Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

VA Vega, San Diego, CA — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 19:44:21 GMT

Are you kidding me? I mean is no one paying attention here? Jesus H. Christ what kind of animals are we dealing with. And what the hell is the Muslim world even doing or saying about it? Oh that's right Nothing-just like they've always done. They're too busy building their extravagant islands and hotels-when they aren't blowing each other up that is.
The entire group makes me sick to my stomach. There's nothing honorable or charitable in any of them, and quite frankly if I was a Muslim-I would be ahamed. Or maybe not, I'd probably be too busy blaming everyone else except my own people. That's their particular right of passage isn't it? It's been going on for the last 2000 years, why stop now?
Whatever-I'm sick to death of the entire situation-and this just takes the cake. They are the worst as far as I'm personally concerned. They just committed a full genocide on their own people-totally unbeliavable to me, and the fact that NO ONE is doing anything, (most especially not Muslims) not just the USA but worldwide makes me ill.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Mr B. Origin is not pertinant — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 20:39:09 GMT

Now another so called Religious sect. How many are there & I for one care less as like every snowflake or grain of sand "NO TWO ARE ALIKE" nor any better than the other. There is but one Supreme being & whatever your belief is not one person in this world knows who it is & that is sacred & whomever can worship a snail & as long as they are believers it is their belief. However cast not your so callled Sacredness upon me. Nor on others.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

J Shelley, IDaho — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 20:44:49 GMT

That's what this world needs. Another paternalistic organization that believes they are the "ones."

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

teannah, st louis, mo. — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 20:46:32 GMT

How cool! Not about them dying, that's horrible, but that they exist at all. A pre-islamic peoples who never converted to Islam, no matter where they live. That takes guts and determination. Plus true belief. I'm into ancient peoples and their religions, and I had never heard of them till today. And how sad, the way I did learn of these people. They are probably not long for this world now. I do hope an anthropologist or historian can win their trust, so we can learn more about them soon, before they are gone. It would be like suddenly finding a group pf Aztecs still around and doing things the old way. What a way to learn first hand about people we mainly have to guess about.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Bill Rodd — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 21:03:27 GMT

At least they are not nutcases like the muslim fundamentalists who only want to slit the throats of "infidels".

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Bob, Providence, R.I. — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 21:04:40 GMT

It's hard to imagine a group of people, the Yazidis, with such a belief system. We still have so much to learn about in our world. Who is right?

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 21:05:48 GMT

Dear Jane, In listening to the video I was not surprised to hear you state that one cannot just walk around Iraq and talk to people anymore. And not just for foreigners, but for Iraqi's. You said that they don't travel between neighborhoods because it may only be safe enough to stay in their own neighborhood. This country in is desperate need of a functioning government and like you said with participation with Sunnis and Shiites. With regards to this community of Yazidis and their struggle in society it is sometimes difficult to relate to such an ancient way of living. But they did try to open up their religion and not be so secretive. Some of the elders may not want to open up the religion and it beliefs to outsiders and that can be a problem for the future generations. One can only hope that all will eventually find peace within their religious beliefs and their country. All have struggled and suffered for too long. Please stay safe and well Jane! And stay safe everyone in the Baghdad Bureau! You do wonderful reporting! Peace to all!

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Jim, Savannah, GA. — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 21:09:22 GMT

When will it end?

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Doug Thomas — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 21:14:02 GMT

The fundamental flaw of Islam is its refusal to acknowledge the rights of the individual to thier own religous beliefs. The Islamic world must denounce and act against this narrow minded fundamentalizm.If they fail to do so there will be more massacres and atrocities like we saw today. This will be a lesson learned through the blood of thosands of innocents regardless their religous affilliation.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Michelle — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 21:30:32 GMT

worshipping a peacock angel, stoning and refusing to educate girls...paying homage to the devil..(shaking my head). Lord help them...

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

W.M, Yuma Arizona — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 21:31:40 GMT

It really does take balls to stand up in defiance the way they have. I can respect that.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Thomas Iginuz, Detroit, MI — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 21:33:06 GMT

That is the problem with Islam that US and UK have been denying: They will do this to us if they have the opportunity. Even though the christians, the atheists and the agnostics allow them to practice their religion in the west, they never believe that others have the same right. These people, the Yazizdis were not Americans or Europeans or Sunnis or Shites, yet they slaughtered them in the name of Allah (islamic sucide bombers believe Allah will reward them in paradise for killing infidels). have you seen any outrage in Dearborn or LA from the muslim community over this? Muslims are even safer in this country than in their own countries.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Sean, Atlanta, Ga — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 21:41:32 GMT

I find it hard to admire a religion that allows a young girl to be stoned to death just because she converted to another religion and had a muslim boyfriend as noted in the link to this story. It sounds more like a cult that enforces its beliefs through threats of violence and discouraging education.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Beachbum — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 21:42:13 GMT

Its pathetic... not what the story reads but what you people are saying about them. You all call yourselves "good christain people" yet are unwilling to look past the fact that it is dealing with things that the western culture is not willing to accept, even though to these people it is the right thing to do. You can not persecute people for what they believe in, the one time our government did was in the 1840's. Im hardcore LDS but i commend these people for sticking to their guns and doing what they believe in is right.
And to VA from San Diego- that is one of the most rascist ignorant and ethinically purged things i have heard someone say in a long time. How dare you state that the muslim religion is wrong and how they should be ashamed of themselves, unlike a majority of christains here in the US they at least follow the gospel and what their religion teaches them to do.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

tom frisby, Piedmont, SC — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 21:44:46 GMT

There must be a reason for all the "snowflakes". Each person is also a snowflake, individual DNA, fingerprint; so why do we as humans create such a fuss over differences. God started it off by making the first two humans different. Why don't we do what Covey says: First seek to understand, and then what Christ said: Love thy neighbor. Pretty simple but boy have we humans screwed it up.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Toby Graber ,Grabill,Indiana — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 21:46:06 GMT

Oh that all of man would come to the knowledge of the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.He said "In this will all men know that you are my followers,that you would love each other as I have loved you!what peace this world would see.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

John Doe, Seattle, Wash — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 21:50:27 GMT

What about the Yazidis' narrow minded fundamentalism? Didn't you read about the stoning, and how Yazidis can only marry other Yazidis? From my experience, calling a religion "narrow-minded' is redundant.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Bill Stanley, Carmel, IN — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 21:52:14 GMT

Christopher Hitchens got it right when he said
"religion poisons everything."

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

john florida — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 21:53:10 GMT

Who cares what religion the practice THEY WERE HUMAN BEINGS FIRST AND FOREMOST. HERE AGAIN THE RELIGION OF PIECE SHOWS THE WORLD WHAT IT CAN DO IN THE HANDS OF MURDERERS.SUICIDE BOMBER MY BEHIND THIS WAS A COLD BLOODED MURDERER !!! Some one should bury him in a pig skin so he can't go to his so called paradise. there cannot be a religion anywhere that would promise paradise to an ANIMAL THAT WOULD ORDER OR CARY OUT AN ORDER WHERE ALL THESE PEOPLE COULD DIE.And you want to let up on these animals when we should be turning up the heat.WHERE ARE ALL THE MODERATES AND THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS ALL OVER THE MIDDLE EAST NOW??WHY HAS NO ONE CALLED THESE PEOPLE WHAT THEY ARE "MURDERERS" NOT "MARTYRS" BABY KILLERS !!COWARDS OF THE WORST KIND THE KIND THAT MURDERS UNARMED WOMEN AND CHILDREN.THE KIND THAT CAN ONLY CRAWL ON THEIR BELLIES AT NIGHT SO THAT THE COWARDS CAN KILL CHILDREN. PARADISE IS NOT IN THEIR FUTURE THE ONLY THING THEY DESERVE IS AN UNENDING STAY IN HELL. COWARD IS TOO GOOD A WORD FOR THESE SLIME BALLS BUT WE ARE IN MIXED COMPANY.I HOPE WHOEVER IS THE NEW PRESIDENT AFTER PRES BUSH HAS SPINE ENOUGH TO HUNT THESE BASTARDS DOWN AND KILL THEM AND THEIR WHOLE FAMILY SO THEY CAN FEEL THE PAIN THEY HAVE INFLICTED ON OTHERS. ANIMALS,COWARDS,*&^%*)(%#

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Lucrecia Borgia, Vatican City — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 21:57:36 GMT

The fundamental flaw of Christianity is its refusal to acknowledge the rights of the individual to thier own religous beliefs. The Christian world must denounce and act against this narrow minded fundamentalizm.If they fail to do so there will be more massacres and atrocities like we saw today. This will be a lesson learned through the blood of thosands of innocents regardless their religous affilliation.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Howard D. Reed — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 21:59:08 GMT

Those who gave up Zarathustra for Mohammed made a very poor choice. "The good thought...The good word...the good deed." Difficult to improve on that.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Beforeitstoolate — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:03:09 GMT

While I see this "sudden discovery" as interesting, the making public of this ancient sect and their beliefs to us ignorant people, will ultimately doom its "religious purity". The Christians will try to indoctrinate some of its lesser beliefs into its religion. The Muslims will say "we can all live together", while they will use Jihadists to clean out these smaller pockets-(genocide). Will someone please publish its religious beliefs and stories before its too late.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

mike new york, ny — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:03:55 GMT

I believe its time we stop paying attention to religous sensitivities and judge people for who/what they are - did we stop bombing Nazi snipers out of Churches in Europe because they were Christian? Did we not firebomb Tokyo because of Shinto Shrines? Bottom line - the fact we are making Islam more important than other religions, and allowing special rules to dictate foreign policy and military action putting our citizens lives at risk because of this. Do we think we would have won WWII with these stupid rules? We need to view these terrorists nhilists as the scum they are and their actions represent - or we are destined to fail, and we will pass along a more dangerous world to our children.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Dave Alan — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:03:58 GMT

A group that makes Islamic fundamentalists seem progressive? Hard to believe, but maybe you've found it. I think it is a shame that the Western world allows sovereignty to peoples who behave in such backward ways. Governments should only be allowed that are free from religion.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Johnnycakes, Conroe, TX — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:04:01 GMT

The sad part is, everyone here is quick to judge the way the Muslims approach other religions, but surprisingly, no one notices that Christianity is almost as bad. Sure, eventually they got away from burning pagans at the stake, enslaving native populations and destroying their culture, or marching into the Holy Land and starting the war with the Muslims to begin with...but so many of them think that not only is their version of God the only one, but that fact makes them more right and holier than other Americans. This "blessed state" gives them the right to dictate what we see on TV, what is ok in music and art, denying rights to whole groups of people because they are different, and trying to push science back into the dark ages. (ok, well, not really medicine, because they are more than happy to listen to their doctors...but the rest of science is bunk. <cough>). Are people in this country really so blind to think that letting our Constitution be raped and supplanted by a specific religion makes us no better than the Muslim countries we profess to hate? Let us become a Theocracy and see how long it takes for these type of news articles to be focused on our country...maybe they will be wiping out the gays...or Mormons...or Buddhists.

This is a sad story, and as someone who went to school for cultural anthropology, I really hope that someone can capture their history and beliefs before it is too late. It is in our diversity that we find the true artwork of the Divine...by whatever name you choose to call it.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Imran Ahmad, Karachi, Pakistan — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:04:03 GMT

Ignorance, lack of knowledge, brain washed,,,,, the typical qualities attributed only to Americans is well reflected by all of the above comments. May be when you'll have a life other than to worry about mortgages, sex, taxes, selfish rush for money, celebrities, and media propaganda only, then, one can hope for some sanity and rationale from you.

Its better to shush up if you haven't a clue of what you're talking about.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Peter, Memphis TN — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:05:33 GMT

Intolerance of different groups such as the Yazidis is the ultimate in hubris. Muslims committing suicide attacks must believe they are justified, but I can not conceive that, when they come to the "Pearly Gates", or whatever their religion calls the entry into heaven, that, with all of their innocent victims also seeking entry, that they (the attackers) will not be going the other way. Any religion presenting the case to the contrary is a religion of perhaps not fools, but at the very least extraordinarily gullible individuals willing to embrace evil as good.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Dan Hink, Solider — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:07:03 GMT

Once again we see the evil of religion, ALL RELIGION!!
There is no invisible old man floating above us, watching all of our insanity, which is CAUSED by the absurd belief in that floating old man. We will kill each other until we grow up, and stop fearing the darkness. There is no god, there never has been a god, and even if there was a god, if it allowed this to happen, then its name is EVIL! Stop worshipping evil, and believe in, and help people, they are all that matter.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

steve in the midwest — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:15:48 GMT

The religious mind is much the same as the poetic mind: it immediately "surrounds" the emergence of the Sacred within any given culture with the metaphors available to the religious mind from that culture. All religions differ in their metaphors, and in that "region" of the Sacred that has emerged for them in their own place and time, in response to whatever crisis that particular people were enduring at the time of the emergence. On the other hand, all religions are "the same" in the ultimate nature of the One they have encountered. The problem comes with the wooden-minded -- and religious folks have no "corner" on that market! -- cannot distinguish metaphorical language from more rigidly "defined" language.

Given that, I find the Yazidis fascinating, and like many here, hope and pray anthropologists (with some religious sensitivities, btw; ones who realize this is a way of life anchored in the deepest regions we know in the human soul) will "capture" this rich culture before it disappears entirely, or, what could be even worse in a way, before it becomes just another consumer item.

Personally I see nothing endemic to Islam that lies behind this atrocity. (We) Christians have our own list of horrors throughout history, and in turn have always managed to find ample biblical "precedent" to "justify" the horrors. The problem at this particular moment, or so it would seem to me, is that there is no "highest authority" in Islam -- be it a person and/or an office, and/or creeds and confessions that are accepted as normative interpretations of the faith ... and accordingly that make clear where legitimate interpretations (and consequent behaviors) end and illegitimate interpretations (and consequent behaviors) begin. A powerful appeal in Islam is its simplicity. Ironically, in times like ours, that also may be a problem: ours is anything but a simple world, and authoritative nuances are needed desperately.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

LuneKeltkar, Punta Gorda, Florida — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:20:15 GMT

Bill Rodd wrote: "At least they are not nutcases like the muslim fundamentalists who only want to slit the throats of 'infidels'." And Teannah wrote: "And how sad, the way I did learn of these people. They are probably not long for this world now."

I wonder if Bill and Teannah checked out the link to the article that recounted the stoning of a teen-age girl by these Yazidi animals. This act is abhorrent beyond belief, and I shudder to think what I might be personally capable of, if it were given into my hands to punish the men who did this. In this *particular* instance, the girl and the men who stoned her were not Islamic. They were Yazidi, savage people who could gather in a howling group and pitch cinder blocks at a young girl. *For a half hour* until she finally died. Still, Islamic people also carry out similarly barbaric "honor" killings. I wish that people would stop calling them "honor" killings, because if any human act is totally devoid of honor, it's these killings. And I'm tired of hearing the crap, "Oh, you just don't understand the cultural differences." I'm sick of it. Jane Arraf can mewl over the barbarians all she wants. Some things are reprehensible and inhuman in *any* age, in *any* culture. Here's one example.

God almighty, it's all just to awful to contemplate. I have no faith left in humanity.

Lune

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

David Landi Warwick, RI — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:21:19 GMT

In a matter of hours we should begin to hear the Democratic spin on how we are to blame for the tragic genocide in Irag. The Muslums the world over will be silent as they mumble pathetic wispers of persecution, denigration and degradation by the west and their loss of power and influence of millenia ago, while I sit at work pondering my draft age childrens fate in the big war to come. As we again get front seats in the eternal battle of peoples murdering in the name of their God. What a pathetic bunch we all have become.
David L.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Austin A — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:27:28 GMT

The Zoroastrians were very early believers in God. Let them practice their religion in peace.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Kitty, Easton PA — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:28:01 GMT

Another religion what a surpise! Not really. I was thought it your faith was worth anything you told people about it...not the other way around. Strange? I'm sorry that the who area is insane to me. I'm hopeful that once we leave they can continue their crusaides and we can read about the underdeveloped contries in the world that we once thought we could help. It is time to move on people.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Paul Cayer, Torrington, CT — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:36:08 GMT

I remember back in April watching the grainy video of the beautiful young girl being stoned to death by the men of her own village. How repulsed I was at this spectacle. I did not understand at the time that a non-muslim sect was reponsible. Now the sect has been given a dose of retaliation, times 500 or so. As we read the about the bizarre beliefs of this sect, let us not forget about our own "sects" who believe the earth was created in its present form 6,000 years ago, a virgin gave birth to a holy man who walked on water, was later killed, rose from the dead, and then flew up into the clouds body and all. The fanaticism with which humans believe these moronic religious tenets posed no problem when the peoples of the world were isolated from one another. Now however, we have reached the 'Tipping point". The era of instantaneous communication and easy travel has created a very small world indeed, and has multipled exponentially the potential for cross-cultural conflict. And we ain't seen nuthin' yet. Wait till global warming kicks in - the geopolitical changes wrought by rapid climate change will be devastating.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Ricardo, Redlands CA — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:38:11 GMT

I hope they take the fight to the muslims. Lets arm them, train them, and let them reak havoc in Iraq, then we'll see how the wakco-muslims like being tagets.

We in America have this idea that the rest of the world thinks like we do--peace, love, getting along with everyone--problem is when you deal with people who still think they live in the 1400's, there is no way to stop the violence.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

bckshl, Sacramento, CA — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:49:31 GMT

To Karachi, Pakistan

Ignorance, lack of knowledge, brain washed,,,,, the typical qualities attributed only to Americans is well reflected by all of the above comments. May be when you'll have a life other than to worry about mortgages, sex, taxes, selfish rush for money, celebrities, and media propaganda only, then, one can hope for some sanity and rationale from you.

