We should not be shortsighted about what we demand and how we define our objectives. The truth of the matter is that since the mid-1970s, the two-state solution has been quite instrumental for the entity of Israel to advance its ideological claims and at the same time violate international laws in the name of "fighting existential threats" and "security".

Congress' overwhelming support of the bill reflects a perception that Arab television news is not accurate because these stations are mainly state sponsored. While it is true that Arab governments sponsor these television channels with the objective of promoting their foreign policies, a number of satellite television channels have emerged since the late 1990s, revolutionizing news coverage in the Middle East.

There are those who would like us to pass off February 22, 2006 as one more day in the pain-ridden history of Shi'ism, one more dark episode pushed to the depths as it were. Such that when we turn to look back in 5 years or 50 years time, there are no lessons to be derived – there is only a reaffirmation of the living insignia of oppression and suffering. This kind of reaction, subsumed in a palpable fatalism, achieves nothing except to multiply the oppression.

Throughout his time in Australia, Shaikh Leghaei has worked tirelessly to serve the community and build mutual understanding and respect among the various ethnic and religious communities of Australian society. He has received broad support from across the nation from Muslims and non-Muslims alike, including representatives of the indigenous community. Having worked closely with Christian churches, he has also been involved in fundraising for institutes such as the Breast Cancer Foundation, inviting the Salvation Army and churches to multi-faith evenings, and organising barbeques with the native people of Australia.

Among the world's dispossessed there's a sub-group of people rarely addressed by the global community, but whose numbers are growing by leaps and bounds: the internally displaced.

Knowing I was so close to such amazing people who hold such a dear spot in so many Muslims' hearts but could not sit at the foot of their grave was extremely hard to swallow.

The rise of resistance movements across the Middle East in recent times should be viewed as part of the legacy of the Islamic Revolution and the sentiments that it has given rise to within the wider Muslim consciousness. Whilst Israeli occupation, unbridled aggression, and popular discontent are the primary raison d'être for the emergence of resistance movements, the overwhelming power of an Islamic discourse in mobilizing the masses is a direct consequence of the achievements of the Iranian Revolution. Imam Khomeini re-invested hope and self-confidence in the Ummah, and advised Muslim nations to be masters of their own destiny by drawing from the rich wellspring of their own faith.

On February 8th, Muslims from over a dozen ethnicities marched to commemorate the 40th day after the Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him).  Although the protest took place in Dearborn Michigan, many of the marchers were from Canada, Ohio, New York and other regions and traveled to join their brothers and sisters in commemorating the legacy and upholding the banner of Imam Hussain and humanity. 

Below are images from the procession. Organizers have put the size of the crowd between three to five thousand individuals:

Photo Credit: Rasha Alghazali 

Photo Credit: Rasha Alghazali

Photo Credit: Rasha Alghazali

Photo Credit: Rasha Alghazali 

 Photo Credit: Rasha Alghazali

Photo Credit: Rasha Alghazali 

 

Photo Credit: Rasha Alghazali

 

 Photo Credit: Islamic Insights

  Photo Credit: Islamic Insights

 

The Shia community was especially hit hard by the disaster of the earthquake. There are roughly 25 to 30 Shia families in Port Au Prince, the capital of the country. The Imam Mehdi mosque was destroyed and seven children lost their lives. Despite all this pain, there will be a brighter future with the appropriate thought process and actions.

The mourners clearly understood that the real target was Muharram processions. The enemies wanted to confine these processions to indoors. They wanted to reduce them to a spiritless ritual, so that these gatherings that inspire the world with the message of truth and resistance against injustice of any kind would not be effective any more.