Thanks to Emperor Misha I, I know know about this little news item. Yes, I know it's a month old - but then, it isn't something I'd expect the MSM to report:
More than 1,000 Muslims staged a surprising pro-US rally Saturday in Jolo, where thousands of American and Filipino soldiers are to start a month-long joint military drills and humanitarian mission in the impoverished island, about 950 kilometers south of Manila....
"I call on every Muslims in Sulu to support the government and the Balikatan program because this will bring us more humanitarian aid. Let us show the world that we are peaceful citizens. I appeal to every Muslims to welcome our American visitors and support their peaceful cause," the 50-year old leader [ed. - the Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo, Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun], who is a staunch supporter of President Gloria Arroyo, said.
Pulalun appealed to Washington to send more humanitarian aid to poor Muslims in Jolo.
The huge crowd gathered in downtown Jolo where many people were spotted waving hundreds of small US and Philippine flags and placards welcoming the Americans.
"We Love You America, Welcome!," one placard reads. "This is why we really want, we need the Americans to help us fight terrorism and so we may live peacefully here," said Abdulgafur Omar, a 29-year old trader.
As His Dread Lordship states,
Now THAT'S the kind of attitude we should support, and I hope we get to see more of it.
You said it, Misha! I am in complete agreement!
UPDATE - (Via Ace) Go read this article!! Verrrrry interesting.....
Moreover, whenever imams accuse non-Muslims of being heretics, curse them, and portray Jews as descendents of monkeys and pigs, they create in the Western mind an image of Islam as an intolerant religion that rejects religious diversity.Consequently, Muslims themselves are responsible for disfiguring Islam's image in the Western mind. They have failed to present a positive image of Islam, and therefore are responsible for all the trouble that has descended on Muslims today.
Thanks for this news and the links!
Posted by: David | March 16, 2006 at 07:53 PM
Imma gunna take a 'wait n see' attitude with this one k?..sorry for the cnynicism but I need a truckload of proof that N E Muzlim group is sincere...
Posted by: Angel | March 16, 2006 at 10:10 PM