Mani (Mainstream): Modi, Radi and I were just talking about you. You are a little late this morning.
Modi (Moderate): Yes, I know. I was up late. My new job sent me on assignment.
Mani: That’s right; you are working for one of the new newspapers now. Is it a tough job?
Modi: Sometimes just getting to where I must be is tough. Last night I was able to cover some negotiations between the coalition and one of the tribes. I had to travel with the coalition vehicles, though, thanks to Radi's friends.
Radi (Radical): What are the tribes doing negotiating with the coalition? That is treason. They should all be beheaded.
Modi: Radi, the tribes have complained repeatedly to the Al-Qaeda people that they are tired of the indiscriminate bombings and shootings. Too many of their people have died or been maimed. It was bad enough when they were targeted by the Shi’ite militias; however, it was more than they could take to be targeted by Sunnis also. They have had enough of phony war.
Radi: They should be thankful. Those that died…
Modi: Yes, Radi, we know. They are martyrs according to you. I am tired of hearing it.
Mani: But it is true, Modi. What Radi says is true.
Modi: You don’t know that. Even if what is written is true or ever was true, remember, martyrdom only counts if you are fighting in the way of Allah and only for love of Him. If rewards or fame are any part of it, it is not martyrdom--it is suicide. And suicide means eternal torments.
Radi: You are casting shadows on all of our martyrs; men who gave up their lives for Allah. You should die.
Modi: Martyrs? You mean kids who didn’t really know what anything meant. I am sure that many a young Ali would think twice about martyrdom if he realized that he wouldn’t be playing with his pal Ahmed any more or seeing his parents. There are too many of our children lying there rotting in graves, thanks to you guys, and they had not even begun to live. You abused their trust in you.
Radi: Today you will lose your head. You are speaking against our religion.
Mani: You are going too far, Modi. Tell me, what were the negotiations about?
Modi: Religion should not be about killing our kids. The coalition is providing arms, ammunition, RPG’s and other benefits to those tribes who have asked for the means to defend themselves against Al-Qaeda. They have seen that the new government cannot or will not protect them and suspect that a predominantly Shi’ite power would not be very interested in protecting Sunnis. Of course, even though they specified defense against Al-Qaeda, we know that they need protection from the Shi’ite militias also. I believe Muqtada Sadr already got the message and gave orders to puill back.
Mani: I can understand that they need to protect themselves from Shi’ites, but…
Modi: Don’t bother to tell me that fighting Al-Qaeda is fighting one’s own people.
Radi: It is. Are you going to tell me something different?
Modi: Not exactly. I will ask that you remember that when our Most Beloved in Yathrib heard about a rich caravan on its way to Mecca, to further enrich the Meccans, he did not hesitate to attack it. And were they not his own people?
Mani: That situation was different. The Meccans were causing us harm.
Modi: I just finished saying that Al-Qaeda was indiscriminately killing tribesmen. Isn't that harm? Look, you two, Al-Qaeda attacked the coalition and got its clock cleaned. So, they looked around for some softer targets and decided that they would destroy the new government a different way. No one was going to join them for an attack on coalition troops; the people knew better and really did not have that much against the troops to begin with. The people see them every day and many take comfort from just seeing their patrols. When attacking government buildings became too dangerous, AQ went after people like you and me.
Radi: What is this about cleaning clocks? What are you talking about?
Mani: Radi, I have heard that one. It means you were beaten badly.
Radi: I have not heard the troops really beat up Al-Qaeda.
Modi: Who was supposed to carry the story? Would it be Al-Jazeera, the New York Times, or the Washington Post? How about that white-haired fool brazenly running for US President?
Mani: You keep telling us things like that. Do you watch Fox and CNN every day?
Modi: You bet, whenever we have electricity. Now listen to this. Do you think the coalition is losing the fight here and is almost beaten? Do you see the troops slinking around, looking demoralized? When shot at, do they run away?
Radi: I would like to say yes, but for some reason Allah has not yet favored us with a way to defeat them. But He will. He will. I will be drenched in their blood.
Modi: It would more likely be your own. Would you believe that the American press and the dolts on the Left running for president all think the coalition is losing badly and need to be rescued as quickly as possible?
Mani: You must be kidding. What have they been smoking, some of the Afghanistan stuff?
Radi: Aha! Allah is taking a hand and covering the eyes of the press and the candidates, making them believe all is lost and making them want to run home in disgrace. That is how our Most Beloved and Abu Bakr escaped from Mecca right through the Meccan soldiers searching for them. No one saw them.
