We're getting a bit into politics here, but then again this topic is political.
it's not solely the distorted version of Islam they use that has helped them but also because of the Western Goverments meddling. I have written here about it:
A picture that speaks more than a thousand words...
Well this is where I wonder. I take that you're not a fan of Assad?
If they had not become involved the West would accused of complicity, and when it does get involved it's accused of meddling. It's a no win situation.
I suppose that your description of the types that run off to ISIS corresponds with the reports. I would add the fact that a number of converts to Islam often embrace these extreme ideas (Coualy and the murderer of Lee Rigby being examples).
Thank you for providing the link for the Grand Mosque seizure. I remember reading about that event years ago and forgot about the details.
Also what's more "Vocal" is dependant upon how much we are informed by those we are relying upon to inform us. For example the war crimes by Mugabe in Zimbabwe did not get much spot light nor did America go to War with them despite having commited the same attrocities as Sadam. So what the media decides peddle can be based on geo-political games at play.
Well by vocal, I was referring to those in Europe, in the West, not just those in the Middle East. That there is an open contestation, rebirth of Islam and political religious streams amongst those who were born to the first generation of immigrants that had no such views. A countercurrent to the expectations of integration by the general indigenous population.
Sorry I got it wrong . What I meant was the first written constitution was in Madinah; I am not sure it had a name but respected the rights of others to live there and also the religious minority; Human rights for and not just one that applied to Muslims and Arabs. I have not heard of anything like it existing before its time so if the Greeks and Babylonians had one I would be interested to know about what it contained if you know of it. Maybe it did exist but there is no written record of it existing.
I'm not well versed in the history of politics and law.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution
What I remember from my studies on Ancient Greece is that each city state had its own constitution and form of law. I'd have to look up what archaeological remains have been found, but the wide library of Ancient Greek writings talks about them.
But even more remarkable is the Hammurabi Stele (in the Louvre now) is from the year 1754 BC... Amazing.
Anyway, in short constitutions, laws, treaties go back a long time...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_of_Hammurabi
Also Cyrus the Great's Cylinder talks about the restoration of religious rights.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyrus_Cylinder
Islam has existed for 1400 years so why now is it's tolerance and ability to live amongst others questioned? Did Islam or Muslims start World war 1 or 2? Throw a nuclear bomb on Horoshima? Are they responsible for killing the indegenious poppulation of Australia and America? Did they enslave Millions of Africans many of whom died crossing the harsh terrains? No but in many countries the indegiouness poppulation accepted Islam without need for militiary intervention. It's because tolerance is a hallmark of Muslim Character. Thread here:
Tolerance: A Hallmark Of Muslim Character
Well, you're inviting some harsh answers here. It's not a matter of whether the West, Europe are blameless and don't have violent and bloody histories. But Islamic history for sure is not either.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab_slave_trade
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslim_conquests
But none of this relevant. It's irrelevant to the present day and it's irrelevant to what I'm saying.
As I mentioned in a previous post, it's a matter of mass immigration and the problems of coexistence between populations that have completely different visions of the world and society. The agnostic, atheistic, liberal populations of the West and a more authoritarian (or need harsher guidance rather), religious, traditional population (which on top is ethnically and culturally different) from various parts of the world.
From this perspective, I'm answering my own question as Islam only one part of the issue. But these two competing ideas manifest themselves in this topic:
The average European doesn't care about drawings mocking religious figures or religions. It's all fair game. They've left religiosity behind
The average Muslim that holds strong to his religious traditions and upbringing finds it unthinkable (feels personally attacked) and something deep inside him reasons that such actions should not be allowed, should be banned by law.
This is the difference that events like these have brought out.
freebie due to my clumsiness lol :embarrass
