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RELIGION

A Bear by Any Other Name…

A British Muslim leader discusses the case of jailed teacher Gillian Gibbons and what Islam says about calling toys Muhammad.

By Jessica Au | Newsweek Web Exclusive
Dec 4, 2007 | Updated: 3:29  p.m. ET Dec 4, 2007

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  • Posted By: Harriet The Spy @ 12/14/2007 1:54:19 PM

    Comment: Can you imagine a mob of Lutherans being whipped up into a religious frenzy because of some reported insult to the Christian faith? Or picture a posse of Methodists waving swords around and demanding the execution of a newspaper editor because he published a bunch of cartoons?? Yelling and screaming for a teacher to be killed because of the naming of a toy?? It sounds like something right out of the 16th century. Oh yeah, right.. The Muslim world has never left the 16th century. And the rest of us are just supposed to be tolerant, and understanding of their backwardness.

  • Posted By: andy_f90 @ 12/07/2007 6:58:55 PM

    Comment: Thank you Newsweek for covering finally some mainstream Muslim perspective instead of the typical stereotype of only showing the loudest and the most angry. A majority of Muslims believe a great injustice was done to Ms. Gibbons and I for one apologize to her for her ordeal by the unIslamic Sudanese gov't. who pre-organized the march to make a petty political statement.

  • Posted By: bopdaddytoo @ 12/07/2007 1:56:21 PM

    Comment: It seems to me that a God who needs to be protected by mortalsisn;t very powerful

  • Posted By: bopdaddytoo @ 12/07/2007 1:56:15 PM

    Comment: It seems to me that a God who needs to be protected by mortalsisn;t very powerful

  • Posted By: bopdaddytoo @ 12/07/2007 1:56:08 PM

    Comment: It seems to me that a God who needs to be protected by mortalsisn;t very powerful

  • Posted By: William.Demuth @ 12/07/2007 10:10:21 AM

    Comment: Saying Islam says something or ANYTHING assumes Muslims speak with one voice, and they do not. Neither do Christians or Jews, although many speak with similar tongues there are also many lunatic fringe elements here at home. These people say what they due because they are ignorant and indoctrinated which is a direct byproduct of their religion, just as many American Christians hate Jews for supposedly killing Christ. It is living proof that this planet is either severely over populated, or severely undereducated. Get ready people, because the coming slaughter is going to be better than Wrestlemania, and will appeal only to those of the same ilk. I for one look forward to the zealots slaughtering each other. A red neck is a red neck, be it in Somalia, Afghanistan, Jerusalem or Alabama.

  • Posted By: BabyJesusDoll @ 12/06/2007 6:33:42 PM

    Comment: You are dead wrong. Go to www.petfinder.com and see how many loving pet owners name their pets Chris. I would expect a hispanic to name their pet Jesus, and a Muslim to name their pet Mohammad. We don't name our pets Jesus because we don't name our children Jesus either. I would not be insulted to hear that someone named their pet Jesus. I would take it as being an indication of love for Jesus.

  • Posted By: BabyJesusDoll @ 12/06/2007 6:30:09 PM

    Comment: You are not telling the truth about the English. Go to www.petfinder.com and see how many pets you can find named "Chris." We don't name our children Jesus either. Hispanics name their children Jesus and I would expect them to name their pets Jesus also. I would also expect a Muslim to name their pet Muhammad, but that is just me. You are dead wrong! We would, and do, name our pets after Jesus and it is a sign of love.

  • Posted By: Tx_longbow @ 12/06/2007 4:13:16 PM

    Comment: To Commentator.
    The children chose the name. How come they weren???t given 40 lashes?
    How about their parents, they all saw the kids come home with the teddy bear and didn???t say anything. Why didn???t they get 40 lashes? How about the other Muslim teachers?
    None of the people that really let the problem happen were punished because they are Muslim.
    Muslims love to blame everyone except themselves.
    This teacher depended on trained Muslims like the children and the parents to advise her in things she was not trained in. Did this teacher read the Koran front to back? Did she spend her life being taught by Muslims?
    No, the people around her let her down because after all, she is not a Muslim and she is just a woman.
    Also, I am no big fan of Israel; but didn???t the Palestinians steal the land from the Jews and help enslave them. People are so tired of listening to Palestinians whining about getting back what their stolen land. They need to look around, find out where they really came from and go get the land that was originally theirs 3,000 years ago.

  • Posted By: observer101 @ 12/06/2007 4:05:58 PM

    Comment: As for calling a stuffed bear a name that little children voted for?... There is no real crime in that. Its just what fanatical freaks come up with when they want publicity. A smart person would know they just made a big deal out of this incident to get money or aid of some sort from the Brits. And as usual they caved and gave these thugs want they wanted. Another victory for the bad guys.

  • Posted By: observer101 @ 12/06/2007 4:01:40 PM

    Comment: making fun of someone elses spelling because you have nothing productive to say is even more funny.

    • Posted By: William.Demuth @ 12/07/2007 10:12:41

      Comment: Whats funny is Newsweek is to cheap to get Spell Check on this website!

  • Posted By: Commentator @ 12/06/2007 1:48:10 PM

    Comment: When Da Vinci code was banned by the Vetican, no one said its an absurd reaction from the Christains. When Babri Masjid was destroyed by Hindu Fanatics, no one said its stupid. When Jews hang on to Jerusalam, forcefully throw the Palestinians out and settle there, no one say its rediculous. Why not? Its justa a city eight? Why cant you just give to the Patestinians and move somwehere else ? It was just a Masjid, why cant you make your temple somewhere else? And It was just a Movie, I mean COME ON...

    If you know what I mean...

    Why only Muslims have to give explainations about their compassion to Islam? We Muslims never disrecpect any other religion or their respected religious personalities because Jesus, Ram, Buddha, David, Joseph, Issac, Moses are all respectable to us. But unfortunately, every other religion disrespect Islam and its personalities becasue they have no respect for them.

    Though i support the release of this teacher but i doubt her intentions. She might have done it intentionally. May GOD bless her and all of you with the true path. Amen

    • Posted By: Jden @ 12/07/2007 01:03:02

      Comment: Ok, my computer isn't working very well and I don't know if the comment I was working on posted or not...

      1. Yes, Christians DID say the Vatican was wrong to ban 'The DaVinci Code."
      2. It's highly unlikely that the teacher intended any insult: she had nothing to gain!
      3. You seem to be reaching very far and being very defensive. Perhaps you should do some soul-searching yourself, as well as some religious research! You say that "only Muslims have to give explanations about their compassion to Islam.... Muslims never disrespect any other religion.... every other religion disrespect Islam..."

