with innocent men, women and children while expecting a reward in paradise for their evil deeds executed in the name of God at the behest of earthly masters who shelter well out of harms way.

From that perspective there is no doubt that "we all in this together", Muslims, Jews and Christians. Politicians should stop talking about the wonders of Islam and recognise the reality of the situation as it exists today. One of Saudi Arabia's top Islamic clerics, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh, has made a start: “Islam does not allow terrorism at any cost. Islam condemns all violence and terrorism plaguing the world today. Muslims should demonstrate a love for peace and unity.” Amen to that. Chorus please!