[Speedymanic]

They didn't come to your house cause you were Muslim or Arab.

I'm curious now, why did they go to his house? Phos, what was the reason for them paying you a visit or do they not need one?

[SoulPlaya]

Funny man.

I'm curious now, why did they go to his house? Phos, what was the reason for them paying you a visit or do they not need one?

I'm neither Muslim nor Arab, and the FBI has been to my house. I'm an Assyrian Christian from Iraq.

[phosphor112]

I'm neither Muslim nor Arab, and the FBI has been to my house. I'm an Assyrian Christian from Iraq.

The word "Assyrian" isn't recognized by these guys. It's just Arab. Technicalities and details don't matter to them.

[Napoleonthechimp]

imagine if the roles were reversed, imagine if Americans learned that an Iranian official taught courses about how American cities should be nuked to bring an end to the American empire. people would absolutely lose their shit and there would be even more calls to turn Iran into a parking lot...

Are you kidding me? It would not surprise me in the least to learn that Iranian officials do that on a daily basis.

[Speedymanic]

I'm neither Muslim nor Arab, and the FBI has been to my house. I'm an Assyrian Christian from Iraq.

Wouldn't be surprised if they saw you were from Iraq and assumed your were an Arab.

Out of interest, why were they there or is it a personal matter?

Are you kidding me? It would not surprise me in the least to learn that Iranian officials do that on a daily basis.

Planning to nuke a country when you don't have nukes and have made it clear you have no intention of ever having nukes. Makes sense.

[phosphor112]

Wouldn't be surprised if they saw you were from Iraq and assumed your were an Arab. Out of interest, why were they there or is it a personal matter?

Nearly everyone in my community was visited... 90% of them were Iraqi born.

[SoulPlaya]

The word "Assyrian" isn't recognized by these guys. It's just Arab. Technicalities and details don't matter to them.

Well, I'll tell you the truth. Back in Iraq, I was discriminated against by Muslims way worse than this. Many of my relatives were killed and kidnapped for being Christian. They weren't spied on, they were dragged from their homes and beheaded. My grandmother and aunt had to leave their homes of many years after they received papers on their doorsteps telling them that all Christians had to leave the area or face death. The government did nothing, and was likely in on it. As a result, I've harbored a lot of anger and bitterness inside me.

I'm not justifying anything, I'm not condoning anything. I'll admit that it's illogical and bitter anger. Now, I do tend to roll my eyes at Muslims who complain about discrimination, especially immigrants. They now want the American people to stand up for them, when they themselves did nothing to stand up for my family. I'm sorry, and I do mean the apology. It's ignorance on my part, but I just want you to understand where I'm coming from.

[SoulPlaya]

Wouldn't be surprised if they saw you were from Iraq and assumed your were an Arab. Out of interest, why were they there or is it a personal matter?

I can't really remember, as it was 10 years ago. It wasn't anything bad. I think they wanted to know if anyone was interested in working with them, maybe as a translator or something. They were very kind, left afterwards, and we were never bothered again.

[Dunan]

Not according to google, the phrase came in to use around 1918. apparently the prayer/song was written by a dude called Irving Berlin. I may probably wrong and it might have been used earlier but i can only do so much googling at work.

The song is recent, but the phrase is older. (I admit that you don't see it in speeches as much as you do in the post-WWII era.) But I think people who find it to be evidence that the US president is some kind of religious fanatic would also have to find "God save the king" disturbing, and the British phrase has been around longer than an independent US has.

[phosphor112]

Well, I'll tell you the truth. Back in Iraq, I was discriminated against by Muslims way worse than this. Many of my relatives were killed and kidnapped for being Christian. They weren't spied on, they were dragged from their homes and beheaded. My grandmother and aunt had to leave their homes of many years after they received papers on their doorsteps telling them that all Christians had to leave the area or face death. The government did nothing, and was likely in on it. As a result, I've harbored a lot of anger and bitterness inside me. I'm not justifying anything, I'm not condoning anything. I'll admit that it's illogical and bitter anger. Now, I do tend to roll my eyes at Muslims who complain about discrimination, especially immigrants. They now want the American people to stand up for them, when they themselves do nothing to stand up for my family. I'm sorry, and I do mean the apology. It's ignorance on my part, but I just want you to understand where I'm coming from.

I'm with you man. I'm Shia... my family got the short end of the stick where ever they went (Saudi Arabia was some of the worst... excluding some specific events in Iraq.)

My uncle was killed by Saddam's goons. My father, was captured, but temporarily released because he was the only doctor in a village he worked in (worked in the public health system). At that point, my father (and the family) fled.