      Virtually EVERY religion of today has had to defend it's positions and beliefs at one time or another, though if you do your research, you will find that most of them have the same point of origin!!!! ISLAM emerged from Christianity: Mohammed is mentioned in the Catholic bible!

      As for "the true path," it may or may not lie within the confines of any of today's religions! We shall each know when our own judgement comes - and my judgement comes NOT from you or any other human, but from the one who created and judges! I don't care if you call him God, Allah, Jehovah, I Am, or whatever!!!!!

    • Posted By: Flanders @ 12/06/2007 15:30:05

      Comment: Equating followers of the Vaican, or Vetican to all Christians is not the brightest comment to make. Saying Muslims never disrespect other religions or their figures is not too convincing either. Equating compassion to Islam and shouting for someone to be executed over a matter as silly as this, is just comedic.

      • Posted By: Flanders @ 12/06/2007 15:33:49

        Comment: Spelling the word Vatican, Vaican, when you are making fun of someone's spelling is ironic, sad, and funny.

  • Posted By: aball @ 12/06/2007 9:29:19 AM

    Comment: "They had been told by clerics at a mosque they had been praying at that a Westerner has come to Khartoum and insulted the prophet."

    Apparently the population had been fed false information and were reacting to rumors of insults to their prophet. Now I understand why they were so angry ...

    Being myself a Christian living in America, I do not find the need to defend God. I figure if He is big enough to create the universe, He is big enough to handle a few insults now and then.

  • Posted By: Ioulaum @ 12/06/2007 4:24:56 AM

    Comment: Ah... pride. Some people really take it too far. I have the impression that Mohammad being a basically decent guy might actually have appreciated a child naming something she loved in his name.

  • Posted By: AmericanInfadel @ 12/05/2007 11:19:02 PM

    Comment: why if they are so peaceful where their Mullahs and Immas stiring them up to kill Gillian. They are not peaceful. Look through their history relating to Islam. It has never been peaceful with them.

    • Posted By: cpatton2010 @ 12/06/2007 00:36:02

      Comment: American Infadel, I would like to refer you to the history of Christians, the people who isntigated the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, and ( by a group of Christian extremists) the Holocaust. Please before you begin refering to religions as violent as compared to others, please actually think about what you are saying and look their histories and actions.

      • Posted By: Harriet The Spy @ 12/14/2007 14:21:25

        Comment: I am so sick and tired of hearing Muslims complain about the Crusades yet who entirely forget about fthe Moorish invasion of Spain and the occupation of that country for hundreds of years by Muslims. What about the conquest of Greece and the Balkans by the Muslim Turks? What about the Siege of Vienna, Austria in 1529 by Suleiman the Magnificant? How about the massacre of the garrison at Buda (later to become Budapest)? Do you hear Europeans or Christians whine, carp and complain constantly about battles, atrocities and occupations that happened hundreds of years ago??? No, you don't...because we are not enmeshed in a communal spirit of victimhood, the way the Muslim world is. There is more than enough blood, outrage, injustice and cruelty in human history to go around. It seems to me everybody has done it and will do it to their enemies if given half a chance. So quit bellyaching about the Crusades.

      • Posted By: Flanders @ 12/06/2007 15:21:30

        Comment: I see no religious comparison here. The violence part holds up as well.

  • Posted By: Clearyohed @ 12/05/2007 9:34:13 PM

    Comment: I thought the issue was about naming animals Muhammad, and last I checked teddy bear wasn't a real bear, but a toy. When asked if this was an inappropriate name for a toy, Mr. Bunglawala also responded that it is inappropriate to name animals Muhammad. So which is it? If someone can clear this up for me that'd be great.

    I don't think I'd be too offended if someone named their dog Jesus, and to demand death or any punishment for doing so seems insane to me. After all a pet is something you love and charish, and have a special relationship with. Jesus would still love him and his dog and the people who condemmend him for doing so.

    • Posted By: Jden @ 12/07/2007 01:06:56

      Comment: How nice to see someone thinking clearly on the subject and not on the politics! Thank you!

      I fully agree with you, by the way!

  • Posted By: cpatton2010 @ 12/05/2007 8:45:00 PM

    Comment: I think the dominant worldview of most extremists is: "God is watching you, look busy."

  • Posted By: cpatton2010 @ 12/05/2007 8:44:07 PM

    Comment: I think the dominant worldview of many religious extremists is: " God is watching, look busy!"

  • Posted By: cpatton2010 @ 12/05/2007 8:43:39 PM

    Comment: I think the dominant worldview of many religious extremists is: " God is watching, look busy!"

  • Posted By: Clearyohed @ 12/05/2007 6:38:26 PM

    Comment: Vengence is strictly a man made trait that is at exact opposite end of the spectrum of God (Allah, or whatever name is appropriate to your religion--its all the same God). God does not get offended because he is perfect peace, you cannot be at perfect peace and offended at the same time. The goal of all major religions is to try to reflect the qualities of God in our physical lives. Islam can be a very Godly religion but so many of these fanatics are as Ungodly as it gets, and the proof is in their reactions -- very unGodly. I feel that the religion of Islam has let its people down by not upholding the qualities that help people become closer to God, instead too many have let their hatred lead their lives and they pretend to do it in the name of God. But let this be God's lesson: throughout the savage era of the crusades (Christian extremism), and throughout the current movement of misguided Islamic extremists, God still has complete faith in all of us--not judging us, not destroying us, because he has perfect peace, infinite patience and infinite tolerance. He only asks that we practice these things -- always, and in all ways. The Churches and Mosques all around the world need to do a better job of promoting these qualities of God in their people. Islam seems to be in a similar state now to what Christianity was in during the era of the crusades (just meaning there's too much extremism around), but Islam has a chance to learn from and not repeat Christianity's mistakes.

  • Posted By: Second_Opinion @ 12/05/2007 5:05:14 PM

    Comment: Mr. Bunglawala says, "It's not difficult to whip people up into a frenzy if you feed them false information." He neglects to mention that such frenzy building is made profoundly easier when you're dealing with ignorance. Islam IS intolerant and the Western world has seen instances of this intolerance time and time again. And, yet, the Western world is expected to be respectful of its practitioners who, themselves, are disrespectul of everyone else. Islam keeps it practitioners in the 17th century and they want the rest of the world to join them. Guess what? it's not happening.

