September 21, 2012
Preventing Repeat of Tragic Events in Benghazi and other Places
by Jorge Sampalo@www.nst.com.my
BECAUSE of the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations’ (UNAOC) mission statement and objectives, the recent deadly tragic events in Benghazi and incidents in Cairo, Sanaa and Tunis matter to the Alliance in various ways.
These violent protests were triggered by a provocative film trailer uploaded to YouTube that denigrates Islam and insults the Prophet Muhammad, thus offending the religious feelings of believers. There are many troubling questions about the production and the use of this video that should be investigated.
The urgent question is of further opposing intolerance or advocacy of religious
hatred. Since 9/11, incitement to religious hatred has increased in significance with Muslims being the targets of general blame. Another dimension of this change has been the escalation of religious intolerance by non-state entities and the corresponding role of the state in combating intolerance.
There is a need to increase appropriate preventive measures and mechanisms at local, national and international levels to address religious intolerance and combat incitement to religious hatred, denigration of religions and religious symbols.
My suggestion is to promote further UN joint reflection to examine what can be done in the present situation to strike a new balance between freedom of expression, non-discrimination and hate speech.
The UNAOC has developed a rapid response media mechanism to address this kind of crisis. But this mechanism should be expanded.
It should reinforce its dimension of early warning both in terms of early detection of signs that a crisis is brewing and of real-time analysis about them (risk assessment). But it should also comprise an early response dimension, that is, initiatives by honest brokers to defuse tensions (preventive action) as well as crisis management once disruptive actions and unrest occur that need to be addressed by means of soft power tools through facilitation of dialogue and mediation.
Secondly, much greater effort has to be made in terms of long-term strategy for education and awareness-building. This involves a variety of topics such as media literacy — how to develop people’s critical abilities when it comes to information provided by media and social media; education for human rights, pluralism and tolerance; cultural literacy — how to acquire intercultural skills and competencies to live at ease in a landscape of differences and diversity; and dispute management.
More long term, strategic action is needed in the field of formal, informal and non-formal education for a culture of tolerance and peace at all levels, based on respect for human rights and diversity of religious beliefs.
Education for responsible citizenship is also necessary to speak out against intolerance and protest against abuse of free speech without being trapped in the cycle of violence.
As Kairat El-Shater reminds in the statement issued by the Muslim Brotherhood: “In the new democratic Egypt, people have the right to voice their anger over productions like the anti-Muslim film that led to the current violence. However, they should do so peacefully and within the bounds of the law”. The Ennahdha Party in Tunisia issued a similar statement recognising that in democracy, people are free to protest but in a peaceful way.
At the ministerial meeting of the Group of Friends of the Alliance on September 28, I will be proposing a set of concrete proposals to ministers, and a special working meeting (Focal Points’ level) is convened on October 18 to discuss additional action in the euro-Mediterranean region. I will also be consulting our civil society networks and youth to discuss on how to enhance dialogue and cooperation on the ground.
Recently, the UNAOC, in cooperation with the Maltese government, the League of Arab states, the North South Centre of the Council of Europe and the University of Malta, with the support of Brazil, organised the first regional summer school focused on “Building Peace in the Mediterranean”. It brought together young lawyers, journalists, political activists and information technology experts to act towards peace-building.
In spite of the challenging and complex times we are going through, grassroots, bottom-up initiatives like this one, which is focused on reinforcing the sense of common humanity, make me think there is hope for a better common future. But as the wake-up call resonating from Benghazi to Cairo, Tunis, Sanaa and elsewhere clearly shows, to transform hope into achievements, bold action is urgently needed.
The old adage applies–for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. What is the motive of the producer of the stupid movie? For whom he is acting? These are questions that remain unanswered. Freedom of expression comes with responsibility. Mr. Sampalo fails to address these points. And I don’t expect him to deal with them.–Din Merican
Yes, Dato’ – “Freedom of expression comes with responsibility” and accountability. This point needs to be kept in mind all the time whenever we pen anything or open our mouths to produce any sound.
Sadly these happenings appear to stem from a lack of moral responsibility in many western democracies in their defense of freedom of speech. This and the political agendas of certain quarters – from both sides – make a highly explosive concoction, no doubt. Hopefully, international bodies like the UN can play a role in arriving at a new paradigm in what is viewed as the sacrosanct freedom of speech principle. Any abuse of it cannot be tolerated to avoid the kind of violent reactions from extreme and fringe groups. It is surprising that educated persons can take the view that freedom of speech must be defended and that anything is fair go even what’s clearly offensive and repulsive especially in matters of religion and race…knowing that violence can be instigated…even if such reactions come from a minority who know no better.
