On May 15th 1967, while the citizens of Israel was celebrating their Independence Day, a large armada of Egyptian tanks and units moved into the Sinai Peninsula and deployed into offensive positions along the Israeli Border. Egyptian President Nasser has expelled the UN observers in the Sinai region, closed the straits of Tiran and signed a military pact of aggression with Jordan and Syria. He also took the bold step of announcing a war for the “liberation” of Palestine was underway, dared Israel to strike back if it can and promised to wipe Israel from the map of the world.
The wars that shaped Israel and the Middle East are still there, old wounds that never really heal. Our only hope is to look to the future and hope for peace and tolerance. The Israeli people and the Arab people for the most part are ready for it. Thus strides such as the “Bridge over the Wadi” (يداً بيد - جسر عبر الوادي; , יד ביד - גשר על הוואדי) are taking place where people want to live in peace. So let us strive to show the best in humanity, love our neighbor as ourselves and let us pray that God grants peace to that region.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Chess: The Game and the History
The earliest history and origins of chess is surrounded by legends, myths and fairy tales that speak of the magical powers hidden in the game but as far as we know today, records indicate the game was initially invented and played by the royal families (Raj) of India. We do not have clear cut archeological evidence of the earliest games but what we know comes from a respected Arabic author during the 10th century named Al-Mas'udi, who describes Indian chess sets carved in ivory. Although none of the original Indian chess boards or pieces can be found, an Arabic style chess board based on the Indian chess style still exists to this day and is the earliest known chess piece in this game.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Tourism Sites in Beijing
The quick look at one of the largest Capitals in the world - Beijing, China. The city is a exquisite mixture of Modern Day China and the deep rich ancient historical China. The top 5 sites one MUST visit if they are ever in China's capital of Beijing city.
Dax Cowart's Case - Right to Die
Donald "Dax" Cowart is an attorney noted for the ethical issues raised by efforts to sustain his life against his wishes, following an accident. This is the quick summary of his accident and the issues that raises much concern and question in the medical and bioethical circles.
Don Cowart's story is a corner stone of the philosophical, bioethical and medical ethics arguments among scholars and legal proceedings. The essential question Dax's condition deals with is the right of a patient to refuse treatment and ask for death. This case is also part of the argument for Active Euthanasia.
Don Cowart's story is a corner stone of the philosophical, bioethical and medical ethics arguments among scholars and legal proceedings. The essential question Dax's condition deals with is the right of a patient to refuse treatment and ask for death. This case is also part of the argument for Active Euthanasia.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
China's Underground Christians
"They hung me up across an iron gate, then they yanked open the gate and my whole body lifted until my chest nearly split in two. I hung like that for four hours."
That is how Peter Xu Yongze, the founder of one of the largest religious movements in China, described his treatment during one of five jail sentences on account of his belief in Christianity.
Mr Xu, 61, is not the only Chinese Christian to suffer for his faith. Both Catholics and Protestants have long complained of persecution by the Communist authorities, and human rights groups claim the problem is getting worse.
This problem is getting the tip of the iceberg. In order to achieve their perfect communist utopia, Chinese authorities have been cracking down on religious groups, especially the Christians.
According to the Jubilee Campaign, an interdenominational lobby group, about 300 Christians are in detention in China at any one time, and that number is set to rise.
"China's new generation of leaders are trying to consolidate control of the country as it goes through rapid social and economic changes," said Wilfred Wong, a parliamentary officer for the Jubilee Campaign.
"The Communists feel threatened by any popular ideology which is different from their own," he said.
China's Christian population - especially those who refuse to worship in the tightly regulated state-registered churches - is seen as one such threat.
According to Mr Wong, the number of Christians in China has continued to rise, exacerbating this perceived threat and causing the authorities to clamp down still further on unregistered churches.
The perception that China's Christians have close links with the West adds to their plight, Mr Wong said.
That is how Peter Xu Yongze, the founder of one of the largest religious movements in China, described his treatment during one of five jail sentences on account of his belief in Christianity.
Mr Xu, 61, is not the only Chinese Christian to suffer for his faith. Both Catholics and Protestants have long complained of persecution by the Communist authorities, and human rights groups claim the problem is getting worse.
This problem is getting the tip of the iceberg. In order to achieve their perfect communist utopia, Chinese authorities have been cracking down on religious groups, especially the Christians.
According to the Jubilee Campaign, an interdenominational lobby group, about 300 Christians are in detention in China at any one time, and that number is set to rise.
"China's new generation of leaders are trying to consolidate control of the country as it goes through rapid social and economic changes," said Wilfred Wong, a parliamentary officer for the Jubilee Campaign.
"The Communists feel threatened by any popular ideology which is different from their own," he said.
China's Christian population - especially those who refuse to worship in the tightly regulated state-registered churches - is seen as one such threat.
According to Mr Wong, the number of Christians in China has continued to rise, exacerbating this perceived threat and causing the authorities to clamp down still further on unregistered churches.
The perception that China's Christians have close links with the West adds to their plight, Mr Wong said.
Refugees in their own Country
This is a story of the many against the few. Of a protest against Muslims, in an overwhelmingly Muslim country.
This is the story of Indonesia's Ahmadiyah, and their fight for survival in the world's largest Muslim democracy. There are only a few hundred thousand Ahmadiyah in Indonesia, among 200m Muslims.
So why are they seen as such a threat?
It all goes back to one very simple but highly controversial question. "Is Muhammad the final prophet for each and every Muslim? "
This is the story of Indonesia's Ahmadiyah, and their fight for survival in the world's largest Muslim democracy. There are only a few hundred thousand Ahmadiyah in Indonesia, among 200m Muslims.
So why are they seen as such a threat?
It all goes back to one very simple but highly controversial question. "Is Muhammad the final prophet for each and every Muslim? "
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Are nature sights better for vacationing with children?
The natural world is full of excitement and fun but more importantly, it stimulates the minds of children. From our early human history and from various studies conducted by scientists and psychologists, natural environments help satisfy the children's curiosity and enables them to development more "fully."
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
The Islands of the Indian Ocean
The quickest and cleanest guide to the independent or semi-autonomous Islands of the Indian Ocean. This guide does not include the Islands controlled by the nation of India.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Theology: Mohammed Vs. Jesus Christ
A comparative analysis of Islam's greatest prophet and the Son of God. WARNING: This is a theological argument so if you are offended, please do not read on. Some parts of the argument may be against your beliefs but that is what makes theological arguments fun!
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Miracle of Gethsemane
Can a man sweat blood? Does science and religion validate each other? These are just a few questions answered in the following article.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
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