Mani: Yes, yes. I am glad Radi said that. It certainly makes sense to me. Allah is covering the eyes of the American press and the president wannabes. I will say a special prayer praising Allah and thanking Him for His help.
Modi: If you want to keep thinking that way, fine. Now let’s say just for sake of argument, that Allah is not covering their eyes. Perhaps He is preparing something else more dramatic.
Radi: Oh? What?
Modi: It doesn’t matter. Just suppose that Allah is not helping us right now for whatever reason. You know Allah knows all things and can do what He wants.
Mani: I pity the Americans having to put up with people and companies like that. Maliki here is bad enough..
Modi: Yes, Al-Maliki is not the best we can do. But in all fairness, remember, people have been killed just for belonging to the government. Moreover, how long has it been since being in power did not mean getting everything you can get? We have never really been nationalists before the removal of Saddam. Some of us are just learning, but others are screaming and yelling that we must not be nationalists. We must be Believers first and kill all the unbelievers. Those people are not part of the solution; they are a big part of the problem. There is nothing wrong with being a nationalist; it is not a curse. You simply love the land where you were born and want to preserve your way of life.
Radi: But Modi, Allah has said kill them wherever you find them. We find them here and must kill them.
Mani: What Radi says is true! Allah has told us we have a duty to do that.
Modi: Allah’s words were exhortations to the Believers fighting to build their religion in the 7th century against overwhelming odds. Allah has never mentioned the coalition. As far as being anti-believer is concerned, the coalition has Believers among them. However, never forget that they rid us of Saddam Hussein and his insane sons. Saddam has killed more Believers that the coalition. Now the coalition is arming Believers. They are arming tribal Believers with modern arms to help them protect themselves. Do you know what that means? It means WE ARE NOT THEIR ENEMIES AND THEY KNOW IT. Al-Qaeda has become a common enemy, the same as the Shi’ite militias.
Mani: That makes sense also. The government cannot protect us because it is too weak.
Modi: Now, Mani, where does that leave the coalition?
Mani: Allah help us. (Looks skyward) Allah help me for saying this. If the coalition departed, Modi, all of you moderates will be killed--perhaps everyone who ever voted with their purple fingers. And many of us mainstream will be killed. Only those who supported the jihad will be safe from the murderous Salafists. Those Kurds who could not escape into Turkey will be killed. The Salafist/Wahhabis will probably overthrow the Al-Saud royalists, despite American protection, and perhaps deny oil to the West. I know they will deny it to the Americans. Europe now is almost a Believer continent.
Modi: Have you considered that Iran might take a hand in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere? We would have a huge Sunni-Shi’ite war, unless we both joined forces to fight the Americans. That is what I am afraid will happen. Radi, you and Mani will never see your grandchildren
Radi: That would be wonderful. I will leave this awful life and spend eternity in Paradise.
Mani: Yes, Modi. That would be a good thing. I too, long for Paradise.
Modi: But what about your families? What about the people of Iraq? What about all of the innocent people of the world? What about living in peace and friendship?
Mani: Remember, Modi, ONLY BELIEVERS CAN BE INNOCENT!
Radi: Yes, and it is also written, don't take Jews and Christians for your friends.
Modi: I am certain that there are millions of wonderful, innocent people in this world that love Allah or their God as much as we love Allah. In fact, Mani, MANY COALITION YOUNG MEN HERE HAVE DIED FOR YOU--SO THAT YOU WOULD HAVE A BETTER LIFE WITH A GOVERNMENT TO LOOK OUT FOR YOU. THEY RID YOU OF SADDAM AND ARE TRYING TO RID YOU OF AL-QAEDA! WOULD YOU HAVE DONE THE SAME FOR THEM OR ANYONE ELSE?
Radi: We would be martyrs for our faith.Modi: Yes, as long as you thought it guaranteed Paradise. Coalition troops did not need that for their inspiration. Their lives are important to them. Their families and homes are important. They do not care about a quick trip to Paradise and leaving the world behind. Those troops gave up all of that to help you live yours in peace and freedom. They gave up the future they wanted because you were important to them also.
Mani: Perhaps I will think about that at noon prayer.
Radi: Bah. Who asked them? They all deserve to die. They should all burn forever.
Modi: I will say a prayer for you, Radi.
Radi: Why? So I will agree with you?
Modi: No, that you will do a ghusl (bath) one of these days.
Radi (starts to chase Modi): You SOB! I am going to bloody my knife today.
