Keyboard worrier
Showing posts with label Fanaticism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fanaticism. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Baga massacre: elimination of democracy in northern Nigeria?

While Western citizens are mesmerized by the awful killings in Paris, a far worse atrocity has taken place in Baga, northern Nigeria, where Boko Haram slaughtered residents indiscriminately.

It isn't the first time, Here is what the BBC had to say back in May 2014:

"Nigeria's militant Islamist group Boko Haram - which has caused havoc in Africa's most populous country through a wave of bombings, assassinations and now abductions - is fighting to overthrow the government and create an Islamic state.

"Its followers are said to be influenced by the Koranic phrase which says: "Anyone who is not governed by what Allah has revealed is among the transgressors".

"Boko Haram promotes a version of Islam which makes it "haram", or forbidden, for Muslims to take part in any political or social activity associated with Western society.

"This includes voting in elections, wearing shirts and trousers or receiving a secular education.

"Boko Haram regards the Nigerian state as being run by non-believers, even when the country had a Muslim president."

A 2011 article from GeoCurrents here gives more background on the ethnic and religious differences that have split Nigeria.


(source)

For me, this isn't about religion. It's about Puritans, the Christian variety of which set England on fire in the seventeenth century Civil War. And power: the Protestants' fear of losing their post-monastic-destruction possessions (and more) led to the "baby in the warming pan" lie and the overthrow of James II in the "Glorious Revolution" (itself the inspiration for more and bloodier revolutions elsewhere.)

Pseudo-sentimental posturing by world politicians in Paris - apparently in a separate location from the one to which they called up the crowds - won't stop it; nor will increased blanket prurient spying on all of us. If we want security, we need a secular state that firmly enforces rules of behaviour and demeanour. All groups need to keep their heads down.

But when things get doctrinal, on what solid rock does liberalism stand? And even if there is one, does our current political and economic leadership stand on it?


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Monday, September 07, 2009

United 93

Just watched the film, "United 93" and wondered if I'd pass the test when the moment came. Remember reading how at the Guardian newsroom on September 11, 2001, the self-regarding hacks were watching the Twin Towers burn on TV and commenting how the Americans had it coming. If so, may the next one hit Farringdon Road - but only the guilty parties. That's the catch, isn't it?