Brother Alieu,

True, this video clip serves the purpose of those who just want us to hear 
that portion of the interview that suits their purposes. So there is 
definitely the danger of commenting everything out of context. Even you, 
despite mentioning the difficulties inherent in replying to Wafa Sultan's 
speech, chose to comment on those sections of her speech you found worhty of 
comment. Naturally, I disagree that "...the lady is absolutely ignorant..." 
as you claim.

What particularly interests me is her reference to modern democracy and a 
secular world outlook as compared to dictatorships where women are routinely 
oppressed amidst a dearth of individual freedom as obtains in most of the 
Muslim world. Can we, for instance, live as Muslims in a democracy and at 
the same time tolerate fellow citizens who practice other beliefs, and treat 
as equals and defend oppressed and dispossessed people everywhere whether or 
not they are Muslims?

I sometimes visit the "masjid" near me for friday prayers. The imam 
characteristically delivers his sermons only in arabic, but then uses both 
english and swedish additionally when announcing say, demonstrations in 
solidarity with or collections for fellow muslims in Palestine, or quake 
victims in Pakistan or Iran. Not only do I abhor having to listen to sermons 
only in arabic, I think it absolutely wicked when the imam finds no reason 
for mentioning the horror perpetrated by arab-speaking (muslims, I suppose) 
on fellow Sudanese in Darfur.

Perhaps one can make a strong case for liberating Islam from the Arabs?

Cheers,
sidibeh

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