This is why everything is so fucked right now. Libya gets "liberated" and then the minorities suffer, Shia get killed, Christians get killed, and even more so if you happen to be black. This is why I CAN NOT and WILL NOT support the opposition (mind you, I'm not supporting Assad either) in Syria because the minorities will get wiped out. Egypt is getting heavy Christian persecution as well... we all know how tolerant Saudi Arabia is...

Anyway... they saw you as Iraqi and they came to your house, plain and simple.

I can't really remember, as it was 10 years ago. It wasn't anything bad. I think they wanted to know if anyone was interested in working with them, maybe as a translator or something. They were very kind, left afterwards, and we were never bothered again.

Lucky. Dudes were looking around our house and stuff, asking us "what we think" of 9/11.

I was in Jr. High at that point. Scared as to why they would come to our house.

They tapped our phone lines as well. They did so for years, then it suddenly stopped after that. Luckily there hasn't been anything since.

[SoulPlaya]

I'm with you man. I'm Shia... my family got the short end of the stick where ever they went (Saudi Arabia was some of the worst... excluding some specific events in Iraq.) My uncle was killed by Saddam's goons. My father, was captured, but temporarily released because he was the only doctor in a village he worked in (worked in the public health system). At that point, my father (and the family) fled. This is why everything is so fucked right now. Libya gets "liberated" and then the minorities suffer, Shia get killed, Christians get killed, and even more so if you happen to be black. This is why I CAN NOT and WILL NOT support the opposition (mind you, I'm not supporting Assad either) in Syria because the minorities will get wiped out. Egypt is getting heavy Christian persecution as well... we all know how tolerant Saudi Arabia is... Anyway... they saw you as Iraqi and they came to your house, plain and simple. Lucky. Dudes were looking around our house and stuff, asking us "what we think" of 9/11. I was in Jr. High at that point. Scared as to why they would come to our house. They tapped our phone lines as well. They did so for years, then it suddenly stopped after that. Luckily there hasn't been anything since.

Me and you share very similar views. Many people here on GAF won't get it (when it comes to the Libya, Egypt, and Syria part). The minorities will get slaughtered in those countries by the "rebels". Thanks for understanding.

[coldfoot]

Even if they fired him, I'm sure he'd be greeted with open arms to Erik Prince's death squads.

[phosphor112]

Me and you share very similar views. Many people here on GAF won't get it (when it comes to the Libya, Egypt, and Syria part). The minorities will get slaughtered in those countries by the "rebels". Thanks for understanding.

Dude, of course I understand. The Muslim Brotherhood is threatening the existence of my people! And you're right, a lot of people don't see this. It's really dangerous.

[SouthernDragon]

wtf is this shit?

how is that "professor" not fired?

[phosphor112]

wtf is this shit? how is that "professor" not fired?

An "investigation" is being conducted.

Lol.

[nOoblet16]

Its a bit of stretch to say that minorities are getting slaughtered in arab countries like libya,egypt e.t.c there are assholes everywhere and even though i accept that their is a high level of intolerance in middle east when it comes to religion,but it shouldn't overemphasized....

Saudi are racist even with other arabs,as for syria,i only blame asaad...by not listening to the demands of ordinary syrians early on,he helped hardcore radicals to penetrate within the opposition...there was already significant al qaeeda presence in syria before the revolution but the revolution wasn't much sectarian when it started, it is now because the involvement of iran and Hezbollah gives the perspective that minority alwaites are killing the majority sunnis to save their control over the country.

[YoungHav]

This country can be embarrassing at times. Amurka!

[GringoLOCOo]

wow thats just disgusting

the idiots might as well nuke the whole world and be done with it!!!!!!

[phosphor112]

Its a bit of stretch to say that minorities are getting slaughtered in arab countries like libya,egypt e.t.c there are assholes everywhere and even though i accept that their is a high level of intolerance in middle east when it comes to religion,but it shouldn't overemphasized.... Saudi are racist even with other arabs,as for syria,i only blame asaad...by not listening to the demands of ordinary syrians early on,he helped hardcore radicals to penetrate within the opposition...there was already significant al qaeeda presence in syria before the revolution but the revolution wasn't much sectarian when it started, it is now because the involvement of iran and Hezbollah gives the perspective that minority alwaites are killing the majority sunnis to save their control over the country.

