As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

dm — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 19:53:31 GMT

Richard,
I'm confused. My friends in America who are muslim say the Koran teaches against violence and the killing of non-muslim. But the jahdes and extremes say the Koran justifies their behavor. What is the truth? Have you ever read the Koran?

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Ray Barrera, Lodi, CA — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 19:55:58 GMT

as a famous person once said...

"Religion is the opiate of the masses."

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

lnp, leonardtown, maryland, usa — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 20:14:28 GMT

I saw the Nightly News report on which this blog is based. It's all so disturbing. I wish there was some way to impart to the world in general that most Americans are too busy working, taking care of their families, and just trying to pay the bills to care about "enslaving" foreign peoples. I personally have bigger fish to fry - which is not say that I don't care what goes on in the rest of the world. I do have my opinions: I don't believe in theocracies, fundamentalism, fanaticism, or fascism. I deplore any entity that would seek to oppress persons based on their gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. I am of the opinion that organized religion is usually the root of a hell of a lot of evil. Live and let live, and the world will be a better place. Tell that to those who are so self-consumed that they believe we mean them harm. Give me a break.

Btw, I'm enjoying the diversity of your reporting lately. It's interesting to see what's going on in more than just Baghdad.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

j doe — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 20:16:55 GMT

They have a right to defend themselves, their property, their land and whatever resources their land holds. Did these people harm the british or russians before they invaded?
We dont belong there. We shouldnt be killing them for the profit of American corporations, Christian Evangelical fanaticism, and the illegal Zionist Occupation of Muslim lands.

None of the hijackers on 9-11 were pakistani.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Brian DeFrancesco — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 20:19:41 GMT

This happens while an Arabic cultural-centered public school opens in New York City. It seems unfair to challenge it, considering their are public schools that explore Latin American, Eastern European, Asian and other cultures. But it also seems quite clear that to teach Islam is to teach Arabic culture, and vice versa, in spite of the fact that many Muslims are not Arabs. Frankly, as sick as the Islamic faith is right now, I would oppose an Arabic-themed public school in the United States.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Daniel Schlafer — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 20:27:07 GMT

6 days a week children are taught to hate the United States ? 6 days a week children are taught that the War on Terror is a war on Islam ? The madrasas probably teach children that this is just a continuation of the Holy Crusades and they are the direct descendants of the defenders of the shores of the Meditterean ? It all sounds like these young children are the Al Queada of the future no matter whom leads them ?

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Louie Clarksville, TN — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 20:52:52 GMT

Most of the world knows what is going on in these "school". The Imams’ are teaching hatred and NO tolerance for other beliefs or cultures. Hmmm we went down this road in the 1930's and 1940's they were called NAZI's. Why are we as a world turning a blind eye to this? Have we become so afraid of offending someone that we will just let this grow and grow until it is only controllable by another global war? Convert or die is the goal of Islamofacist's. This is not a PEACEFUL religion it encourages conversion by the sword. Christians went through this several hundred years ago but have evolved out of that to be more acceptable and tolerant of others beliefs. The Muslims use the crusades as a Battle cry but they are the ones who are now waging a holy war to convert the unbelievers. If they want to be Martyrs I say lets help them we should not have to bow to them.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

NoMo Hammed — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 21:19:25 GMT

-To the idiot who said none of the 9-11 hijackers were Pakistani...it is the Arab Al Queda that HIDES in the Pakistan area with Pakistanis protecting them.

The Koran teaches Jihad 164 times, it says to kill Christians and Jews wherever you find them, it says to fight the infidels until the entire world becomes Muslim, and these are just 3 examples. I could write pages on the cult. Islam is nothing more than a blood culkt bent on world domination through violent means. This does NOT mean that ALL Muslims subscribe to these ideals, but it IS what is written. This is why the jihadis can justify their atrocities. I eman c'mon..Mohammed was a pedophile and a murderer himself. Why not follow their own prophets example?

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Well wisher — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 21:26:02 GMT

I wonder who is sponsoring this idealogy? Iran, North Korea...Libya? Well guess what none of these...it is SAUDI ARABIA!!! and where is all the money coming from....our gas dollars....If any country is a big sponsor of terrorism it is saudi arabia....Until and unless the US takes care of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia terrorism against not only the US but the whole world will not stop!

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Adrian — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 21:26:46 GMT

We didn't start the crusades, the crusades were originally launched in response to a call from the Eastern Orthodox Byzantine Empire for help against the expansion of the Muslim Seljuk Turks into Anatolia.
Without this invasion from the Muslims, we may have had no problems.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Bobby, Dublin — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 21:31:20 GMT

Go to any church or school , read your newspapers, watch TV - The message taught in America is: Hate them becuase they want to kill us.
So we send our sons like sheep to slaughter and get slaughtered while some neo-cons profit from the oil.
"Crusades ended long ago.."
Yeah right! Before we even went to Iraq, Bush openly declared: This is going to be a long crusade...
See what Rev. John and Paul are preaching at the local corner church: Eradicate the moslem infidel to save the holy land. Otherwise Jesus wont come down to take us back to heaven.
Let me ask Louie: Did al the tolerant, cultured, devout christian powers of Europe peacefully invade the Muslim world in the early part of the last century?
In reality, they butchered thousands, raped, and plundered. Tehn they left behind puppet regimes they still support.
So let these paksitani kids know their history, let them learn and train, let them arm themselves against a REAL threat.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

NA, Houston, TX — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 21:40:40 GMT

It is unfortunate that I, being a Muslim from Pakistan, have to speak up to defend my religion and my country from all the wrong impressions being created by the wrong actions of my fellow Muslim countrymen. In truth, I do not think they are following the true Islam because Islam teaches one to cherish and respect this world and everything in it which has been given by God. These people are out to destroy it. However, I must also ask, what is it that is causing these people to react this way? Mainly, it is the poor political and economic environment in Pakistan which is allowing all this activity to foster. I think the problem needs to be understood and corrected at the root instead of making assumptions based on only what can been at the surface.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

John Doe, Seattle, Wash — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 21:44:49 GMT

"The school's director said there are at least 20,000 madrasas across Pakistan"
...and that's to be taken at face value along with other facts that slip through your biased filter? Heck, if you believe that, you might as well believe it when he says he's a man of peace!

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 21:55:00 GMT

Dear Richard,First of all I would NEVER,NEVER mistake YOU especially for a militant Islamic fundamentalist. Just looking at you I would never believe that at all. The madrasa's really sound like schools for young people to learn how to be holy warriors and battle the United States. They seem to be taught that theory of the history, conspiracy and myth resulting in the idea that Israel and the United States are against Islam and as they think want the Muslims to be "slaves" to the United States. The growing and expanding of these madrasa's is frightening to see because it breeds new recruits into these terror groups and fosters more threats against other countries including the United States. The more one learns about this culture and its beliefs the more one should be cautious of the actions of it people. Al-Qaeda and the Taliban are extremely dangerous in Pakistan because of the fact it is a poor country and the nuclear weapons armamant. Another great posting Richard! Very good reporting lately on Nightly News! As I always say again to you STAY EXTRA SAFE!! Peace to you and all your colleagues!!