    And let's not even start with the "clerics". Who are these "clerics"? Religious scholars? What have they studied? The Koran and nothing but. Does that make you a scholar? I don't think so. A true scholar takes a broad view of the world and considers the opposing point of view. A true scholar employs logic in his reasoning. Clearly, nothing could be more absent in the Muslim world. Muslim "clerics" are nothing more than gang leaders, the Bloods and Crips of the Middle East. We need to treat them as such.

    And when Mr. Bunglawala suggested naming my dog Jesus, I thought it was the funniest thing I had ever heard! And I'm Catholic! I think if Jesus really existed and he were here, he would find it hilariious also.

    Islam deserves no special place in the world. It has no more significance than any other form of organized religion. It deserves no more consideration than any other religion. There is nothing special about it as contrasted to other religions. The Western world should not - and MUST not - treat Muslims with kid gloves. This is the 21st century and, like it or not, Muslims have to come to terms with the fact the Dark Ages have passed.

    Islam and the behavior of its practitioners gives new meaning to, and spotlights the truth of, Karl Marx's observation about religion: "It is the opium of the people."

    • Posted By: Snorkeldorf @ 12/05/2007 21:08:19

      Comment: Islam is not intolerant. The religious fanatics - Christian, Islamic, Jewish, what have you - that incite their flocks with half-truths and lies to further their own agenda are the intolerant ones. These people, while claiming to represent God, instead represent the exact opposite. We need to declare war on these people whatever religion they claim to represent.

  • Posted By: ah7903 @ 12/05/2007 5:01:05 PM

    Comment: Just as an afterthought... a reminder for all... faith and fanaticism are often confused with one another. We should be careful and wary of the fine line.

  • Posted By: ah7903 @ 12/05/2007 4:11:33 PM

    Comment: You should be ashamed of yourselves. This is exaclty the stupid reasons why people go off to war and kill each other over nothing. It's a mystery to that people have been killing each other over who's God is better than who's for thousands of years and yet there is no proof that there are even more than one God to compare. It still doesn't occur to people that because there is more than one book, that doesn't mean that there is more than one God. Is it not possible that we come from the same God regardless of what we call Him. Can there not be more than one interpretation as there are no two of us the same? I do consider myself a christian and I say that Mummywrap is ignorant. Anyone who has studied Islam, and I have, know that Islam is a peaceful religion. It is unfortunate that so many terrorists have used it has their battlecry and tarnished it's history with so much bloodshed. But does anyone remember the Crusades, is Christianity any more innocent just because what is happening with Islam now happened so long ago for Christians? Yet again, it doesn't matter what you call him,... God, Allah, Dios, etc... God is God and no one should have to die or be killed over who's God is better. Pursecution is human, not Holy. All of the books, the Koran, Bible, Tora, etc... All say that we should care for one another and that the world need be filled with love and kindness. We are all children of the same father. The books also say that it's ok to be different. Peace is tolerance. Forgiveness is divine.

  • Posted By: arbenz @ 12/05/2007 4:07:28 PM

    Comment: Also, che1040, it's spelled prophet, not profet. If you're going to insult one of the world's major religious figures, a least try to use spell check first so that you only come across as ignorant about world history, culture, and religion, and not about the basic rules of English as well. Its good there are people like ah7903 out there in all religions to balance things out with the hatemongers...

  • Posted By: ReflectingPool @ 12/05/2007 3:48:08 PM

    Comment: Sheesh! After reading this discussion, one consistent theme emerges: One overreation just leads to another. (Why am I not the least bit surprised?)

  • Posted By: che1040 @ 12/05/2007 3:41:58 PM

    Comment: Muhammad was a child molestor , if I name my pet Muhammad he may get ofended .

    • Posted By: newmanski77 @ 12/05/2007 17:29:28

      Comment: Wow! Thanks for your contribution, there, che1040!! I think there're some nice folks in Sudan who would love to continue the discussion with you...oh, wait...an obvious ignoramus such as yourself would probably prefer to spew insults from the (relative) comfort and safety of your home....Never mind! I'm sure we all look forward to more of your contributions to the debate!

      • Posted By: newmanski77 @ 12/05/2007 17:52:30

        Comment: okay...sorry about that...I just realized that I did the very thing I criticized you for doing, spewing an insult from the comfort and safety of my, well, not my home but from my hotel room....I stand self-corrected!

  • Posted By: che1040 @ 12/05/2007 3:40:47 PM

    Comment: he was a child molester not a profet and if I name my pet muhammad he may get ofended

    • Posted By: MUSLIM_GIRL @ 12/13/2007 14:11:42

      Comment: YOUR IGNORANCE IS OBVIOUS. MAYBE YOU SHOULD EDUCATE YOURSELF ON OTHER RELIGIONS BEFORE MAKING FALSE CLAIMS.I AM A MUSLIM, WHILE MY ENTIRE FAMILY ARE CHRISTIANS...INSULTING ANOTHER RELIGION DOES NOT MAKE YOUR RELIGION BETTER...

  • Posted By: briar rose @ 12/05/2007 3:33:16 PM

    Comment: Every religion in the world, be it Islam, Christianity or Judaism, every religion asks the followers to lead a peaceful life. In fact, Prophet Muhammand, in his teachings, told us to live in harmony with those of other faiths, and to love out neighbour inspite of their different faiths. I believe the Sudanese pple who asked for the teacher to be killed were just wrongly lead to believe that what she did was wrong.

    Again, as I've said earlier, I am Muslim, and I think she did NOTHING wrong. It was an accidental mistake that should have been overlooked. She was just in the wrong side of an Islamic world.

    I think there are alot of people who are extreme. Like the Ku Klux Klan etc. I think its psychological, and these extremists are just psychologically imbalanced.

    • Posted By: newmanski77 @ 12/05/2007 16:16:12

      Comment: I would like to suggest that the term "holy war" be struck from the lexicon of every civilized faith. The term is oxymoronic, i.e., self-contradicting...Please correct me if I'm wrong, briar, but was Muhammed himself not a warrior and a leader of conquering armies? I feel that moderate Muslims have a very complex task before you in characterizing your faith as a "religion of peace," irrespective of the clearly peaceful character of so many practicioners. I look forward to reading more of your responses.

  • Posted By: briar rose @ 12/05/2007 3:33:03 PM

    Comment: I am a Muslim, and I believe in Allah and Prophet Muhammad's teachings. I also do believe in Jesus, as Jesus is one of the Prophets too. Prophet Muhammad was the last prophet, while Jesus was one of those in between Prophet Adam(yes, as in Adam and Eve). We also believe in the bible(old testament), the torah(judaism) and the quran. All 3 religions were once interconnected(if you know your history well enough) and branched out from the same faith. It is only due to differences and disagreements between humans, jealousy and over-zealous faiths that different sectors started fighting.