HJS
Modi (Moderate): Yes, I know. I was up late. My new job sent me on assignment.
Mani: That’s right; you are working for one of the new newspapers now. Is it a tough job?
Modi: Sometimes just getting to where I must be is tough. Last night I was able to cover some negotiations between the coalition and one of the tribes. I had to travel with the coalition vehicles, though, thanks to Radi's friends.
Radi (Radical): What are the tribes doing negotiating with the coalition? That is treason. They should all be beheaded.
Modi: Radi, the tribes have complained repeatedly to the Al-Qaeda people that they are tired of the indiscriminate bombings and shootings. Too many of their people have died or been maimed. It was bad enough when they were targeted by the Shi’ite militias; however, it was more than they could take to be targeted by Sunnis also. They have had enough of phony war.
Radi: They should be thankful. Those that died…
Modi: Yes, Radi, we know. They are martyrs according to you. I am tired of hearing it.
Mani: But it is true, Modi. What Radi says is true.
Modi: You don’t know that. Even if what is written is true or ever was true, remember, martyrdom only counts if you are fighting in the way of Allah and only for love of Him. If rewards or fame are any part of it, it is not martyrdom--it is suicide. And suicide means eternal torments.
Radi: You are casting shadows on all of our martyrs; men who gave up their lives for Allah. You should die.
Modi: Martyrs? You mean kids who didn’t really know what anything meant. I am sure that many a young Ali would think twice about martyrdom if he realized that he wouldn’t be playing with his pal Ahmed any more or seeing his parents. There are too many of our children lying there rotting in graves, thanks to you guys, and they had not even begun to live. You abused their trust in you.
Radi: Today you will lose your head. You are speaking against our religion.
Mani: You are going too far, Modi. Tell me, what were the negotiations about?
Modi: Religion should not be about killing our kids. The coalition is providing arms, ammunition, RPG’s and other benefits to those tribes who have asked for the means to defend themselves against Al-Qaeda. They have seen that the new government cannot or will not protect them and suspect that a predominantly Shi’ite power would not be very interested in protecting Sunnis. Of course, even though they specified defense against Al-Qaeda, we know that they need protection from the Shi’ite militias also. I believe Muqtada Sadr already got the message and gave orders to puill back.
Mani: I can understand that they need to protect themselves from Shi’ites, but…
Modi: Don’t bother to tell me that fighting Al-Qaeda is fighting one’s own people.
Radi: It is. Are you going to tell me something different?
Modi: Not exactly. I will ask that you remember that when our Most Beloved in Yathrib heard about a rich caravan on its way to Mecca, to further enrich the Meccans, he did not hesitate to attack it. And were they not his own people?
Mani: That situation was different. The Meccans were causing us harm.
Modi: I just finished saying that Al-Qaeda was indiscriminately killing tribesmen. Isn't that harm? Look, you two, Al-Qaeda attacked the coalition and got its clock cleaned. So, they looked around for some softer targets and decided that they would destroy the new government a different way. No one was going to join them for an attack on coalition troops; the people knew better and really did not have that much against the troops to begin with. The people see them every day and many take comfort from just seeing their patrols. When attacking government buildings became too dangerous, AQ went after people like you and me.
Radi: What is this about cleaning clocks? What are you talking about?
Mani: Radi, I have heard that one. It means you were beaten badly.
Radi: I have not heard the troops really beat up Al-Qaeda.
Modi: Who was supposed to carry the story? Would it be Al-Jazeera, the New York Times, or the Washington Post? How about that white-haired fool brazenly running for US President?
Mani: You keep telling us things like that. Do you watch Fox and CNN every day?
Modi: You bet, whenever we have electricity. Now listen to this. Do you think the coalition is losing the fight here and is almost beaten? Do you see the troops slinking around, looking demoralized? When shot at, do they run away?
Radi: I would like to say yes, but for some reason Allah has not yet favored us with a way to defeat them. But He will. He will. I will be drenched in their blood.
Modi: It would more likely be your own. Would you believe that the American press and the dolts on the Left running for president all think the coalition is losing badly and need to be rescued as quickly as possible?
Mani: You must be kidding. What have they been smoking, some of the Afghanistan stuff?
Radi: Aha! Allah is taking a hand and covering the eyes of the press and the candidates, making them believe all is lost and making them want to run home in disgrace. That is how our Most Beloved and Abu Bakr escaped from Mecca right through the Meccan soldiers searching for them. No one saw them.
