Actor Omar Sharif Says Arab Nations Will Never Be Democratized
I have said the same thing all along: Islam and democracy are totally and utterly immiscible. In other words, they are like oil and water. They do not mix. Please read my essay on this here: Islam: The Enemy of Democracy and Freedom - ©Mark

FOX NEWS: Egyptian actor Omar Sharif — best known for his film roles in Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago — reportedly blasted U.S. policy in Iraq and said Americans are ignorant.

According to The Middle East Media Research Institute, Sharif said the "East" will never have a democracy because people like him "prefer to go to the neighborhood sheik." MEMRI —a Middle Eastern press monitoring organization — posted an interview of Sharif that aired on the Al-Hayat TV network.

"I lived in America for a long time. Only 10% of all Americans have a passport. In other words, 90% never left America," said Sharif. "They don't know anything."

Sharif said that he spoke with President Bush before the beginning of the Iraq War and told him that Arab nations are made up of sects resistant to becoming democratized.

"I said to Bush, even before he entered Iraq: Forget about all that. We, the Arabs... We are not like [regular countries]," said Sharif. "You will drown there.["]

After being asked what Bush's response was, the actor stated: "He didn't believe me."

Sharif, who was born Michel Demitri Shalhoub and raised a Roman Catholic, converted to Islam and changed his named when he married Egyptian actress Faten Hamama in 1955.

The 76-year-old actor, known for his expertise as a bridge player, has occasionally made headlines for his hot temper. In February he pleaded no contest to charges he assaulted a parking attendant in LA who claimed he was punched by acting great. [Source: Actor Omar Sharif Says Arab Nations Will Never Be Democratized] June 8, 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover, direct from the publishers (US)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Paperback, direct from the publishers (US)

Muslim World Wants to Shut Down West’s Freedom of Speech
Cartoons courtesy of the Infidel Blogger’s Alliance
INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE: KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: A Muslim political leader urged Western governments Monday to hit out more strongly against acts that are offensive to Islam.

Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, secretary-general of the 56-nation Organization of the Islamic Conference, warned there seemed to be a growing "campaign of hate and discrimination" against Muslims by a small number of individuals and organizations.

In a speech to a conference in Kuala Lumpur on improving ties between Muslims and the West, Ihsanoglu praised Western nations for criticizing acts such as the recent release of an anti-Quran film by a Dutch lawmaker, but said more should have been done.

"Mere condemnation or distancing from the acts of the perpetrators of Islamophobia will not resolve the issue, as long as they remain free to carry on with their campaign of incitement and provocation on the plea of freedom of expression," Ihsanoglu said.

Earlier this year, the release of the film "Fitna" by Dutch politician Geert Wilders sparked protests by Muslims for showing images of terror attacks interspersed with text from the Quran.

Ihsanoglu also urged the media to reject "proponents of hatred and intolerance totally," citing other incidents such as the republishing in Denmark of cartoons considered an insult to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslim Leaders Urge Western Governments to Condemn Acts that Insult Islam >>> (Associated press) | June 9, 2008

DAILY TIMES (Pakistan):
Pakistan to Ask EU to Amend Laws on Freedom of Expression >>> By Tahir Niaz | June 8, 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover, direct from the publishers (US)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Paperback, direct from the publishers (US)

Why John McCain Could Still Beat Barack Obama in Presidential Race
Photo of John McCain courtesy of The Telegraph
THE TELEGRAPH: Well, I got the first part right. Regular readers may recall that all those months ago, when Hillary Clinton was a dead cert for the Democratic nomination and John McCain was the RINO ("Republican in Name Only") outsider who had too many enemies within his own party to be a plausible candidate, I went out on a crazy limb and predicted that Barack Obama and McCain would be fighting each other for the presidency come November.

So now for the second half of my prediction: that John McCain would win the general election.

This bit may seem even more far-fetched, especially if you are following all this through the eyes of the British media, whose cynicism about domestic politics seems to be bizarrely mirrored (which is to say, reversed) by naivety about American politics. But I am standing by it. If anything, the events of the past few days have confirmed my view.



Why? Because the historical point that should have looked like Obama's irreversible moment of destiny - the vanquishing of his immensely powerful rival, Mrs Clinton - did not, in fact, lift him into clear triumphal territory.