Old adage? No it is not. It is the law of physics.
Can we blame the Moslems all over the world for what they did as what happened in Benghazi and else where…?? The endless attack, ridicule, contempt and what else against Islam by these unresponsible quarters not only show their lowest moral standards in a western democracy hailed as ‘land of the free’, but only an invitation for more religious extremist and future jihadists to haunt them instead. There will be no end..?? War of religious faith will enter a new chapter as long these kind of people will continue to exist.
War of faiths? Only if you’re so blinkered to think so.
The Crusades have ended a long time ago, and so has the Ottoman Siege of Vienna; but it’s entirely possible that Sam Huntington’s “Clash of Civilization” will occur in a modified form. There’s of course the failure to factor in PRC’s innate distrust of religion and xenophobia.
What really prompted the events of Benghazi, Cairo, Khartoum etc? It occurs periodically and happens all over the world. For all the talk of Universality, Peace, Harmony and Justice, Islam has failed like Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism and all religions to curtail the violence that resides in Man’s restless folly. Unless and until Man can come to grips with internalization of his ‘preferred’ religion instead of externalizing it and trying to impose their will on all and sundry, we will remain a hairsbreadth from our ape-man ancestors. It is not about religion, but our lack of tolerance and understanding. The ‘Us vs Them’ Syndrome of ‘mimetic desire’. The Atheists use such arguments well, but they too like Stalin are butchers.
So this sorry episode, does and will not end. But it is obvious that the so-called Arab Spring has unleashed pent-up anger at the perceived subjugation of the Muslims by the Dajjal West. It occurs because:
* Vested political interest groups, who agitate to test the limits of weak democracies that followed the Fall of their Despots. Political exegesis of a religion;
* Collective inability to distinguish between the Nation and their fallible citizens;
* Lack of information and yes, the ineducable masses. How many of these protesters have actually seen the video and make an informed personal choice to go on a rampage? So much or the concept of individual responsibility and free-will.
Has anyone here, begun to contemplate what a Global Civilization (the physicists call it Type 1) would be like?
A coptic Egyptian Christian fleeing persecution in his home country living in Semper fi’s backyard fell prey to Mitt Romney’s lies about America being for the small man and entrepreneur who has it in his veins to succeed in business despite the odds. Except that in this case there was no company for him to turn around, employees to sack and funds to stash in off-shore accounts. The only thing he managed to turn around is his own life. Now ‘Imbecile’ is in hiding, his dreams going up in flames at the same time as one safe house the other side of the Atlantic did.
Freedom of speech may be just another empty slogan in a third world country like Malaysia. Over here it is a concept that thousands paid with their lives to defend over the last 230 plus years. It sparked a revolution and a civil war.
But even over here the content of speech is regulated along with time and place; and standards for the regulation of free speech has been set by the country’s courts. However there is a difference. We have the rule of law and you can challenge rulings by the executive. We don’t have MACC or JAWI walking in to our house and without a search warrant search and seize your property and take you into custody charge you for an offence you did not commit.
“Freedom of expression comes with responsibility” and accountability” — hussin
Nothing wrong with that. Except that in your case the limits of that ‘responsiblity’ are defined by your UMNO masters.
Over here you have a choice. You are free to shout “Fire!” in a crowded theater. But there are consequences. ‘Imbecile’ has the right of free speech on his side when he decided to do the movie. But look where he has landed himself. What is significant to note is that the government cannot deprive him of his right to free speech. Bad speech is still free speech.
What I find intriguing is that despite the incessant hate rhetoric against my religion, more people seem to be converting to Islam than ever before…
Am I missing something?
It seems the usual way to unite the Muslims is to portray the US and Israel as the eternal enemies. For this, the Muslims will march in the streets occasionally even violently for a few days. Then we are back enjoying our coke, McD, KFC; communicating with our iphones and using Jewish-owned financial institutions.
Of course, the film is a clear abuse of freedom of speech. Just surf the net and you will easily find blasphemy and insults against every religion in the world. When it is against Islam and only when the story is taken up by the mainstream media that it will turned into a mass rage. Is the MSM partly to be blamed for igniting the rage? Do we want to censor the net and risk oppressive authorities using the opportunity to curtain legitimate public concerns and dissents?
How I wish we Muslims can unite and speak out and act against Muslims killing Muslims like what is happening in Syria, other parts of the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. Of course I am being naive here.
Mr. Bean, you are welcome to keep your own notion of free speech as you said, “Imbecile” has the right of free speech on his side……..We should remain rational.