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

RIAH BARTLETT, TN — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 21:56:30 GMT

TO LOUIE CLARKSVILLE, TN- SINCE WHEN HAVE THE CHRISTAINS BECOME MORE TOLERANT OF OTHERS BELIEF? I AM A WHITE LATE 20 YR OLD WOMAN IN MEMPHIS TN WHO HAD A CHRISTAIN WOMAN ON MY DOOR SAY I WAS BEING ARGUMENTATIVE OVER THE FACT THAT I WAS INSULTED WHEN SHE SAID "ANYONE WITH COMMON SENSE KNOWS GOD IS GOING TO TURN EARTH INTO A PARADISE". I AM TAOIST. THAT IS NOT MY BELIEF. AND WHILE I AM MORE THAN HAPPY SHE BELEIVES THAT, SHE CAME TO MY HOUSE FOR CONVERSION, NOTHING MORE. CHRISTIANS HAVEN'T GOTTEN MORE TOLERANT AS A WHOLE,THEY HAVE SIMPLY GOTTEN MORE EXTREME: EITHER CONSERVATIVE, NOT IN YOUR FACE BUT STILL THINK YOU WILL BURN IN HELL IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE AS THEY DO OR SO WHACKED OUT FANATIC THEY RIVAL THE JIHAD MENTALITY ANYWAY. MY OWN MOTHER IN LAW SAID ALL JEWS WOULD BURN IN HELL- SHE'S A SUNDAY SCHOOL SOUTHERN BAPTIST TEACHER. I WOULD SAY MOST CHRISTAINS ARE OK, BUT THEY STILL NEED A LOT OF WORK B4 THEY CAN BE CALLED TOLERANT.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Z, TX — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 22:01:10 GMT

To think we can keep our heads in the sand forever is both naive and dangerous...they are in the US already--why don't we stop this before their numbers and influence gets out of control.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

John Eschen Grand Coulee Wa — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 22:05:53 GMT

It's funny a few weeks ago I was reading how muslim holy men had written a letter saying that muslims and christens should unite on the bases that we are all created by God. This week I read that muslims hate christens and think they should die.

As I see it we should get rid of every evil in the world I don't care if it's muslim or christen. The fighting that goes on now has been going on for 6000 years we fought it during the crusades of old.

Fighting isn't working to solve the problem deplomacy isn't working. Why not stick the idiots who create these wars like Bush and Ben Laden on the front lines and let them do there own killing. Don't go and tell someone else to go do it have the guts to do it your self.

Goverments create wars and the common every day man is left to fight them. Any one tells me I have to go kill some guy because he says so. I tell him do your own dirty work. If the leaders of Islam don't have the guts to fight there own battles quite sending kids out to do it for them.
That's the problem with the faith of Muslims they say a prophet tells them it's ok to kill. You show me in any Bible or Koran that it says it's ok to kill. You wont find it.
They say that the United States is evil they aren't wrong and they aren't right. Alot of things the States has done in our history I would have to say could be considered evil. But not every American is evil nor is every Muslim evil.

In the end man will pay for what he has done every evil thing will be destroyed. And man is the only person that it has to blame. We kill we kill we kill. God forgive us all.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Fahim, Houston, TX — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 22:08:33 GMT

It's amazing to me how easy for reporters like Richard Engel to write some thing like this and create an impression that all of Pakistan Madrasas are producing these Al-Quida's recruiters. He is not going to tell any body that there are millions of schools in Pakistan that are teaching western education and ideologies. I think the real enemy are these reporter themselves. They can do any thing to keep their business prosper. They take thrill in reporting things that make the headlines. It's unfortunate. Unless we as a nation learn to read between lines we will never bring peace in this world. They took us into Iraq war and are now working on another one.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Farr, MI — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 22:12:17 GMT

There is lot of confusion going on about Islam due to the recent events like 9/11.Until 2000 same Islam was a very peaceful and fastest growing religion.Why suddenly every thing is bad. In Islam Jihad does not mean only "WAR" it means any sacrifices even fasting is a jihad.The extremest and other Islamic terririsom we hear or see through our media is about the people who has lack of proper islamic education and most of them even do not know the full translation or meaning of Quran because their mother tongue is not Arabic. These people are living in remote area with extreme poverty and misled by local Mullahs who themselve are uneducated. I am muslim American and been here like forever and always praise America and say God Bless America. Trust me Islam is not what it looks at the surface.Its all happen because of corrupt leaders and ineffective presentation.Islam does not want conversion over the sword but with be a role model and show Love. I myself and any senseable muslim hate killing of anybody I do not even like to kill bugs. Unfortunatly, world events and politics making Islam as a evil religion which is not true. Read the facts, knowledge is power.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Oscar, Dallas, TX — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 22:23:59 GMT

I do not mean to offend anybody but Islam is worse than communism. You could at least try to negociate with the commies but not with these paranoid savages. The whole argument that Islam is a religion of love is just propaganda muslims living in countries with other non-muslims tell them. It may be the case their holy book does not openly preaches violence but a religion is not only a book, a religion is made up of people so Islam does advocate violence. Again, most muslims are not terrorist but most terrorist are muslim. Fear of us is how their religious leaders keep their position by making their believers "need" them for protection.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Lisa, Portland, OR — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 22:29:40 GMT

These schools in Pakistan are basically preparing future taliban and al-qaida extremists to fight the holy war against the United States. What is going to happen in the next 20 years if this continues? Eventually, we will have the jihadists blowing themselves up here in the US because "they do not want to be slaves for the West" as they believe we are trying to instill. The beautiful things about the US is that we are free to practice any type of faith and look at how our country is compared to the war torn countries who kill each other daily over it. We give the muslims much more of an opportunity here in the US, equal rights as any race.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

G Myers — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 22:31:14 GMT

I think we have reached a point of no return. Fundamentalism is a scary thing...They are hell bent on destroying Israel and no matter what we do, we are Zionist to them...if we dont believe in their God, we might as well not exist. I am not about causing harm to any man, but I will protect my family, my home and my way of life...at this point, by any means necessary

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

David Eugene, Oregon — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 22:36:55 GMT

communication is key, and perception Is reality. To many Muslims and Arabs of the World, we are perceived as an aggressive war-type nation. Most of the Muslims who do not care for America have never actually seen/been taught what America really stands for. They have been taught/brain-washed by the true radicals that America is evil......we, on the other hand, have been taught that many cultures of the World are barbaric and inhumane to their populous, so we should try to Help them think like we do........hmmmmmmmmmm.....so.........both trends of thought are trying to convince their people and the World that they have the solution to what is right and what is wrong for the peoples of the World. Too bad we don't have a World body to sit down and discuss these differences in a logical and tempered tone....Oh..........we do have.....The United Nations....maybe a good start would be for the UN to let all of their meetings and dialogue be Publically accessable by ALL PEOPLE OF THE WORLD! so All people would see exactly what their Heads of State/Representatives are saying and doing to make their lives better. Getting our World Leaders to agree would be a chore, but without communication.....we will live to see much more distruction, and war after war after war....pretty sad isn't it.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Sophia, Los Angeles, CA — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 22:40:25 GMT

It's just fear mongering. I think the press is setting up to make Pakistan the next enemy. As long as people are concerned about Pakistani terrorists, they won't pay attention to what is going on in their own country. What is the Iraq war for? Also, they've thrown Iran and N.Korea in the mix too. Any country that says it will defend itself from an invasion becomes the next terrorist state.
How come the US is invading every country EXCEPT the one that the 9/11 hijackers actually came from?

