Submitted by Bani Adam, Feb 10, 2007 07:39

Re "Assignment Forbidden To Some" by Youssef Ibrahim, a question:
Why would a Jew or Christian want to go to Makkah (if you want to go somewhere it helps to ensure you know the official spelling) -- a place either believes exists geographically, but both of whom by default reject symbolically?

Let's talk about discriminatory laws which are primitive and uncivilized today. Let's talk about Israel, the Palestine 'that never was.' No, modern and civilized Israel does not post entry signs which say "Only Jews Allowed." But that hardly stops them from putting it into practice. Palestinian? Family left in 1948? Can't come back. 1967? Can't come back. Been away for a few months and not renewed your 'permit'? Sorry, can't come back. Ah! Jewish? Never been near here? No problem! Please, come in. And stay!
OK, OK. Forget about outsiders, Jews or non-Jews, trying to get in. Let's just focus on Palestinian residents of Jerusalem (forced to be called Israelis) trying to get to, yes, Al-Aqsa mosque. Can Palestinian moslems freely enter their place of worship at will? Regardless of any answer you attempt to fabricate, everyone knows that they actually can't. They practically need special visas for that. You know, over a certain age, 'valid' residence permit, etc.

So, why exactly is a conciliatory meeting between two moslem parties in the place they deem the holiest (because they are moslem, note), a farce? Because it actually may work? Gives you the shivers, right?

Talking about discrimination, doesn't the Sun employ any good-to-earth moslem(s) it can send to Makkah?
Seriously now....
Alternatively, wouldn't a live feed do just as well? Like Israeli Antiquities are proposing for the tunnel dig?

Bet you didn't try any silly dirt-stirring when 'Borat' was denied entry to the White House.

Have a Sun ny day!

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