    This human disagreements can be seen now in the different religions itself. For example, the Christians: Roman Catholics, Protestants, etc. The Muslims, they have the Sunnis and Shiites. I dont have comments about Judaism as I think they are a little paranoid.

    Whatever it is, as a Muslim, I condemn Jihad. These pple who champion Jihad have a distorted view of the real Islam. Islam condemns violence at any level, unless, provoked and only if provoked with violence. In no way that we are allowed to kill someone of another faith just because he/she e.g Mummywrap, said that Allah/Muhammad is ***.

    The real meaning of Jihad(for those of you who are not educated enough to bother to read) is holy war, only to be executed when someone like the Prophet says so. Right now, there's no prophet and noone is perfect, hence, no Jihad is to be executed.

    This wrong interpretation could also be a cultural thing. Countries like Saudi Arabia disallows women to show their faces. However, Muslims in other parts of the world are not even asked to cover their heads. I dont, and I am not one to ever denounce my faith.

    Islam, if practised correctly and intepreted correctly, will never be in the news. We dont go door to door and ask people to convert. We dont preach, and we dont force using violence. Those people are Muslims by name, but they are practising a totally wrong version of Islam. And because of these people, majority of Muslims, like myself, are targetted. We are subjected to hatred and racism of the worst kind.

    I have friends who are Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs etc. I dont have Jewish friends cause not many people practise Judaism in Singapore.

    I am studying English Literature and have read up on the Christian faith when I studied Chaucer. I have read some parts of the bible. I have no problems with other religions.

  • Posted By: briar rose @ 12/05/2007 3:29:44 PM

    Comment: I am a Muslim, and I believe in Allah and Prophet Muhammad's teachings. I also do believe in Jesus, as Jesus is one of the Prophets too. Prophet Muhammad was the last prophet, while Jesus was one of those in between Prophet Adam(yes, as in Adam and Eve). We also believe in the bible(old testament), the torah(judaism) and the quran. All 3 religions were once interconnected(if you know your history well enough) and branched out from the same faith. It is only due to differences and disagreements between humans, jealousy and over-zealous faiths that different sectors started fighting.

    This human disagreements can be seen now in the different religions itself. For example, the Christians: Roman Catholics, Protestants, etc. The Muslims, they have the Sunnis and Shiites. I dont have comments about Judaism as I think they are a little paranoid.

    Whatever it is, as a Muslim, I condemn Jihad. These pple who champion Jihad have a distorted view of the real Islam. Islam condemns violence at any level, unless, provoked and only if provoked with violence. In no way that we are allowed to kill someone of another faith just because he/she e.g Mummywrap, said that Allah/Muhammad is ***.

    The real meaning of Jihad(for those of you who are not educated enough to bother to read) is holy war, only to be executed when someone like the Prophet says so. Right now, there's no prophet and noone is perfect, hence, no Jihad is to be executed.

    This wrong interpretation could also be a cultural thing. Countries like Saudi Arabia disallows women to show their faces. However, Muslims in other parts of the world are not even asked to cover their heads. I dont, and I am not one to ever denounce my faith.

    Islam, if practised correctly and intepreted correctly, will never be in the news. We dont go door to door and ask people to convert. We dont preach, and we dont force using violence. Those people are Muslims by name, but they are practising a totally wrong version of Islam. And because of these people, majority of Muslims, like myself, are targetted. We are subjected to hatred and racism of the worst kind.

    I have friends who are Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs etc. I dont have Jewish friends cause not many people practise Judaism in Singapore.

    I am studying English Literature and have read up on the Christian faith when I studied Chaucer. I have read some parts of the bible. I have no problems with other religions.

    Every religion in the world, be it Islam, Christianity or Judaism, every religion asks the followers to lead a peaceful life. In fact, Prophet Muhammand, in his teachings, told us to live in harmony with those of other faiths, and to love out neighbour inspite of their different faiths. I believe the Sudanese pple who asked for the teacher to be killed were just wrongly lead to believe that what she did was wrong.

    Again, as I've said earlier, I am Muslim, and I think she did NOTHING wrong. It was an accidental mistake that should have been overlooked. Sh

    • Posted By: petersot @ 12/07/2007 16:13:49

      Comment: Having started at the bottom of the comments and slowly working my up, I find your comments and thoughts refreshing, soothing and a wellspring of wisdom. You would be welcomed in my home.

  • Posted By: newmanski77 @ 12/05/2007 2:18:48 PM

    Comment: I've found this whole story very disturbing from the beginning. Obviously, the views of a handful of fanatics must not be construed to represent the perspective of Muslims worldwide, but I am a bit ashamed to admit that when I began following this story last week, I experienced some pretty powerful stirrings of religious hatred in my own heart. For a minute, there, I would have been glad to see Sudan bombed off the map for harboring such foolishness. How sad would that have been? That anyone could react so irrationally to such a small misunderstanding is still beyond me. Anyone who derives hatred from any religious belief is, simply, misguided. It's a sad thing, and these people, ironically, I think should be pitied. The saddest thing to me is that there are so many fanatics of all faiths who are so eager to make a self-fulfilling prophesy of armageddon, that they will incite bloodlust in their cohorts over so little. I'm also continually disappointed in so-called "Christian" Americans who simply respond in kind...Get a grip! Dosen't your bumpersticker say, "Jesus is Love," or something to that effect? I will say this, however; there couldn't be a more perfect posterchild for the wisdom of separation of church and state that a place like the Sudan...Muslim or otherwise.

  • Posted By: Flanders @ 12/05/2007 2:05:11 PM

    Comment: I appreciate Brahimi Brahim's comments below. We still speak English in this country right?

    In seriousness, I would have to agree with scifiblues, although would add the media's portrayal of faith groups and its tendency to entertain before educate does not help us in understanding.

    I also have to comment that I don't see any direct proof of the inevitability of absolute death, but that isn't too important.

  • Posted By: Designergurl333 @ 12/05/2007 1:42:05 PM

    Comment: They need to see this through a childs eye! Do we not give our child the right to choose? What are these kids going to learn from all this? I can tell you it is not something good. They might even feel blamed because they are the ones who picked out the name and then their teacher gets put behind bars! Come on people this kinda crap has to stop. Where does it all end???

  • Posted By: Designergurl333 @ 12/05/2007 1:33:49 PM

    Comment: They should see all this through a childs eye! Now what are our childern going to think about this? What is a teacher to say to our childern about something like this? Don't children have choices to? It was only a teddy bear for crying out loud. What is this world coming to?