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Ockham R, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 22:46:24 GMT

I have had the privilege of working with several devout Arab Muslims and have found these individuals to be – personally – caring, compassionate, very engaging, articulate and in most respects really good friends with deeply held conservative values.

As if to also demonstrate how complex an individual may also be: They all shared a conspiracy theory of the world that caused them to belief in a massive collusion between Israel and the United States – all believed that the events of 9/11 were to some extent orchestrated by the US and secret International Jewish organizations – all believe that a devout Muslim would never undertake such a crime.

These were well all educated, extraordinarily talented individuals: It would be simple to believe that their beliefs came from Islam, but it is more complicated than this – I believe that it remains a cultural mindset, passed from parents, older brothers, and community leaders that continues to reinforce the belief that the West is the enemy.

The task of the ‘war on terrorism’ is more than to eliminate the terrorists; it must be also to address this mindset.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Dana, New York, NY — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 22:47:43 GMT

You know, I think it's interesting that suddenly the US is concerned about Pakistan's madrasas. Some of these same madrasas have been churning out terrorists for the past several decades, the brunt of which has been faced by Afghanistan and India. When India cried terrorism from the 1960s to the 1990s, the U.S. ignored it and continued to pump millions of dollars of money and weapons into Pakistan (to counter its own Russia problems). But since 9/11, suddenly this is a "global" war on terrorism, and if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. And in Pakistan's case, since you're part of the solution, you can't be part of the problem. In Pakistan right now we have the mass preaching of fundamentalist Islam (which I don't have a problem with in itself, except that the institutions in which it is preached tend to be targeted towards the lower classes who are rightly in need of an entity to direct their frustration at) combined with nuclear weapons and an unstable military dictatorship. No democracy or stability there, but we're more concerned about communist China. While we're in Iraq. Politics speaks louder than reality.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Khan,Islamabad,Pakistan — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 22:56:29 GMT

I must say its an amazing medium to convey such things across the world about Pakistan,I am a liberal Pakistani who has seen it from far n near would say that its not true to the extent as its written and this surely cant help to build a bridge a strong bond in todays world.
I have many friends from all over the world who once come to pakistan and leave with a desire to come again,I think Mr Engel needs to be little considerate before making it look all black.Thanks

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Syeda Amina, Los Angeles, California — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 23:00:33 GMT

Islam is intolerant, exclusive and under different names condones killing of people in its HOLY Book, does not tolerate debate and if anything is said contrary it is called "wrong interpretation" of our HOLY Book!!!When cornered the muslims always say "The bad things Muslims do are the Devils work" They always have a pathetic excuse for every thing, their backwardness, their tunnel vision (if it can be called vision at all) blaming the other, its never their fault, they lack the capacity to think clearly and sometimes think at all. A cousin recently called me(all the way from Canada) to ask if everyone was OK in the family because of the fires in California and then injects a pathetic statement by saying "America deserves such calamities, it is Allah's way of showing them his wrath!! for what they are doing in Iraq"!! So, if a member of my family had been hurt in the fire or our house had been burnt down that would have good or bad? What was the excuse of this long distance call I would like to know? When there is a earthquake in Pakistan (Muslim Country) what is this wonderful Allah's excuse? What did those poor Muslims do to deserve his wrath? Bunch of Idiots thats what they are!!!

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

urban image — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 23:03:24 GMT

the west negotiates, negotiates and makes an agreement/contract .....the eastern society agree up front and then negotiates foreever......? middle ground does not work with intimidation practices!

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Mac, Yosemite, Ca. USA — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 23:06:11 GMT

These "schools" are our "targets". Maybe soon we'll find out how "God" wants to "Process" them?

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

innocent people, terrorised city, — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 23:09:55 GMT

why americans support illegal state of israel,why americans supported saddam to attack on iran,why americans give arms to israel to kill innocent children since 1947, why usa archetects false democarcies in pakistan, egypt,afganistan & iraq, why usa has troops in saudi arabia, why usa supports dictators in muslim world like hosni mubarak, musharaf,abdalla of jordan, why a runs secret torture camps in muslim world,what somolia did wrong to usa,
what crime was done by lebanon/ why every damericans kill directly 7 indirectly hundreds of muslims in iraq, afganistan,pakistan, somalia,palestine & philipine??/
there was no bin laden when you helped israel to ocupy palestine!!!
there was no alqaeda when you gave amunation to saddam to kill innocent iranians & iraqits!!
why you supported dictatotrs in muslim world when even father of osama born,
why you support corrupt political & military regimes in muslim world.
why you donot accept democratic elected results in muslim world.
there will always be negative results for your wrong decisions today!
what usa is facing today is its 50 year old mistakes,
todays wrong doing usa willpay after 20 years or maybe 30 years.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Shyam Roy, Reading PA — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 23:16:47 GMT

dm,

You are misinformed. It is a standard misinformation that Muslims in western countries propagate for their self serving purpose. It is one of the most violent and oppressive ism. There is nothing religious about it. I grew up in India and lived side by side with Moslems. In Bangladesh, they made a rule that every non-Moslem family must marry one of their daughters to a Moslem to avoid harrassment by extremists. This is simply a terrible group of people who are compulsive liars.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

J Doe — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 23:17:50 GMT

If America had not started interfering in the affairs of the Middle East these schools of hate would not thrive. America dug their hole now they have to deal with it. America wants their oil and their subjugation, Sept 11 was the American governments sanctioned tool to foster support for it. Its a vicious circle thats only going to get tighter. Tickle us do we not laugh prick us do we not bleed wrong us do we not avenge?

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

victor@monteleoneinc.com — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 23:20:06 GMT

When will people realize that no matter how advanced our technologies get it will never be able to keep history from repeating itself. As long as we have countries where equality is only for one gender and swatting a fly is the equivalent to strapping a bomb on your child we will never be able to sit at the same table. Victor M

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

jm, Conroe, TX — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 23:26:49 GMT

Are there any world wide Islamic charities that provide free food and medical services to non-Islamic countries in need of assistance? Why haven't I heard of them. The US seems to overflow with charitable contributions to any countries with health and starvation problems. The fee...$0.00! No reference to religion considered.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

J Nelson, Kirkland, WA — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 23:27:07 GMT

Read "Three Cups of Tea" by Craig Mortenson and David Oliver Relin for a true account of how one American (Mortenson) began an effort that has resulted in , winning tremendous loyalty among the local populace toward America. I believe this does much more to make America secure than the war on terror ever will.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Stillpo — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 23:31:55 GMT

What is surprising with all this. Territorial Man by Desmond Morris explained this in a nut shell. Man is a killer period. Always has been, always will be. It is we learn how to surpress our urges not the fact the we are not. It appears that many around the world need to do their revisit their homework. IMHO

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Richard Johnson, Mi — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 23:49:45 GMT

Yes, religion is the opiate of the people. In Islams case, it is the crystal meth.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Brian, Honolulu — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 23:52:24 GMT

There are people making money on both sides of this war, so if 100 or a 1000 or even 10000 people are extreme enough in their beliefs that they can be convinced to strap bombs to their bodies and blow up markets, the people getting rich will still be there to convince them.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Farhan Khan, Champlain, NY — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 23:56:28 GMT

Have any of you people actually read the Koran ?Nowhere in the Koran does it state that killing innocent people is justiable. This is a clear case of politics being mixed with religion.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Agnos — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 23:58:29 GMT

If it was not for western money the OPEC nations would still be stitting on all that oil and be considered a part of the third world, and the camel, donkey and buggy would be their prime mode of transportation..