Its better to shush up if you haven't a clue of what you're talking about.
Imran Ahmad, Karachi, Pakistan (Sent Wednesday, August 15,

You are right, I for one have no clue as to killing because of my religious beliefs or border disbutes. And yet millions have come here. go figure.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Neal, Birmingham — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:51:21 GMT

Please remember that we are all made in the image and likeness of our Creator, whether we recognize it or not. Whether we are believers or non-believers in any religious tradition is, in the eyes of God, meaningless--we are all human beings with the same rights and responsibilities to each other. Let us hope that we will all come to realize the dignity that is inherent in each of us simply by virtue of the fact that we are human beings. May the Almightly forgive us for all the evil that we have done to one another.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

MANDRE BURRELL-ROBERTS DALLAS TEXAS — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:52:16 GMT

MANDRE B ROBERTS DALLAS TEXAS

IT IS PAINFULLY CLEAR THAT EVERYONE ON THIS BEAUTIFUL EARTH, CAN NOT JUST ENJOY THE GIFT OF LIFE. I DARE EVEN ONE OF YOU CHRISTIANS, MUSLIMS, OR EVEN YAZIDIS TO PROVIDE UNBIAS UNQUESTIONABLE PROOF THAT YOUR RELIGION IS THE ONE! IT IS NOT POSSIBLE. HOWEVER IT IS YOUR RIGHT TO BELEIVE IN WHATEVER... BUT WHAT IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF EVERYONES EYES..IS OUR WONDERFUL OPPORTUNUITY OF LIFE. THIS GIFT...IS OUR ONE CHANCE TO MEET , LOVE, AND HOPEFULLY LEARN EVERYTHING WE CAN ABOUT EACH OF OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS, AND THEIR WAY OF LIFE. THIS IRREFUTABLE, THIS IS THE SOLE PURPOSE OF LIFE..TO PROVE THAT WE "DESERVE" SOMETHING BETTER...KILLING PEOPLE BECAUSE OF THE DIFFERENCES OF OPINIONS ON THE PATH OF SALVATION, AN IMPOSSIBLE SUBJECT TO PROVE...IS NOT IT

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Nedra, Asheville NC — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:59:34 GMT

I was raised to believe that both your political affiliation and your religious belief were private matters. They were not discussed with others, even if those others believed (or professed to believe) the same as you. I will never understand why people of all walks (funndamentalists, evangelicals, militant groups, or even people writing commentary on a website) shove their religious tenets into the face of the world. Is your faith in what you say you believe so shaky that you need the corroboration of others in order to feel more secure? The American Sheeple do feel safer in the herd, and what a sad faith that is. As far as politics, I find it terribly high-handed that anyone dares to assume they know what another culture, or another government, "needs to do" in order to fix the "problem". Remember, the true god of these United Stated is Capitalism. Any other religion is second place. How can we presume to reconcile the differences of cultures far older than our own when we have such glaring discrepancies at home? Our sanctimonious behavior didn't start their problems, but it certainly waved it arms and said "Hey, over here!"

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

J Dough Orlando Fl — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:59:45 GMT

This area is the seat of ancient civilization!! (think Mesopotamia) The Sumerians and where are the Assyrians? Christian religion has only been around for 2007 years and you think you are right and know the way? Muslims, Jews and christians all have the same god!!! Two have different messiahs and one has not come yet! It is a different reading of the same book! Do not forget the Inquisitions!! AND BY GOD ANY GOD AT ALL DO NOT FORGET THE NATIVE AMERICANS WHOSE GENOCIDE BY CHRISTIANS GOES BY WITHOUT A MENTION!!! MANIFEST DESTINY MY A#$

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Leilani Burns Long Beach CA — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 23:05:15 GMT

A people who pay homage to a fallen Angel?
A people with no educated females?
A people who stone a young woman who would want to marry outside the sect?
I hate that these people were targeted for murder, because of their beliefs. There are no winners here, only losers.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Mahamed suufi — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 23:05:38 GMT

the voilence in iraq is caused by the US - a big christian country that killed thousands of people and destroyed one of the middle eastern best countries in terms of anciant wisdon. Iraq was one of the most advanced nations in middle east. what really make me sad is the above comments looks like an indoctirinated hatred against muslims wheathe secular or deeple religious.
THe big cristian and secular nations practice racism when they attacked those nations in arab, asians, and african who cannot defend them selves. Iraq was never threat to those countries. ALqiada was small group of idiots like thousands of groups that exists in the western countries who are christians.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

sheila accongio — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 23:09:11 GMT

How awful the genocide; the death of children and their families. This made worse by many thoughtless and heartless comments submitted here. My heart is with those survivors who must bear the awful grief and pain.

Leaving religion aside momentarily, we see one group murder hundreds of their Iraqi countrymen because they didn't like their THINKING. No outrage? No comments of concern from thoe enlightened middle-eastern rulers and mullahs?

Muslims, now pull up that comforting blanket of Islam, worn threadbare by an historic creed of violence and murder. So which Muslim group was it that actually DID the devils work? They of course deserve reward by Satan in his paradise.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

nicka26@hotmail.com — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 23:16:01 GMT

It's all George Bush's fault. If he hadn't taken out Saddam, this would have never happened. Saddam would not have let this happen, or at least would have covered it up. Hopefully Hillary will straighten it out when she becomes the president.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Daniel, Kansas City, MO — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 23:16:16 GMT

Yikes,

So much of the world is ill. Yazidis are another example of the power that evil has to corrupt the souls of man. Every time a sect emerges it seems to exert unrighteous dominion over weak minded souls. The poor in spirit and oppressed people are heavy laden with the the burden of any movement (no matter how old) that exploits them.

We are trying so hard to destroy the family of man. This is another sad testimony. God is God, not a metaphor for deity, not to be had for our good use. We need a planetary time-out from hate. It won't happen as long as we treat hate as a profitable enterprise.

Daniel

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Tonkawa Bill — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 23:18:55 GMT

Don't know what type of Christianity you refer to. When we love others, we respect their right to believe as they will. Actions may be judged, not people. Have a GREAT day. Tonkawa-Bill ... [ The fundamental flaw of Christianity is its refusal to acknowledge the rights of the individual to thier own religous beliefs. The Christian world must denounce and act against this narrow minded fundamentalizm.If they fail to do so there will be more massacres and atrocities like we saw today. This will be a lesson learned through the blood of thosands of innocents regardless their religous affilliation.
Lucrecia Borgia, Vatican City (Sent Wednesday, August 15, 2007 5:57 PM)

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Mary Ann, Kentucky — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 23:24:58 GMT

This is just too much to bear alone anymore. The world community has got to come together and stop these horrendous, murderous thugs of humanity. It is time for all good nations to band together and rid the world of the Islamic muslim fascists intent overpowering the world in the name of Satan by bringing hell, fire and damnation to anything and everybody in their way. Sooner or later, God is going to take a stand and may He have mercy on their souls.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

dosey — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 23:38:50 GMT

To vega from san diego and john florida i'm really ashamed to see such racists rants against muslims,
i'm a muslim and denounce these acts like everyone else or more, according to our religion killing a innocent no matter which RELIGION is like killing the rest of the world and there's no forgiveness from Allh for these kind of acts. Muslim community is to blamed for not having a media like the western world that can put out the feelings of muslims, their leaders and priests. western media just shows news that it thinks is interesting to its people and keep the ratings up. everyone of my friend and family who's a muslim condemn these heinous acts. when i'm rich enough i would get a news channel and show the real news.
for that matter even america is built on bloodshed what happened to native americans by whites i wouldn't want it come upon any human race in comparison this al-qda is like a drop in the ocean of bloodshed. before i forget(yawn) don't forget the crusaders and catholics in the centuries gone. so plz don't blame islam for what a handful of politically driven nuts are doing in the name of islam. Imran from karachi you're so right.
except for a handful of americans it useless to talk to them. watching tv, copying celebrities, self indulgence and ignorance are the only things that they do.
now MSNBC you better publish this one. if you don't i'll know that you don't to put a muslims feeling in front of these people plus i watch all your news from morning till evening from chris jansing to dan abrams though i like to only watch chris matthews.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Kathy G. Phoenix, AZ — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 23:41:38 GMT

I can't help but wonder what ever happend to the story about the day God made us all indiviuals, and gave us free will. He did not say go kill someone becasue they do not believe exactly the same as another human. There is on right or wrong religion because God made us all different and long as no one gets hurt and you have the freedom to choose, then there should not be an issue. The problem is someone put men in charge and that totally screwed it all up.... Men want the power and glory and it has nothing to do with God what so ever. How can you look yourself in the mirror and say you beleive in God when you just killed another human beign because they choose to be something other than you. It's just shameful a young women had to die becasue of your idiodic beliefs. Or should I say your power, becasue thats what it comes down to. If you loose someone you lost the control and the power not the Religion.... Stop hiding behind religion and get to the heart of the truth here. As far as how women are treated all over the world, they should stand up and say it loud. WE ARE NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE. You men are morans. Just remember God my had put you here first but with us women you would not be here today. There is no way on this God's green earth that I would ever allow a man to treat me in the mannor you treat your women. This is the year 2007. Get real... I am sick to death off all this talk. My son is in Irag fighting for what, so you all can kill each other anyways. Just stop the madness. I have a solution all you so called religious fanatics why don't all you go out into the steets line up and kill each other and than let the women take over. They will do a much better job than you. You think about power and glory we think about freedom and caring for our fellow humans no matter what religion we are. And for all the women out there that are mind controlled I truely feel sorry for you. As for you men just shut up give it up and let peolpe have there freedom back. This is just sicken, enough is enough. I am sorry to tell you there is NOT BUT ONLY ONE TRUE RELIGION. GOD DID NOT MAKE US TO THINK THAT WAY. And for all you sucide bommers you are nothing but cowards, men with no B - - -s. You can not stand up against an army so you have to kill innocent woman and childern in my book you are no man. The woman in the good ole USA would stand up against you and you would still run and hide like cowards..... You make me sick.... I am just glad that God is on my side..Any one that kills another for religious beleifs are working for Satan not God..

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Charlotte Lucier, MA Florida — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 23:43:02 GMT

Wow! Way Cool! I might not agree with their ideas of not educating females and not marrying outside their sect (or stoning-horrible) but isn't that their right? Isn't that what the US Constitution meant when it wrote that we had the fundemental right to practice the religion (or not) of our choice? I was raised Catholic but am not a follower. I believe that there is a supreme being-Good- as well as its conterpart- Evil-everything has to balance in life. We have no right, as Westerners or what ever we choose to call ourselves(this includes those in the Middle East and the rest of the world), to judge them because of what they believe. Americans have forgotten the genocide attempted on US soil towards the indigenous people who lived here, freely I might add, until we came to conquer their land in what was stated as our "God given right". Man made that coice, not God (or whatever you choose to believe) and man makes the choice to war or to love. It is that simple people-make a choice-Love or hate. One leads to harmony and the other to wars, suicide bombings and genocide. Did you know that the current Dalai Lama asked the US to help durning the Chinese invasion of his country and we did not lift a finger. He is one of the wisest people I know and he oversees his country in exile. The Chinese murdered and raped monks and nuns, stole gold and land from a country that never fought a war, wasn't materialist and might have been considered backwards to us Americans. They fought because they had to-it was their country, not China's and had been ruled, compasionately and fairly by the Dalai Lama(and his reincarnates) for centuries. They were peaceful yet they were tortured and no one came to help-they snunk out the current Dalai Lama in 1959 disguised in a Chinese military uniform. He almost died but that Supreme Being we so highly prize and profess belief in was looking out for him. Will that Surpreme being do any less for the Yazidi? I believe that Surpreme Being is looking out for them because we now know of them. Maybe we don't approve of their practices as we did not approve of early Morman polygomy but do we have the right to just sit back and watch them die due to genocide? I say no we don't have that right, any more than we have the right to judge them for their beliefs. Wake up people and open your minds-it could be you next time, could be your state, your country-9-11 was proof of that. Open your minds and your hearts-we have already forced one group of people to live on "reservations" and killed them off so that there are few left who remember their old ways and their beliefs and they struggle to hold on to them and make them known to any who wish to know them. The Yazidis are trying to do that too, but we have to give them time and space. All things change-including religions-over time. Wait and see. Say what you will but I will hope and pray for their survival for one day it could be me and mine. Peace and Love people, Peace and Love
PS I hope this actually gets published; it is the biggest statement I have made against injustice since Vietnam ( I am aware of Rhawanda, Dafur, and others around the world so do not think I am an idiot-just tired of it and spoke out and will speak again you can bet on it!) and I was 11 then, I am 47 now and still believe in the power of Peace and Love and I AM A HUMAN ANIMAL-Homo Sapien-and not always proud of our species but Darwin said everything evolves-maybe one day we will.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Paul, Fayetteville, NC — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 23:44:09 GMT

For about six months i lived with the Yazidis. This was by far the most peaceful place i experienced in my 2 years in Iraq. It is a shame that something like this could happen to such a peaceful group of people. Regardless of your religion thank your god for soldiers that swear before theirs to defend those who cant or wont defend themselves

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Kay Bradford, Nampa, ID — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 23:45:01 GMT

This is why the war in Iraq will never be over even if we leave. Saddum, at least, was strong enough to keep a lid on the hatred. They have been fighting among themselves in the name of religion for over 2000 years. They are not civilized and never will be. I cannot believe the atrocities committed in the name of religion.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Janet Cruz, Kamiah Idaho — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 23:45:14 GMT

The world seems to be divided into those people who think they are "right" and want to destroy every other opinion, and those who are open and welcoming to new and different truths. As science has shown us, truth can always grow more perfect, if we are open to new evidence, and if we test things for proof. The early Israelites had it right, the best moral stance is to be welcoming to the stranger, not just tolerant. The worst moral stance is to abuse the stranger, as happened in the city of Sodom, and for which God destroyed the whole town. We, in America are just as guilty as the Islamic extremists when we want to deport and deny the migrant workers who come to our land with strange language and customs. As John Florida said, these people are human beings first, not illegal aliens. When any people do not allow freedom of belief, (such as the Yazidi) they should be restrained, not destroyed.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

HAVE MORE TOLERANCE! — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 23:55:05 GMT

WHAT'S AMAZING TO ME IS THE JUDGEMENT I HEAR IN THE COMMENTS! THIS IS "EXACTLY" WHAT IS BEHIND THIS EVIL ACT! HATE IS POWERFUL!! WHAT EVER YOU WANT TO CALL YOURSELF...DO IT! DON'T JUDGE OTHERS FOR WHAT THEY WANT TO BELIEVE. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE THE BEGINING OF TIME. HISTORY REPEATING IT'S SELF OVER AND OVER! WHEN ARE WE GOING TO STOP AND LEARN? WHERE YOU HAVE JUDGEMENT... YOU WILL FIND HATE!
I FEEL, "TOLERANCE" IS BETTER THAN JUDGEMENT. THAT'S NOT SO HARD TO HANDLE IS IT?

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Mary Ann — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 23:57:04 GMT

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Scott, Wichita KS — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 23:57:11 GMT

In the support of Christianity....
This is what Lucricia Borgia from Vatican City had to say:
"The fundamental flaw of Christianity is its refusal to acknowledge the rights of the individual to thier own religous beliefs. The Christian world must denounce and act against this narrow minded fundamentalizm.If they fail to do so there will be more massacres and atrocities like we saw today. This will be a lesson learned through the blood of thosands of innocents regardless their religous affilliation."
Appreciate your comments....Christianity does actually acknowledge the rights of the individual to thier own religous beliefs (which is called the right to choose or free will) with the bible stating that "I (Jesus) am the truth and the light. No one comes to the Father accept through me." If you take offense to that, that is your choice of response to that statement. It is NOT saying you cannot choose to believe something else. It does NOT mean you will never live another happy moment or be successful or have a loving wife and kids. It DOES mean that you will not meet God when you die. With that being said, It is wrong for Christians to say you don't have a right to make your own choice. We are to be respectors of persons regardless of their beliefs. If you are a Christian and struggle with this, you need to have your pastor check you on it, and hopefully they are on the same page too. Some Pastors views are not necesarily Biblically correct either. As the Bible says, "Love thy neighbor as yourself" Case closed.

As to this article in particular. No society is perfect. Eastern, Western hemisphere. It does not matter. We all need to be respecter of persons. (not condoning stoning or no education-don't know quite what to say about that.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

J Manning — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:00:32 GMT

Education hating inbreeding teenage girl killing peacock angel worshippers. if we "discovered" them in west virginia they'd be internationally reviled. As it stands all the idiots host a pity party and a save the children telethon to "preserve their culture." Should we preserve the nazis and the khmer rouge as well for their cultural uniqueness? I say the hell with them. you reap what you sow, and these people sow cinderblocks. check the links and do your homework before you waste your precious sympathy.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Mary Ann, Kentucky — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:06:32 GMT

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

begie Miller Tempe AZ — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:07:03 GMT

Have you noticed that the most backward nations, all of them, believe men are superior to women. Do you see that in nations where women are denied an education and not allowed to work outside of the home that those nations are the poorest nations? Men are physically stronger than women, as a rule, but they weaken their lives by not granting freedom and equality to women. In the U.S.,some slaves did not crave freedom, not until they tasted it, and then they wanted more and more. It is the same for women who have been raised to believe that they are "protected" by not having the freedom to go outside of their homes alone. With freedom for all women, women enjoy more respect when they travel outside the home. Ask women travelers in which countries they are safer. Religion and mysogyny are the two greatest evils in the world, and they often go together.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

John Doe — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:07:16 GMT

I know this may be a little on the far side, but fear can be a strong weapon. What would happen if it were a fact that all muslim terrorist body parts were feed to pigs?

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Sherryl T, Bloomington, IL — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:09:27 GMT

I personally found the original article interesting, and well written; very informative, and lacking in the bigoted/biased slander that followed in most of the comments. I would like to add a few of my own thoughts on the matter and if I offend anyone- I apoligize in advance as this is not my intent.