    • Posted By: William.Demuth @ 12/05/2007 13:59:18

      Comment: From the look of things, what we are coming to is the end.

  • Posted By: scifiblues @ 12/05/2007 12:23:39 PM

    Comment: I once heard it said that more people have died in the name of religion than all the wars ever fought. From the Spanish Inquisition, to the Crusades, to all the killing in the Middle East today, this all shows all religions will have their fanatics. Unfortunately, the majority who practice their faith in peace, end being painted with the same brush as the zealots.

  • Posted By: William.Demuth @ 12/05/2007 12:07:22 PM

    Comment: Another example of people who have been corrupted by the absurd. When ever humans choose to indulge themselves with the luxury of religion in an attempt to avoid the obvious, like the inevitability of absolute death, or our undeniable injustices to each other they inevitably make fools of themselves. So, if it be Jihadists wanting to kill little old ladies, or Born Agains seeking Armageddon like its desirable, or Roman Catholic pedophile apologists our reaction should be the same. They should be publicly mocked and reminded that their absurd myths are ruining this world

    • Posted By: romckri @ 12/06/2007 10:46:47

      Comment: Demuth said:

      Comment: Another example of people who have been corrupted by the absurd. When ever humans choose to indulge themselves with the luxury of religion in an attempt to avoid the obvious, like the inevitability of absolute death, or our undeniable injustices to each other they inevitably make fools of themselves. So, if it be Jihadists wanting to kill little old ladies, or Born Agains seeking Armageddon like its desirable, or Roman Catholic pedophile apologists our reaction should be the same. They should be publicly mocked and reminded that their absurd myths are ruining this world

      The fact that we dont take the time to see the diffrences in religion is reason why everything looks the same to some. Islam is unlike Christianity yet the comparison is always given. The Christians in the past did bad things so they then therefore are no better than the Muslims...some whould have us understand.

      The fact is Islam has serious issues they they dont want to deal with...and those that are simple minded in my view are unable to see how Islam attempts to control words and actions of those who are not part of their religion. That is the main problem with Islam, this inability to leave those who are not part of the faith out of their control.

      If a non-Muslim depicts Muhammad in a drawing ...why does Islam become insulted... this action was done by a non Muslim? What then is the issue, that non-mulim may also eat pork, and drink wine, is that also a problem for the Muslim, so why cant this non-Muslim draw Muhammad...they are not a Muslim. Also with the naming of the toy, it was done my Muslim chrildren (who's parents should be dealing with this issue) but allowed by a non-Muslim teacher...How can we expect the non-Muslim to protect Islam?

      We must make a distinction between those who are and those who are not part of the Islamic faith. Islamic rules do not apply to those who are not Islamic and the Muslim MUST be forced to understand this at all cost.

      • Posted By: petersot @ 12/07/2007 15:44:45

        Comment: AMEN

  • Posted By: dmu2cc @ 12/05/2007 11:31:44 AM

    Comment: Who cares what these whakos think

    • Posted By: newmanski77 @ 12/05/2007 18:25:13

      Comment: Interesting perspective, there, dmu2cc...I suppose some of us might be a little concerned about what the "whackos," as you so blithley call them, are thinking, as it so happens that just some such "whackos" had the wherewithall to successfully murder 5000 human beings in the largest attack on US soil in US history! I don't know...call me crazy....

  • Posted By: dmu2cc @ 12/05/2007 11:30:44 AM

    Comment: Who cares what these whackos think

  • Posted By: shenyin @ 12/05/2007 8:21:57 AM

    Comment: religious people are so sensative to the names of things , manbe sometimes you have do sth insulting even without realizing it. so bad.

  • Posted By: DJSMOOTHIE @ 12/05/2007 2:19:57 AM

    Comment: Why is it that u are so worried what Islam says about naming toys but u label Christians as crazy when they speak of the importance of families and morals. Why don't u stop kissing as. and speak what's in ur heart. You come across as a much stronger person when u do.

  • Posted By: bob j @ 12/05/2007 12:44:11 AM

    Comment: some how this could be considered racisim,or perhaps hate speech,, i would suggest being careful or a team of black clad thugs armed with machine guns will be comming.

  • Posted By: bob j @ 12/05/2007 12:37:28 AM

    Comment: I once had a dog named Jesus and he caused no problem for me ,,he was a very good dog!

  • Posted By: bob j @ 12/05/2007 12:35:06 AM

    Comment: I once had a dog named Jesus and caused no problems for me ,,he was a very good dog.

  • Posted By: mummywrap @ 12/04/2007 10:24:41 PM

    Comment: In Webster's dictionary Mohammad should be a synonim for $HIT, THAT WAY NO ONE WOULD HAVE A PRIBLEM IDENTIFYING HIS ORIGIN. Allah on the other hand has $hit for brains for allowing his followers to make massive asses of themselves.

    • Posted By: briar rose @ 12/05/2007 14:59:38

      Comment: What are you? An atheist? Anyway, Jesus in the dictionary should be a synonim for $hit. furthermore, you christians are so clouded, I'm suprised Lord Jesus Christ allows such low morals, and high divorce rates. and eating animals that eats dung.

      • Posted By: ah7903 @ 12/05/2007 15:57:15

        Comment: Both of you should be ashamed of yourselves. This is exaclty the reason why people go off to war and kill each other over nothing. I consider myself a christian and I say that Mummywrap is ignorant. Anyone who has studied Islam, and I have, know that Islam is a peaceful religion. It is unfortunate that so many terrorists have used it has their battlecry and tarnished it's history with so much bloodshed. It doesn't matter what you call him,... God, Allah, Dios, etc... God is God and know one should have to die or be killed over who's God is better. All of the books, the Koran, Bible, Tora, etc... All say that we should care for one another and that the world need be filled with love and kindness. We are all children of the same father. So what are we truly fighting over?

  • Posted By: Insyaaf @ 12/04/2007 9:02:39 PM

    Comment: I am Muslim, I know well enough about the knowledge of Islam...In our tradition it is recommended for any Muslim to name their childern with the beautiful names derived from (usually) the names (characters ) of God. Here is my interpretation. For children they like to treat their toys as kids for parents. While their parents name the boys with Muhammad, the kids are allowed to name their tedy bear with Muhammad too. I am oky....Those people in Sudan is a tiny of Muslim...don't generalize all Muslim around the world. byt aleejtr

  • Posted By: m_ustinov1987 @ 12/04/2007 8:50:39 PM

    Comment: I have a pot-bellied pig named Muhammad! He is very smart indeed! It is not an insult to anyone! I do not understand all the fuss. What? I should be killed or my pet?