The rest of the world developed their oil resourses, they had niether the money nor the knowledge needed to do so....

I only hope that I would live long enough to see them run out of oil with the rest of the world....

By then they will be as addicted to it as we are...

We will have learned to do without and still be a viable strong nation while they wither and die...

Why because for all their money they still cant grow enough to feed themselves...

Maybe Allah will feed them.....

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Andy Ross, Vancouver, BC — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 00:04:33 GMT

I believe that all religions are at best unnecessary, and at worst an evil. But if I were to rate the various religions on a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate Islam at about -20. It is a religion that seems to render their adherents arrogant, ignorant and obnoxious. People, however, should be entitled to their views, no matter how I disagree with them.

But before writing the Jihadists off as fanatics, Americans might do well to examine their past imperialistic history, starting with the Spanish-American War: overthrowing democratically elected governments, invading other coutries at will when it suited their economic interests, expropriating other peoples' resources, millions of people killed or displaced. The list is gruesome indeed. Americans are little aware of the misdeeds perpretated for more than a century in their name by their administrations . I bet that there are still quite a few of them who believe, as GWB wants them to believe, that the Americans are in Iraq to spread democracy. The rest of the world knows better!

The Jihadist are keenly aware of what has been done abroad by the West in general, and the Americans in particular. They know their history well, certainly much better than the Americans know theirs. Their hatred for the American way should come as no surprise.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Harper Miles, San Deigo, CA — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 00:10:06 GMT

Mention "terrorism" and first thing people relate it to is Islam. People in the United States are being trained to equate terrorism with Islam 7 days a week through the media and corrupted awareness.

Can you blame Islam for feeling attacked?

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

rr pittsburgh pa — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 00:11:35 GMT

to j doe the so called muslim lands were once christian lands or owned by other non-muslims. a sword was used to change it. there never was any so called palestine.israel is in a land that was given to them by God. mohammed started a new religon and named a new god because he already hated christians.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Laurence, Asheville, NC — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 00:13:06 GMT

Louie from Clarksville writes that "Convert or die is the goal of Islamofacist". That's funny, the only people who ever seem to say this are American right-wing war lovers. All of the anti-US Muslims asked (like bin Laden) say that their reasons are our support for Israel's theft of homeland and follow-up brutality against the Palestinians. And that U.S. troops are still in Saudi Arabia, near Islam's holiest sites - 16 years after the Gulf War ended (their original reason for going). How can any Christian support war? especially an optional, unjustified war like the War on Iraq? Can any Christian possibly believe that Jesus would support such senseless violence and murder of innocents? It goes against absolutely everything Jesus teaches in the New Testament. I guess Louie thinks that Jesus was a left-wing pacifist (Guess what?, he was!!).

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Mohammed Asif Ali, Chennai, Tamil Nadu — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 00:25:52 GMT

Unfortunately, comparisions between Muslims in Madrassas and the Nazis are in bad taste. Islamic schools are merely an Islamic school with the "fundamentals" ie the basics being in line with Islam and its principles. I am a muslim who studied in a Catholic School all my life and I was taught the very basics of Christianity. I read "Our Father which..." before I learnt the basics of Islam".
I have nothing against my school - for being a Christian school and teaching me the fundamentals of Christianity., for Having me go to Church; having to read the bible and sing songs in praise of Jesus (PBUH) everday.
These Islamic schools are very much like the school I studied. They're merely teaching what needs to be taught, in an Islamic way. They're flourishing here in India as well, that does not necessarily mean that they breed terrorists.

The Holy Quran does not teach muslims to harm anyone (for we are creatures of the same god) else, unnecessarily.

I suggest people(especially Americans) to look beyond the regular news that is fed into your system everyday, travel for yourself - to Saudi, Iran, Pakistan,India, Malaysia and you will see a normal, peaceful way of life amongst the worlds Muslims.

Let us apply rationale, logic and reasoning before we arrive at a conclusion. People can get hurt by strong statements.

There are a few bad apples everywhere, look at the statistics of crime in America. Does that mean America is breeding terrorists?.

Moderate religion is good, can be practiced and it is left at ones own will - but today's world is an overdose of exposure of drugs, sleaze, sex, excessive alcohol, adultery which is so in fashion today in all developed and the developing world. Would I prefer to bring up kids in such an environment - No.

Doesn't that give you a good reason to go back to the basics, ie the fundamentals?. Yes, it does and very much.

Let us learn the truth - the truth is yes - out of America no one likes Bush and the American foreign policy. But that does not mean people (muslim, hindus or anyone else) hate America. NO!. No one is breeding terrorists there.

Those kids in the photo are studying the quran because their parents choose to send them to the madrassas., and there is nothing wrong with it.

And I disagree on this Author's so called "Theory" that is taught in these Schools. A clear case of misinformed & irresponsible reporting.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Joe, Manning SC — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 00:31:03 GMT

There are two types of Muslims, radical and non radical, but thier goal is the same the conversion of the world to Islam.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

me — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 00:33:10 GMT

you go into a cstore and you know the 8liners are there
and the money from these machines is not accounted 100 percent and a large portion buys the explosives and guns ammo these freaks use.The korans says they dont have to
honor deals treaties accords and other agreements with non muslims.You need to read the koran yourself I found more 200 passages that say convert or kill the non beleiver and thats you

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

James Smith, Bloomington, IN — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 00:37:52 GMT

lnp, thanks for the post. I feel the same way. American but have a few pakistani friends in the USA and around the world especially from when I worked overseas. It is a shame it all comes to this violence.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Aaron, Albuquerque, New Mexico — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 00:50:59 GMT

I'm saddened by the apparent hypocrisy of fundamentalist Islam - they say that the Islamic world is under attack by the West, who wants to destroy their religion, yet religious minorities in Muslim countries, such as Jews, Eastern Christians, Zoroastrians, Baha'is, and others, meanwhile have few if any rights and are often the targets of violence and oppression by Muslim governments.
As many people in the West have been saying for years, moderate Muslims need to confront their extremist brethren and convince them that what they're doing is actually against Islamic principles.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

David, San Francisco, CA — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 00:53:06 GMT

If you want these jihadis to go away, then stop torturing and killing innocent civilian in Iraq, Afghanistan and other places. They did not invade our country, we did. The 911 hijackers were Saudi's and we are paying billions in aid to the Saudis so they can produce more of it. The US wants an excuse to invade other countries (Iran is next).

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

D'Abreo,Sydney,Australia — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 01:06:28 GMT

The current three major religions (judaism, christianity (even though jesus was a jew murdered by his own people) & islam stem from the middle east & all have aggresive attitudes. I prefer the softer & more humanist creeds of the east viz, Buddhism, Taoism & Shintoism. They don't breed religious warriors like the famous sanctimonious world leaders who emerged from their churches & the very next week bombed the sovereign nation of Iraq. History will show how evil Bush,Cheney,Blair & Australia's Howard were.Well Blair's gone, Howard is about to go & in 14 months the world will be well rid of Bush & Cheney. Perhaps then the world will settle into a more peaceful planet. As an avowed atheist I will say "Thank god".

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

John Doe, CA — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 01:07:38 GMT

Are you telling me that randomly shooting innocent civilians and carpet bombing the entire villages in Iraq and Afghanistan is not hatred and not terrorism?

