1) For those who paint a picture of stifled debate and censored comments, I think it is clear to any unbiased individuals that these folks must be on a different blog! The proof is in the pudding, RIGHT HERE, in this post and other posts, where critical comments sometimes exceed concurring comments. Of course, we will continue to moderate personal and mean-spirited remarks that fail the test of reasonable discussion. Carrying on the mantra of “MM censors everything” while seeing even these “mantra” comments come through, make the claims sound hollow and false.

2) I am glad that to see that pretty much all of us agree that attacks against civilians (Muslims or non-Muslims) are wrong and unacceptable, such as for example Bali or 9/11. Except for a couple of loony remarks here and there, I believe that most of us (at least those who commented here) are all on the same page in our stance AGAINST terrorist organizations that target civilians. We all know who these organizations are. May Allah guide their leaders to moderation and the path of mercy and compassion upon the Sunnah of the Prophet (S).

3) I am not surprised to see that we all condemn this cowardly attack. I hope the attackers were not Muslims, but if they were, then I hope the detractors will accept the problem “within”, and work towards reform of extremism. I also hope that we can temper our suspicions and accept that not every act of terrorism blamed on Muslims could have been a conspiracy. So, even if 9 out of 10 were some “black ops”, then we still have a problem for the 1 out of 10. Recognition is the first step towards the fix.

4) I appreciate all the comments from everyone who participated: AnonyMuslim, Abu Maryam, Siraaj, even Abul Hasan :) and others. I hope that those who didn’t agree with my post remember that I am still their brother, who deserves the benefit of doubt about my intentions and goals. Back-biting and slandering me (by a few of the detractors) will not fix my “problem”, and will only help me by their good deeds. I think they need their good deeds, as much as I would like to have them and need them. And I hope that those who agreed with my post will continue to work with me as I don’t intend to let up on the plague of terrorism.

In closing, there is a wide middle-ground between extremism and “ultra-progressivism”. Many of us are struggling to find our place on it, which is a good sign. Let’s hope and pray that we land dead-center, upon the Sunnah of the Prophet (S).

Besides that, as a Pakistani who has lived in the west, it seems to me there are some people who go overboard with nationalistic feelings. If you love living in America, so be it, if you live in Pakistan and love it, so be it. But to claim that one place is certainly the place to be, is to paint an unrealistic picture of black and white. There are problems there, and there are problems here. We just need to learn to deal with our problems wherever we live.

By the way, thaks to whomever attempted to insult me by comparing me to the great Islamic luminary Abdul Hakim Murad (May Allah preserve him). Thanks but I’m truly not worthy of such an honor.

Pakistan needs fast-track National Security Courts to execute these people quickly after prosecution. Further, hate speech should be banned on national security grounds. In other Pseudo-Jihadi news today in Pakistan, a masjid was attacked in Dera Ismail Khan and a 17th century pathaan poet’s mausoleum was blown up. Articles showing that all evidence recovered points to the pseudo-Jihadis and not “RAW” as conspiracy quacks allege, below:

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=200935\story_5-3-2009_pg1_1

LAHORE/KARACHI: Police widened the hunt for clues in Tuesday’s brazen attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, arresting 250 suspects in province-wide raids – four of which sources in the police said were prime suspects.

The four men included Muhammad Faisal, a brother of Muhammad Adil – the ‘mastermind’ of the attack – sources privy to the probe told Daily Times, adding that they were arrested during raids in Lahore by the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA). Sources in the agency said Adil – who ran sports bikes business on the Outfall Road in Islampura – received a call from one of the attackers at about 9:05am. In the call intercepted by the police, the attacker asks the planner for instructions after the attack, and was told to go to a location near Islampura.

You still haven’t provided me with any proof that a Jihad group was behind this.

Willing to admit you jumped the gun?

AnonyMuslim:

I have a feeling you’re the well-known Salahdeen/Jaysh/Hanbali. If so, I would advise you to learn some manners when talking to people who are your elders and have more knowledge than you (not a hard task). I’m referring specifically to brother Abu Maryam, hafidhahullah.

ARM: As a member of those who have the privilege of living in a free society, we are morally obligated to condemn shortcomings and failures when they exist here as well. You bring up a lot of terror attacks which America obviously played no role, however you completely disregard the fact that America’s sanctions and subsequent invasion of Iraq led to millions of deaths. Let’s not swing to the opposite end of the pendulum and pretend that America is some shining beacon of hope to all of the Muslim world. American manufactured planes and missiles kill innocent people daily and as Muslims and Americans we must speak out against that injustice as well.