tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3015439296271553753.post3955666547925142409..comments2008-04-22T14:04:17.865-07:00Asma Nematiitamena86@gmail.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3015439296271553753.post-27957633927848459142008-04-22T14:04:00.000-07:002008-04-22T14:04:00.000-07:00Thanks for your comment. <BR/><BR/>Calling 1948 a catastrophe does not include the assumption that one denies the 1948 a year in which Israelis celebrate their nationhood. I've called it that in the spirit of my article about Dr. Al-Arian and his beliefs--it is no denial that 1948 sure was a catastrophe for him and his loved ones. <BR/><BR/>To clarify, all of this does not mean I'm not acknowledging other versions of history--they exist and have the right to do so.Asma Nemati - Doshezahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521686833303125506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3015439296271553753.post-1187153371776743192008-04-22T07:53:00.000-07:002008-04-22T07:53:00.000-07:00It is truly sad what has happened in America since the terrorist attacks of September 11th. It seems that civil liberties for all citizens of America have been compromised, not least of all the US Muslim population. <BR/><BR/>Such extreme measures have been taken in recent years for our "protection", when in reality there are just more mechanisms in place today for widespread control. <BR/><BR/>There are many countries around the world that have been victims of terrorism, and continue to be on a regular basis. These other countries do not live in a state of such fear and vigilance as the US does now. In fact, the majority of terrorist attacks today happen within Muslim countries, not in the West.<BR/><BR/>Although I found this article quite interesting and a topic that I am personally passionate about, I don't know that I feel referring to the creation of the state of Israel simply as "the catastrophe" or "Naqba" (I believe that is the Arabic word) is entirely appropriate. I believe it is important to recognize that although this event was a tragedy for certain groups of people, it is also the culmination of thousands of years of hardship for others.<BR/><BR/>I believe the road to intercultural understanding begins with the acknowledgment of everybody's own versions of history.<BR/><BR/>Either way, insightful piece!Gilad Chudler: Your intrepid Wandering Jewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17839109317963655506noreply@blogger.com