The United States was founded by a group of people who wanted numerous "freedoms"- religion being one of them. That aspect has been seperated from government, sadly enough, as I believe that the 10 commandments were simple, basic, and a good foundation. The expansion of rights and wrongs as societies grew was inevitable to accomodate our changing times, as was our inability to fairly "pass judgement" of the wrongdoer's. Our legal system reflects this, as does our intolerance of other religions/sexual orientation/race,ect. But we "Americans" are not alone in our bias- "Racism" is not limited to color- it reflects religous belief, gender bias, education, and social status..WORLDWIDE. Yes, as an American, I worry about mortgage payments, not making enough money to feed and clothe my family, being able to afford a car to get myself to/from work (2 miles a day). We live modestly, while I envy immigrants who come to this country and tirelessly try to barter for our goods and services as is the apparrent custom in their country, I wait for 50% off sales at Big Lots and Walmart so my family can exist slightly above the poverty level and stay off of welfare. I can't afford cable/satelite tv, so "celebrities" do not really have an effect on me. Unknown to the rest of the world- I probably represent a good portion of the "true American" whom you know nothing about. The tabloids tend to skip stories on us, because were pretty boring, although we may be the majority. I find it sad that anyone can justify hurting/killing anyone else for any reason, but even sadder is the in the knowledge that atrocities have existed since the beginning of time, and will continue. Humans create atrocities in the name of ridding the world of them. We want to learn from other cultures, but mankinds behavior never change. History supports this fact. However, if you ban education you have no concept of history do you? Maybe we should practice the "do unto others.." technique, be a lttle more respectful of others beliefs/opinions, and practice tolerance, while promoting it.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

S, VA — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:10:56 GMT

Does the latest sad chapter of aggressive intolerance from the extremist Muslim populace come as a surprise to anyone? As has been suggested by another poster here- no, I simply do not understand the rationale of a society that embraces violence to the extent that it becomes the only 'tool' available to them, supplanting nearly all other means of problem-solving to the extent that even effectively communicating differences becomes an impossible impasse.
And so I stand accused of ignorance, and I'm certain that my trivial endeavors (paying the mortage, paying taxes, watching television and having sex)- however misunderstood, certainly contribute quite heavily. I can, however personally attest to one marvelous quality of these undertakings: I simply do not find myself so consumed with contempt for my fellow man that I would flatten his neighborhood with an explosive-laden fuel tanker. I would expect certain persons to remain convinced that I have no life and/ or am (are) brainwashed because of my persuits (which clearly demonstrates the underlying fundamental obsession with contempt as alluded to above), although I can assure you that my neighbors find comfort in my non-threatening mannerism. It's important to get along with your neighbors after all.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Tired of BS Pittsburgh,Pa — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:15:37 GMT

To Imran the Pakistani,
You do sound like you have been" indoctrinated". Is that what you have learned? Your description of the people that have fed, sheltered and provided care for millions of people around the world seems to come from some radical extreemist text, what we used to call "Propaganda".
Get your head out of your butt.
Try your bullshit on the Chineese or the Russians they won't stand for it.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Muneer. St. louis, MO — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:19:39 GMT

It is unbelievable how some people in the west will attack all muslims and throw all kinds of bad labels at them, because of a small number of fanatics who are waging war against everyone who does not worship the way they worship. Most muslims are against fundamentalists and they do not condone their acts. All muslim countries are fighting them in their own backyards, from Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and many others. All these countires have suffered against the fundamentalists. If the U.S. and the west can't stop them, why do we blame small third world countries for not doing enough. What can ordinary muslims do? Why is it that a lot of people here in the U.S. die daily from drunken driving, crimes, diseases, poverty, gangs, drugs and guns, and yet you do not hear people protesting and doing anything about it!! Should we blame all Americans for it, and say why do they allow it to happen!!!

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Amin, Long Island — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:22:25 GMT

As I read these comments, I feel compelled to respond. People only hear about Islam when they read an article in the newspaper which does not tell what the principles of Islam really are. I goes many of the readers, never heard about the Crusades when Chrisitans invaded Jerusalem and slaughtered Muslims, Jews, Christians and every living creatures because they lived together. Also, Andulus,Spain where the Jews fled because of the Inquisition where Muslims protected them. No doubt that there are Muslims extreminists and people who claim to be Muslims who violate the laws of Islam; just as there are false worshippers in all religions. Do yourself a favor before you speak about Islam or any other religion take the time to learn about that which you speak.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

nadia aziz — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:25:59 GMT

To all of you that comment, I'm from Iraq and from the north, those ppl are very nice ppl they work hard they harm no one, and what happen to the girl that was stoned to death,the Moslems do the same thing to whoever convert to different religions.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Bill Petty, Owatonna, Minnesota — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:31:52 GMT

You just can't fix STUPID!!!

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

dosey — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:32:54 GMT

i should've known that you wouldn't print my blog.
you're succeeding in potraying muslims don't speak out about this heinous crimes.
i'm sorry keith olberma and chris matthews i'll never watch you guys coz i won't watch this channel ever again.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Jerry B, Odessa — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:33:05 GMT

The true muslim creed goes like this. Those that are my enemy are my enemy. Those that are indifferent to my enemy are my enemy. The friends of my enemy are my enemy. Those who don't know my enemy are my enemy. The children of my enemy are my enemy. The unborn children of my enemy are my enemy. In fact everyone is my enemy.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

A Patriot — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:37:27 GMT

I encourage all Americans to stop caring so much about what goes on in the world outside these 50 states. There is no greater tragedy than the crime, murder, rape, molestation of children, starving American children, single mother and fatherhood,lack of healthcare and all the other atrocities that occur on our own shores every day every year year after year!!
Before we go looking over the fence telling others to clean up their yards, we should turn around and make sure our own is clean.

All these atrocities that occur here in the US, and on top of all that we witness the gradual and deliberate destruction of our most sacred way of life, our Democracy, by a man who disrepects our very way of life and due process by writing "executive Orders" in order to circumvent our Most basic and sacred document and belief system, the Constitution Of The United States of America.
All this talk of religion and whom is right and wrong and no mention by all these Americans of the most sacred religion of all for those of us blessed enough to live here, Democracy. Lets bring it back, clean up our country and then, maybe then we can take our good fight to the streets of the world once more.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

David Rogers, Seattle, Wash. — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:37:28 GMT

With all due respect to Muslims, the intolerance of other belief systems which is at the core of their religion is going to result in their eventual extermination, unless Muslim leadership acts to abolish this intolerance.

Comparing Christianity's call to proselytize (recruit) their faith to the Islams call for "death to infidels" is asinine - these are not even on the same scale.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Viper — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:44:44 GMT

As the Jews rightly term, monotheistic religions Christianity and Islam are really fake religions spreading hatred and violence around the globe. All they have given to the world is misery. The missionary work of Christians with ulterior motive of conversion and the opening declared motive of Islam as “conversion with a knife” are just fueling hate. Korean missionary rags created an unwanted incident in Afghanistan, just one more of Christian menace.
Conversion attitude among Islam and Christianity may well be the root cause of intolerance among its faithful. May be political leaders in all countries in the world should start to ban all forms of conversions and declare Islam and Christianity as no more than political parties and the their followers are meager party workers..

Thus once Islam and Christianity are classified as political parties then the governments can handle them with proper might the way they handled Nazi’s.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Lex — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:51:28 GMT

Consider the perversion of thought that believes that shredding "blasphemers" like the Yazidis, and thereby dispatching them all to hell (in the purest Islamic reckoning) is pleasing to "Allah!"

It appears to have been quite enough that al Qaeda would simply warn the Yazidis one week in advance that their beliefs are "anti-Islamic," but knowing full well that these folks were not about to "repent" of the errors of their ways and become Sunnis, al Qaeda was only too pleased to send the useful idiot "martyrs" with their truck bombs to impose "Allah's" just punishment on such defiant rejection of REVEALED TRUTH!!

In other words, kill them all in the most vicious manner possible. Allah demands no less!

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Steve, Earth — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:56:50 GMT

I hate to admit this but Dan Hink, Soldier makes the most sense. It does seem like people worship evil. All of the worlds religions seem to have started about the same time (suffice it to say a long time ago). The rules and teachings initially were passed orally through generations then via written word in ancient languages, translated over and over again, interpreted by a whole host of both self-serving and honerable clergy. Now we are left with a human race with a fractured and lethal "religious" beliefs. There are so many branches of Christianity, and I couldnt begin to spell out the differences. Expand that situation to all of the Worlds religions. We have a conundrum on our hands. I'm starting to believe all religions are dangerous because there are so many zealots trying to ram their belief system down the throats of everyone else. Whether the ram is a pot luck chicken dinner or killing an entire family the intent is the same...change beliefs.
I often wonder how different the world would be if there were no religion,,,or at least one clearly defined and believable religion, where all people lived by the Golden Rule (Do unto others as you would have them do unto you). I think that would be all any of us could ask for. Sorry for rambling but I do think something got twisted in the translation of religions a long time ago, and we are all buying into the "we're right and they're wrong syndrome". I'll sit back now and have people beat me up with scripture designed for naysayers such as myself....

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

pope — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:04:52 GMT

As the Jews rightly term, monotheistic religions Christianity and Islam are really fake religions spreading hatred and violence around the globe. All they have given to the world is misery. The missionary work of Christians with ulterior motive of conversion and the opening declared motive of Islam as “conversion with a knife” are just fueling hate. Korean missionary rags created an unwanted incident in Afghanistan, just one more of Christian menace while the above massacre speaks of Islam.
Conversion attitude among Islam and Christianity may well be the root cause of intolerance among its faithful. May be political leaders in all countries in the world should start to ban all forms of conversions and declare Islam and Christianity as no more than political parties and the their followers are meager party workers.

Thus once Islam and Christianity are classified as political parties then the governments can handle them with proper might the way they handled Nazi’s.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

George, Austin, Texas — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:11:05 GMT

I do not understand this faith or religion. Suprising these beliefs can exist in a modern world with mass communication. Most old and backward views are eventually transformed or assimilated with the passage of time. We all, including this religious sect, must practice tolerance. Killing other people because of their differances only causes more suffering for all. Live and let live.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Jeremy Marr, Monroe, MI US — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:13:54 GMT

This is another reason I'm going to add to my ever growing list of "Reasons I Carry No Faith." All faiths are under the impression that they are the right/only/best/true ones. THEY ARE DECEIVED. All faiths are under the impression that their "holy texts" prove that they are real and their god(s) exists. THEY ARE DECEIVED. No faith can prove that their god(s) exists or their religion is the true one. That is why it is called FAITH.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

eamad j mazouri, Saginaw, MI — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:16:41 GMT

The right name is (Ezidis) and they are all Kurds. Their current prince is Tahseen Beg. Their holiest shrine is in Lalesh between Duhok and Mosul governorates within Iraqi Kurdistan. The majority of them are in Iraqi Kurdistan. The rest are spread among Turkey, Syria, Armenia, georgia, Russia and Germany.Their religion is closed to new followers, therefore they remain toally Kurdish. They speak Northern Kurdish dialect and their two sacred books Mishafa Rash & Jalwa are written in Kurdish language.Some theories say they are an ancient pre-Islamic sect or the remanats of Zoroastrians which was a dominant religion along Hudaism and Christianity among Kurds and Persian before Islam.Throughout history they have subjected to successive campaings especially by Ottomans to convert them to Islam to no avails. They are survivors and were able to preserve their religion against all odds.Now just like other Kurds they are becoming targets of terrorists in the Arabized Kurdish areas and they need protection.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Anthony, LA, CA — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:18:57 GMT

This "secret religious group" is no different in their practices then certain groups in parts of Central and South America as well as Africa to mention a few. There views may seem backward or unbelieveable to us, however they are following the same practices as the ancestors did hundreds of years ago. Imagine what Christianity was like during even the 1400s.
On the other point people have brought up, Islam, Christianity, Budism, and other religions are not the problem. The issue is how they are interpreted & taught. You can read several Bibles and get several different versions of God's teachings. The same can be said of the Qur'an. A difference is that in Islam there isn't a preacher, priest, raddi, etc that goes to school, learns the religion for several years not to mention that most of them study the Bible for a good portion of their lives before "teaching" others. With Islam, there is no "set guidelines" taught to individuals such as priest, raddis, etc who then go and teach the rest of the religions followers. The reason of this seems to be the desire for each individual to have a direct connection to Allah which seems to make sense. Just as in Christianity where having a connection to God and praying to him directly is encouraged. However, the individuals who typically "teach" Islam are sometimes motivated by greed & power. The problem we face as a planet is that of "Radical Islam" which is in no way reflective of the Islamic faith. People need to understand that there are billions of Muslims in the world and only an extremely small percentage are terrorist. It is unfair & ignorant of us to hate other Muslims or to talk down about there religion. For our world to move forward we need to embrace all religions & to work with the Muslim community to find peace and weed out the small terrorist percentage.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

RayFL — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:33:10 GMT

Let's stop blaming God for all the evil that men do! God is love and has provided ONE way to reconcile mankind with Himself, for ALL have fallen short of his standard of perfect holiness. No one will be able to stand before Him on his own merits. But God's perfect standard of Justice had to be also satisfied, so a perfect man had to pay the price for all of mankinds' evil. Since there is no such perfect man that qualifies to die for others' sins, but only his own, God Himself had to become man, and not sin, to pay with His death for all other mankind's evil acts. His name is Jesus (Yeshua, meaning the salvation of Yaweh). He said, I am the way the truth and the life, and NO ONE comes through the Father except through ME. Even us, christians are only forgiven sinners. Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ, believing that he died and resurrected to pay for your sins and to provide eternal life with God for those that ask Him for that divine gift! not by our good works. Be not followers of men, they will always dissapoint, no matter what religion. By the way, all other religious leaders died and are buried somewhere. Only Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life, and whoever believes in me, although he dies will live.
And yes, we must love one another, as He said and respect all people. God does not impose his gospel on anyone, but gave all free will. We should preach to all, but they must make their own decision. Any other way is wrong, no matter what religion commits it. This is the freedom that our christian founding fathers built into the US when they found them. The one that is sadly lacking in the muslim world.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

aerdna — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:34:33 GMT

I wish everyone would stop spouting Christianity, Islam, Yazidi-koos and all this other s***. Who the *#($#*& cares! Religion besmigion....why don't people just straighten up and fly right! There's nothing to be in "awe and wonder" about when it comes to ancient or "modern" "religions" (cults really) who believe in stoning, discrimination, revenge against the innocent...and a whole bunch of other mumbo jumbo we're all supposed to "love" and "protect". As soon as people give up their damned "religions" the healthier they (and we) are all going to be. Some of us aren't "recovering Catholics" for nothing!

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Chris Lake Belton, TX — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:34:39 GMT

God is Love, Love does not kill, We are born to live, only Evil destroys the gift...

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Tony Crawford Dallas, TX — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:37:01 GMT

Great story! I appreciate your dedication to reveal
another middle eastern religion. It is unfortunate
that so many are ignorant of the forced spread and control of Islam. We should learn before all christians and politically correct Americans are
servants to Islam.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

staface77@yahoo.com — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:38:55 GMT

I pray every day for God to forgive the so called muslims trying to sabotage our religion all because of money, and power...
HOLY QUR'AN;
SURAH 2; VERSE 62:
Surely those who believe and those who are jews, and the christians, and the sabians, who ever believe in Allah and the last day and does good, they shall have their rewards from their lord, and there is no fear for them, nor shall they grieve.

Islam is a religion of tolerance and the same qur'an says to you your religion and to me my religion...
I just dont know why people cant see the war in iraq or afganistan or pakistan is nothing other than the greedy nature of man to rule over another.
I am not an arab, I am a muslim from sierra leone west Africa, i was raised in war but i know no cause justifies the killing of another.
I am not a politician but its clear that the Americans, al qaidas, iranian or what ever are fighting eachother for, oil, money and power...

America preaches peace or means to protect the world in other to be in raq and the extremist used religion...

When the muslims were persecuted by their own people in mecca they were helped by the christian king in ethiopia AKA abyssina.
This same arabs that are practising extremism are the same arabs that were persecuting muslims in the early days of islam, when they were converted to islam do you think they abandoned completly their satanic beliefs ? no must of them are monafics...because eventhough the qur'an is written in their language they dont understand it or they used it to attain their evil goal.
As a human i feel sorry for the people killed yesterday in iraq because i know not every one of them stoned the girl that converted to islam to death...and at the same time i feel like throwing up every time a suicide bombing explodes and at the same time i feel like giving up when i see the American president lying to cover their satanic influences in the middle east...
I READ THE HOLY QURAN BECAUSE I GET TO KNOW GOD BETTER AND ALLAH I WONT GIVE UP ON MY FAITH BECAUSE SOME PSHYCHOTIC EXTRIMIST...ISLAM IS MY RELIGION

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Lazarus Zion — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:41:07 GMT

It seems a fundamental truth about humanity: that we look at "others" and their faults and forget what a mirror is there for. Just about every religion, race or nationality has found "evil" in "others" and has found a scapegoat for their own problems and their inability to deal with them. George Orwell's "1984" had it right: there always must be an enemy.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

James May — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:45:46 GMT

It is interesting to read all these blogs, about how stupid Americans are. The only stupidity is in not realizing the bleeding heart liberals and government agendas are diluting the true American spirit of tolerance, not acceptance, respect, not obedience, basic Christian doctrines without being a "respector of persons". Or in other words:do unto others..
In America we believe in rights, but not in paying for everyone to believe or do what they want, get a job, a life and earn respect in the mixing pot we call America. This is the spirit of America, treat a decent person decently, irregardless of religion,sex,
etc, but to cater to homos, muslims spanish speaking slaves, or any other poor beat-up sissy group, don't think so.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Tina B, Powell Wyoming — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:46:36 GMT

"The Christian world must denounce and act against this narrow minded fundamentalism."

