So, some group kidnapped some French people in Iraq, are holding them hostage, and are threatening to decapitate them unless they... no, not leave Iraq...no, not agree to put pressure on the United States to leave Iraq... no, it's unless the French government agrees to rescind the headscarf ban in France's schools!
So, OK. On the one hand, I don't like that ban. It seems really invasive and unfair, and it's certainly a reminder that France's definition of secular is rather more restrictive on personal freedoms than ours is (or was.)
On the other hand... this also seems proof that the group behind it has no productive goals whatsoever. This tactic plays right into Bush's hands. It was so considerate of them to pull this nasty little stunt right before the GOP convention, so the chickenhawks there can point to it and say, "See? They really do hate freedom!" It's also designed to reinforce a bad image of Islam in the world's eyes. The French government can say that it justifies their policy.
Good going, guys!
Really, this has been a horrible week for the three major monotheistic religions. The Jewish community has gotten a bunch of embarrassing news too. That Paris JCC fire? It was set by a Jewish ex-employee. Then there's the Doug Feith office/AIPAC scandal a-brewing. And last but not least, the "God's Own Party" Convention in New York (yes, somebody really said that.) Hey, guys, when you alienate a normally loyal group like the Log Cabin Republicans, you've fucked up. MKay?
I can't think of anything more intelligent to say about it all then "Feh."
