"They say that it’s the institution…"  Thinkin’ about blaming it on "the system," at Asst Village Idiot. One quote:The Zen koan "The Tao that can be described is not the real Tao," applies here. The system that can be…

First and foremost, he’s an apologist for radical, fundalmentalist Islam!

Second of all, he’s a faux scholar!

I’ve had several blog wars with him, since the invasion of Iraq in 2003

Primarily, he’s tried to debunk my research, that clearly shows, that the majority of Iraqi Shi’ites, the NON-Sadrites, practice a more non-poltical, “quietist” form of Shi’ite Islam, known as the Akhbari form of Shi’ite Islam, as opposed to the more aggressive, Iranian Qomi school of Shi’ite Islam, known as the Usuli school of Shi’ite Islam.

The best part, came straight out of Cole’s mouth as “…I’ve never met anyone in Iraq who was an Akhbari…”

Fact is, I don’t think he’s ever BEEN TO Iraq!

Additionally, he overlooks one of the fundamental aspects in general, of Shi’ite Islam: TAQIYYAH!

Which means, Shi’ites, will LIE their butts off, to protect themselves, if they think they are in danger!

If an Iraqi Shia, thinks that acknowledging the fact that they are a “closet” Akhbari, will cause them harm, why would they admit it anyone!

I can remember, when I was in southern Turkey, near the Iraq border, doing some “research” when I was in the military, before I crossed over into Iraq.

I was talking to some Turkish “Arabs”; they knew I was an American, it was obvious, and they kept INSISTING they were “Sunnis”, like all good Turks!

I KNEW they were BS’ing me, so I finally took the tack that I wanted to convert to Islam, and needed someone to teach me about Islam!

They immediately sat down, and tried to convert me to Allawi-type Shia Islam!

I finally said to them, I thought you all told me you were “Sunnis”??

They just laughed, and said, we tell that to all foreigners, so they don’t kill us!

Anyway, in addition, Cole is a western convert to Bahism!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahai

At best, Bahaism is a cult, founded 150 years ago, in Iran, and it has large followings in India, Iran, and even Israel, of all places, ironic, considering Cole is a dedicated Anti-Semite!

It’s also a precursor to the current fad in Hollywood of the Scientologists; Bahaism gained a number of Hollywood/Entertainment type Western “converts” in the 60’s onwards, like the musical duo “Seals & Croft”!

The only rational for Cole, and his “analysis”, and his anti-Semitism, is some type of complex “self-hate”/Stockholm Syndrome; his continued support and excuse making for the Iranian theocracy, the same one by the way, that has been persecuting and executing his fellow Bahai’s actively since 1977, borders on psychosis.

Again, the only explaination, is that he probably feels, if he continues sucking up to the Iranian thugs, and Islamic Fundalmentalists in general, maybe they’ll quit picking on his fellow Bahai, so he has become an advocate for Islamic Fundalmentalism in general, and Shi’ite thugs like Sadr/the Iranians in particular.

It’s a very peculiar thing; but the most important thing to remember, is to believe the exact OPPOSITE of whatever he writes or says!

I blame the Pope for not speaking directly to the problem and taking it head-on. Trying to paraphrase so as not to hurt their poor Islamic feelings is what has led to this latest outburst.

I think it is time to ignore their false anger and let the war of civilization begin. It’s not like we are going to appease them forever…(like France hopes to).

I’ve blogged extensively on the Pope’s remarks today. Each time I come away with a different impression. I, at least, have tried to think about his comments and react in a positive (not necessarily affirmative) manner.

Ratzinger will not retract these remarks. He will not disavow that speech. It is steeped in Catholic teaching, beyond the rather simplistic Google ability of al Cole.