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Jan Thom, Mesa, AZ — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 01:09:17 GMT

Take a nation of 135+ million people,add an education of continous hatred for anyone not Muslim. Infuse assault weapons and place nuclear weapons on the side.
And you have a recipe for regional destruction.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

CPa — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 01:36:56 GMT

This is a very complicated puzzle..

Evangelical Christians support republicans. Republicans help big oil companies maintain high oil prices.
High oil prices support outdated middle-eastern societies (and radical Islam).
So in effect Christian right indirectly support radical islam and then also advocate war against those societies!!!

How can we break the perpetual cycle?

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Robert, Dallas, TX — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 02:26:26 GMT

In reply to dm, 20 years ago as a young man I picked up a Koran to read just out of curiosity. It espoused so much violence that I determined that this could not be the will of a loving God.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Bob Sloan — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 02:57:43 GMT

I have traveled in the Mid East quite extensively,and
beleive me when I say the clerics for some reason want to dictate policy to us. We cannot afford to let them do this unless, the American people want to
learn how to speak Arabic. Which will enable us to
understand the man in our back yards telling us to
vacate our premisises. Bob - Indiana

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

that one guy. — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 03:05:41 GMT

Those schools are simply an islamist way of brain-washing their next army of terrorists. We do need to get the hell out of the middle east for the most part... but who the hell would be dumb enough to trust Iran with a nuke?... that being said... whoever let pakistan have 45 is on my sh*t list. lol.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Agnes L — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 03:18:59 GMT

Bravo Richard, an interesting and important story....I wish we could impart to these children in the madrasas, that we are not waging a war on Islam, all we want in the US is peace. I agree with lnp, everyone here is too busy working, paying bills and raising families. I wish the world were a better place, i pray a more peaceful place.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

jenny brown, sydney, NSW — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 03:38:01 GMT

if the "holy warriors" hide behind their women..and shoot from there..it is THEY who kill their OWN civilians...as reprisal is inevitable....you cant blame those who defend themselves for civilian losses..sad as they are...they are acceptable losses to the taliban...who think that to care about this is weakness..( morons )

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

m. Tahirkheli, Fairfax Virginia — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 03:46:19 GMT

Ask this reporter "Richard Engel" how he knows that Pakistan has only 30 to 40 nuclear weapons when in fact 10 years ago it tested the most advanced 6-miniature atomic bombs in 2-days.He thinks that Pakistan is only developing 3 to 4 atomic bombs per year to counter India whose military power is 5-times that of Pakistan.I seriously believe this reporter needs to go back to school ,to learn about competing military mights.""

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Roger Francis, Norman OKLAHOMA — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 03:46:39 GMT

No matter what, our foolish actions in Iraq only exacerbated and justified these backward primitive tribes and their brand of islam. The equivalent can be found here in the Rapture freak Evangelical nutjobs who want to hasten attacks in the Middle East to hasten the rapture. They are soon leading to this with another war in Iran. But it is really annoyhing that Islam is now being considered Arabism and Arabs who have never known to be fighters in the past 200 years are an insult to these mountain men when it comes to war and fighting.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Rick R Milwaukee, Wisconsin — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 03:46:40 GMT

I think it's rather sad that America, a country based on religious freedom and a country that pretty much tore itself apart fighting slavery, is accused of wanting to enslave anyone.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Kevin G. McDonald — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 04:04:32 GMT

Read the Koran. It is a blueprint for world domination. Christianity and its allies were only ever pushing back. Even the Crusades were a reaction to retake Christian lands. There is no "war on terror" there has been a reactive, defensive war against Islam since its inception and adoption of conquest as a means of propagating its beliefs. True Christians don't seek to destroy all Islam or force all Muslims to convert. They only seek to be left alone and for the truth to have a fair hearing in a free and open marketplace. When Muslims want to live in peace with us, we can live with that.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Lawrence, Roswell, Nm — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 04:18:14 GMT

There has not been any sustained peace in the middle east for the past three thousand years, and with the continued influence of the madrasas schools, where children are brain washed for eight hours a day to hate anyone and everyone who is not following their particular radical form of Islam, they are practically insuring that their won't be peace for at least the next three thousand years, if ever.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Imran Khan, Rockville, MD — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 04:20:04 GMT

You still fail to equate the madrassa with a Jihad school. What is wrong with learning quran. I am from Pakistan and having lived there, a toyota 4x4 (Tacoma or 4Runner in US) is a very popular vehicle specially to travel in rough terrains. Just because people are learning Islam does not mean they are going to brainwashed behind the curtain. You did not see any weapons training, no suicide bombing training yet the author is bent on putting it in the context. Everything that you said is a fact about the US domination on Muslims. I don't see US stopping Israel from anything OR telling India to fix its act up in Kashmir or telling Russia to stop killing in Chechnya. It is a fact that US policies are biased and until they change; no amount of advertising or PR attempts will work to change the mindset over there.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

John Doe — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 04:41:00 GMT

The youth of Pakistan would be very well served if these Madrasas taught technical trades like machine working, plumbing etc. in addition to the Koran. Even the Indian government is stupid enough to waste money on Madrasas which do little to nothing in preparing their young wards to lead productive lives as they grow up.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

TJ New york — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 04:47:33 GMT

Richard the problem is not Islam or the teaching of fundemental Islam in Pakistan but the political turmoil in the Islamic world, turmoil they blame on the USA.

From their prospective they see the USA talk about freedom, spreading democracy yet support some of the most repressive regimes ( and most Islamically fundementalist) in that region.

Although our support of Israel is not popular in the Islamic world it really is the support of the vicious regimes that has hurt us.

We support the Saudis, the Kuwaitis and all the other Arab totalitarian regimes. President Bush, and other past presidents love to refer to the Saudis as " our friends" and we support General Musharaff in Pakistan.

We lecture the Islamists about democracy but after we sacrificed our youth to liberate the people of Kuwait in the 1990's we simply handed the country to "our friends" the Kuwaiti royal family who reinstated the Islamic fundementalist royal monarchy. Mind you this is not a constitutional monarchy but an absolute one.

We support the Saudis, a brutal totalitarian regime who detain, torture, and kill dissidents in Saudi Arabia.

We support all the minor despots who rule the myraid oil kingdoms in the Persina Gulf region.

Now these Arab regimes are incredibly rich states where the wealth is split among the decedant, unislamic acting royal families who wine and dine in St. Tropez on their mega Yachts while the poor citizens are forced to follow Islamic law upon penalty of death.

In Pskistan we support a military general, who has clothed himself in the finery of the democratic process, and only people in Pakistan who have said the empreror has no cloths are the Fundemental Muslims. We, on the other hand simply look the other way and supply planes, guns and money to maintain this dictatorship.

Islam is not the cause of the problem but the only solution that is being offered to these poor disenfranchised people, ironically offered and financed by the very regimes that are subjugating these people.

They support the Madressas and teach the poor and disenfranchised that the problem is not the opressive regime but it is the United States of America.