  • Posted By: PuddleDuck @ 12/04/2007 8:43:41 PM

    Comment: I just named my dog Jesus and my cat Muhammad. Anybody got a problem with that?

  • Posted By: t9900 @ 12/04/2007 8:41:02 PM

    Comment: At least she made it out alive. I'm waiting on the 'peaceful majority' Islamic leaders to condemn this. I'm still waiting for them to condemn the extremists and honor killings too.

    • Posted By: Abu Reel @ 12/06/2007 02:49:34

      Comment: Yes We must respect our religion, both islam and christianity calling for pecace and mercy

  • Posted By: PuddleDuck @ 12/04/2007 8:39:39 PM

    Comment: I just named my dog Jesus and my cat Muhammad. Anybody got a problem with that?

  • Posted By: Shiva @ 12/04/2007 8:08:04 PM

    Comment: Allah is coming--Boy is she pissed!!!!

  • Posted By: PaulRants.Com @ 12/04/2007 8:06:47 PM

    Comment: Get your Jesus bears while you can.

  • Posted By: Shiva @ 12/04/2007 8:01:40 PM

    Comment: And the Air Force spake upon the infidels who would suggest such stupid punishments. "Bombs Away" then surely we will see who shows up to sort out the pieces. "Cruise Missile" Chapter 1 verses 1-2

  • Posted By: kindken @ 12/04/2007 8:01:33 PM

    Comment: Allah is a dog. A b*tch, to be specific!

  • Posted By: kindken @ 12/04/2007 8:00:31 PM

    Comment: Religious people are sheep who need to be shepherded. You weak-minded fools!

  • Posted By: Andycalifornia2007 @ 12/04/2007 8:00:02 PM

    Comment: I'm deeply amused by the thoughts and feelings of the good Christians here. They prove that the government and people of Sudan have no monopoly on religious idiocy.

  • Posted By: kindken @ 12/04/2007 7:58:59 PM

    Comment: Blah, Blah, Blah....

  • Posted By: Andycalifornia2007 @ 12/04/2007 7:58:44 PM

    Comment: I'm deeply amused by the savage howling of the good Christians who've posted their thoughts and feelings here. They prove that the government and people of Sudan have no monopoly on religion-based idiocy.

  • Posted By: Grisk @ 12/04/2007 7:54:28 PM

    Comment: Blessed be the warriors of Islam, the Mujahadeen and to Muhammad, peace be unto him. Wherefore the infidels who blaspheme will be obliterated in eterrnity by Allah.

  • Posted By: kindken @ 12/04/2007 7:53:43 PM

    Comment: I am committed to naming all of my future pets after so-called dieties, prophets and other religious "people". When I get a dog, I will name it Allah. Well, it might be a toss-up between Allah and Jesus. I guess it needs some more thought (suck it Jesus!). I hear that Muslims think dogs are dirty. They may well be, but not as dirty as they are. Peace be with you? I guess its easy to say, but not so easy to do. RELIGION IS EVIL!!!

  • Posted By: kindken @ 12/04/2007 7:47:43 PM

    Comment: kkdd

  • Posted By: ELang @ 12/04/2007 7:46:41 PM

    Comment: Religion. definition: (noun) Organized Schizophrenia.

  • Posted By: Tdandpsd @ 12/04/2007 7:44:35 PM

    Comment: Nothing good could ever come from listening to the religious idiots in fundamental societies. I no long have any concern for muslims. It seems that no matter what you say you are doing one of several things; insulting them, their religion or heaven help us all their "PROPHET", may he rot for what he has brought to the world. There is no way you can say that his is a faith of peace.

  • Posted By: Isanguard @ 12/04/2007 7:44:23 PM

    Comment: Muhammad's carcass has rotted and joined the filth of the universe. So may the fate of islam be a fading memory. The scat of Muhammad.

  • Posted By: johnmoregan @ 12/04/2007 7:42:54 PM

    Comment: The only faith which does not have bishops banning books from parochial schools, mullahs issuing fatwahs, religious conservative preachers lambasting moderates is the Baha'i faith, which forbids clergy and which upholds the right of each individual soul to understand the Spirit of God in his or her own manner of revelation. Frankly there is more than a little post-colonial bs involved in this incident, and probably a great deal of intra-school bs.

    • Posted By: pisces @ 12/07/2007 21:20:34

      Comment: The Baha'i faith is homophobic. Other than that I agree with you. If you want a faith that really doe not oppress, Unitarian Universalist and Religious Science are among them. Some liberal Christian and Jewish groups approach this level of enlightenment, but I think their writings hinder them.

      • Posted By: Winter360 @ 12/08/2007 14:26:21

        Comment: The Quakers are a nominally Christian faith that I find pretty broadly embracing.

  • Posted By: risemann @ 12/04/2007 7:41:54 PM

    Comment: I've noticed that all of the Muslims who came out and criticized the Sudan government for prosecuting Mrs Gibbons all seem to say that the government and the muslim populous overreacted because it was obvious that she had "no intention" of insulting the prophet Muhammad. But what would they say if she had indeed meant to insult him? My guess is that they would have demanded a most stringent punishment and would have supported those who called for her death. That is really the heart of the problem with Islam. As a Christian, I would be highly offended if someone insulted and defiled the name of Jesus . But because I am a Christian I would never call for that person to be punished or harmed for their insult. That is what freedom is truly about. From what I can see, Islam and freedom are not compatible.

  • Posted By: Isanguard @ 12/04/2007 7:41:26 PM

    Comment: Muhammad's carcass is rotted and has long ago joined the filth of the universe. Just as Islam should....rot and be plowed under. Muhammad is a dog.

  • Posted By: mummywrap @ 12/04/2007 7:31:42 PM

    Comment: Mohammed was a well known child molester. I would be ashamed to name my dog Mohammed because I know my dog has better morals than that pervert.

  • Posted By: Dreamabyss @ 12/04/2007 7:30:24 PM

    Comment: Religion poisons everything. Seriously, the greatest threat to mankind is not global warming, terrorism or the threat of (nuclear) war from Iran or N. Korea. It's the rabid over-zealousness of people who live their lives according to myths. Actually, most terrorism is based on religious beliefs so I'll leave that as one of primary threats to our continued existence.

