Cairo Journal (Part I)

Anytime one suggests there are "moderate" muslims, perhaps the author should fully define what constitutes "moderate" in the Islamic world...I would put forth the main differentiation between "radical" Islam and "moderate" Islam is the support or non-support of violence, particularly terrorism, to achieve their ends.

Your article in US News and World report initially offered hope for those looking for "moderate" Islam, yet it failed to fully disclose what the Grand Mufti, Gomaa, believes...see:

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/020211.php

Seems the Grand Egyptian Mufti supports wife beating (Qur'an 4:34), supports the terrorist-classified Hezbollah organization, believes the companions of Muhammed drank his urine, which was "pure" and "holy"...among other "moderate" beliefs. Additionally, seems the statement, "he has ruled Muslims should not be punished for leaving the faith" is in question...see

http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/07/25/10141696.html

The challenge Americans face is removing their "western cultural lenses" when they consider what is actually "moderate"...for Americans, "moderate" in Islam may actually seem "radical" by American standards, which results in American's being deceived by journalism which only provides the term "moderate" in describing Islamic beliefs.

Perhaps Grand Mufti Gomaa is the best interpretation (ah, there's the rub) of Islam the West can look towards, but that still doesn't necessarily mean he falls within Western concepts of human rights.

Brad of AL 6:26PM March 11, 2008