The only real solution is the slow erosion of support for these despots and the democratization of the middle east and Islamic world.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Don Taylor, Louisville, Kentucky — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 04:59:02 GMT

The Pashtun region is lost. They need public education, and equality laws. Economic oportunity usually works to modernize societies however this region is far too difficult to enter even by Pakistan's own police and army. It is astounding that Osama Bin Laden is living their freely while our highest level government officials have known about his approximate location for years. If we can't infiltrate the region with all our resources then how could any organization possibly establish any new programs or laws? I really doubt that our CIA has any interest in locating OBL. Prove me wrong.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

naima tx — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 05:00:37 GMT

if interested read quran youll get answers to everything

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

John Asquith, Altadena, CA — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 05:10:48 GMT

In a somewhat parallel fashion the right-wing-religious-wackos in the United States teach the same kind of hatred. Some even go so far as to sanction murder at abortion clinics because their "religion" doesn't like it. And they make up absurd stories about how being gay is a "choice" rather than an inherent orientation. Tolerance: only for their followers who mutually rubber-stamp "The Theory" they preach.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Bill in Chicago — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 05:17:08 GMT

It's no wonder these schools continue to prosper. We have yet to lift a finger against those truly responsible for the rise of Al Qaeda and the attacks on 9/11:

www.asecondlookatthesaudis.com

So long as we turn a blind eye to the root of our problems, we will not make one inch of progress in the War on Terror.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

steve, noth andover, mass. — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 05:39:55 GMT

Of course the U.S. wants to enslave all moslems it is our turn. We want your oil and anything else of value Islam has. We want you to feel free to load up your car with as much T.N.T. you can get your dirty hands on and go for a drive. Pack as much explosives you can find in your stinking village in a vest along with say nails and glass and go shopping or to a resturant. Blow youselves up go to heaven,noone here is going to miss your worthless presence. So waste what little time you have and repeat the Koran fifty thousand times then die moron.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

steve, noth andover, mass. — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 05:40:29 GMT

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

bill doe, sf, ca — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 05:46:21 GMT

if the argument is that the actions of America ("the war on terror; or, a retaliation and reaction to the attack on 9-11-01) are the cause of the expansion of the teaching of hate against America, Israel, the West, etc. -- how can the writer or those who blame America for the expansion of the hate-schools be so sure that there would not be an expansion of the schools in any event; and, what is there alternative to defense and retaliation to those who did and would again (first attack in NYC was in '95 during Clinton admin; no retaliation and still another attack -- so that didn't work)?

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Nazia Lahore Pakistan — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 06:16:33 GMT

One of the things that we have to realize, in fact the whole world needs to realize is that extremists exist not just in Islam, but in all other religions. Hindu extremists have been known to be violent against Muslims in spite of having co existed with them since centuries, Christian extremists have bee known to kill doctors who have performed abortions in the United States simply because they felt it was against God and muslim extremists we all know. We tend to blame the faith I could as easily say christianity is sick because extremist christians have executed doctors just because they gave a person the right to make a decision. If that isnt cruel , what is?
I dont defend the actions muslim extremists take, but just so that everyone here thinks , tell me how many people have died in Iraq since the US invasion? I can bet my life they were more than the ones in 9/11 attacks. Even while we're sitting here looking at our computer screens people in Iraq are dying, some women and girls in palestine are being raped. And so many more atrocities that we dont even have stats on. The reaction by these extremists is wrong, but perhaps instead of blaming them the world should also see what it is that they are reacting to and then make judgements.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Chris, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 06:49:18 GMT

This war in Iraq and Afghanistan appears to be largely a failure. Why? Because in the minds of Iraqis and Afghanis is doing little to nothing for them in actually improving their lives. How it benefits the United States and the West is very clear, it keeps the oil flowing, which is what the West needs to prosper. But the American security and economic policy of maintaining the oil flowing to the West and keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of oil rich Islamic Nations appears heavy handed and one sided to Muslims.

How this benefits Iraqis, Afghanis, and the greater Muslim world is less clear to them because their less developed economies are not able to generate similar wealth from their oil resources. They can sell their oil to the West or the Far East, but that's about all they can do with their oil to generate wealth. To them, their raw oil resources are literally a raw deal because they can’t generate the same wealth, which they feel they deserve for selling such a valuable, and increasingly scare resource that produces such wealth in industrialized nations in the West.

What Muslims don't realize is that the world's oil is the lubricant that keeps the world economy humming and resources and trade flowing. Without, the oil world will go currently go into recession. To them because the are not seeing equivalent wealth created in their countries as what they believe they see in the West, they see little to lose if the oil stops flowing and somewhat irrationally they think that perhaps ending the oil trade will even expand and increase their wealth if they do not export their Oil & Gas. The fail to realize that the West has other raw materials and resources as well as manufacture resources that are available to them as well by trading this resource.

The large reason Muslims in the Middle East do not currently have such wealth is, their infrastructure is often poorly planned and lacks smart investment, Their industry is often poorly run and invested in because it has difficulty attracting investors and is not competitive in world markets. Often their goverments' authoritarion rule, corruption, and poor economic polices hurt them. People often lack the ncessary higher education, specialization, professional, organizational, and technical skills needed in today's ecomomy in order to prosper.

In addition, high birth rates and high numbers of young adults in these countries make it diffuclt to adequtely employ undereducated and a under trained population in countries with limited infrastructure, manufacturing, corporations, and natural resources outside of oil and natural gas.

What they fail to realize is that there are literally hundreds of millions of unseen Americans and Westerners that are also not much better off economically and financially than they are, except for the fact that there are more opportunities for disadvantaged people in the West because of the more developed infrastructure, and better use of and access to capital and resources. And because of well developed and mature Western institutions and a more open society, an inclusive political system, and most importantly there are more educational and employment opportunities in the West and this allows more efficient distribution of scarce resources and the effective employment of smart, skilled, legitimately qualified, and talented labor.

The reason the War on Terror is largely a failure is because it is specifically a War on Terror. It only strengthens the terrorist's cause by directly engaging them military and making the West look aggressive against Muslims in the Middle East as the fighting is occurring on their soil with various Muslim casualties involving the innocent as well as insurgent and terrorist enemy combatants. The War on Terror is better fought with an offer of an olive branch and dialog leading to various concessions and agreements for cooperation and coexistence in the future.

On the other end, our security would be better secured with various less visible and intrusive under the radar cloak and dagger operations. CIA working on the inside with other operatives and allies to assassinate or capture the most dangerous men and terrorist organization that are unwilling to cooperate, negotiate, and make peace with the U.S. and the West.

Currently, to our detriment, our mission is largely seen as highly visible military one and less as a diplomatic one. It would have been wiser to keep the high profile military out of it as much as possible and left local people running the show without our military presence backing them up instead of their own people. This heavy American military involvement looks bad to most Muslims. And makes the local government look like a puppet government at the mercy of and being manipulated by the United States. Such a weak government unable to stand on its own without U.S. involvement and participation looks impotents like it does not have the populist support of the local people and Muslim leaders.