Wow, NOW who is a fundamentalist? Part of the definition of fundamentalism is, "intolerance of other views."

Come on, folks, human beings are human beings. Life is life. I can not imagine shooting someone who likes vanilla just because I like chocolate. Nor can I imagine verbally persecuting that person and get them to like it.

I wish compassion was a world wide belief. But for now, I am responisble for my little corner of the world. Try it, you might like it.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

S/Assyrian,arizona — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:54:59 GMT

This is for J Dough in Florida, to answer your question "where are the Assyrians" well they are still in Iraq(majority in north iraq) and around the world scattered.Because of other invading nationalities like the persians,turks,arabs,english,kurds we had to leave our country and surrounding other countries just to survive as a nation that gets no acknowledgment and nobody wants recognize us or the geneocide we went through in 1913 and now , even today the media labels us as "christians"and not Assyrians when we were around before christ.Its just plane ignorance!

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

John — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 02:00:06 GMT

It,s there country let them do what they want,Cost of the War in Iraq
$452,355,772,126
3,600 American Lives
Over 1 Million Iraq's Citizens

You our telling me Iraq had a 1 million man Army with Hussin & Now they tell us that thay can't train
them in 4 years LOL.For the cost of that war that would buy alot of electric cars for people in this country yeah they could give those cars away and we would be way ahead.This war is taking us away from the real problem in this country.From what I see we are backing the wrong side again.I have a great idea just dont let anymore in this country and teach them to fly planes and just dont educate them,Then we would not have any problems.Lets FOCUS on AMERICA!
And God do we need a President.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Orlando, FL — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 02:06:07 GMT

What is amazing is the way that nobody is willing to take personal responsibility for their own actions any more. To say that Iraqis kill other Iraqis because of some external influence is very American. Surely they cannot be stupid enough to just go around killing one another, it must be someone else's fault. Just like Americans would never be stupid enough to feed their children fast food and make them fat, it must be the fast food restuarant's fault. The extremists claim to hate the West, but they have become the West. It is quite laughable. What will really have me rolling is when, in a number of years, they sue the U.S. for them killing one another. Oh wait, I think I just gave them an idea...oh snap.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Tim ,Jasper,Al — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 02:06:41 GMT

To Mahamed suufi the violence in iraq can be blamed on hatered. I for one would like to see all foreign troops to be able to leave Iraq. I would also like to see the people of Iraq stand together and build a government that would represent all of Iraq. If all people in the Middle East want us out of Iraq its simple work together stop killing each other and bring peace and stability to Iraq and then we can laeve. Personally I think we went for all the wrong reasons if it were up to me we would be out tomorrow. And as far as religion I believe in God I dont go to church like I should I believe everyone has the right to worship in whatever way they please. Without anyone threatening or killing them. Without hate there would be no violence.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Poison Okie — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 02:11:18 GMT

I'd like to read their book, and say what it aligns with. It sounds like the antedeluvian religion, often attributed to "Atlantis". The thing with the four directions, etc. is common to the "earth religions", including neo-paganism. The Secret Bokks of the Egyptian Gnostics mention the "Cosmocrator" - that is, a world-ruling deity who preceded our current God concept - very interesting!

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Ryland James, Kenosha, WI — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 02:13:13 GMT

Who really cares which religion you choose to believe in? They all originated in an age when people did not have enough knowledge to realize that the concepts of any religion are completely ludicrous and manipulative. How can anybody be so conceited as to believe that a so called "almighty creator" has any kind of personal interest in them or anybody else for that matter? The suffering of this world can only be eased when people realize that we are all in this together regardless of which god you choose to humble yourself to.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Zeus, Raleigh, NC — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 02:20:47 GMT

This is facinating and yet another example (in my opinion) of how arbitrary religion is.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Sick of the Zealots, Canada — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 02:24:28 GMT

If I practised a religion where I thought it was ok to steal and eat babies, would anyone think I had a right to exist and practise my religion? Probably everyone would be universal in calling for my immediate , and not necissarily humane, destruction. Maybe people who respect the devil have little in the way of respect owed to them, but are they all purely evil? Do they all deserve to die? In my view , any belief system that teaches it is right to kill those whom you think to believe in different things than yourself is in itself contradicting its own principal, if it claims to hold any moral high ground at all. Defence of oneself is one thing, seeking to kill and seek justification of killing is another. The first step in belief of creator (if the belief is the creator is at all benevolent and loving of his creation) should be respect and reverence for his creation. You dont respect anyone, or the creator, by blowing up 250 people because most of them are probably infidels. Did all the innocents in that group die for Allah too? Or perhaps those that support such things are naiieve enough to belive that all of those because of the company they kept or the place they were in were needing of such a fate. Perhaps its because some nutbar read a Quran and decided it dictated infidels had to die and re-wrote the Quran to reflect that or taught that some 'fatah' justified this kind of action. It would seem to me not to be supported by a religion 'of peace'. I dont think god will support the genocide of infidels because some man says its right; No matter who that man is. Ask any muslim eduacted in history if he thought the crusades were justified. Its interesting to note the muslim world is relatively silent on wieghing in to deplore such acts, compared with the reaction of others. There is ocasionally a public condemnation of such murders where its advantageous and influential with those outside their circle but such condemnations seem to cease on crossing the threshold of the mosque entrance. In fact there is frequent prise for 'martyrs' who would seem by their actions to be little more than murderers. I dont want to say it , but it seems to slap us in the face with every atrocity commited by these 'religious' fanatics. Its either everyone in the world converts to islam , or is killed for the lack of their faith. There may come a time when we have to stop them or be subjugated or killed. Just like the Nazis in world war II. It really seems as though they want it to be an us or them situation. How much longer is the rest of the world going to appease them , and ignore their atrocities like they did with Hitler, waiting on the 'moderates' to prevail, or the extreemists to be sated in their lust for carnage? The world news is becoming a horror show and the world sits hostage as participatory audience.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Gwen Snyder, Seattle WA — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 02:25:16 GMT

C'mon....evil lettuce??

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Zeus, Raleigh, NC — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 02:25:48 GMT

Iraq WAS one of the most advanced areas in the middle east and the world until muslim doctrine changed and outlawed science. Now it's basically a medieval country moved by old stories and superstitions. Sound familiar? The same thing could easily happen to the US if we aren't careful.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Zeus, Raleigh,NC — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 02:33:06 GMT

Everyone who's spouting religious retoric please stop and think about how rediculous you sound! Please don't pretend to know something which cannot be verified or proved and is based on mythology who's roots are connected with the Yazidis themselves. Have the bravery to realize that we(people) don't know everything and realize that you don't have to pretend to believe in nonsense to be a good person.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Peggy Dickinson — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 02:35:25 GMT

Any culture that holds women down and keeps them in a subservient position deserves to be destroyed. Period. The innocent will be reborn into a better life, hopefully. I for one would rather die than be forced to live as a Muslim or Yazidi, or a Christian for that matter. The Christians spit on women also, and we all know it. It is hard enough to get respect here in the USA; I cannot imagine how much the women have suffered under these ancient religions. Just because something is ancient does NOT mean it is worth anything. These men can take their "honor" and shove it where the sun doesn't shine. I wish I could send them all to Nirvana. God and Women Know Better. These idiots need to wake up and discover Buddhism. Or Atheism. Either one would be better than killing in the name of God.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Marc Stockwell-Moniz Poway, Ca. — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 02:35:46 GMT

Remember the good 'ole days of the Soviet Union? (Yes, I know, Stalin was the worst mass murderer in history of the world, worse than Hitler.) However, at least the party boys in the Kremlin were into self-survival. And that is why we never went to war with them; except for our proxies here and there.
This failed society managed by the Arab people is out to cut the throats of every American, including our children. Wake up America. This is not a, I want it and I want it now situation. It is a generations long struggle. They are just like the Japanese were during WWll. Perhaps they will have to be nuked. And it might not be the U.S. doing it. Isreal lives in the neighborhood.
Think about it.
"You want the truth? You can't handle the truth."

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

worldtravelerinPA — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 02:38:26 GMT

To Dan in Kansas who said>>: So much of the world is ill. Yazidis are another example of the power that evil has to corrupt the souls of man. Every time a sect emerges it seems to exert unrighteous dominion over weak minded souls<< They did not JUST emerge. The Yzidis have been in Iraq, practicing peacefully, living quietly, not suffering weak minds, enjoying wonderful families, sharing their culture and hospitality - if not religious beliefs and private views - with tourists, however few. It is not a hospitality or kindness seen in the US ever, as hospitable as I find this country. It is unique, it is peaceful, albeit a bit backward compared to my life experience. And you know, they didn't judge that of me, and I enjoyed their view as well. Which does not make it wrong - can we please muster some open-mindedness? There is nothing more zealous in this country than right wing Christians threatening fire and brimstone if we don't find Jesus and become Born Again. Sam Harris probably gets death threats. Where is the logic and religious tolerance??? We let rapists go free here, when raped women would sometimes prefer to die from the severity of the crimes they have suffered. Is that less barbaric than stoning someone for going against a lifelong tribal belief? Not my call, but worthy of a thought. That is all she knew of family, and she took the risk. People in the US know robbing a bank is wrong, and risk being shot to do it. Get some perspective before you open your mouth and show how shallow the intellect of the US really is.

Thank Johnnycakes and Imran for their thinking, their consideration and sane views.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Mr. Mott, Westport, Conn. — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 02:40:00 GMT

Hi to all. I enjoyed reading all of these comments from my fellow spiritual brothers and sisters, as you know we all are. I'm not a religious person, so I don't believe there is a right or wrong. But I do believe there is a Maker, and I believe that Maker put us all here out of Divine love, with the gift of free will to choose. And with that gift, that Maker allows us to find out for ourselves what works versus what doesn't work, and that the plan is for humanity to grow spiritually and evolve as a species through all mankind's deeds and misdeeds toward all creation.
The common thread I see in all you have wrote in is that you care enough to speak out in what is primarilly viewed as an injustice toward your fellow spiritual family. My belief is this is all part of the plan and this was necessary and allowed for a reason to judge our reaction to the incident. Thanks for listening, and peace to you all.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Brandon — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 02:42:46 GMT

To those who think that the repulsive behavior of the Yazidis regarding the stoning of that poor woman is just a "Middle Eastern" thing, I would suggest doing a bit of research on the Magdalene Asylums run by the oh-so-Christian Sisters of Mercy until the 90s. Don't slam an entire region of the earth without doing a bit of soul-searching.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Mark Eichenlaub, Chicago, IL — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 02:45:08 GMT

Jane,
Great piece. If you could write about whether or not this group is actually Islamic or related to the Zoro Astrians some time it would be great.

Keep up the informative reports.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

d.cyphe — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 02:48:46 GMT

The Yazidis aren't human beings, either. You're forgetting how they came onto the Muslim extremists' radar: the day thousands of Yazidi men circled, stripped and then stoned to death a 17-year old Yazidi girl for marrying or falling in love with a Muslim man, which is expressly forbidden by her clan (the Yazidis are an ancient non-Muslim tribe). It almost looks like a scene from the stone age, except their wearing jeans, sneakers and VIDEOTAPING THEMSELVES TORTURING A DEFENSELESS CHILD ON THEIR CAMERAPHONES.

Here's the horrific video:

http://www.solomonia.com/blog/archives/010737.shtml

THOUSANDS of men. ONE helpless seventeen year old kid. These are animals we're talking about, savages killing savages. I am completely and totally opposed to the war in Iraq and was from day one. But these aren't people we're talking about. They behave like beasts.

We need to get out of the Middle East, once and for all. We need to cut our ties with then completely and stop meddling in their affairs. That way, when some group of fanatics attacks us we don't have to share the blame with them for why they hate our guts, and can respond accordingly.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

David Bauer, Sioux Falls, Sd — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 03:00:41 GMT

...The Yazidis are considered to be the original Satanic religion. They worship Melek Taus (arabic for peacock king) who they believe symbolizes pride. They are not devil worshippers in the normal sense but they do support induldging, which in Christian, Islamic, and Jewish religions would be considered "sinning". I have great sympathy for them, and hope their people survive, for they are some of the most open-minded and free-thinking people on the planet.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Marc Stockwell-Moniz Poway, Ca. — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 03:11:56 GMT

Hey Mahamed Suufi,
It's hard to explain the failed culture that you come from. Isn't it?

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Patrick Woodbridge, VA — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 03:16:42 GMT

Does it matter when God created us, first or last? All Created we are. The same creation. One after another. Let's get together and thank Him. - Thank you Lord for so many brothers and sisters and help us to love each other as you love us. - Go to your churches or wherever you pray and ask for God's help. If you don't believe in God, you must be able to show or do something for peace on earth. Are all sins, sins of pride?

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

cibertrix — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 03:23:47 GMT

The Yazidis stoned to death a young girl because she converted to Islam - the bombing of the Yazidis was a revenge for their actions...

Ehhmmm people wake up - please stop coo cooing over barbaric ancient religions - the fact that some religions are older than others does not make them, or the people that follow them any better.

The entire middle east is hotbed of religious ferver without control or reason...

Yes, one more reason that intelligent beings should distance themselves from, and not support religions any more - Say NO to bearded sky daddies - Say no to God

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Chainsaw C — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 03:24:03 GMT

What bothers me about Islam religon is that these people themselves are uneducated only believe what theyre told they want to bring the whole world back to the stone age...they follow all these so called Clerics who give orders to murder innocent people...The clerics should do the whole world a favor and blow themselves up...if all these so called promises about their heaven are tru why arent they there...they should set an example...practice what you preach....Also if their God is so powerful why does he need puny people to do his work..these people believe in nothing but death and destruction hiding behind a word called Peace...more like pieces...Honestly there is only one God who created the whole world even man...why in the hell are we destroyng what God created...when was the last time anyone saw or talked to God face to face...not just in prayer or spirit i mean face to face...the Islamic radicals are even killing their own islamic people just cause of their race even though they believ in Islam too if thats not stupid i dont know what is...whole bunch of people killing and dying for a bunch of sand land and old mud buildings they call sacred...nothing on this earth could match or glorify god's holiness so why are they're a bunch of idiots proclaiming to be god's spoke person and say this is what god wants us to do...
I'm sure if God wanted to he'd let us know exactly what he wants...

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

karcer, VT — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 03:27:05 GMT

It seems that, from the perspective of many in Iraq, our armed forces could be seen as "baby Killers" who kill innocent women and children. The so called "collateral damage," civilians killed by US forces, we hear so little about in the news are innocent women and children who did nothing but happen to be in the in the wrong place at the wrong time. Don't get me wrong, I don't blame the troops themselves, but our leaders like Bush & Cheney who stir up sentiment that allow these acts to be carried out couched in language about "fighting evildoers" and "bringing democracy" to the people of Iraq. Sad how many people actually believe that's why we're over there. This should go to all of any faith: Let he who is without sin among us cast the first stone.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Donna Ortiz — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 03:43:51 GMT

WOW. WISH WE COULD ALL LIVE TOGETHER.

CAN'T EVEN DO IT IN MY OWN FAMILY. HOW CAN I DO IT IN MY OWN COUNTRY, NOT TO MENTION, MY OWN WORLD?!?

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

life on earth, Chicago, Il — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 03:45:25 GMT

Why would one need anything more than the beauty of existance and the miracle of this planet to be spiritually fulfilled ? We are the miracle, this planet is the miracle- not myths, religion, god.
...exist to exist, be good to be good, love and lose fear. Religion/god only distracts from the spirituality of existance.
Distracts and destroys.....

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Mac, Brunswick, ME — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 03:46:28 GMT

I think we should stop blaming religion, any religion, and begin assuming responsibility for our stupidity. God said this, Allah said that, is all a bunch of bullcrap created by the controlling authorities, past and present, to provoke fear in the people and make them do whatever they want.
How about we stop killing each other and enjoy the world that either God or nature, it doesn't matter gave us.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

will, houston, tx — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 03:59:21 GMT

There is a distinction to be made concerning Islam. The word itself means "to submitto God" . Muslims are submitting to the word/will of God. While some individuals are violent and are often called muslim fndamentalists it is important to realise that because of the nature of the crime (suicide bombings, acts of aggression and killing/maiming and general violent behavior and lawlessness) that these individuals are acting in their own interest not the religion's. There is no interpretation in islam for violence, the holy book is very specific as to what constitutes aggression and that individuals do not kill others in the name of religion only in self defense. Another item worth noting that is miscommunicated often is that muslims do not inherently want others to practice their religions . In fact this is not true. Islam respects people of the book (judaism, christianity , etc ) and what is expected is discussion (not angry discussion) about the differences and a call to knowledge not ignorance. Individuals who are often called islamists or fundamentalists often lack education in religion and so they loosely utilise religion to further violence. This is not much different than famous hisotorical figuers who have used religion for their own ends (The church used it for several hundred years with intimidation and inquisition to name a couple). People forget their own history too quickly.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Fred Forthe, Chicago, IL — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 04:00:45 GMT

VA Vega - What on earth makes you think Islam is 2000 years old? Your condescending and obnoxious attitude is almost more disgusting than your profound ignorance of Islam....and history.....and politics.....and geography...and, well, you get the picture. Maybe.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Moondog Cincinnati, Ohio — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 04:03:14 GMT

From the above comments, all I can think is: If you want a hateful, uninformed, close-minded opinon just ask a christian. It is unfair to judge another culture or religion based on your own values. Get off your high horses and open your minds. If you had read the article closely, you will note that these people worship the same god as the chriatians, muslims, and jews, just in a different way. What makes your way any better?