Given the ecstasy of his own followers and the support he has had from the mainstream media in the United States, that event should have brought with it a sense of inevitability, an overwhelming tide of belief that he was now unstoppable: that the future belonged to him. It should, in short, have given him a real bounce in the polls. But it didn't. What he got was a very small spike.

The two polls taken immediately after Hillary's withdrawal speech (and her effusive expression of support for him) gave Obama leads so small as to be virtually within the margin of error. Why John McCain Could Still Beat Barack Obama in Presidential Race >>> By Janet Daley | June 9, 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover, direct from the publishers (US)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Paperback, direct from the publishers (US)

Frightening Nazi Links to Modern Islam

The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover, direct from the publishers (US)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Paperback, direct from the publishers (US)

The Great Wafa Sultan: Why I Left Islam

The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover, direct from the publishers (US)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Paperback, direct from the publishers (US)

Democrats versus Obama

Hat tip: Gay Patriot for this video.

The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover, direct from the publishers (US)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Paperback, direct from the publishers (US)

Denmark: Anger over Headscarf Contest
Watch BBC video: Denmark's state broadcaster has come under fierce criticism for sponsoring a fashion contest for those who wear a headscarf >>>
INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE:
Danish TV Elects Iraqi-Born Teenager as Miss Headscarf 2008 >>> (Associated Press) | June 10, 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover, direct from the publishers (UK)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age –Paperback, direct from the publishers (UK)

Debate: Protecting European Critics of Islam

Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover, direct from the publishers (UK)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age –Paperback, direct from the publishers (UK)

Interfaith Summit Spreads Islam’s 'Message of Peace'
Where is the 'message of peace' to be found in Islam? It is not very helpful to make empty statements about Islam being a 'religion of peace', when clearly it is not. Please read this: Muhammad Announces the Sword as an Instrument of Faith - ©Mark

ARAB NEWS: MAKKAH — The international conference on interfaith dialogue that ended yesterday at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah called on all people, irrespective of their race, religion, culture or country, to come together to promote a culture of peace and tolerance.

The conference ended with the reading of the official statement by Abdul Rahman Al-Zaid, assistant secretary-general of the Muslim World League (MWL), which organized the conference.

“The conference has been held at a time when the world faces countless challenges that threatens [sic] the very existence of mankind. The conference affirms that Islam has a solution to all these crises and it is calling upon all Muslims, jointly with other people, to find solutions to all issues,” the statement said.

The call to have Muslims and non-Muslims work together to solve problems afflicting the world came with a recommendation to set up a center for dialogue to be named the “King Abdullah International Center for Cultural Relations” as well as the establishment of the King Abdullah International Prize for Cultural Dialogue.

The statement also urged Muslims to work with other cultures, irrespective of their views, to come up with solutions.

“The discussions, held in several sessions, focused on the Islamic roots of dialogue, the methodology and rules of dialogue, with whom the dialogue should be made and the topics for dialogue,” Al-Zaid said, reading from the prepared statement.

The statement also stressed the need for people to unite in their efforts against the waste of natural resources and the manufacture of weapons of mass destruction.

In addition, the conference appealed to all people, regardless of their ideology, religion or ethnic background, to propagate noble values that would end the present moral degeneration. It also called for concerted action to eradicate corruption and alleviate poverty. Interfaith Summit Spreads Islam’s Message of Peace >>> By Badea Abu Al-Naja | June 7, 2008

INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE:
King Opens Interfaith Dialogue that Aims to Bridge Gap between Islam and Other Religions >>> (Associated Press) | June 4, 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover, direct from the publishers (US)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Paperback, direct from the publishers (US)

Insights: Evangelicals in the South

Evangelicals in the South from Chris on Vimeo.
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover (US)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Paperback (US)

The Triumph of Confidence over Competence, and Hope over Experience
Watch BBC video: Senator Clinton gives Barack Hussein Obama her backing >>>
BBC: Hillary Clinton has told her supporters to unite behind Barack Obama as she suspended her campaign to become the Democratic nominee for US president.

She was grateful to "all who poured [their] hearts into this campaign" and urged them to "take our energy, our passion" and help elect Barack Obama.

Mr Obama praised Mrs Clinton's "valiant campaign" and was "thrilled and honoured" to secure her support.