A stretch? Saddam Hussein ring a bell? How about Al-Qaeda... they live to kill anyone that's not their immediate Muslim sect. Especially the "non-muslim" Shia. Libya had massive killings after Ghaddafi died because he pretty much gave them sanction. Same for Syria... Bahrain, Shia try to revolt against the Sunni government and then Saudi Arabia sends troops over there to kill and put them down. Ever since the revolution in Syria started, terrorists have been attacking Christians and Shia. This isn't a "stretch" at all.

[Flying_Phoenix]

I really don't feel like wasting my time with this. Yes, during the cold war, there was a lot of fear-mongering and "hunting Reds" but for the past decade plus, the US alone has been doing that. It's done exactly this with actions, and not rhetoric. More people have weapons now than people did then, not to mention that the world economy is dropping faster than a thong on prom night. No one is happy in Europe, and the majority of people here are fucking pissed. The Middle East is turning into one massive crater that the west certainly had a hand in. Russia also doesn't like the fact a missile shield is being put right outside their front porch (and in result it's caused the Military there to mobilize and build similar structures there). I can keep going. The world is less stable now than it has been in the past.

Wait you actually think now is a more unstable time than the Cold War?

L-O-FUCKING-L

We brushed with fully out nuclear war multiple times during that period. And unlike now there was next to no benefit keeping our enemies and rivals well.

Political unrest is nothing new. Yes there is some shit going down now, but nothing World War-like.

[RawPower]

I'm neither Muslim nor Arab, and the FBI has been to my house. I'm an Assyrian Christian from Iraq.

Unless you're Israel, every Middle Eastern country falls under the "Arab" bracket in the minds of Americans.

[SoulPlaya]

Its a bit of stretch to say that minorities are getting slaughtered in arab countries like libya,egypt e.t.c there are assholes everywhere and even though i accept that their is a high level of intolerance in middle east when it comes to religion,but it shouldn't overemphasized.... Saudi are racist even with other arabs,as for syria,i only blame asaad...by not listening to the demands of ordinary syrians early on,he helped hardcore radicals to penetrate within the opposition...there was already significant al qaeeda presence in syria before the revolution but the revolution wasn't much sectarian when it started, it is now because the involvement of iran and Hezbollah gives the perspective that minority alwaites are killing the majority sunnis to save their control over the country.

Keep your fucking ignorant mouth shut. Minorities are not getting slaughtered? Please.

[Napoleonthechimp]

Wouldn't be surprised if they saw you were from Iraq and assumed your were an Arab. Out of interest, why were they there or is it a personal matter? Planning to nuke a country when you don't have nukes and have made it clear you have no intention of ever having nukes. Makes sense.

Iran is certainly the poster boy for restraint and compassion...

[phosphor112]

Iran is certainly the poster boy for restraint and compassion...

Compared to the rest of the middle east? Yeah, they are by far the best. Sure, they don't take well to apostates, but considering a Jew can live there and there are plenty of synagogues there.. yeah... they are the poster boy.

[SoulPlaya]

Iran actually treats its minorities pretty well (with the exception of Bahai). Not amazing, but compared to the rest of the ME, they are allowed to live with relative peace.

[RawPower]

How does Iran treat Jewish emigres out of Europe, if there are any living in Iran?

No, this isn't meant to be sarcastic or anything like that.

[F#A#Oo]

Me and you share very similar views. Many people here on GAF won't get it (when it comes to the Libya, Egypt, and Syria part). The minorities will get slaughtered in those countries by the "rebels". Thanks for understanding.

Yes there has been increased violence towards non-muslims in these countries since the ousting of old regimes...but they are not being "slaughtered" which is a very heavy word to use and I feel it's an exaggeration.

Unfortunately some of the beliefs of the older generation of people still exist and still have weight and so the hate crimes will continue. :( There is some light at the end of the tunnel though and that is the younger generation are starting to not tolerate such beliefs as much anymore and in recent years there has been marches for example in Egypt with muslims and coptic christians together in religious unity...

The problems might get worse though if muslims continue to feel it's an "us and them" situation...which is why the muslim brotherhood and other conservative parties have come up strongly post-arab spring.

[phosphor112]

How does Iran treat Jewish emigres out of Europe, if there are any living in Iran? No, this isn't meant to be sarcastic or anything like that.

Anyone that is from the "people of the book" which include the Christians, Jews, and Muslims, live in peace.

The exception to the rule are groups that are considered blasphemous. As one said, the Bahai. They follow someone else as a prophet after Muhammad.

[OttomanScribe]

How did this suddenly turn into a 'bashing Sunni Muslims' thread?