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Mox Meek, Anywhere and worldwide — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 04:18:59 GMT

I find the intra bigotry amungst the Eterminators to be rather aromatic, since they are killing of people of the same linage, sharing some similar ideology in preventing womens education, not to mention the Talimens and Quida simply need to take a real close look in the mirror, and then call satans worshiper who he really is. Besides, all this has already been written, and ah yes, has been the worlds greatest reasons for wars in process now and coming to a theater near you soon.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Harvey Henkelman - Brandon, Florida — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 04:23:57 GMT

Religious belief is the greatest threat to mankind.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Na Keoni Elima, Ko'olaupoko, Hawai'i — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 04:26:33 GMT

On the basis of some of these posts and my current interaction with haoles, I've learned to never judge a person by the color of their neck

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Muhammad Majid Khan — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 04:28:47 GMT

I took a lot of time to read all the stuff.....but reading this stuff made me sad and realize that majority of us wants to kill each other for one reason or the other and thats what most of the leaders - both political and religeous - want from us. PEOPLE.....my friends....................... calm down.....think....think.....think......

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Ron B, Kuwait — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 04:32:44 GMT

"We in America have this idea that the rest of the world thinks like we do--peace, love, getting along with everyone--problem is when you deal with people who still think they live in the 1400's, there is no way to stop the violence."
Ricardo, Redlands CA

Interesting thought. Perhaps the majority of American people as individuals feel this way but not our government. For decades, the CIA and The School of the Americas have had their hands in training people to assassinate, kidnap, torure and commit acts of terrorism in order to topple and replace governments and regimes that do not mesh politcally or economically with ours. Where is an example of "peace, love, getting along with everyone" in that? However, I do agree with the writer that there is no way of stopping the violence in southwest Asia. Unless, of course, America is prepared to commit genocide or 'theocracide'.

Personally, I couldn't care less about some hateful Muslims killing narrow-minded, murderous Yazidis. That just means the focus of those particular Muslims was taken away from plotting against or killing U.S. troops on that day. Perhaps as a result of that act a few more of our servicemembers may come home alive and whole. I would glady trade 250 Yazidi deaths for a few freedom-loving American lives.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Frank New Orleans La. — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 04:36:48 GMT

Approved by whom? Not another useless fool whose opinion of whats right or wrong known as editors or censors that think only their way or the highway? This is whats wrong with religious beliefs because the idea is accepted only if approved by someone who is already brainwashed by some Priest or minister that threatened them with damnation in the hereafter. So therefore no freedom of speech no way to drive the point home. (because some mental weakling might be too sensitive to read the truth about mankind) Mankind is a deadly VIRUS destroying this beautiful planet because of GREED (which should be treated just like drug abuse) I might have started a religion myself except I would just wind up laughing at my followers and the rediculous things they might belive, because mankind needs something to belive in in order to have an excuse for his deeds. I belive that in THE BOOK aka: Bible, that man shall have dominion over the innocent creatures that share this planet with our sorry selves. If I offend man, good !he deserves it.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

David St. Louis, Missouri — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 05:05:54 GMT

BeachBum,
I wish I could say I appreciate the egalitarian nature of your response - especially to VA. I might have agreed when I was younger. However, when your in a hole stop digging. Religion - of ALL stripes, married to politics IS THE PROBLEM! but people keep trying to be polite and politically correct for fear of being labeled. I would counter your suggestion that US Christians don't follow the tenents of their religion - I can point to several instances of homosexuals in the US being attacked - fulfilling in some minds the commands of certain biblical passages.
Religion - if I were to take a reductionist view - was at the heart of WWII. Ditto for the problems the Middle East has had since the creation of Isreal and def for the problems the U.S. has had in that region since the over throw of the Shah.
Every religion - at least once a century crawls out from under some rock and decides some group they don't like has to die...either independently or after gaining control of the government in the country in which they reside.
Religion Is The Problem....The mass killing won't stop until people get the courage to call it the way it is, throw off the shakles of centuries of indoctrination and, chart a coarse for humanity that doesn't include the self righteous claiming to know the will of God through the marriage of religion & politics.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Dave in St Louis — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 05:15:45 GMT

Dave Allen,
Here here buddy! You took the words right out of my mouth!!

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Su — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 05:20:04 GMT

You're all nuts and don't know what you're talking about ... everybody just shut up!

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Dave in St. Louis — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 05:22:07 GMT

Johnnycakes in Conroe Texas,
Whose to say they (U.S. Christians) didn't already try to wipe out gays...? Aids killed more gay men in the U.S. long before the current pandemic in Africa got under way...

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

LARRY, NORWALK, CT — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 05:39:48 GMT

RELIGION IS A WAY OF DICIPLINE, AND CONTROL IN ORDER FOR THE BELIEVING PEOPLE TO PASS IN DOWN THROUGH THE GENERATIONS, IF GOS DIDN'T REVEAL THEASE TEACHINGS ABOUT HIS POWER, AND AUTHORITY THE WORLD WOULD HAVE PASSED AWAY LONG AGO, ONE DAY ALL THE RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD WILL WORSHIP THE TRUE GOD. THE DOOR IS OPEN

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Theresa Khiyami — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 05:40:57 GMT

Thank all the people who see behind sterotyping. Not all Arabs are Muslims and not all Muslims are Arabs. In the American South about 100 years ago the Baptists were burning Catholic Churches because they were afraid the Catholics were taking over. Two hundred and fifty years before that the Baptists were having holes put through their mouths to silence them by the Protestants . The Puritans were hanging Quakers. African Americans were being lynched and burned alive at about the rate of one a day in the 1900 to 1940s. African Americans beat an Hasidic Jew for accidently hitting a child with his car. The Catholics murdered millions in the Inquisition. They weren't particularly selective - any one was fair game. The Jews had unspeakable atrocities comitted upon them in WW II and currently they are doing the same to the Palistinians, who by the way are a little less than half Christian and some are Jewish. Ah then lets not forget Northern Ireland.

All hatred which is done in the name of a religion is committed by by people who have forgotten the core, the essence of God which exists in all religions. That message is to love one another. And also it would help if we educated ourselfs about other ways of life and other groups of people.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Paul John — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 05:49:46 GMT

Wherever in the world there are Muslims, there is trouble.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Imam all Humanity Everywhere on Earth — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 05:58:14 GMT

Imran Ahmad,
Isn't it Islamists from Pakistan who have been running around Britan blowing up buses and subways? Threatening shop keepers in Pakistan for not being pure enough? Threatening barbers in Pakistan for cutting mens hair? Americans may vocalize a point of view you disagree with but at least the average American doesn't kill someone who disagrees with their religion the way muslims do;
Example: The scum who killed the film maker in Amsterdam for making a movie exposing the cruel, inhumane, violent and deadly practices against muslim women by muslim men
Blowing up an entire set of villages because of some rediculous, superstitious rumor that they were devil worshipers? or that they were 'anti Isamic? If they were anti Islamic that is their right! It's NOT ANYONES RIGHT to decide someone has to DIE because they DON'T BELIEVE IN or are NOT A MEMBER of YOUR RELIGION! Get a grip!!

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Roman Catholic, attending Lutheran Services — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 06:03:26 GMT

They are obviously not new in town. They've been misunderstood and frowned upon because their customs/religion is not like what we have been exposed to in modern times. So why do we even think about alienating them? THEY'VE BEEN DOING THEIR THING FOR A VERRY VERRY LONG TIME...AND! THEY ARE WILLING TO CHANGE/MODERNIZE, so that others (the world) stop demonizing them. We live in a free country, may God bless it for a long time to come. But, they live in another country, one not so free and protective of their religion/customs. Let them be, they are already having a tough time living in their own country, enough with the rest of the world attacking/criticizing their beliefs, their LONG-HELD beliefs.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Dave in St.Louis — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 06:04:52 GMT

LuneKeltkar,
Ditto, you said it all...

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Dave in St. Louis — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 06:11:13 GMT

To David Landi, Warwich Ri,
I noticed you left out the Republican moron who spun us into this front seat Middle East mess in the first place...who'd you vote for? If it's the moron, you may have bought it but your kids (and the rest of U.S.) are going to have to eat it...

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Celinda, Washington — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 06:18:20 GMT

Muslims, Christians, Aetheists... the comments shown here use these titles to describe groups and assign blame to them. This is incredible to me... for each of these groups are filled with thousands or millions of different individuals with different values, beliefs, and consciences. There are people who do evil deeds in the name of their religion within all of these groups and there are also people that do not. It seems to me that what should be condemned is the evil deeds themselves and the individuals actually responsible...by refering to these individuals using just their religious belief system (muslims, christians, aetheists...) the fact that these are individual people or groups of people within these religious communities is lost -- along with the fact that their are millions of members of these religious groups who are innocent of any crime against others.

The biggest tragedy represented in the comments above is the failure to recognize that all members of a religion do not indeed think and act alike...therefore there is no religion whose followers are all evil or all righteous. All religious groups are made up of mixtures of people some who choose to do evil and some who choose to do good in the name of their beliefs.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Dave in St. Louis — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 06:19:26 GMT

Needra in Ashville,
LOL...the last sentence was brilliant! Bravo!!

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Dave in St. Louis — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 06:24:32 GMT

Dear Tonkawa Bill,
Wake up and smell the blood guy...

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

David Miller — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 06:41:39 GMT

It seems to me that God communicates to the human heart not with words but through feelings. The confusion is trying to use words to interpret those feelings. Most world religions, Chrisitanity, Islam, Judaism maybe Hinduism too) are all driving towards some Grand theatrical Play-an opera, with a huge loud finale. I don't think Buddhism does that. Why can't we all just enjoy ourselves and try to help others live a good life too? When you stop to think about it, we are tiny dots, living on a grain of sand on the outer edges of the Milky way galaxy, revolving around a universe which is revolving around a universe etc. Long after the sun has burned itself out the universe will keep rockin' an'rollin!
Peace!
David

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Mohammed Azam, Peshawar, Pakistan — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 06:43:42 GMT

Peace: To kill a human is as if you have killed all of humanity - This is ISLAMIC teaching. Then people come along to modify our ways and stop us from practicing our ways and their are many amongst us who aid them. Every group of people have the right to defend themselves and to take the offensive to the people who stop you from practicing your ways. When the girl had converted to Islam they should have let her be, instead they upped and killed her, well they got in return an eye for an eye, perhaps it was her betrothed who retaliated after all if a face can launch a thousand ships after all they came for war what else. But ours are freedom fighters and theirs are terrorists is a term all use. Do not show hate for Islam, learn it and then we can talk. We are a people who if do not believe in the Prophethood of Eesa (peace be upon him) whom you know as Jesus Christ we do not remain Muslims, yet you do not believe in Mohammad ( peace be upon him) as a Prophet and it makes no difference to you, which seems more just to you. And we can carry on, but whats the use. Learn Islam then we can talk.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

josh, ogden, ut — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 06:48:38 GMT

WOW
Did I really read all that? . . ."Cristians" hating Islam (still), Foreigners spewing their own bias against the US (you don't know us), Athiest environmentalists (preaching their own apocoliptic religion), and even someone who says they are from Vatican City enumerating the "flaws" in Cristianity.
Holy Crap! . . . No wonder the world is such a mess! I need a snack.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

pinky snelling houston, tx — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 07:48:47 GMT

interesting......arabs murder arabs & somehow christianity & western civilization is to blame....why?
befuddled & trying to find the link

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Musa Dhaka Bangladesh — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 08:09:55 GMT

Before proclamation of all muslim as terrorist and fundamentalist i just request all the people of all religion irespective of cred and caste to go threough the meaning/definition of wordfundamentalist.Although
every one knows that there is no place for terroristsuicide bomber in Islam. yet they are trying to defame Islam quoting few black sheep in the community for personel /political gain.I praised American People who are generous in finding the actual truth without siding with Bush for his neferious deed/planning in Iraq .

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Mark Edward Staphanos, Egypt — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 08:13:42 GMT

As a child growing up in Egypt's declining Non-Muslim minority. As a child, I witnessed the inexcusable religious intolerance and appalling persecution in the hands of people who are identify themselves as good Muslims. Much like Nazi persecution of Jews and racism in the old south, Islam is woven in the very fabric of Middle Eastern Society, to the determinant of equality, justice and basic human rights. Ironically, Muslims living in the west are often regarded as a step or two above the rest of us infidels’ in Islamic discussion heard blurring out of the 3 Mosques near my residence near El Mansura, Egypt today. It seems to cut both ways. Ignorance has no bounds.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Wayne, TN — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 08:21:40 GMT

"Don't know what type of Christianity you refer to. When we love others, we respect their right to believe as they will. Actions may be judged, not people. Have a GREAT day. Tonkawa-Bill ... [ The fundamental flaw of Christianity is its refusal to acknowledge the rights of the individual to thier own religous beliefs. The Christian world must denounce and act against this narrow minded fundamentalizm.If they fail to do so there will be more massacres and atrocities like we saw today. This will be a lesson learned through the blood of thosands of innocents regardless their religous affilliation.
Lucrecia Borgia, Vatican City (Sent Wednesday, August 15, 2007 5:57 PM)

Tonkawa Bill
"
Sounds like Lucy is living in a medieval fantasy. Not uncommon these days.
The US Constitution garantees the right to worship or not worship as you choose. Jefferson said that there is no religious obligation that conflicts with civic duties, or words to that effect. Of course he knew nothing about Islam and little about religion in general for that matter. Not that he didn't study the available materials, he as a materialist could never quiet grasped the concepts.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Arkin Zoroaster — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 08:40:34 GMT

True Evil springs from all religion, no matter at what point in time we go to. any group of peaple that sets them selves above others is the fertilizer that makes evil grow. our for-fathers understoud this when they proudly proclamied "All man are created equal." then we have to go screw it up aligning with one evil religion or anouther. God through out history tries time and time agian to hear his call and be kind to one anouther. not call one religion supioror to anouther, becuse all religion has caused is war.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Gianna Montarsi, Lock Haven, Pennsylvania — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 10:31:42 GMT

Well my boyfriend was there in Iraq when this happened, and I told him what the news said and he was not happy!!! Why it happened you completely made up some random story. You guys just make up stories to make the best news show, lying is a sin. Really where is the christianity in the world anymore??? I guess it is true religion all over is up in the air, there is no respect. Why does the media have to make up something just because they really don't know what is going on??? You know why I don't watch any news because it is so negative and garbage. Why can't you cover something else and just wait for this mess to be over, so when it is cover everything good?!! Nobody wants to hear how bad it is because it breaks my heart and probably alot of other americans. It is horrible what happened and living in reality is the most important thing. That means have some respect for the people in Iraq, the soldiers, and especially the innocent who are trying to make it a better place. Where is the footage of all the good that has happened over in Iraq? Where is any of your positive footage in anything? It is really getting old that you are just trying to get a rise out people. If you aren't sure about something that means maybe you shouldn't talk about it. It is so sick to see how oblivious everyone is becoming to what reality is. Sorry to have wasted your time!!!

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

T. Summer, Coralville, Iowa — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 10:50:39 GMT

I find it interesting that anyone would choose to denounce any religion based on the reported actions of a few. No act, no matter how horrific or heroic, will ever fully represent any religion or spiritual path. The human element has to be taken into consideration. We are far too quick to judge and horribly underqualified to do so. It's also interesting that any of us has the audacity to think we've got it right in terms of religious purity. Who among us can really know the mind of the Holy Spirit(by whatever name we choose)? Again, we are horribly underqualified.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

J Moody — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 11:16:35 GMT

Lucrecia Borgia, Vatican City, ...
we are mortal men with imperfect sences, not fully evolved intelagance and we see the world only in narrow fields of view. so who among us has the right to say one is better or more right then another?
And a point i like to make, those many rulers of nations in the modern world are christan, there are very few nations that are christian. this is not good nor bad but simply what is. the virtue of that is a layer of seperation between the religius belives and the nature of how the goverment acts. i will say that all people when they come to power bring the influnces of there life to there office. that is natral. but by and large the nation of amercia although composed of mostly christians any spirtual path is permitted to be followed here. there are some indivudules who may frown apon it, but that is the nature of people as a whole and not simply the domain of christianty
to let you know who said this, i am not christain. nor do i have any set belifes save that there is a god in what ever shape or form he or she may be in. and that we are all given consideration of this being in the manor that we deserve it.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Ron FlorenceS.C. — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 11:29:26 GMT

religion wow what topic I think Daniel sums it up religion is a profitable enterprise ,they all say almost the samething and send their address for money the accumulated wealth of the major religious groups could end world hunger and poverty tommorrow but will it NO because to do that would end striff without which there is no way of controling the masses goodluck think about it.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

dosey,pa — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 11:34:27 GMT

i'm really ashamed to see such racists rants against muslims,
i'm a muslim and denounce these acts like everyone else or more, according to our religion killing a innocent no matter which RELIGION is like killing the rest of the world and there's no forgiveness from Allh for these kind of acts. Muslim community is to blamed for not having a media like the western world that can put out the feelings of muslims, their leaders and priests. western media just shows news that it thinks is interesting to its people and keep the ratings up. everyone of my friend and family who's a muslim condemn these heinous acts. when i'm rich enough i would get a news channel and show the real news.

for that matter even america is built on bloodshed what happened to native americans by whites i wouldn't want it come upon any human race in comparison this al-qda is like a drop in the ocean of bloodshed. before i forget(yawn) don't forget the crusaders and catholics in the centuries gone. so plz don't blame islam for what a handful of politically driven nuts are doing in the name of islam. Imran from karachi you're so right.
now MSNBC you better publish this one. if you don't i'll know that you don't to put a muslims feeling in front of these people plus i watch all your news from morning till evening from chris jansing to dan abrams though i like to only watch chris matthews.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

jorge — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 11:36:28 GMT

>>That is the problem with Islam that US and UK have been denying: They will do this to us if they have the opportunity.<<

I got news for you, bub: The Christians in this country will do this to us if keep letting them choose the presidents. Wake up.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Even Alan Shapiro — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:08:04 GMT

It's time for Bush to begin to bring home all the troops. When the last troops are out of there, and also our equipment, then send in the heat seeking planes & the heat seeking bombs in masse to the shites & sunies, and do to them, what germany tried to do to the Jews, for no other reason than being Jewish. The world didn't care then (and the Jews were not attacking anyone) and the world would NOT care now, especially against these world haters, destroyers, child killers, women stoners, and per usual, Jew Haters. Someone has to stop them. As I see it, there are only 3 who have the brains, the might, the power. England, Israel and the USA, all allies of America. As Larry the cable guy says...
"Just git her done"

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

M., Montgomery, TX — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:08:27 GMT

Man first killed his brother in the well-known story of Cain and Able. Jealousy was the main motive there. Religion took hold later and there came men who began to believe that they were empowered by God to convey his wishes of how man should live and what he should believe. The many different interpretations of those wishes and beliefs have put the "fear of God" in the followers of these men and that has put mistrust in the interactions of this world's many different sects and races. Each leader of a world religion has his own idea of how his followers should live and die and whether they should hate someone not of their own kind. One person wrote that we should enjoy the gift of life. The person(s) who convinvced the bombers to kill and those Yazidis is enjoying life while they are dead. The leaders are still living while their followers have died. That kind of puts a hurt on that saying that there is no greater love of a man that he lays down his life for another. Religion is not what drives the world to live as it does. It is man's many different interpretations of religion that has distorted the way he interacts with his brother. Man was given dominion over the earth and the beasts of the field. It was never intended that he should have dominion over his fellow man that is still being practiced even today. All religions say if you are not with us then you are against us. Who, among all of them, is truly right? Killing to some is a real pleasure and to others a way of life that they have always endured but do not have the will or means to stop it. Which one of those groups do you belong to?