Mani: Yes, yes. I am glad Radi said that. It certainly makes sense to me. Allah is covering the eyes of the American press and the president wannabes. I will say a special prayer praising Allah and thanking Him for His help.
Modi: If you want to keep thinking that way, fine. Now let’s say just for sake of argument, that Allah is not covering their eyes. Perhaps He is preparing something else more dramatic.
Radi: Oh? What?
Modi: It doesn’t matter. Just suppose that Allah is not helping us right now for whatever reason. You know Allah knows all things and can do what He wants.
Mani: I pity the Americans having to put up with people and companies like that. Maliki here is bad enough..
Modi: Yes, Al-Maliki is not the best we can do. But in all fairness, remember, people have been killed just for belonging to the government. Moreover, how long has it been since being in power did not mean getting everything you can get? We have never really been nationalists before the removal of Saddam. Some of us are just learning, but others are screaming and yelling that we must not be nationalists. We must be Believers first and kill all the unbelievers. Those people are not part of the solution; they are a big part of the problem. There is nothing wrong with being a nationalist; it is not a curse. You simply love the land where you were born and want to preserve your way of life.
Radi: But Modi, Allah has said kill them wherever you find them. We find them here and must kill them.
Mani: What Radi says is true! Allah has told us we have a duty to do that.
Modi: Allah’s words were exhortations to the Believers fighting to build their religion in the 7th century against overwhelming odds. Allah has never mentioned the coalition. As far as being anti-believer is concerned, the coalition has Believers among them. However, never forget that they rid us of Saddam Hussein and his insane sons. Saddam has killed more Believers that the coalition. Now the coalition is arming Believers. They are arming tribal Believers with modern arms to help them protect themselves. Do you know what that means? It means WE ARE NOT THEIR ENEMIES AND THEY KNOW IT. Al-Qaeda has become a common enemy, the same as the Shi’ite militias.
Mani: That makes sense also. The government cannot protect us because it is too weak.
Modi: Now, Mani, where does that leave the coalition?
Mani: Allah help us. (Looks skyward) Allah help me for saying this. If the coalition departed, Modi, all of you moderates will be killed--perhaps everyone who ever voted with their purple fingers. And many of us mainstream will be killed. Only those who supported the jihad will be safe from the murderous Salafists. Those Kurds who could not escape into Turkey will be killed. The Salafist/Wahhabis will probably overthrow the Al-Saud royalists, despite American protection, and perhaps deny oil to the West. I know they will deny it to the Americans. Europe now is almost a Believer continent.
Modi: Have you considered that Iran might take a hand in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere? We would have a huge Sunni-Shi’ite war, unless we both joined forces to fight the Americans. That is what I am afraid will happen. Radi, you and Mani will never see your grandchildren
Radi: That would be wonderful. I will leave this awful life and spend eternity in Paradise.
Mani: Yes, Modi. That would be a good thing. I too, long for Paradise.
Modi: But what about your families? What about the people of Iraq? What about all of the innocent people of the world? What about living in peace and friendship?
Mani: Remember, Modi, ONLY BELIEVERS CAN BE INNOCENT!
Radi: Yes, and it is also written, don't take Jews and Christians for your friends.
Modi: I am certain that there are millions of wonderful, innocent people in this world that love Allah or their God as much as we love Allah. In fact, Mani, MANY COALITION YOUNG MEN HERE HAVE DIED FOR YOU--SO THAT YOU WOULD HAVE A BETTER LIFE WITH A GOVERNMENT TO LOOK OUT FOR YOU. THEY RID YOU OF SADDAM AND ARE TRYING TO RID YOU OF AL-QAEDA! WOULD YOU HAVE DONE THE SAME FOR THEM OR ANYONE ELSE?
Radi: We would be martyrs for our faith.Modi: Yes, as long as you thought it guaranteed Paradise. Coalition troops did not need that for their inspiration. Their lives are important to them. Their families and homes are important. They do not care about a quick trip to Paradise and leaving the world behind. Those troops gave up all of that to help you live yours in peace and freedom. They gave up the future they wanted because you were important to them also.
Mani: Perhaps I will think about that at noon prayer.
Radi: Bah. Who asked them? They all deserve to die. They should all burn forever.
Modi: I will say a prayer for you, Radi.
Radi: Why? So I will agree with you?
Modi: No, that you will do a ghusl (bath) one of these days.
Radi (starts to chase Modi): You SOB! I am going to bloody my knife today.
HJS
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