FYI, I am not a member of any political party here and my past voting trend has never been based on party-line but on personality. On one occasion, I skipped voting because I did not like any of the candidates put up by the parties. If you have anything against UMNO, please do not take it on me.
“FYI, I am not a member of any political party here and my past voting trend has never been based on party-line but on personality” — hussin
That is what separates third world country from developed countries. For democracy to work, voting at elections must be on the issues and the party’s stand on those issues. Not about personalities.
The process of democratization in Malaysia has been allowed to proceed at its own pace under the first three Prime Ministers. Under Mahathir it suffered a temporary setback when freedom of speech came under attack. That attack has been slowed with the advent of the internet. They cannot control the internet but they can those who use it – with new laws such as the amendment made to the Evidence Act.
No change will come to Malaysia unless the Malays want it and will it. The long term solution would be to work on changing the traditional mindset of the Malays – yours Hussin.
“Then we are back enjoying our coke, McD, KFC; communicating with our iphones and using Jewish-owned financial institutions — Jamal Majid
Not so with Hussin. He goes back to enjoying his JAWI manufactured and sanctioned and tested halal edible batek colored condoms while giving head to Bendover Singh.
Well Jamal, it would seem that Muslims are their own worst enemy. The Literal minded mad Mullahs (Salafists included), need the agitation to keep their hopes of 72 houris alive.
Similiarly as a reciprocal, if you have anything against Anwar Ibrahim, pls do not take it out on us…
What is so insulting to god? Nothing! Only PUNY men feel easily insulted and would deign to kill others just to protect god’s good name. I think this is really unfunny. If we are going to go on a righteous rampage every time someone says something we deem insulting to religion or god then it is never going to end. It is not a question of freedom of expression, it is not a question of god being insulted. It is a question of us being wise or not.
@ Jamal Majid, you are NOT being naive . You speak very rationally and if more people, and a Muslim to boot, could speak like you there is hope yet for humanity. I say more Jamal Majids please!
” Muslims themselves are their own worst enemy “, CLF you are certainly right in alluding to Jamal’s frusterations over these rampant ‘muslims killing muslims everywhere…’ syndrome presenting the real ugly Psyche of the muslim mind. No, i am not speaking of the usual Theory of Chaos here, but something more hidden, innate & perplexing : Chaos ever=present in the muslim Mind-set for unknown causes….mind-boggling at that !
To all these provocations & taunting by the West, to besmirch the Prophet of Islam, don’t go berserk or wild & unruly. Just have to maintain your cool & dignity – if at all you want to demonstrate, do it Peacefully in an orderly manner and not shriek about like some irritated gibbons of the wild. Peace can be achieved by this : carry placrads with words to the effect ” that as Muslims we ( Love and ) Embrace all the Messages of Peace brought by Jesus Christ, Moses, to Abraham to Noah….who are Children of Bani Israel….as Inclusive as in the Teachings of Prophet Muhammad…”
Questions that arise: Keep sacrosanct free speech with no limits on what one can say or write…or free speech with responsibility i.e. there are consequences? Are existing laws adequate and relevant today? What would be correct limits to free speech if there should be any?
There is no doubt a clash of cultures…As shown by the work of zealots on opposing sides…in many cases pushing their political agendas.
On another perspective Islam has certain dogmas that many non Muslims find offensive, no doubt…even many Muslims want to change to make it relevant for the times. Similarly, there are also some criticisms of the Church. My view is that it isn’t the problem with the religions per se but zealots who know no better (as in the mid east and Pakistan) and even worse, persons pushing their own agendas wherever …like Pamela Geller.
So much for my ramblings…
http://outfront.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/20/anti-jihad-ad-to-appear-in-nyc-subways/
Mr. Bean is only partly correct to say that “No change will come to Malaysia unless the Malays want it and will it”. He forgets that Malaysia has Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, Ibans etc who comprise the citizens of Malaysia. The majority will decide for any changes if needed. We abhor changes imposed on us especially by those from outside and we do not like changes for the sake of change if it does not bring any good to our interests. Mr. Bean’s mindset has been tainted by his alien surroundings – can’t blame him, as for him to survive he needs to blend with his environment otherwise he will wither and be more frustrated than he is now. We are in Malaysian environment here and yes, we are in the Third World according to accepted convention of categorization despite the Internet and other globalization influences.