You think that the Ahlul'Sunnah had it good under Saddam? The dude didn't care what sect you were from, he was a psychopath. Also the assertion that every Sunni from Libya to Syria is hot for killing Shia and Nasiri as soon as they get rid of the dictators that apparently stop it happening is BS.

It is the kind of stuff that the dictators tell their minorities to convince them to not withdraw their support. What it actually does is create that kind of backlash, as the Shia and the Nasiri back Assad out of fear he creates of a backlash, which creates a backlash because they support him.

[phosphor112]

How did this suddenly turn into a 'bashing Sunni Muslims' thread? You think that the Ahlul'Sunnah had it good under Saddam? The dude didn't care what sect you were from, he was a psychopath. Also the assertion that every Sunni from Libya to Syria is hot for killing Shia and Nasiri as soon as they get rid of the dictators that apparently stop it happening is BS. It is the kind of stuff that the dictators tell their minorities to convince them to not withdraw their support. What it actually does is create that kind of backlash, as the Shia and the Nasiri back Assad out of fear he creates of a backlash, which creates a backlash because they support him.

Who said I was bashing Sunnis? Sunnis aren't the radical ones.

OBVIOUSLY Sunnis are dealing with the bullshit from Assad but the shia are also clearly outnumbered and more prone to persecution.

[SoulPlaya]

Yes there has been increased violence towards non-muslims in these countries since the ousting of old regimes...but they are not being "slaughtered" which is a very heavy word to use and I feel it's an exaggeration. Unfortunately some of the beliefs of the older generation of people still exist and still have weight and so the hate crimes will continue. :( There is some light at the end of the tunnel though and that is the younger generation are starting to not tolerate such beliefs as much anymore and in recent years there has been marches for example in Egypt with muslims and coptic christians together in religious unity... The problems might get worse though if muslims continue to feel it's an "us and them" situation...which is why the muslim brotherhood and other conservative parties have come up strongly post-arab spring.

Increased violence, "slaughter". It's all semantics, as far as I'm concerned. The younger generation MAY be better, but I feel that people underestimate the extremist sentiments that lies among the youth, as well.

[Heshinsi]

Non-sunni minorities have it so bad in the middle east, it's not even funny. Hell go beyond that, non-Arab sunni minorities as well are treated like compost; just ask the Kurds. It happened in Iraq, it happened in Egypt, it happened in Libya, it's going to happen in Syria, and the Gulf states are what they are. Anyone who thinks this is sunni bashing, well, go cry me a fucking river.

[OttomanScribe]

Who said I was bashing Sunnis? Sunnis aren't the radical ones. OBVIOUSLY Sunnis are dealing with the bullshit from Assad but the shia are also clearly outnumbered and more prone to persecution.

Who are you talking about doing these things then?

Increased violence, "slaughter". It's all semantics, as far as I'm concerned. The younger generation MAY be better, but I feel that people underestimate the extremist sentiments that lies among the youth, as well.

Sabra and Shatila.

The 'sectarian' card cuts all directions. You will find the region more understandable if you view it through the lens of material conflict rather than some 'Muslims killing non-Muslims' simplistic view.

Non-sunni minorities have it so bad in the middle east, it's not even funny. Hell go beyond that, non-Arab sunni minorities as well are treated like compost; just ask the Kurds. It happened in Iraq, it happened in Egypt, it happened in Libya, it's going to happen in Syria, and the Gulf states are what they are. Anyone who thinks this is sunni bashing, well, go cry me a fucking river.

What happened in Iraq? Saddam persecuted everyone, he was a secular dictator, he only played the Ahlul'Sunnah card very rarely, and the Shia in Iraq sided with him against Iran in that war. His problem wasn't with Shia or Sunnah, the people he killed at Halabja were Sunni after all, while the Marsh Arabs were predominantly Shia.

He was a Baathist first and a Sunni barely at all.

Similarly what are you talking about with Egypt? A few wackjobs attack churches and while the majority of the population opposes attacks on the Nasiri? How does that narrative work? By your logic, the torturers in Abu Ghraib and this dude in American training camps represents the entirety of America.

What is going to happen in Syria? Syria doesn't get a look in as an example of the way in which a minority uses violence to suppress dissent of the majority?

The problem isn't some persecution of non-Sunni minorities, the problem is instability created in the wake of fallen dictators, none of whom represented Sunnis, or any other religious group for that matter.

[TheKaeptain]

I remember reading about some enlisted Marine getting discharged for doing waaaaay less than this, but this guy isn't fired yet?

You can't just fire an officer. There is an investigation going on. Once the findings are reported he will be served a decommissioning.

[RELAYER]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...v=GVPgIqGKTZY#!