Preparatory Research

Article: "Freedom and Islam" from Islamfortoday.com
Fundamentalists are trying to take beliefs of Islam to extremes and are seizing power in various islamic societies, which results in oppression. Persection of intellectuals and other abuses result in injustices which are contrary to the heart of Islam.

reported by Michael V-G

"Why I am banned in the USA." By Tariq Ramadan

This article explains how a Professor was barred from entering our country to work at Notre Dame numerous times. Tariq Ramadan had his visa revoked and then when reapplied, he was denied. The first reason was because of the Dept of Homeland Security said he had ties with terrorism groups which he did. He donated a small sum of money to a French charity which had ties with Hamas. Mr. Ramadan denies knowledge of this tie but admits he did donate money to them. In this case, he has violated a part of the Patriot Act but it may have been without his knowledge. The professor says the US gov’t has no reason to deny his visa applications. He states that the USA does not want him in there because the gov’t is afraid of his ideas and thoughts on things such as the War on Terror and what the gov’t has done wrong. He states that “I have learned firsthand that the Bush administration reacts to its critics not by engaging them, but by stigmatizing and excluding them.”

"How Middle America Made Me Feel Safer." By Robert Fisk

Article number two talks about a Muslim American who just came back from Lebanon and made it through a Chicago airport with no problem, which may have been a new experience for him. The man then addressed a crowd of 32,000 Muslim Americans who said that they were proud to be American. The man condemned the actions of radical Muslims in the Middle East and more specifically, that of the Hezbollah leader, Sayed Hassan Nasrallah. This was the right step to clear up stereotypes and insults thrown at American Muslims, they must not support those radicals in the Middle East and prove to Americans and the world they were a peaceful group of people rather than the murderers the media portrayed them to be.

Reported by Jimmy C. and Dan E.

MAS article by...

Beliefs: One God, brought everything into existence. Family is very important. Socially-justice focused.

Reported by Curtis K.


General info on the Islamic Society of Boston

The ISB promotes and practices a balanced view of Islam. The ISB believes that the teachings of the Islamic religion are universal and timeless. It provides instruction and guidance for many years. They purify their intentions to please God. They stand behind what they say and what they do. The Islamic Society of Boston also believes that all of their success comes from their blessings from God. They also try to practice and maintain the holiness of their human life. They believe in respect in the community to other Muslims and to all diversity. They criticize all racism and class discrimination. They believe that racism destroys the communities of Islamic practice. They believe in the equality of men and women. The Islamic society of Boston seeks to reach out to the broader community. The society believes in seeking God’s help in upholding the society with integrity and steadfastness.
Reported by Adam P., David T., and Garret P.

urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags013fAmerican Image:


BBC News survey findings:

In a survey done by the BBC, they asked their audience what they thought of placecountry-regionAmerica. The majority of the people were pro American people, but not pro American government and philosophy. There was no question that the people who commented on the article thought of placecountry-regionAmerica as a great nation that is the current leader in Western technology and lifestyle – which is a good thing.
“We Americans should listen to what others say to try to improve ourselves. But I also think that much of the criticism is due to envy, misunderstanding, or sheer frustration. If Americans were really as naive as some suggest, the placecountry-regionUS wouldn't be the sole superpower in the world.”
placeCityJames, country-regionUSA
Americans posting shared the common belief that people are envious of their success while United Kingdom residents thought American’s are good people but their government is what corrupts them causing mass ignorance.
“placecountry-regionAmerica: a wonderful country full of genuinely nice people who are controlled and ruled by some exceptionally greedy individuals. “
John Neal, placecountry-regionUK
The problem people have is not with the American people, but the image of placecountry-regionAmerica is solely based on politics. The average American citizen is full of ideas, opinions, and is quick to point out flaws.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/wtwta/2997248.stm



Article: What the world thinks from People/Press.org
Chronicled the progression from compassion to frustration of the international community since 9/11.

Reported by Connor B., Matt M., and Chien M.