He will face the Republican presumptive nominee, John McCain, in November.

'Glass ceiling'

Mrs Clinton was given a huge ovation for her speech at the National Building Museum in Washington.

She opened by saying: "This isn't exactly the party I planned but I sure like the company."

Mrs Clinton thanked the "eighteen million of you from all walks of life" who voted for her.

She urged supporters to now ensure all their energy and passion was directed towards getting Mr Obama elected. Clinton Backs Obama and Bows Out >>> | June 7, 2008

DIE ZEIT:
Endgültiger Abschied? >>> Von Silke Tittel | June 8, 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover, direct from the publishers
The Dawning of a New Dark Age –Paperback, direct from the publishers

'Conversions to Islam'
Is this the Manhattan you know?


Conversions to Islam from Chris on Vimeo.
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover (US)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Paperback (US)

NuLabour Found to Be Discriminating in Favour of Islam
THE TELEGRAPH: Christianity is being discriminated against by the Government in favour of Islam and other minority faiths, according to a landmark Church of England report.

The damning critique of Labour, which is endorsed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, says ministers are only paying "lip service" to the Anglican Church while "focusing intently" on other religions.

It claims Gordon Brown's Government is failing society and lacks a moral vision for the country.

And in an end to decades of tension between the Church and the Conservatives, the comprehensive study praises the Tories for their "strident" approach to combating poverty.

Instead it says it is Labour which is failing to acknowledge the breakdown in society and excluding vital religious voices.

The report urges the Government to appoint a minister for religion, who would serve as the Prime Minister's faith envoy and utilise the untapped reserves of volunteers in churches and charities.

It states: "We encountered on the part of the Government a significant lack of understanding, or interest in, the Church of England's current or potential contribution in the public sphere.

"Indeed we were told that Government had consciously decided to focus...almost exclusively on minority religions."

The highly critical report, titled Moral, But No Compass - a twist on Mr Brown's claim to have a "moral compass" - carries significant weight as it has been endorsed by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and expresses the views of three-quarters of the Church's bishops.

It echoes claims made by the Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, last week that the decline of Christian values is destroying Britishness and has created a "moral vacuum" which radical Islam is filling. Christianity 'Discriminated Against by Gordon Brown's Government' >>> By Jonathan Wynne-Jones, Religious Affairs Correspondent | June 7, 2008

THE TELEGRAPH:
Archbishop of York Blames Labour Government for Selfish Society >>> By Martin Beckford, Religious Affairs Correspondent | June 5, 2008

THE TELEGRAPH:
Bishop of Rochester [Accused of] 'Doing the BNP's Work' >>> By Martin Beckford, Religious Affairs Correspondent | May 29, 2008

TIMESONLINE:
Church Attacks Labour for Betraying Christians: Strongest criticism of government in decades >>> By Ruth Gledhill, Religion Correspondent | June 7, 2008

THE TELEGRAPH:
Malaysian President Abdullah Badawi Calls for British Muslims to Live Under Sharia Law >>> By Jonathan Wynne-Jones, Religious Affairs Correspondent, In Kuala Lumpur | June 9, 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover, direct from the publishers
The Dawning of a New Dark Age –Paperback, direct from the publishers

The EU Reveals Its Contempt for Voters
DAILY MAIL: Slowly but surely, the hidden agenda of the European Union's foreign policy elite, led by France, becomes clear. They want an EU 'army', 'hard power' and a grand new military headquarters.

Yes, reference was made to the Army in the Lisbon Treaty - which, of course, was opposed by the great mass of British public opinion - but only now is the scale of Nicolas Sarkozy's plan becoming clear.

The French President wants a direct rival to Nato, the body which has kept peace in Europe and the rest of the world for the past 60 years. Not only would this threaten our special relationship with the US, but also arguably world security.

We have had ample examples from the past of those EU countries who prefer restricting their troops to peace keeping or reconstruction, and eschew standing and fighting.

Take Afghanistan: Why is it Britain has more troops than any other country in Europe supporting the Americans?

What is truly depressing is that the British public will not even have the opportunity to object to this exercise in self-aggrandisement. It will be progressed through an obscure clause buried in the Lisbon Treaty (otherwise known as the EU constitution).

However, it is just possible that Lisbon itself could be scuppered next week when the Irish public are given a chance to vote. Latest opinion polls suggest a 'No' vote and - if one nation refuses to ratify the treaty - it falls.