As for voting on “issues” and “personalities”, how can we accept candidates known to be corrupt, inclined to unnatural behaviours of homosexuality, pro-lesbianism, anti-Islam (the Religion of the Federation), having forked tongue even on issues, etc, etc. Personally, quite often, I have been more inclined towards PAS candidates but now many of them are “suspects” and unreliable. This time around the voters will have a hard choice. Mr. Bean, will you come back and vote if you are a Malysian Citizen? Do it, instead of unceasingly airing your pent-up frustration from afar.
Aiseh Bean.., you’ve got another mercenary Gurkha, on your tail!
Must be doing something right.. Yeah, there’s RM2 billion floating around to engage in cyber warfare from the goons. Perhaps, we should switch sides eh? Retirement fund!
“As for voting on “issues” and “personalities”, how can we accept candidates known to be corrupt, inclined to unnatural behaviours of homosexuality, pro-lesbianism, anti-Islam (the Religion of the Federation), having forked tongue even on issues, etc, etc.”
Who would that be? I’m not aware of anyone who’s like that running for parliament. As “Islamic” as hussin would want to portray himself to be, he’s ever willing to do the unislamic thing of having “pra-sangka buruk” on other people.
didi, we do not know yet for the coming GE13 as the candidate lists are not officially out now. You check later when the time comes. You can choose your own criteria to pick your candidate.
Did I hear CLF implying some blog contributors are being financed by some goons like Soros perhaps.
“Mr. Bean is only partly correct to say that “No change will come to Malaysia unless the Malays want it and will it”. Mr. Bean is only partly correct to say that “No change will come to Malaysia unless the Malays want it and will it”. He forgets that Malaysia has Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, Ibans etc who comprise the citizens of Malaysia.” — Hussin
Yes, I agree I was only partly correct to say that this Hussin is mentally challenged. He is retarded.
By the statement that no change will come to Malaysia unless the Malays “want and will it”, I’m referring to the composition of the electorate and the policy and effect of gerrymandering (creating Malay majorities within non-Malay dominated constituencies) and its impact on the polls in peninsular Malaysia. For Pakatan to have any chance of winning the elections it has to win more than 50% of the Malay votes. This is pure arithmetic.
“As “Islamic” as hussin would want to portray himself to be, he’s ever willing to do the unislamic thing of having “pra-sangka buruk” on other people.” — didi
Don’t expect Hussin to understand this. He is like those who would go for Friday prayers every week without fail, insisting on a two hour lunch break as part of his entitlement but then returns to put on his ‘halal’ JAWI batek colored edible condom so he could give head to his partner. He doesn’t know if he is going or coming.
Imply? What imply?
Who’s Soros? The rabid financier who tangled and then beat up Octo? The One that help set up Suaram and M’siakini? That’s old news! The new news is that Jibs and Taib have lavished their troopers and Gurkhas with some plundered ill gotten gains. Being ill begotten, i was suggesting to bean, we jump ship to order to help suck/soak up some of that ‘providence’. Being pro bono and free sounds cheap. But on second thoughts, better not. In case we meet up with horrific ‘accidents’ and wonderful personalities like you.
On the issue of Islam being “the religion of Malaysia” (in his own words and not the language used in the Federal Constitution 1957) he buys into the manufactured fabrication by his master the Old Goat that Malaysia is already an Islamic state ignoring the fact that some 50% of Malayans at the time of the country’s independence were not Muslims. They are still not Muslims.
To this Hussin with an IQ of 70, Nik Raina is just collateral damage. He cannot help but echo the thoughts of his UMNO leaders (although he pleads he is not an UMNO registered member, unable to understand that you don’t have to be one to echo their thoughts) that JAWI can just walk on to your property and confiscate what is not theirs and take someone into custody and charge her for a crime that has yet to be committed.
“Mr. Bean’s mindset has been tainted by his alien surroundings – can’t blame him, as for him to survive he needs to blend with his environment otherwise he will wither and be more frustrated than he is now. We are in Malaysian environment her” — Hussin
Why am I not surprised that you have insulted and not know it some two million Malaysians living abroad who subsribe to the belief that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?
“Tainted by alien surroundings”?? These loyal Malaysians rather be “tainted by alien surroundings” rather than submit themselves to a rogue regime that seeks to make political fodder of them. Malaysia will never be truly free unless there is a reset made so half-educated Malays like yourself could break free from the addiction that comes with being dependent on an UMNO led government.
Hussin thinks giving head to somebody is letting him go ahead. CLF, maybe you want to give him some education.
Wow, it is refreshing to get all the flaks from all around. I am really in harm’s way now with crude name-calling to deal with from “educated intelectuals” who are very frustrated lots especially those abroad.
Mr.Bean, I have corrected myself regarding Islam being the religion of the federation in my later postings.