We should have instead worked with their leaders diplomatically to achieve these security goals. The Bush Administration really failed to achieve its objectives. It did do its homework, set reasonable objectives, or address the problems that this War on Terror foreign policy would create. They did not give the military objectives and humanitarian failures and crises enough consideration and planning before deciding to go to war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Nor did the consider the serious economic impact going to war would have on deficit spending, the National Deficit, and the combat effectiveness of the military and the other costs that are incurrent by War and these military operations. I give President Bush and his entire administration and F for failing to deal with situation appropriately and effectively. Their policies have cost us a lot more money with few positive results, or economic benefits, and little if any short or long-term stability in the Middle East. al-Qaida and Muslim dissatisfaction with the United States have only grown and been nourished by our Wartime and military ambitions in the Middle East. And oil security, eliminating the nuclear threat, and peace and Democracy has not been achieved while only exacerbating and increasing Muslim hatred and disillusionment with the United States.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Jimmie Jones,Spokane, Wa. — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 06:50:27 GMT

I am of the personal opinion that it would help matters greatly if more leaders were to adopt the Dao of the Shaolin.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Big Bob, Santa Clara, Ca — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 07:30:52 GMT

You're so nieve j doe. It no longer matters what nationality the 9-11 hijackers were. These militant terriorists are now everywhere. Pakistan. Somalia. Philippines. Indonesia. Find them and kill them is the only solution. Use the 'parent' countries governments to do it whenever possible.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

soldierboy, Taji Iraq — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 08:39:00 GMT

I would like to send a comment out to j doe. One we are not killing them for the profit of American corporations. Two you might want to re-check your compass. Was it not the muslims who kicked the zionists off there land in the first place and then built a mosque on top of a holy zionist temple. Three there is more human trafficing and prostitution going on in Arab countries than in Eastern European countries, so don't get all holy on me. I should know I have fought in these countries for over 31.5 months now and have seen all kinds of crooked Muslims. Lastly I would like to state that your beloved Muslim and Arab brothers can be bought for any amount of money just look at the reconciliation that is going on in Iraq. One minute they were al-Qaida. The next they are coming over and having tea with us and telling us where the real bad guys are located. As for any religious school, I don't think that they are a good idea. Especially if they are extremist schools based on Islamic beliefs. Oh yeah none of the terrorist are from Pakistan yet?!

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

mm,lhr — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 09:13:05 GMT

none of the people who have put in comments appear that they really know a bit about islam---and most of all the history----all comments are based on hear say---even the writer has very carefully tried to show a biased picture of the madrissas---i would suggest him visiting some of those in the big cities all arround the world to know what it is and what knowledge is really being imparted----picking up one from afghanistan or iraq or palestine is just trying to show one side where people are the oppressed ones -----

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Reggie Massey former USMC — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 09:14:22 GMT

You guys are plan idiots plan & simple. These schools teaches nothing but pure hatred. True, the majority of the hi-jackers was Saudis, but all of these jihadist have one thing in common "hatred" for anyone that isn't muslim" point blank & simple. As a matter of fact, if you haven't dealt with these jihadist before, please keep quiet.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Dave — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 10:24:50 GMT

Since these people believe we are their enemies we should respect their beliefs and then proceed to utterly destroy them.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Hasan Hashmi, Karachi, Pakistan — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 10:36:28 GMT

why dont wwe read the Quran and Life of Prophet of Islam to know the facts.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

prabakar — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 11:06:01 GMT

UK created pakistan,the US made sure of pakistan's survival since its formation.Even now the US corporate greed for oil is funding the saudis @$92 a barrel. All safer alternaties have been put on the backburner,until recently, ethenol was not even considered. These saudis beleive that oil is ALLAH's weapon against the infidel and beleive that ALLAH will pump more oil into their wells if they fund jihad against non sunnis, ie the west. So rest assured of a big casatstrophy soon. In this modern world the law of Karma against all those who allowed pakistan to be created will materialise sooner rather than later

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Chris Boone, Lagrange, IN — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 11:17:21 GMT

I remember watching Al-Qaeda on "60 Minutes" in the Eighties. We were told what was going to happen and we did nothing. Now we hear about these Madrassas, we know what these fanatics are going to do. I suspect our response will be the same as in the Eighties. God help our children and give them strength for what will happen in the 2020's.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Real — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 12:21:54 GMT

Why is it that Christians like to say "Christianity has evolved to be accepting and tolerant" when many of them openly condemn homosexuals and other groups that don't subscribe to their lifestyle? There are plenty of people right here in America that would use the cross to murder and supress others given the opportunity. Thank the founding fathers for the secular government they left us, otherwise America would be just another fanatic theocracy.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

fahim,dubai — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 12:38:08 GMT

Assalam Alaikum
(means peace and blessings of Allah be on all of you)

Dear brothers and Sisters

I know many of you have formed opinions about islam after seeing your local broadcast i would suggest to see the true islam just read the quran.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

M.Tahirkheli, Fairfax Virginia — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 12:38:47 GMT

Forget about Madrasas in Pakistan.All government schools in Pakistan are called Madrasas. Most of your reporters have no knowledge of foreign cultures particularly in Muslim countries.Therefore , you should ignore their abservation as rubbish.Also,this reporter even goes further beyond his mental capacity to state that Pakistan has only 30-40 nuclear weapons like he knows everything.If Pakistan can test 6-nuclear bombs in two days 10 years ago then how this Einstien knows that they are manufacturing only 3 or 4 every year

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

UP, atlanta — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 13:06:01 GMT

Pakistan is the epicenter of terrorism. Ismamic Fundamalism is nurtured and exported here. Its govt. and isi are neck deep in it. If us does the mistake of believing in Pakistan and its rulers, IRAN, Syria and other muslim countries will soon have Nukes. Not just nukes. Nukes Made in Pakistan. Thats the ultimate goal. and ulike russians, they will not fail to deliver at your door steps. The first Nuke against free world, will have lable.. Made in Pakistan.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Mansoor Ahmed, Jubail ,Saudi Arabia — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 13:07:52 GMT

Louie ur right Christians went thru this several hundredv years ago. Help Muslims come out of this. Solve the Palestinian problem. The root cause of all hatred towards such a wonderful country & good people ..I love America

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Jeff McCormick, TX — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 13:43:50 GMT

Take the oil out of this situation and it would unravel within a calender year. We have seen this problem coming for four decades. I have to wonder why the highways of America are not lined with windmills and solar cells.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Bill Stanley, New York, NY — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 13:47:05 GMT

LNP writes: "I wish there was some way to impart to the world in general that most Americans are too busy working, taking care of their families, and just trying to pay the bills to care about 'enslaving' foreign peoples."

LNP, you don't need to. Your government is doing it for you.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

rob, oakland, ca. — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 13:47:51 GMT

These largely Saudi-funded hate schools are producing future nutball jihadi terrorists. Pakistan is slowly disintegrating partly as a result, and eventually Saudi Arabia needs to be held to account. In the meantime, we will need to step in and secure Pakistani nuclear weapons when necessary, but hopefully that can wait until we take out another source of nutball muslim terrorists: the dictatotrs running Iran. At least Syria was properly cowered for a time as a result of the recent Israeli strike on their North Korean-aided nuclear facility. The next 2-5 years will be very interesting, as nutball islam explodes, and is ultimately crushed.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Stephanie Anderson, Raleigh, North Carolina — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 14:19:49 GMT

Sick. Those poor kids. :(
I wish jihadis and their supporters understood that if we wanted to wipe out Islam and Muslims, like they say and teach their children we do, that we would have done it already. Without losing a single American soldier.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Joe Thibodaux La — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 14:25:29 GMT

I always find it insulting that these articles always seem to blame terrorism on the "war on terror " that somehow if it werent for that there would not be any terrorest. Well where did the ones who blew up the trade centers and our embassies and the Cole come from ? What did we do to make them hate us then because im sure it was our fault, if you listen to them. Im sure the Nazies and the Japanese would also tell you it was our fault too. All I can say is the Muslims who preache hate only want one thing and that is to kill or convert as many non muslims as they can and I say to them all ,You have awaken that sleeping giant again and he is mad as hell and he is coming to get you . They started this fight they have been wanting it for years and now they got it .You dont punch the biggest kid on the block in the nose and then call him a Bully when he whips your A--.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Islamophobe and Proud, Washington DC — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 14:59:04 GMT