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

DRPBL London UK — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:28:39 GMT

I am chagrined by those who short-sightedly think RELIGION, which is a response to the frailties and deficiencies inherent in ALL humanity, is itself, the cause of those deficiencies we all share. Get a clue, you noble savages! As Chesterton said, if you will not have God, say hello to Stalin. Was that "Godless" regime an improvement? Pseudo-historians need not reply.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Relevance and Relativity, State of Dismay — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:46:59 GMT

The world of "religions" is insane; the world of personal faith is enduring and sustaining. If cultural anthropologists could extract and distill anything of rational, synoptic coherence out of this sect, then do so immediately. Unfortunately, from a detached perspective, it appears that this sect is but one more slight variation on the never-ending theme of cultism, intolerance, isolation, and uneducated male-centered dominance and control. Take care of your spouse and children...and be very careful about their safety, happiness, and education in a world teetering on the edge of schizophrenic spin.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Fred, New Orleans, Louisiana — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:56:02 GMT

Lucrecia Borgia, Vatican City SAID: "The fundamental flaw of Christianity is its refusal to acknowledge the rights of the individual to thier own religous beliefs. The Christian world must denounce and act against this narrow minded fundamentalizm.If they fail to do so there will be more massacres and atrocities like we saw today. This will be a lesson learned through the blood of thosands of innocents regardless their religous affilliation."

Lucrecia are you really that brainwashed? Christian Fundamentals teach the "Love of God first and Loving your neighbor as yourself second." Nowhere in the New Testament, which is the time we live, does it state for Christians to kill those who don't believe in Jesus Christ as Lord. Christians are to share their faith, and move on to the next people or group. Those who want to follow will follow and those who don't have their right to keep right on going. Have people claiming to be Christains done horrable things ie. Native Americans... sure, but just because you say your a Christain doesn't make you one, any more than going to McDonalds makes you a clown or a hamburger. Oh, and one small insight for those who continue to bring up the Christain Crusades... If the Christaians of Europe had not gone to battle against the Muslims at those times, the Muslims would have progressed through Spain into Europe forcing conversions or killing the infidels who would not convert all the way into Russia and Norway... Europe would have been forced into Islam back in the middle ages. So, if you are female and glad you and your mothers before you did not grow up wearing coverings from head to toe, uneducated and oppressed… you should be glad for the Crusades. Not all were Christain and not all the motives were pure, but they did stop the advancement into Europe and secured Europe and United States, which was to come, with freedom and individual choice, education and Freedom of Worship. Once again Lucreia… Christan Fundamentals acknowledge the rights of indviduals to their own religious beliefs… Christan Fundamentals teach “God, through Jesus, will provide and protect a persons choice to be restored to fellowship with God & your fellow man AND He will respect our choice to reject Him, His ways and live at odds with Him." The choice is ours.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

M. Montgomery, TX — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:59:32 GMT

Mr. Suufi, I wondered how long before there was a Letter regarding the U.S. as the evil of the Middle East. In the case of Iraq, if you were in the company of the haves, then things were hunky dory.
Did you really care for those in the company of the have nots? If you even looked suspicious, one could be killed and it was justified. That was part of life in your "beautiful" Iraq. You must be on the ouside looking in now and still long for the old ways when you were probably given everything and never had to work for it. I was in Iraq for eighteen months and got a glimpse of what America was doing for those poor people you say we are oppressing. For some of them, it was their first glance at world technology and a chance to better their lives and families. Although we were not fully trusted, it did not seem we were hated for your misguided reasoning. I believe friendship was attained between the Iraqi people and us. Did you relly think isolationism from the world and staying primitive by some standards that Iraq was going to be prosporous? The Yazidis kept to themselves and because they were perceived as different, had to be killed by men with twisted agendas and thoughts. What a reason to kill, being different! One had to go out of his way with that kind of reasoning. Why can't you just see what you can do to help instead pointing your finger and blaming someone else for your misery. Feeling sorry for one self is, sadly, a human trait so someone has to made a scapegoat and shift the blame to another area. The U.S. came to help not dominate the region. Wake up and smell the coffee not pour it out!

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Kurt clinton, nj — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 13:03:51 GMT

Hmmmmm....let's see, oh yeah, the free world have let muslims move into their countrys for a long time, but when have muslim countries allowed Christians or people of ANY other religion in their country without KILLING THE INFIDELS?.....NEVER!!!!!

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Don O'Grady Elkins Park PA — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 13:13:07 GMT

Just what the world needs, another group of yahoos that think they were the first love of a man made diety. Any fool that believes such nonsense of being a chosen people needs a lobotomy on the sane worlds dime.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

MH Concord NC — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 13:17:35 GMT

Micael Yon visited a Yazidi village and had diner with a Yazidi family several months ago. He has some interesting insight to add to this discusion. I don't think Jane Arraf has it all right about the Yazidis. Go to http://tinyurl.com/23cnew to learn more.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

James, Madision, Wisconsin — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 13:18:18 GMT

Its sad that these people still actually believe this wierd stuff! I feel sorry for the children being subjected to this religion, (as I feel sorry for all children subjected to any religion at all.) What is even more sad, is that because their beliefs conflict with others around them, they are persecuted, only entrenching the religion convictions further.

Its hard to believe that anyone in this day and age believes in any religion or god at all anymore, and that some are willing to kill for it. If we are to continue to progress as a species, we must replace religious dogma and fiction stories with reason, humanity, science, and morality. Only then will these sad stories eventually go away. As long as we all support and contribute to ANY religion, these atrocities will go on.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Mateo, Progresso, Mexico — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 13:31:50 GMT

Bottom line. When has any man been given the right to require tolerance towards whatever "religion" he choses to fallow and yet feel that he has the right to kill "non-belivers or those not up to his man made standard". He then becomes the perfect example of a lowest life form existing on the planet, be he Muslim, Budist, or whatever sect. This can be said without spinning nonsense about this and that religion's past atrocities.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Anubu — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 13:49:12 GMT

We all have to face the intensity of the sun's rae. Which god or religion can protect you from it's burning sensation? We may be wasting our time idle and/idol worshipping rather than looking at the signs of now/ time.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

B. Cleary — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 13:55:37 GMT

John Lennon sang "Imagine there's no heaven..", he was saying if we had no religion we would have no conflicts, no war. One would think that with the knowledge we have, tempered with wisdom, we would understand that the body of the creation is the habitat of our creator. Everyone and everything around is 'Him'. The Earth is Heaven, yet we make it Hell. We are not here to save our soul, we are here to create the "Soul". Our lifeforms are the windows out of which 'God' can see and participate in his creation. 'Tis unfortunate that we are not able to recognize ourselves. There is only one life for you to live, there is no other past this one. Live it wisely in peace and harmony, not with greed and murder. You are 'God', as is every speck and atom in the universe, respect all life for they are of the creation and a part of the Creator.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Jerry Crawford, Fort Collins CO — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:04:21 GMT

IMHO, Religion has been the biggest fraud ever perpitrated on humanity. This is just another example how much more benigh the world would be without it.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Eric Raj - Virgina, USA — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:13:27 GMT

To Johnnycakes: What attack upon the Constitution by Christianity are you referring to? Any constitutional attacks come from the liberals since the Constitution protects religious freedom. Since all of these other religions are allowed to express themselves publically but Christians must keep their lips sealed it would seem that Christianity is experiencing prejudice from our own government.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Jane Doe, Cleveland, Ohio — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:17:15 GMT

Although the Christians, Muslims and atheists have vituperously stated their positions, no one has mentioned that the oldest, most ethical and most persecuted group, the Jews, are still around. While non-Jews were steeped in horrific masacres throughout the middle ages (and afterward), observant Jews were quietly studying the prolific texts that have made them a nation apart. Look around at most of the observant Jews; they are a "light unto the nations."

There are many good people of all religions--even those whose religion is atheism. May I suggest that by engaging in random acts of kindness, rather than violence and hate acts, we can fill the world with goodness. Soon we will have the era when "nation shall not make war against nation."

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Chet, Salt Lake City, Utah — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:18:33 GMT

i've traveled extensively in the middle east, africa and europe since 1973 - and have been exposed to their varied religions as well. i've pondered and read the koran multiple times and the bible as well, and sojourned within several of these religions to the point that i understand their tenets very, very well. and their differences. what i've learned from humanity is that we bulid fences out of fear. you probably have one around your home. the lever that power uses is to label those who we seek to obtain something from as being "outside" our group. we do this to initiate wars by hyping the enemy as - foreign - different - heretic - evil. we often do this as individuals to firm up our own identities and elevate ourselves. we do it as a culture to solidify our sense of being. it breeds greed - dominion - all in the name of god - politics - culture - nationality. the methods change throughout the generations as our technology changes, but the root cause of our personal and world's woes are based within this same malady. there is an excellent text that explores these human frailties that lead to war. it was done right after the first global petrol war in 1991 against iraq. "Seeds of Victory" by schiffer publishing. would it be a dream to live in a world where fear is not the basis for our isolation from one another? where walls - fences - borders are seen as obstacles to individual and cultural - even national progress? perhaps not, but until that day arrives, as far as I and my family are concerned - we will follow a path where we embrace diversity without derision.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Allen Fray — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:25:31 GMT

Yezidi people understanding and welcoming into the world. We do not judge the fact that almost all Catholic Priests are men, do we ? We need to listen before we judge because here is a people that has almost died out, a people with unique myths and beliefs, whatever they are.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Montague — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:27:28 GMT

Judging by the errors in grammar and spelling that afflict some of these comments, accompanied by shaky logic and by blatant prejudices, their authors sympathize with the Yazidi's distaste for education. On the other hand, it is refreshing to read the tolerant comments.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Raven Stands Alone — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:30:47 GMT

"May be when you'll have a life other than to worry about mortgages, sex, taxes, selfish rush for money, celebrities, and media propaganda only, then, one can hope for some sanity and rationale from you.

Imram Ahmd"

Personally, I really appreciate a life where all I have to worry about is "sex, taxes, selfish rush for money, celebrities and media propaganda only." Why do you want to wish on people that they should have to worry about anything else?

Is this a little bit of envy going on here? That you live in a world where you have to worry about being killed by your own people, where your world view is the end of your street and you cannot travel to the grocery store without worrying about someone blowing up a truck next to you is so very, very sad. Is that how you want the whole world to be? Every man for himself killing and looting and pillaging in the name of God is not an eviable state to live in poor little Imram.

I pray that everyone gets to live in a world where there is plenty of food, clothing, housing, transportation, medical care and love to go aroung for every single one of us. I'm not quite sure why everyone who lives in abject poverty under intolerant and bigoted leaders hates the US. I think that if I were living in the middle of a mess like Iraq that the United States is what I would be holding up as an ideal to my children and would be making every effort that I could to see to it that my grandchildren got the benefits of a society that can lay on the beach and tan every weekend.

This hypocricy by men living under golden domes, being fed well by their starving, disease ridden, violence inculcated congregations is a little disgusting. Get a shave and a haircut and show your face to the world.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Bob D., Pa — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:30:54 GMT

In reading several of the comments about the Yazidis, there being killed, ancient religion and the life style and culture they have only confirms to me we know little of this part of the world. Are the Shiites or Sunnies any different being killed and killing than the Crusaders of old. All we wanted to do was make the world a better place to live by force conversion to what we, westerners, believed. This on going slaughter is wrong, for any reason.
Why don't the Saudies and Eqyptions get involved here. Along with all the Arab countries. Why do we think we need to be the ones doing this. Turn this over to those who have the money and power in the region and let them deal with the people of that reagion themselves. They understand the culture, language, religion, etc. We tend to do little to really help in this region and are hated by most of the Arab countries any way. Lets cut off the money to them and that part of the world and bring our soldiers home.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Claudio , Quebec, Canada — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:36:20 GMT

The world will be a better place when we all shake off
the fears and superstitions of ALL religions. They only exist for the power and control the religious
leaders have over the masses. There really is no
virgin Mary, or son of God, or prophets, or chosen
people, or devils. Wake up world - think - don't just follow.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Stephanie, Southern California — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:44:46 GMT

I love it when people, who have no idea what Christ taught (I refrain from saying "what Christianity teaches, because religion can get it wrong), talk about what is wrong with Christians. There are members of many religions who do evil in the name of their religion, but if you pay attention you notice that they are going against all kinds of teachings of their faith.

I am a christian, and I have pagan friends (I was one once) and athiest friends and I try to be a service to my community. Feel free to read the New Testament anytime you want to know how a true Christian should behave. You will not find genocide, enslavement, or "living by the sword" are things acceptable for a Christian to participate in. On the other hand, you will find that helping the poor and helpless, going two miles when you are asked to go one, turning the other cheek, and being humble are considered virtuous and right living.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

M. Denver — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:49:38 GMT

Let's not get on a high horse and blame the Muslims for their intolerance...there are too many other takers!

What do you call Christians that look upon the Mormons or the Jehovah's witnesses as less Christians, or worse yet, cults? What about some Protestants thinking less of the Catholics? They were killing each other in Northern Ireland not that long ago.

I see religion as completely irrelevant in today's world. It has been the tool of intolerance throughout history. It continues to be used by manipulative leaders and stupid followers to commit the worst acts against humanity (don't forget the Holocaust!)

If people would embrace spirituality over religion, we might live in a better world. May be the people with the ability to think and see beyond need to work hard at reducing it's influence in their daily lives and try some alternative thinkings to see if that leads to a better world for all. The current one is not working!

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

john florida — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:52:28 GMT

MAHAMED SUUFI:
You are 100% right we are being "INDOCTRINATED" BY MUSLIMS !!! I personally could care less who or what Muslims believe in. What i do care about is when you make a statement that the U.S. has killed THOUSANDS and that we some how base our acts on religion.We did not go to war over a religion AQI came to our home and killed approx. 3000 civilians because of their so called religious edict.Now you want to turn this into a RACIAL WAR?? WE ARE THE COUNTRY THAT DID REPEAT DID NOT CARE WHAT RELIGION YOU PRACTICE !!WE ACCEPTED ALL WHO CAME HERE NO MATTER WHAT.i AM AN IMMIGRANT AND NO ONE ASKED ME WHAT RELIGION I AM. YET IN THE MIDDLE EAST IF YOU ARE OTHER THAN A MUSLIM YOU ARE AT BEST A SECOND CLASS CITIZEN (IF YOU ARE NOT KILLED FOR IT)AQI MAY BE A BUNCH OF IDIOTS LIKE THE IDIOTS THAT WE HAVE RUNNING AROUND HERE BUT WE AS A NATION CALL THEM "IDIOTS". WE DO NOT STAND SILENT AND LET THEM KILL THOUSANDS OF OUR OWN PEOPLE AND LOOK THE OTHER WAY BECAUSE OF THE VICTIM'S RELIGION.WE KILLED THOUSANDS? IF WE KILLED ANY INNOCENTS IT WAS ACCIDENTAL NOT PLANNED AND IF OUR SOLDIER ARE CAUGHT DOING ANYTHING THAT IS NOT UP TO SNUFF WE PUT THEM ON TRIAL AND IN JAIL. MUSLIMS INSTEAD PROMISE "PARADISE" SO YOU SEE YOU ARE RIGHT WE ARE BEING INDOCTRINATED .

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Kevin Spokane, WA — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:59:02 GMT

Christopher Hitchens got it right with his latest book titled, "God Is NOT Great..... How Religion Poisons Everything". Because of their religion the Yazadis are living life like they were centuries ago. They say that science is their enemy. Probably because science proves so many of their beliefs (religion) to be wrong. And then there are the suicide bombers. They murder people in the name of their religion. Where is the condemnation of these acts from their leaders???? The silence is deafening. Mr. Hitchens hit the nail on the head with his book.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Allan in Atlanta — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 15:03:45 GMT

"The tree that falls in the forest makes no sound if no one is there to hear it." In fact, the tree doesn't even exist if it cannot be observed in some way.

The Yazidis have existed (survived) only by "being invisible."

Now, "thanks" to Globalization even the quietest sounds are heard around the world. (Check out the locations of our other respondents.)

The reality that the Yazidis have to face is that because the rest of the world now knows that they exist, their beliefs can now be measured by both other people's perceptions as well as the semi-objective perception some of us call "science." As Heisenberg noted about observing the mass, momentum, and location of particles, "something’s got to give."