Tak payahlah perasan Hussin. Malaysians abroad don’t have to blend in, we are accepted as who we are as a person and not as who we pretend to be. Unlike in Malaysia we have to be a certain race and in a certain class to be accepted and to enjoy the benefits. Over in Bean’s neck of the woods, pay your taxes and you’re equal. You can scream and shout at every demonstration and for every cause you can think of, freedom of assembly and freedom of speech.
No hussin, seriously its the ” interpreters ” of Religion who misinterpret things that is causing havoc everywhere.
You see, like for example Jawi – and many others including Political parties – once you see provision like in the Constitution ” Islam is the Religion of the Federation ” , one will get the idea that with a political majority one can ” Impose” that on others. So, Interpreters will interepret in terms of ” power ” . But what happens to the corresponding provision giving right to others who profess their own religion ?
It is precisely ” power ” that Jawi thinks it can interpret the way it pleases, to arrest & charge anyone, EVEN when the Acuused has not committed an offence – No, the Constitution is Secular, Jawi or anyone else cannot override its provision, by mere assertion that ” we are the authority relating to Islam, so we can charge any Muslim even for NO offence….” – that’s carrying it too far, is’nt that ?
That’s the kind of Illusion the Muslims all over the world are becoming ” ambitious ” to not only Dominate but to Impose The Islamic Syariah on the World !
Forgetting the fact that they themselves have come from thir own homeland of great poverty, to declare their allegience amongst First World nations for a better & higher quality of life ?
Is that the way Muslims deal with their Interpretations ?
Hey friends… the title says “Preventing repeat of tragic events…” and we have gone completely off-course.
There IS a way of preventing this or any other tragic event concerning our religion but it will never come to pass… let outsiders try getting out of Muslim countries and staying out. Islam is just a convenient if tragic smokescreen to camouflage plunder.
This does not, of course, excuse the manner of current Muslim reaction… which is why a dignified silence is the best response to perceived insult.
Encik Isa Manteqi’s suggestion of maintaining “a dignified silence (as) the best response to perceived insult” in this subject can be a good golden rule but unfortunately it can be mis-interpreted and invite more demeaning actions from the enemies of Islam. Of course, we cannot excuse the manner of Muslim reactions world wide to the film but the film itself (it ran for 11mins 26secs) – the making & distribution of it through You Tube – as the initial cause for the reactions, cannot be excused in the first place. The fact that international Muslim reactions were not orchestrated by anyone, except perhaps inadvertantly by the media, must be a clear statement by the majority of Muslims to express their hurt. Governments and responsible organisations all over the world tried hard to tone down these reactions but only producing limited effects. Encik Isa, your suggestion is good & well-meant but it does not work and perhaps never will.
In one country alone, angry crowds have set fire to both vehicles and property… all belonging to their own fellow citizens. How exactly does such action help… when you destroy your own belongings to oppose someone else’s views?
We shall continue to witness such “insults” to our religion because other agendas are at work. Those who perpetrate such insults are aware of reactions. Then we play into their hands by destroying our own property … and the other side get their bonus… “look, they say, how intolerant Muslims are” And their media go to town. So who wins?
A dignified silence can deafen the other side.
Not long ago, a few calling themselves Muslims destroyed a couple of Buddhist statues that had been standing there for centuries and formed part of the rich heritage of their ancient country.
Buddhists the world over must have felt insulted…and they certainly felt pain… but they remained mostly silent.
The destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhist statues in Afghanistan. The fanatics were following the Injunction that disallows worshipping images, BUT the injunction is strictly for muslims & christians.
For Buddhists, they wanted to commemorate their great Guru and then carved his Image in stones for posterity, because Photography was not invented in ancient times….
Muslims & Christians must allow for wisdom in ” Interpretations” of the Scriptures….and not be parochial in attitude or outlook….Watchword is, to be carefull about desires (nafsu) to dominate and impose…
Every religion is held dear by its followers – whether they worship images, ideas or whatever is immaterial.
When comparing the Afghanistan episode to current events many conclude that we Muslims want to have our cake and eat it too. How can we answer?
Hey Abnizar, the Orthodox Christians and Roman Catholics are said to worship Icons (objects) and the Crucifix. The Protestants worship at the foot of the Cross. The Jews pray in Synagogues which have strict dimensional aspects. And the Muslims pray towards Mecca. Tell me, amongst the Abrahamic religions, who establishes Iconoclasm and the rabid reactions to it?
Maybe it is time to revisit the concept of “Sekhinah” and the theology behind it.