  • Posted By: Zeronomo @ 12/04/2007 7:23:18 PM

    Comment: Gillian Gibbons should have gotten the lash and a year in jail for teaching muslims in the first place! ,,,.................. llllllll BAN ISLAM WORLDWIDE llllllll

  • Posted By: schratboy @ 12/04/2007 7:10:24 PM

    Comment: Death to all toys!

  • Posted By: mauriceflavius @ 12/04/2007 7:02:53 PM

    Comment: Nero used to take Christians and impale them on giant poles placed in his gardens. He would have animal fat poured over their bodies and light them. He thought they made excellent illumination for walking in his gardens in the evening. I think we should do this to everyone named Muhammad, for starters...

  • Posted By: SouthernMagnolia @ 12/04/2007 7:01:07 PM

    Comment: It's utterly tacky to place hatred and blame upon a few people. While I do agree that Sudan's government did overreact, if you had actually read articles on this subject, most of the people in the country said they knew the teacher meant no harm, and an apology would have sufficed. The men rallying for her death numbered less than 100. Please get the facts before displaying your ignorance.

  • Posted By: SouthernMagnolia @ 12/04/2007 7:00:06 PM

    Comment: It's utterly tacky to place hatred and blame upon a few people. While I do agree that Sudan's government did overreact, if you had actually read articles on this subject, most of the people in the country said they knew the teacher meant no harm, and an apology would have sufficed. The men rallying for her death numbered less than 100. Please get the facts before displaying your ignorance.

  • Posted By: Shiva @ 12/04/2007 6:58:56 PM

    Comment: Say, ???I seek refuge in the Lord of men, the King of men, the God of men, from the evil of the whisperer, who slinks off, who whispers into the hearts of humans! From jinns and humans

  • Posted By: Shiva @ 12/04/2007 6:50:03 PM

    Comment: BOHICA

  • Posted By: Zeronomo @ 12/04/2007 6:47:14 PM

    Comment: what lies. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would NEVER act in this way ... mohammad was a war monger ... same as muslims today! BAN ISLAM WORLDWIDE!

  • Posted By: lalit @ 12/04/2007 6:46:55 PM

    Comment: I am considered to be a Islamophobe.

    Now I ask you, is this is not justifiable in view or repeated hateful acts of muslims, who are
    duly inspired by their faith.

    Islam is a totalitarian religion full of hate for the others, and does not permit free or rational thinking.
    Just a few years ago communism was criticised in the West and with good reason. Islam is a much
    more intolerant and irrational religion. But it always manages to get away, because people are scared
    to express their honest opinions about Islam. Instead we read people calling it a tolerant and peaceful
    religion.

    This will stop , and I hope soon. Enough is enough. Muslims should be held responsible for their
    bad conduct, and those comitting it should get severe punishment. Maybe on the lines of Islamic
    justice. a 100 lashes and bread and water for 6 months.

  • Posted By: Gangstarr @ 12/04/2007 6:45:20 PM

    Comment: "It's not difficult to whip people up into a frenzy if you feed them false information." Seriously, there's a problem with a religion or at least an interpretation of it if people preach capital punishment over a harmless issue such as this. The gentleman who said this comment believes these people are misled by spiritual leaders who feed them this information. I think these people are just fundamentally brainwashed and he should have been more outspoken if he truly was a moderate Muslim.

  • Posted By: hb7779 @ 12/04/2007 6:41:34 PM

    Comment: To all ignorant peple, specially Brahimi, If all 1.2 billion people were intollrent then none of you will be living. Besides if you look atthe history of Islam and how it has rules most of the world from Spain to India your argument seems silly. If Muslims wanted to kill or convert everyone then no one Christian, Jew or Hindu in Spain, India or Midle East for that matter would been alive. Read history books to educate yourself first before passing stupid comments.

  • Posted By: Shiva @ 12/04/2007 6:39:18 PM

    Comment: BIOYA

  • Posted By: Shiva @ 12/04/2007 6:38:36 PM

    Comment: Well if the Muslims expected this to endear others of their faith they sure did themselves a severe injustice. Not have they only polarized the non Muslims but other Muslims themselves. Well, if it isn't politics, it's religon that builds these walls between understanding each other. Let them go on and hate if that's what makes them happy. In the end the answer will be obvious to us all.

  • Posted By: hb7779 @ 12/04/2007 6:35:31 PM

    Comment: All of you ignorant people please read about Islamand and its 1400 year history. Read what Muslims and Islam has done for the world from Spain to India and not from the today's media or Al Qaida. If all 1.2 biilion muslims were extremist then none of you will be alive today becuase in last 1400 years when Muslims ruled most of the world would have wiped or converted you all. give thanks!

    • Posted By: lalit @ 12/04/2007 18:58:18

      Comment: The 1.2 billion muslims have never been in a position to destroy the others.
      And certainly now its them who face problems.

      The several billion nonmuslims have a very bad impression about muslims.
      Many of us are well educated, and are heading top companies,, and are responsible for the enormous progress that has been made in every field.

      The situation of muslims is the opposite. If you are unable to destroy us, its not because of lack
      of trying. Islam and muslims are gonna get a hard time. We have had enough of your bad conduct.
      You can see angry reactions all over the world.

  • Posted By: shortjames @ 12/04/2007 6:27:08 PM

    Comment: First riots over cartoons and now teddy bears! What a bunch of savages!

  • Posted By: grizzlyfan @ 12/04/2007 6:22:34 PM

    Comment: Good grief. Has everyone gone mad?

  • Posted By: islamsux @ 12/04/2007 6:20:56 PM

    Comment: Hows this for an insult to islam. Ive JUST NAMED MY ANUS MUHAMMAD. I have had just about enough from these ragheaded heathen. Its about time to have a crusade and drive these godless bastards of the face of the earth.

  • Posted By: mauriceflavius @ 12/04/2007 6:15:35 PM

    Comment: Dear Mr. Brahimi Brahim,

    Please do not defile the words TOLERATE and FREEDOM by putting them next to the word "islam" because it is the antithesis of TOLERATE and FREEDOM. Islam shares no commonality with the meaning of these beautiflul words.

  • Posted By: Jay-El @ 12/04/2007 6:09:20 PM

    Comment: Would someone please tell me why we need to be tolerant of the most INTOLERANT religion in the world? And if this is not a representation of the true Islam religion, then where is the condemnation from the rest of the world-wide Islamic leaders? Apart from a few voices, there has been no outcry over this insane and despicable event. These radicals need to grow up and stop acting like it's the 7th century. Because until they do, Islam will continue to exist without any credibility.