The day Islam becomes a religion of peace will be the day that a Jewish Synagogue, a Roman Catholic Cathedral and an Assemblies of God church sit next to the Kaaba in Mecca Saudi Arabia.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Brann Statesville, N.C. — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 15:10:55 GMT

Can we trust a people whom are brainwashed by religeon. We hear of many places in the middle east that gather people together to sing songs of hatred as childhood songs in school. Remember what the Jews learned in WWII. " If someone say that they want to wipe you out. Listen!" If this dogma of hatred against the west continues then we may see another 9/11 or worse! We need to stay in the middle east to keep the war away from our shore and let those whom wish us harm know that we are close and ready to act if Islam means us harm.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

osie jordi, Tucson, Arizona — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 16:36:17 GMT

It is true, the Quran does teach against violence and hatred, and it says to "treat all people lile they were your own brother", but it also says that when someone threatens your whole lifestyle, country and people, by corrupting your government, and stealing yout money for the interest of a certain invading people, tham it becomes time to retaliate,if not peacefully, then by the method used upon you.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

John Doe, seattle, wash — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 16:40:49 GMT

Yes dear Richard you are confused indeed. This is not a dignified time to be a Muslim. Our government is killing them by the hundreds of housands yet you do go wondering why is it exactly that a people being politically, militarily, spiritually persecuted are reacting violently.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

John Doe — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 16:43:00 GMT

It's a matter of time before the destruction of the corrupt, murderous, tyrannical, American government occurs.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Curt, Columbia,MO — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 16:43:29 GMT

lnp in leonardtown maryland,and j doe are the type of people in the US that are burying their heads in the sand and hope it doesn't hurt them. They say we are to blame (the U.S.). Louie in Clarksville TN has it right and the US needs to rid this country and the world of these kinds of schools and mosques. Don't think that you will survive (with those views) for a minute in this world when they come for you. You will be wiped off the face of the earth in a blink of an eye and while that's happening you can thank yourself and all the other live and let live freaks out there for being afraid to take a stand against these nut jobs.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Tom Jakovac, Los Angeles — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 17:21:13 GMT

I have no problem if westerners leave middle east countries, as long as all descendants of middle east, etc leave western countries such USA, England, Australia, New Zealand, etc... Middle east belongs equally to Israel as well as Arabs, they both have the same patriach, Abraham. Israel from Abrahams wife, Arabs from Egyptian maidservant.. even the Koran teaches that.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Steven,North Andover,Mass. — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 17:24:55 GMT

For many years the U.S. went out into the world and opened schools that tried to educate the poor and ignorant.Poeple don't have a choice when it comes to being poor but they can choose not to be ignorant.These madrasses are not traditional schools where a student can learn science,math.and other useful subjects but rather a place where boys are brainwashed.Hatred is instilled into them on an hourly basis,Jews,Americans and christians are all portrayed as the devil and murderers like bin laden are praised.What good to humanity has the terrorists ever done but they are honored and emulated and these children are taught to aspire to be just like them when they should be taught lessons to elevate thier minds and humanity.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

C Paschal — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 17:48:30 GMT

Theses schools have been around for atleast thirty years or more. Where do you think al qadae, islamic jihad, and hamas gets their recruits. This is not something that just sprang up out of nowhere. If this had been addressed years ago then we might not be debating the current wars going on now. But most of the politicians of the by gone era were too yellow spined to do anything.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

lauren walsh , southlake, texas — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 17:51:55 GMT

they dont have jobs over there. the men want to feel entitlement to their land their families live on. so its natural for them to pick up a gun and guard their land. they dont have an economy set up.
i feel this is a war based on race as well.
their economy and govement are not functioning.
for all the violence and the poor life they live with little opportunity; i would want to pray 6 hours a day too.
i think about the women over there who are harmless and helpless caught in a country of war and violence.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

HRO Idaho — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 18:34:48 GMT

Today, Sunday, I didn't go to church because I chose not to because of my spiritual beliefs; not organized - Jimmy Swaggart, PTLish rambling pontiffs. We live in a predominately
LDS community and benefit from their family values and sense of community. If the Muslim population the blog potrays were actually practicing Islam, we could live in a muslim community and feel as safe as we do now. In the movie "Paint Your Wagon", Lee Marvin says something to the effect that he would "never damn a man based on the way he prays." Taken out of context, no truhier (Cobert 2007)words have been spoken.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

MT, New England — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 18:44:51 GMT

World War III is inevitable. There are no great leaders with any power. I love America, but I can't say that I want America to be armed with nuclear weapons any more then I want Pakistan to be armed. Our leaders here in the U.S. are among the most corrupt in the World, they are also the most powerfu, there are plenty of people keeping an eye on Iran and Pakistan but what about our government? Yes there are watchdogs, but what good are they do when they can be fired, manipulated, bought, and ignored? We need a leader, someone with very well thought out, open-minded, insightful, and tolerant views of the world; and how to lead us to the future we as humans deserve. It's funny, why not capitalize on the world's desire for a great leader, every religion predicts their return, it seems to me the time is very near.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

numan, adana , Turkey — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 18:56:46 GMT

It was she who gave Muhammet the kuran knowledge.
It was Muhammet who received the kuran knowledge.
It was and is and will be the rest who claims they
understand it and refuses the the single fact that
no one can understand it.
Imams claim Muhammet or Isa will sort of help them little knowing they won't look back at all.
They are young , don't sport beard , dress beautifully and follow the fashion where they live right now.
And their friends wouldn't give a damn if they were her envoys while they were in our world.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

jdhuggard — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 19:01:38 GMT

we havemany persians/iranians located on the north shore of vancouver/most of we canadiansby birth/feel they shuold be accepted/on the other hand/they are recieving large revenues from iran-spending lavishly/some seek out stashes of currency stolen from south american citizens/who are tired of loosing their savings to phony banking people[i was nearly invlved in aase of lost funds-=traced to grand cayman banks].if/when the iranian war machine is ignited-which iran wants-what position will these local iranians take?we really dont know-i consider this a time bomb/jdhuggard/west vancouver/bc/canada

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Jeff Bell Ft. Worth Tx — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 19:06:17 GMT

Ignorance clothed in fanaticism dining on fear apppears to be our date, the goodnight kiss from this one, only a prelude to choas.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Joe Doe, Edmonton, Alberta — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 19:09:30 GMT

The fact remains the same. The average person is just trying to feed his family and live in peace and we have leaders of countries who are absolute MORONS. If these idiots stop having such big egos, things might be different.

As U.S. presses, jihad schools prosper

Jahanzeb, Dumfries, Virginia — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 19:28:48 GMT

The problem comes down to this: We are putting all the problems in the Middle East under one big name "THe war on terror," but this could'nt be further from the truth. There are so many other socio-economical and political problems in the Muslim world, and we should tackle each of them seperately. instead of just curing the symtoms (bombers etc) we should look at the root causes of the general hate and unrest: and no the root cause is definitely not Islam. The Qur'an is one of the most peaceful books no earth, and its message should be interpreted in such a manner.