Islamic Perspectives

Follow-up for Insidious Indignation

"The first aspect of Pope's statement is the accusation he brought against Islam and the second aspect is that the Pope has rushed to the aid of hegemonist powers to create religious conflict between Muslims and Christians."

"The Pope's statement revealed the backdrop of conspiracy of the arrogant powers to create tension between religions and lead followers of different religions to stand against each other rather than cooperate in the international community."

"Of course, it seems the Pope has been deceived by the executives of arrogant powers and did not pay attention to the objectives behind such statement."

"Western papers had attempted to incite crusade by printing caricatures against Islam and the Pope's statement is a new link of the same chain."

"We do not expect anything from Bush, because, he works for the plundering US companies, but, such a statement from a religious leader of Christianity is regrettable and surprising."

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei (Sept. 18, Supreme Leader: Jihad is not imposing religious belief on others, IRNA)

I've labeled Khamenei's statements as moderate because, comparatively, they are subdued. The Mujahedeen Shura Council is quoted saying the Pope "and the West are doomed as you can see from the defeat in Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya and elsewhere. ... We will break up the cross, spill the liquor and impose head tax, then the only thing acceptable is a conversion or the sword." Aren't similar comments from the 14th century what sparked this row in the first place?

For more hatemongering, see the Mujahedeen Shura Council's Press Release page. It (again) clearly states their goals: a "Caliphate (Islamic state) which judges by the law of Allah".