Don't hold your breath. If the verdict does go against the Irish Government, they are likely to simply try again until they get the desired result, as they did when voters initially rejected the Treaty of Nice in 2003.

At least the Irish have a semblance of decency in these matters. Not so Britain. Since Labour decided - in defiance of its manifesto pledge - there would be no referendum on the Lisbon Treaty here, it has been an exercise in Parliamentary rubber-stamping, to be completed by Peers next week. The EU Reveals Its Contempt for Voters >>> Daily Mail Comment | June 7, 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover, direct from the publishers
The Dawning of a New Dark Age –Paperback, direct from the publishers

Turkey: Muslim Converts to Christianity Face Up to 3 Years in Jail

The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover (US)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Paperback (US)

America’s New Lord and Saviour?
Photo courtesy of Reuters
SPIEGELONLINE INTERNATIONAL:
Germans Cock-a-hoop about America’s New Lord and Saviour >>> | May 26, 2008

ABC NEWS:
Obama has admitted to cocaine and marijuana use in his teenage years, but [in this perverse world] it's his use of cigarettes that has merited national media attention >>> By Jake Tapper | February 7, 2007

DAILY MAIL:
Charismatic, Yes. But I Fear Obama's Not a New JFK >>> By Amanda Platell | June 6, 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover (US)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Paperback (US)

Attack on Iran “Unavoidable”; Iran “Would Disappear BEFORE Israel Does” – Shaul Mofaz
THE GUARDIAN: An Israeli minister has said an attack on Iran's nuclear sites will be "unavoidable" if Tehran refuses to halt its alleged weapons programme.

In the most explicit threat yet by a member of Ehud Olmert's government, Shaul Mofaz, a deputy prime minister, said the hardline Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, "would disappear before Israel does".

"If Iran continues with its programme for developing nuclear weapons, we will attack it. The sanctions are ineffective," Mofaz, who is also Israel's transport minister, said in comments published today by the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper.

"Attacking Iran in order to stop its nuclear plans will be unavoidable." 'Unavoidable' Attack on Iran Looms, Says Israeli Minister >>> By Haroon Siddique and agencies | June 6, 2008

BBC:
Israeli Minister Threatens Iran >>> June 6, 2008

BBC:
Analysis: Growing Talk of Iran Attack >>> By Jeremy Bowen | June 6, 2008

THE GUARDIAN:
Israeli Threat to Attack Iran over Nuclear Weapons >>> By Ian Black, Middle East editor | June 7, 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback - UK)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Hardback - UK)

Turkey’s Headscarf Wars
FT.COM: To the Photo Gallery >>> | June 6, 2008
SPIEGELONLINE INTERNATIONAL:
Angst in Ankara: Turkey Steers into a Dangerous Identity Crisis >>> By Ferda Ataman and Jürgen Gottschlich | June 6, 2008

BBC:
Big Defeat for Erdogan; But AK Party, in Turn, Attacks Constitutional Court >>> | June 6, 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age – (Hardcover)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – (Paperback)

The Church of Oprah

The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback – USA)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Hardcover – USA)

Hillary Clinton gesteht ihre Niederlage ein
Foto dank der BBC
NZZ Online: Hillary Clinton beendet ihre Kampagne für die Präsidenschaftskandidatur [sic] der Demokraten. Sie wolle sich am Samstag an einer Feier für ihre Anhänger hinter ihren Rivalen Obama stellen und die Demokraten aufrufen, geeint gegen den republikanischen Kandidaten McCain anzutreten, teilte ihr Wahlkampfteam mit.

(sda) Die amerikanische Senatorin Hillary Clinton kündigt das Ende ihrer Wahlkampagne an. Sie werde am Samstag ihrem Parteikollegen Barack Obama ihre Unterstützung aussprechen, teilte das Wahlkampfteam der 60-jährigen New Yorker Senatorin mit. Sie werde an einer Veranstaltung in Washington D.C. ihren Anhängern danken und zur Parteigeschlossenheit aufrufen. Hillary Clinton gesteht ihre Niederlage ein: Rückzug aus dem Wahlkampf - Unterstützung für Obama | 5. Juni 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Taschenbuch)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Gebundene Ausgabe)