The value of ALL religions is that the bonding inherent in a belief system is essential in preserving emotional and social support. The problem with ALL fundamentalism is that it excludes "non-believers" and its inherent ossified and archaic perceptions of the world are threatened by the Laws of Physics.

In the "story of Isaac" God told Abraham that He/She/It would no longer permit or accept "child sacrifice" which is something that Christianity seems to have forgotten in its absorption of Roman barbarity. Christianity also screwed up the translation of the Gospels from the original Greek to Latin about Mary being a "young girl" rather than a "virgin." (NO Jewish father in the history of the religion would have ever believed his daughter if she said that she was pregnant and that "God did it.")

Fundamentalist Judaism has it's own problems having to throw in a 13th month every few years to keep the calendar straight, in addition to its arrogance.

And my understanding of Mohammed was that when he wasn't busy being a Prophet he made his living by appropriating other people's camels.

If you are offended by ANY of the above, be careful of who you throw rocks at. It will make you light-headed.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

harrietashton California — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 15:04:14 GMT

Look, these are tribal people living in a way that one individual only can survive in a tribe so why bash them for adaptive behavior? If they were transported to Manhattan, they would gradually change or at least thegirls would have somewhere other than the nearest tribe ( like Muslim in this case) to flee to. People construct reality in ways that work for them--the Goddess will return if we decide the world
needs to survive with the human race upon it so just be patient all
you who despair concerning the idiocy of patriarchal religions ( it made sense at one time--bronze age, arms races, war, rise of Kings etc, capitalism etc.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Claudio , Quebec, Canada — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 15:23:23 GMT

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Lori Morsman, Spokane, WA — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 15:43:36 GMT

Wow. The majority of the comments submitted so far seem to reveal an innate tendency among us to call the others idiots and misguided (at minimum). I'm a middle class, middle-aged, white female who has barely traveled outside the U.S., so my direct experience of war is limited to that of my friends and brothers who served or left the country during the Vietnam years, as well as refugees I have met during years as a social service provider and teacher. I know myself capable of defensive acts of great violence on behalf of those I love, or my country, and I believe myself capable of offensive acts of the same caliber given adequately powerful motivations. I think this is common to humankind. The concept of peace is as culturally ensnared as any other. Perhaps it is an impossible dream. It is so hard to control those innate impluses of ours to defend and attack at even small provocation. We want peace for our children but the price is seldom one we really want to pay: we would have to give up our practice of investing little in "the others" and begin the harder path to getting to know our--my-- neighbors, my town, my leaders, my government...all of this individual work before we--I--can hope to make peace with another culture. Hard, hard, long work. This may take a revolution in our society. But until then--or maybe to start a grain of sand rolling--I guess I better stop writing about it and begin doing it myself.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

T.J. from N.Y.C. -near W.T.C. — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 15:44:01 GMT

'Tinkering' in other cultures is not only wrong, it also tends to explode in our collective faces.

1st, allow me say: 9/11 was wrong. I live in NY. I had friends who died on 9/11 and I have family members who ARE dying still due to the after effects of the attack - So I say again, 9/11 was wrong for those reasons and 1,000's more.

However, "counter-attacking" the incorrect country & people made all of our 9/11 losses seem MEANINGLESS. It's sad that we allowed a "?Recovered? Drunk, Christian Fundalmentalist, inarticulate, minor politician, poor business man" (who happened to be the son a truly Good Man who was former president) to lead our very young nation into a Holy War.

2nd - As noted in an earlier blog posting, where would the world be today had we changed the scope of warfare during WWII by NOT flattening the hiding places FROM where solders were being attacked; ie: churches, etc. Didn't we learn our lesson in Nam? Whenever we were 'night attacked' but still managed to get the enemy on the run, we were required to NOT Follow them past a certain point.

3rd - WE made it a Holy War when we decided that even if all of our attackers were from 1 or 2 nations we would NOT retaliate against those nations. My feeling is, if the sick people on those 9/11 planes were from Egypt then Egypt attacked us. If they were Syria, then Syria attacked us. But WE made it a Holy War by seemingly attacking the entire Arab World & all Muslum People.
We chose to NOT make it clear that we were after our attackers, whoever they are, whatever they are and wherever they are.

Many of these middle eastern leaders hide behind thier extremists and say "They do NOT represent my country!" Yet, they do nothing to find, stop or capture these animals. In many cases, they secretly praise & reward them.

WE (under the direction of the Rum Soaked Brain of a inarticulate leader) marched into Iraq BUT allowed the family of binLaden free passage in, around and then out of our country.
Same rules apply - since BinLaden is our attacker then GET bin Laden. Instead, Sudam Hussain is dead.
Was he a bad leader of his people? YES - but they were HIS people. Did he attack his neighbors? Yes, years ago - they asked us for help & we helped. It was OVER (perhaps only for the time being - but it was over during 9/11)

While our attacker slinks into the ancient sands, we go finish off "Dad's" business in the opposite direction.

Finally: Extremists will always be that - Extreme. Whether they be Muslum or Born Again Christan. We can not (and should not try)to change the way the world believes. We SHOULD, however, try to change what the world NOW believes about us.

Next time we want oil - why not make a deal. Lets NOT arrange a coup that will back fire over & over & over again.
Instead of pretending to protect the world from itself, why not protect our own borders?
Instead of hating everyone who is NOT the same as us, why not encourage people who live in America to learn & like being here. What happened to Civic's Classes & the pledge in public shcools? What happned to the cop on the beat & Community Centers for the entire community - - not smaller centers for only ONE type of people?

Instead of telling Mexican's (who work at the job that we really don't want anyway) to stop sending thier earned money home to thier families, why don't we keep track of all those 35 Year Old College Students who have never even seen the campus they're assigned to.

Instead of re-building communities that we helped to destroy around the world, why not avoid the destruction and spend some time in America fixing: Gulf State Levees, Alleghany Schools, L.A. Hospitals, Boston Roads, St.Paul/Min Bridges, the World Trade Center!

Mostly - what happened to accountability, in all its forms?

This blog went on alot longer than I had planned. This is my 1st time at joining a "Wrold Blog"

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

john doe, iraq — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 15:54:17 GMT

With these people natural selection will take its course, just like it did with the Indians. Its one thing to read the news and feel compassion for them, but the reality of the situation is if you have never been there you will never understand them. Walk around in one of their villages and see what happens to you and then you can write all your bleeding heart stories. Yezidis are no better than muslim exremeist trust me I have dealt with them before and they are no differet.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Fed up, Medford lakes, NJ — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 17:34:49 GMT

a pox on both their houses.
stoning??? genocide???
Let them at each other. Just get ourforces out, now!

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Susan Doe — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 18:13:04 GMT

The word "religion" is way too structured and confining a term for me to use. I can't control what anybody else thinks, does, or says. And I am still learning to control myself in those respects. Here, in the USA we are free to indulge in our own opinions, it wasn't always like that. People died so we would have those privilages. Christianity has the bloodiest history in this country. I'm not sayting that to insult any denomination or sect or anyone personally, it's just a fact of history. Little do we, here in this country, know what religions dominate the outside world, we don't even know all the relions in our own country.
Personally, I know of some Native American "Religions" that are not based on the strict rules of the dominant society. For instance, my tribe believes there is no Hell and no Satan. If there is a Hell, it's right here on earth and we make it ourselves. We do have a trickster who sometimes throws things in our path, but even those are put there for us to learn from. Some of us have even seen what happens when a person dies. I know some of you think we must be half crocked, but, we are civil, functioning humans living maybe right next door. There's no room for us to judge anyone else, Why can't anyone see that?

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

CM — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 18:46:33 GMT

All religions are insane (including mine). Peacocks, virgins-in-waiting, ressurections, cutting babies' penises and a long and tedious etc.
We need freedom from religion, not freedom of religion.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Pope Paul — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 18:47:55 GMT

Two words: Nukes and Oil!
If it were not for the oil wealth of the Middle East, the Muslims would still be chasing around after each other on their camels, hacking off each other’s heads. The US is a country, which squanders oil and supports the flow of trillions of petro-dollars to the Middle East and Venezuela. How do you think they can afford to buy weapons and export their religious intolerance?
Iraq has the second/third largest oil reserves next to Saudi Arabia. If Iraq were to develop these oil reserves, it would drop the price of gasoline by approximately $1/gallon. Iran will not allow that. Russia, who is a net exporter these days, will not allow that. Iran is behind most of the terrorist attack and anarchy in Iraq. Spin up religious fanatics, give them weapons, and sit back and enjoy the bloodshed. Religion is only a pawn in all of this. It is interesting to read all the comments on which religion is righteous and more God like and how other religions are evil and blah, blah, blah...!
Religion has always been used throughout history as a willing force, easily manipulated by its leaders and politicians to get what they want.
I find it funny that many want to blame Bush and think that Hillary or the "not black enough" Brock will fix this for us. How naive and simplistic. There are some things we cannot control as a nation.
Religious and Political ideology may be the source of all this, but the nuke will be the end!
Nukes are wonderful as a deterrent. It is the great equalizer in military power struggles. Iran is developing it, the N. Koreans already have it, and it will only be some time (10-15 yrs.) before some insane group, that doesn't care about the consequences, uses it. Would Hitler have used it? Did we use it? Will a Christian state use it? Will a Jewish State use it? Will a Muslim state use it? Maybe, maybe not. The consequences to those states would be significant, and I'm not talking about embargos, that the Europeans always ignore. What about a nuke that goes off in the port of Miami, San Diego, NY? What if no state claims it? Would we know for sure who made and detonated it? Uranium and Plutonium in their bomb grade state are not very radioactive, so they are very, very hard to detect.
As long as the developed countries continue to use oil like it was water, and pay these third world countries trillions of dollars, we will see the Hugo Chavez’s, and the militant religious groups continue to foment their revolutions and take this world to it's destruction. Hiroshima and Nagasaki nukes were like mere firecrackers compared to what is available today and will be available in another 15 to 20 years to those with enough money to buy or steal them.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

nick from Tampa — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 19:00:29 GMT

T.J. from NYC

My God, I wish life were that simple! I wish we could all get along and live in harmony! My 8 year old asks me similar questions and makes similar suggestions. He watches the TV news too, but they only explain things superficially. There are solutions, but not eutopic.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Ticking — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 19:23:50 GMT

MANDRE, Neal, bckshl, Nedra, Kathy G.,dosey,

Point blank, every single person in this world will die one day... What then? Does everyone honestly think that once we die that's it? The truth is that no one has control over death except the one who created life. All this back and forth is nonsense to me because I realize that the life clock is ticking away and we will all have to answer for our own actions. If we can be of help in this world, we should. If not, don't worry about it because there is a such thing as free will. We can't change people. They will do as they wish period...

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Raven Stands Alone, Jacksonville, Five Points, Florida, USA — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 21:03:08 GMT

Ya know, I read something like this john doe in iraq and I really wonder just how safe we are in our own country? I mean, if he doesn't die there he'll be back in country eventually.

"With these people natural selection will take its course, just like it did with the Indians." Do you mean the 40 million natives of the Nort American continent? The ones that the white invaders gave smallpox infested blankets to? The ones the "colonists" raped and murdered by the millions? Like the natural selection process at work in Georgia and North Carolina in 1830 where the military of the United States took people who had registered deeds to their land (registered in the whiteman's court and notarized by the court clerks), who had built regular euro-style houses and published their own newspapers and allowed their white neighbors complete access to water and roadways and marched them, men, women and children 1200 miles in the dead of winter during which 8,000 out of 15,000 perished in the snow? DO YOU MEAN "THAT" NATURAL SELECTION PROCESS?

You make a statement that bigoted and racist statement and then hide behind John Doe? I think the United States army needs to find out who you are and give you a dishonorable discharge, cash you out and turn you loose in my neighborhood.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

LuneKeltkar, Punta Gorda, Florida — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 21:14:55 GMT

Dosey, you wrote: "Imran from karachi you're so right. except for a handful of americans it useless to talk to them. watching tv, copying celebrities, self indulgence and ignorance are the only things that they do." Here you're being the pot calling the kettle black. There's a bit more than 302,600,000 US citizens. Just how many of those hundreds of millions of people do you know, such that you can justify your statement that only a "handful" can perceive essential issues? You must be very busy meeting US citizens to have made the rounds of all those hundreds of millions.

Kathy G., you wrote: "As far as how women are treated all over the world, they should stand up and say it loud. WE ARE NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE. You men are morans." I ask you the same question I asked Dosey: How many of the *billions* of men in the world have you met to justify your statement that men are "morons"? You must have been busier than Dosey meeting men. At least this one man would stand up with the women and shout, "We're not going to take it anymore!"

Charlotte Lucier, you wrote: "I might not agree with their ideas of not educating females and not marrying outside their sect (or stoning-horrible) but isn't that their right?" Their right to what, drag a 17-year-old girl into the town square and make a spectator sport out of pummeling her with cinder blocks *for a half hour* until she finally died? You otherwise make some good points, but this one statement (the whole basis of your argument) is simply ludicrous beyond belief. Do you think that the US people would let a religious sect in the US stone girls to death because it's part of the sect's belief system? If you do, then you're in the wrong country. What about white supremacists in the US who drag African-Americans behind their trucks until the life's beaten out of them? By your principle stated here, we ought to just let them do it because it's part of their belief system.

The US and in fact the world has long recognized that people can't go out and do any old thing they want just because it's part of their belief systems. That's why we have the concept of crimes against humanity. Some acts are simply so bestial that they can't be accepted at all, no matter what belief systems people espouse. And make no mistake, the stoning of that girl was a crime against humanity, and I don't give a rip about anyone's mewling, "It's their belief system. Isn't that there right?" No, it's not. Those men who stoned that girl are the worst kind of inhuman filth I can imagine.

Lune

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

D.Felix. Ca. — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 21:24:36 GMT

THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT ANYONE THAT BELIEVES IN A ' god 'IS AN IGNORANT SHEEP!!! GET A LIFE!!!! YOU NEED A SHEPARD BECAUSE YOU ARE TOO STUPID TO SURVIVE ON YOUR OWN. THE WORST IS THE DEVIL THAT WROTE THE koran.. OR THE ONES THAT REINTERPRETED IT INTO AN EVIL BOOK OF DEATH AND HATE FOR THE DOGS THAT BELIEVE IT... THE OTHER ISLAMISTS ARE JUST AS BAD BECAUSE THEY ARE ALL COWARDS...AFRAID TO STAND UP AND DENOUNCE THE REST..THEREBY CONDONEING THEIR ACTIONS!!WHEN YOU PIGS BLOW UP A BUNCH OF PEOPLE ,YOU COULD BE BLOWING UP YOUR OWN MOTHER..IF YOU EVEN KNOW WHO SHE IS !!!

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Steven F> Durst Bayard WV — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 23:15:16 GMT

Is there any one out there in the world who doesn't yet understand that Islam is religion of death?
These people are the most intolerent of all people and take their stupid beliefs to the very edge of insanity by killing everyone and anyone that doesn't belong to there brand of Islamic hatred.
and of course these sniveling cowards never fight as men do. They bomb women childen and have no mercy for any. They also use the most stupid among their followers to kill themselves in what has to be the most cowardly act of any people anywhere.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Raven Stands Alone, Five Points, Riverside, Jacksonville, Florida, USA — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 00:41:50 GMT

Hey Lune! Thank you for your answer to Kathy G. aren't blanket statements like, "all men are morans" a relatively bigoted statement in itself. I don't say that all women are maroons because they let their men go off to war and kill people when all they have to do is say, "You go kill anyone and you will never get laid again." But, we all know that "all women" are gutless.

Hey, did you know Steve blackwell?

Raven Stands Alone

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

George Lee — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 01:03:39 GMT

The muslims have declared war on all who are not muslim, now is the time to call their bluff and call the ACLU what it is a seventh colum, get rid of them and alot of our woes will disappear. If the muslims want to live here in the USA let them live by the laws of the land set out by our forefathers. If they don't like our GOD let them return to their land of hate and revenge..

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Lex — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 01:09:41 GMT

Hell yes, blame Islam and Wahhabi style Islam in particular for suicide murderers who shred entire communities of complete strangers with garbage truck bombs. It isn't "Crusaders" who blow themselves up for "Allah" while killing as many "infidels" and "blasphemers" as possible. So many fervent believers in so much damend bloody nonsense. Will a day come for Islam when there will be no one left who "deserves" to be butchered for "Allah?"