  • Posted By: scubastine @ 12/04/2007 6:08:59 PM

    Comment: I'm going to buy a pet lizard and name it muhammad. Not to offend peaceful muslims, but to let the other sect understand the ridiculous position they take in the eyes of civilized peoples around the world. It , the lizard, will live in a cage, just as they do.

  • Posted By: Brahimi Brahim @ 12/04/2007 6:04:53 PM

    Comment: Islam tolerates open discussions and freedom of expression! This explains a lot!

    Nouvel ouvrage d'Ahmed Jazouli : Islam, d??mocratie et gouvernance dans les pays de l'Afrique du Nord
    Le chercheur marocain Ahmed Jazouli vient de publier un ouvrage intitul?? "Islam, d??mocratie et gouvernance dans les pays de l'Afrique du Nord",qui propose une nouvelle approche des concepts dans leurs rapports avec diff??rentes formes de promotion de l'Etat de droit. Dans ce livre en langue anglaise, paru aux ??ditions de iUniverse (Etats-Unis), Ahmed Jazouli tente de d??cortiquer les concepts d'Islam, de d??mocratie et de gouvernance, estimant qu'il existe trois types d'Etats ?? savoir l'Etat n??gatif, l'Etat au degr?? z??ro et l'Etat positif. L'Etat au degr?? z??ro est, aux yeux de l'auteur, celui qui dispose d'un minimum de d??mocratie, du respect des droits de l'Homme et dont les institutions qui g??rent la chose publique sont issues des citoyens. L'??crivain assimile "ce minimum" de d??mocratie ?? "la bou??e de sauvetage" qui garantit le d??veloppement ??conomique et la prosp??rit?? sociale. "Il s'agit en fait des pays qui connaissent une transition d??mocratique", note-t-il. L'auteur s'attelle ?? une analyse compar??e de l'??tat de la bonne gouvernance dans les pays de l'Afrique du Nord (Maroc, Alg??rie, Libye, Egypte et Tunisie), ainsi que de la vie politique et ??conomique, la justice, les partis politiques, la soci??t?? civile et les droits de l'homme dans les pays de la r??gion. Le concept de bonne gouvernance repose sur la participation dans la prise de d??cision, la transparence, la justice et l'??valuation dans le cadre d'une vision strat??gique fond??e sur des projets bien d??finis, indique Ahmed Jazouli, qui s'arr??te aussi sur le concept de l'autorit?? en Islam et juge "qu'il n'y a pas un seul mod??le dans l'histoire, y compris l'??poque des compagnons du proph??te". "Islam, d??mocratie et gouvernance dans les pays de l'Afrique du nord" se veut une contribution au d??bat mondial sur l'Islam, la d??mocratie et la capacit?? des pays arabo-islamiques ?? acc??der ?? la d??mocratie. Dans ce sens, Ahmed Jazouli expose les ??tapes d??cisives de l'histoire de l'Islam et les acquis d??mocratiques r??alis??s dans les pays islamiques, notamment le Maroc qui vit actuellement une transition d??mocratique. Il souligne ?? ce propos la n??cessit?? de fonder "l'??volution d??mocratique progressive sur les composantes culturelles des soci??t??s concern??es". Autant dire que la promotion d'un pluralisme politique sain et une bipolarit?? libre et efficace, le renforcement des institutions parlementaires et la soci??t?? civile et la consolidation des droits de l'Homme sont, selon l'auteur, les pr??alables au passage ?? la d??mocratie et l'Etat de droit.

  • Posted By: mauriceflavius @ 12/04/2007 6:03:43 PM

    Comment: Over the ages, all religions seem to have their dark moments in history. Nevertheless, since its inception, which by the way, is a very, very young and new religion, Islam has only bred and spread the most abhorrent violence. In a modern, civilized world, Islam has no place. If you disregard what all the religions preach and just look at the fruits of the religion, all Islam can show you is slavery of women, violence against women, death and torture to all who do not bow down to this faith. If you don't believe in the devil, just visit one of these Muslim countries like Sudan and see what brutal butchery Islam has brought to its women and children. Islam IS hell on Earth for both, its believers and for those it preys upon.

    • Posted By: newmanski77 @ 12/05/2007 16:08:16

      Comment: you may want to do a bit of reading, there, maurice...according to the historical record, Jews, Christians, and Muslims lived a highly productive and peaceful coexistence for nearly 700 years in what is now Spain. The Muslim world was at that time the most advanced and successful culture on earth. It was the so-called "Christian" Spanish monarchy of Isabel and Ferdinan who visited the horror of Inquisition upon the non-Christian inhabitants of that country following their expulsion of the Muslim occupiers which ended in 1492. While "Christian" Europe was mucking their way through the dark ages, the Muslim world carried the light of progress. Thanks to Arabic scholars of those times, many classics of the Greek and Roman worlds were preserved for your benefit and mine. Hatred and intolerance should rightly be abhorred by thinking people (not to mention people of faith)...but I suggest you're too quick to judgement upon a faith practiced by millions of human beings.

  • Posted By: Brahimi Brahim @ 12/04/2007 6:03:20 PM

    Comment: Islam tolerates open discussions and freedom of expression! This explains a lot!

    Nouvel ouvrage d'Ahmed Jazouli : Islam, d??mocratie et gouvernance dans les pays de l'Afrique du Nord
    Le chercheur marocain Ahmed Jazouli vient de publier un ouvrage intitul?? "Islam, d??mocratie et gouvernance dans les pays de l'Afrique du Nord",qui propose une nouvelle approche des concepts dans leurs rapports avec diff??rentes formes de promotion de l'Etat de droit. Dans ce livre en langue anglaise, paru aux ??ditions de iUniverse (Etats-Unis), Ahmed Jazouli tente de d??cortiquer les concepts d'Islam, de d??mocratie et de gouvernance, estimant qu'il existe trois types d'Etats ?? savoir l'Etat n??gatif, l'Etat au degr?? z??ro et l'Etat positif. L'Etat au degr?? z??ro est, aux yeux de l'auteur, celui qui dispose d'un minimum de d??mocratie, du respect des droits de l'Homme et dont les institutions qui g??rent la chose publique sont issues des citoyens. L'??crivain assimile "ce minimum" de d??mocratie ?? "la bou??e de sauvetage" qui garantit le d??veloppement ??conomique et la prosp??rit?? sociale. "Il s'agit en fait des pays qui connaissent une transition d??mocratique", note-t-il. L'auteur s'attelle ?? une analyse compar??e de l'??tat de la bonne gouvernance dans les pays de l'Afrique du Nord (Maroc, Alg??rie, Libye, Egypte et Tunisie), ainsi que de la vie politique e