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Ron Little, Orange Park, Florida — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 02:58:38 GMT

The recent bombings of the Yazidis is horrific. I have read some of the different blogs on this subject and they are interesting.
First of all I am a Christian. I believe however that God has given all of mankind the freewill to believe or not to believe as we feel. As a Christian I believe it is wrong to murder someone because they beleive differently from me. God will judge everyone in the end and it's not up to man to judge and pass a death sentence in this case. I had never heard of the Yazidis until this incident. I do feel they are backwards by Western standards as far as their stoning of a young girl and their treatment of women in general.This attack just confirms once again that these radicals have no respect for human life. They can dress it up however they like but it's murder plain and simple.
I spent almost two years in Iraq working as a police advisor and was wounded by a roadside bomb. So I have a little experience with the people in that area. I met and worked with alot of good people. I did see a good deal of corruption in the Iraqi police force and military. However I did work with many who were honest and wanted to do the right thing. I think most of the people in Iraq are like most Americans, they want to work, live, raise their families and worship in peace. The obvious problem is with a small percent of radical, extemist or fundamentalists, however you want to label them. It's the minority group of radicals in Iraq or in any other area of the world that are causing the carnage and destruction.
I feel that taking Sadaam Hussein out of power was a good thing. Many will disagree. I do agree that we have made many mistakes and miscalculations there. I feel however we must do all we can to succeed. It is a very complicated situation. Failure will be catastrophic not only for the peaceful people in Iraq but the whole world in general. I believe however the solution lies with the Iraqi people. The Shiites, Sunnis and every other group there, are going to have to look past religious and tribal differences to save their country. Some of you will say to clean up the mess America started. Maybe so. Maybe we are mistaken to think other people want democracy. Maybe we're foolish to think other people and cultures in the world want it or would know what to do with it if it's offered. One thing I don't understand is the lack or seeming lack of outrage at this latest atrocity by other moderate Muslim countries such as Jordan or Saudi Arabia. I think the ultimate solution to the Iraq situation and the worldwide terrorism problem lies with the moderate Muslims all over the world. It seems to me they need to take back their religion from the radicals. When I was in Iraq as far as I know there were no Jordanian or Saudi military or police there trying to help. At least I never saw any. It's definitely in their best interest for peace to reign in Iraq. They're going to all have to overcome the religious sect barrier and look at each other as brothers regardless if it's Shiite or Sunni. That's the only way for there to be peace in Iraq and an end to radical Islam. The moderate Muslims have got to speak out and take more action to this end.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Bella Terato newport beach, california — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 05:07:59 GMT

I'm sure the Yezidi's posed a horrific threat to um, someone.. living impoverished in clay houses, with up to 30 family members?? What heroes these magnificent Al Qaida warriors are. Where next? Tijuana??Yes, I heard about the Yezidi's from my Muslim Kurdish friends who dub them "devil worshippers" and who made a big deal about the stoning of Dua Kahlil last Spring. Consider this hypocracy in light of this info on the Kurdish Women's Rights Watch website, that in the same month, more than 40 Muslim Kurdish women were victims of honor killings or honor suicides. Absolutely gruesome and tragic on all sides. And my biggest plea: WHere are all you Muslims?? thinking this is all ok??? Must be so. I hear an outcry here and there, but no official, believable denunciation. Your silence is scary= you condone these acts...Because you know what's in your culture and in your Quran...and you secretly and fearfully believe that any really good Muslim is a Shaheed, Martyr- terrorist killer, al Qaida, etc. What else are we to think????? Please, PLEASE follow your heart above your culture/religion.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Chad, CA — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:10:44 GMT

These hateful rants like D. Felix's make me sad. I'm an atheist, but does that mean I can survive without the help of anyone? Can any of us? The fact that we are social creatures is one of the major reasons for our sucess as a species, but it isn't without it's problems.

If my neighbor treats others with respect I don't care if he is religious or not. If someone wants to worship the devil and they don't bother anyone, what is the problem?

People take what they want from religion. Yes it has been used countless times as a tool to control the masses, but so has patriotic or nationalistic fervor. Tribalism in whatever guise it chooses to show itself has been fundamental to the fabric of every human society that has ever existed.

If you destroyed all of the churches in the world do you think the problems of intolerance and cruelty would magically disappear? That war would only exist in the history books? The agent of human suffering is not faith nor the clash of faiths, the blame lies with our limitless capacity for hatred and stupidity.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Ron B, Kuwait — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 15:07:06 GMT

To Charlotte in FL,

Why do I hear so many people attempt to convey the rights guaranteed under the US Constitution to people who live in foreign countries and are not US citizens? The Constitution of the United States of America does not confer the rights it contains onto the rest of the world. The rights are guaranteed to US citizens and visitors on US soil.

The right to freedom of religion, guaranteed Americans under the US Constitution, does not allow a person to infringe on the rights of another in the course of the practice of any given religion. Thus, a Yazidi in the US would not be free to stone a child to death in pursuit of their religion because they would not have a Constitutional right to do so. Perhaps in Iraq they do have the right to commit honor killings.

As far as the killings of Yazidis in Iraq is concerned, it is for Iraqi law enforcement officials to determine whether or not a crime has been committed and the appropriate actions to take. The US needs to stop applying our rights and laws to citizens in foreign countries. Or did we change The Constitution of the United States of Americaa to The Constitution of the Planet Earth while I wasn't looking?

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

sgt shot, just got back from 2nd tour — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 16:10:33 GMT

I am often like to think of my first tour of Afganistan, I was so young and eager as a soldier. The bad experiences hardened me and those experiences served me well in Iraq. I dealt first hand with so many muslims. I often think of my interpreter Wasim. He was a devout muslim and educated, his parent were both physicians and he was in his 7th year of medical school when America invaded Afghanistan. His father packed his family up and moved them back to Afghanistan after our invasion to help in any way they could. Him and all of his brothers and sisters volunteered as Interpreters and put all of their studies on hold. I chewed alot of dirt with Wasim and had many long talks with him. He helped me understand the muslim faith and the people. He talked of all the strife in the communities and all of the killings and all of the militias. He would cry many times at the thought of his muslim brothers twistist islam to serve their own political purposes. He was such a gentle person and very intelligent. These monsters are not anything but monsters. I have killed people in 2 different countries and they all die the same, cowardly running away. Like I have said before in other blogs, we need to clamp these monsters down, chase them from the shadows and kill them in the gutters. I am tired of them, I am tired of their cowardly ways, I am tired of them attacking innocents. I will gladly pick up my rifle and go hunt them down (again) but we need to do something before the monsters are allowed to gain any more ground.

They want a fight? lets give it to them. Lets lock down the country, evacuate the women and children, and declare game on. If a man comes to us with his hands in the air we will detain him until we have cleared the streets of every living thing that wants a fight. He can swear an oath to rebuild Iraq in a peaceful way and if he violates it in any way, he is punished by death, quick and painless (unlike stoning). We need to do something, we are in this too deep.

Monsters, if only there were more Wasim's.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Athens, GA — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 16:12:35 GMT

"Science is our enemy"
These aren't "animals" or crazy people. That comment sounds quite similar to the mantras of many fundamentalist Christians right here in our country. Those, for example, who are convinced that dinosaurs are a farce, a conspiracy against Christianity.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

LuneKeltkar, Punta Gorda, Florida — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 19:17:54 GMT

Begie Miller, you wrote: "Religion and misogyny are the two greatest evils in the world, and they often go together." Let me hear an amen to that brothers.

Amin, you wrote: "I guess many of the readers, never heard about the Crusades when Christians invaded Jerusalem and slaughtered Muslims, Jews, Christians and every living creature because they lived together." Christianity (not to be confused with the teachings of Jesus) is likely the most hideous conception that the human brain has thus far managed to vomit forth, including its stepchildren Islam and Mormonism and so on, so you won't get any argument from me on that point. In fact, I think that the worst misstep humankind ever took came when we stopped just marveling at the wonders of the natural world and set out on this relentless and bloody search to identify some god behind it all. But what possible evidence do you have to support your statement, "People only hear about Islam when they read an article in the newspaper which does not tell what the principles of Islam really are." What *people* are you talking about? All these nebulous claims about "men" and "women" and "Muslims" and "Christians" and "people" are just so unimaginably foolish. These statements mean nothing! I've made a couple other posts, but if you glance at them, you'll see that I speak only of a *particular* group of men who carried out a *particular* act. I can't imagine any other logical way to offer meaningful statements about these matters. I so entirely agree with your statement, "Do yourself a favor before you speak about Islam or any other religion take the time to learn about that which you speak." But your statement bites both ways. Speaking for us average US joes (and mind you, only those directly known to me, admittedly a minuscule sampling of the hundreds of millions of US citizens), we have been very badly maligned throughout so much of the world. In this regard, I would ask you to look at the posts by Sherryl T. Instead of your foggy "people," here is a real *woman*, and in my experience her account of matters is much closer to reality than any of the claims made about "Americans" and "people" that I've so far seen.

Dosey, I guess that you're gone, so you may not see this post, but you wrote: "I should've known that you wouldn't print my blog." I saw one of your posts, and responded to it. Do you mean that you offered a second post that got trashed. If so, then I saw to the moderator: Shame on you, let him have his say. He's due it even if he were an idiot, which he quite obviously is *not.*

A Patriot, you wrote: "All this talk of religion and whom is right and wrong and no mention by all these Americans of the most sacred religion of all for those of us blessed enough to live here, Democracy. Let's bring it back, clean up our country and then, maybe then we can take our good fight to the streets of the world once more." Let's hear an amen to that, sisters. I'm not isolationist in the sense that I want to disengage from the rest of the world, but we need to entirely retrench militarily so that we do nothing beyond protecting our own shores. We're *not* everyone's papa to go running about the world trying to keep peace on the playground. Frankly, when we do, we just seem to make things worse anyway. Did you know that the Bush administration just committed to a $20 billion military aid package to Israel? *$20 billion?!* To provide that military aid, the US government gouged from us a little more than $66 dollars for every man, woman, and child in the US. My god, what a windfall that money would be if it were returned to the US people.

Steve from Earth, one last note, then I'll quit. You quoted the golden rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I agree with the points in your post, but I think that the Old Testament offers a rule much more golden than they one that this term generally calls to mind. In Deuteronomy 15, God issues a series of injunctions that (given he's the Old Testament god) are remarkably humane, including the proper treatment of strangers, of workers, of animals, and so on. And to justify these injunctions, God says, "And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing today." It's a subtle point that I'm not sure I can adequately explain, but to me the golden rule tries to second-guess the future and is self-serving: I'm going to treat you well today because I just might need you to treat me well tomorrow, deal? The Deuteronomy passage, by contrast, seems to me to honor the past and is profoundly humane: I'm going to treat you well no matter what, because I've *known* what it means to suffer, so no deal needed, buddy, let me help where I can then you go in peace.

Lune

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

LuneKeltkar, Punta Gorda, Florida — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 19:32:30 GMT

RayFL, you wrote: "But God's perfect standard of Justice had to be also satisfied, so a perfect man had to pay the price for all of mankinds' evil. Since there is no such perfect man that qualifies to die for others' sins, but only his own, God Himself had to become man, and not sin, to pay with His death for all other mankind's evil acts." Oh for god's sake, what drivel! If your god is so dim-witted that he couldn't figure out any better way to "redeem" humankind than by tacking some poor guy onto a cross, then he can keep his redemption. I certainly don't want it, if *that's* how he's going to go about the whole affair.

It's all political blood and gore, all these religions, right from the get-go, and these blood-thirsty beliefs are precisely what's behind the stoning of the girl, the bombings of Yazidi villages, the Spanish Inquisition, the burning of witches, white supremacy, and the carnage goes on and on. I'm sick of it.

Lune

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

Holly Nelson,Deer Park,NY — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 07:55:36 GMT

all have addressed this unusual religious sect;however did anyone consider this terrible event to that of being a precursor of whats to come:when one practices the piano one trys and trys to get it perfect-perhaps thats what the "evil-doers" are doing- testing for future events somewhere else:synchronism-chronological arrangement of historical events and personages so as to indicate coincidence or coexistence THEY ARE PRACTICING...BUT FOR WHERE?

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

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Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

just another guy trying to live peacefully on planet earth! — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 06:06:01 GMT

Sometimes it seems as though the world needs a break from the constant bombardment of messages from organized religion. In the resulting silence perhaps a few more people might actually find a connection to god, and begin to question all this madness.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

wwwuker — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 12:53:29 GMT

The world is being held hostage by two mass suicide cults who believe they can afford death because they have an inside track on animaginary heaven. Anyone not believing as they do, in their Ego, is a target for ethnic cleansing. Too many Christians like to point their fingers at Muslims for doing what both have done throughout their tortured histories. That is talk love and peace while practicing hate and war.

In all the accounts on the Yazidis it has been made clear that both Christians and Muslims believe they worship the devil. The devil is any deity that is not the Christians or Muslims Jesus or Allah. Basically the typical Christian or Muslim is an egotist who believes what they believe is the absolute truth and wants all people to believe as a validation of themselves to the extent that they are willing to murder all who do not. Just read how many people write such as absurdities as there being 'only one supreme being.' Yeah their ego. God is an Anglo-Saxon term that English speaking people insist the world adapt as the ultimate name of this 'being' but look at this word, it suggests absolutely nothing divine and shares the same letters as dog. Then why would such a supreme being who wants us to read some book have a name that begins with such an inferior letter as G? Why not A?

The Muslims are the same, they want the entire world to recognize an Arab word as the ultimate expression. Nevermind that much of the world was civilized long before anyone ever heard of the Arabs or Muhammad. Suddenly its his idea and his alone that must be expressed. Until you find virutally everything essential in Christianity and Islam was plagiarized from the very Pagans or 'Devils' they denounce.

Now we must endure yet another Crusade-Jihad from these two psychopaths whose real fear is that knowledge and science has proven their beliefs to be absurd. So they will threaten to destroy the entire world because they believe that as believers they are guaranteed heaven and everyone else is going to some place called Hell. Americans should not be so condescending about the mass-murder of these people as most of us are standing on the graves and ruined temples of the so-called Native Americans.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

wwwuker — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 13:11:20 GMT

To Mary Ann

I am tired of you, Bush and other misinformed Americans calling Muslims Fascist. Its a word few of you have a clue as to its meaning or origin. Muslim maybe a lot of things but Fascism is clearly a Roman Catholic creature that arouse from text in The Vatican under the topic of 'Corporatism.

The great Fascists of the 20th Century were all Roman Catholic. Here are their names. Mussolini of Italy supported by The Vatican. Franco of Spain supported by the Vatican. Hitler of Austria supported by the Vatican. Bush and company use the term to arouse pro-Jewish sentiment due to the Fascists being identified with the concentration camps and Holocaust. These Jews, Gypsies and Slavs were not murdered by Muslims they were murdered by European Christian Roman Catholic Fascist.

The name Fascist is based on the Fasces that Pagan Rome used as a symbol of their unity as a Republic. Again there is nothing Arab or Islamic about it.

Call the Muslims Orthodox, fundamentalists, Wahhabis etc but the real Fascists are those right here in America who are misleading you with a foreign distraction while systematically taking away our rights under the threat of a foreign bogey-man.

Fascism and Corporatism go hand in hand. During WW@ there were attempts by the Nazis (German Fascists) to court certain leaders in the Middle East for the same reason that the British, Americans, Dutch and French did, for OIL. So there were some Arabs and Persians that aligned with the Germans because they feared the British and Americans were intent on stealing their property while others aligned with Britain and the US.

Whenever I see this term used, Islamo-Fascist I known I am dealing with a Dittohead. The same sort of ignorance that Americans use when they label someone a Communist and have no clue as to what that word means, have never read Das Kapital and could speak with any authority on Karl Marx for more than 4 seconds. Such ignorance is the real threat to our national security and the world. Its no wonder that we have such a president who was re-elected after leading us from disaster to disster that highlighted his incompetence in each event.

Oh yes, Mary Ann, and those Al Qaida Islamos you call Fascist were bought and paid for by Reagan and Bush. Don't you ever forget that and its likely that the Yazidis were murdered either by American equipement of know how gained from their being CIA trained and supplied while in Afghanistan.

Your calling Muslims 'Fascists' is like those who call Arabs 'anti-semitic.' Its clear that the USA suffers from a 'Social Studies' crisis.

Iraq attack strikes ancient religious sect

wwwuker — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 13:47:22 GMT

Mohammad Azam

I have studied Islam. When does a Muslim condemn a Yazidis for stoning a girl because she converted to Islam and not condemn Muslims for the same thing? As in how many women have been sentenced to death by Sharia courts for 'adultery' while the men are not charged?

Where is your condemnation of those Muslims who charge victims of rape with adultery and then sentence them to die by stoning?

Sharia is on the rise in Nigeria, Sudan, Somalia and who bears the burden of it? Women. You can hardly blame the Yazidis for what is common practice with many Muslims. The problem is that these religions are all based on Misogyny, a hatred of the Feminine in all phases. The Misogyny varies but it is the same in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and much of Hinduism. The attitude that would cause fathers to kill their babies because they are born female. Misogyny is the consistent theme in all of you. And wait? Now that science has discovered and translated ancient Sumerian and Egyptian Jews and Muslims no longer have a monopoly of interpretating the ancient world. We find that all of your 'sacred texts' are plagiarisms from the very Pagans you denounce. Except for your accounts of the wars you waged against those Feminine based culture and the land you stole.

Both you and the Christians are sickening. The modern world has outlawed the misogyny, imperialism and genocide that is called for in the Bible and Quran and yet with so many people burdened with this from birth we find outselves in yet another pathetic Crusade and Jihad. Talk Peace all you want Muslim. Like the Christian always saying Love the totality of your history is Hate and War.

Yes, there have been great things coming from brilliant Christians and Muslim. We never tire of hearing about it but for you to condemn the Yazidis for what you do? Come on! What happens to those people who were Muslims but want to convert to other beliefs? Or just want out of religion? What happens to the women who want to leave Islam?

Communities such as the Druze and Yazidis do not take converts which in the greater sense means they leave other people alone to their beliefs. They don't insist that Aborginals in Australia or Mayans in Mexico call upon an Arabian name as the ultimate expression of truth. When someone leaves the Druze or Yazidis it is a great loss but can we trust the sources of the story about a woman stoned for becoming a Muslim? If the Yazidis are so 'secretive' then how would they allow for such an act to be seen by those 'outside' of their community? Or did they allow outsiders to witness the stoning as a part of them 'opening up their religion?'

One of the solutions to end this garbage is to have the religious leaders from Judaism, Christianity and Islam meet each other in battle. Let the believers who have been victimized by these 'pimps' stay home and have the clergies fight it out. Isn't amazing how Muslims will surrender their lives to protect some firebrand Mullah? Just like its a shame that ultra-orthodox Jews are exempt from compulsatory military duty in Israel. Of course those American Christian preachers who use fire and brimstone and call Muslims Fascists are not willing to lead any Crusade ala the Knights Templars either.

Amazing how most of you agree on Misogyny and hatred of the UN. That's because its in your best interest to preserve the past and keep women locked in a fenced compound supported by religious nonsense.