Counterrevolution in the Gulf

I wish the current issues to be solved and let the people rest in peace.

A great analysis by Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi 

http://gulfnews.com/opinions/an-expanded-gcc-challenges-and-opportunities-1.806181

For the sake of clarity the term GCC 1.0 will be used to refer to the original six members of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar while the term GCC 2.0 will refer to the expanded entity that includes the previous six states as well as Jordan and Morocco.

Although no dates are announced yet, the new post expansion GCC 2.0 entity will have a larger population, enhanced pool of resources and a greater set of challenges. Through Jordan the GCC 2.0 will have borders with Palestine, Syria and most precariously, Israel. Through Morocco, GCC 2.0 will have borders with Mauritania and Algeria as well as contested territory with Spain in the towns of Ceuta and Melilla.

According to the latest reports by Qatar’s Doha Bank the GDP of the GCC 1.0 will this year reach $1,402 billion making it the world’s thirteenth largest economy. Although the economies of Morocco and Jordan would only contribute around $200 billion between them in aggregate the potential to develop the services, tourism, industrial and trade sectors in these two monarchies is extremely promising. Politically, the parliaments of Jordan and Morocco are, alongside Kuwait’s amongst the most active and empowered in the Arab world today.

The GCC 2.0 means that citizens of Jordan and Morocco will be able to visit, reside and work in the GCC 1.0 states without a need for a visa. Citizens from the two new states will be able to own property, shares and other assets in their fellow bloc states.

The GCC 2.0 area would expand from 2.5 million square km to 3.3 million square km and its population would almost double from 39 million to 77 million. Thus the population of the GCC 2.0 will be equal to that of Iran, to whom perhaps this expansion is intended as a message. 

The skepticism that the GCC 1.0 States hold towards the Arab Spring has manifested itself in this latest announcement. The Gulf States are concerned by the rapprochement that post-revolutionary Egypt has been displaying towards Iran. After Tunisia and Egypt, the survival of the 12 remaining Arab republican regimes is not guaranteed and the remaining eight Arab monarchies recognise the need to enhance collaboration both on the internal and external levels. They have identified the GCC as the ideal body for them to make an immediate and exponential leap in political, military and economic relations.

In the mean time, the Arab League, itself a weak and discredited body will likely continue to flounder for the medium term at least until a solid democratic Egypt emerges. It would be a mistake though for the GCC 2.0 states to neglect the Arab League as an institution or the remaining republic regimes during this process. 

Ask why not! Actually it doesn't come as a surprise. Many had already presumed Jordan to be a part of the bandwagon for awhile now. Their strong ties with the GCC is well known. As I said before they have always been a force to reckon with. However Morocco's addition is a bit surprising. Could it be a classic "strength in numbers" move?

From the far right, to the far left. Everyone has the right to participate in the electoral process.

These Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt are one of the biggest hypocrites, they are big liers.

When the revolution startedd in Egypt they have declared they do not want any interest in the gouvrment or parlimant and today they made a party which is called freedom and justice, and they said their target is 50 % of the parlimant.

As the new system in Egypt, where a president will be allected can not take critical individual decision, country internal decisions will be through the parlimant.

It might be a  repercussion measure  of Arab Spring in general, and the new Egypt  (i.e. growing role of the Muslim Brotherhood and opening a new page with Iran)

Therefore  , the expansion of the Council is a coalition of Arab States (which happened to be all Monarchies) that mostly rejects the participation of  parties in the political scene 

Worth a read ..

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/concoughlin/8505793/From-Arab-Spring-to-boiling-hot-summer.html

Why?

Jordan has a strong and established armed forces.

Would it add anything to GCC?

The GCC has always been about the protection of the ruling families. Both Morocco & Jordan royals are Hashemite and have blood ties with GCC ruling families.

While I do foresee the joining of Jordan, I doubt That Morocco would be able to join the council for many obvious geopolitical reasons

GCC welcomes Jordan & morocco into the council

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hGozxdZlPeAsHEkP9UM0Zyzw5mrQ?docId=CNG.724821b4919bf06d1776d821791b2347.77

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) welcomed bids by the two Arab kingdoms to join the six-nation grouping of Gulf monarchies, its secretary general Abdullatif al-Zayani said.

"Leaders of the GCC welcomed the request of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to join the council and instructed the foreign ministers to enter into negotiations to complete the procedures," Zayani told reporters.

He said the same procedure would be followed with Morocco.

For the skeptics or less experienced in democratic systems:

It’s not so much about "democracy" as such, but it’s about ensuring the freedom to grow and exist as an individual and to have full rights and opportunities to actively participate in his/hers society and the way it’s governed.

now, don’t call it democracy if the expression bothers you as its used by those who you dislike, call it what you want, as long as it ensures the above basic and fundamental human rights.

tribals are maintained there will be no issue.

But once it is touched then some problems might come.

well democracy is also declining rapidly and the sense of regionalism is developing. Not long from now most of the countries will have the natives and settlers at each other's throats.

Democracy is inherently flawed because it panders to the ignorant masses and prevents long-term planning due to constant elections. But then show me a better system.

Genesis--my sense is that the tribal system is declining rapidly and well be politically irrelevant in a couple generations at this rate in the wealthier and modernizing parts of the Arab world--Qatar, UAE, etc. Whereas is Yemen it is not going anywhere.

democracy itself is a flawed system, so why the clamour for the same. Its time for a new system.

At the end of the day, the interests of the ruling class and the corporates are more important than the interests of the common man.

The tribal system masters the art of prevarication and accounts for areas of strength in the political echelon either through  democratic or religious  mechanism.

We are witnessing  a showdown between an awakening  democratic values  & a long inherited tribal  values. Conflict between the rule of the tribe and the state of democracy.

The essence  is the society. Only a democratic society can build a  democratic & civil state 

Yes..the Quran and the Sunnah of our Prophet is all we have to abide by and Inshallah we will find success. But of course we will also be tested in which case we need to be patient and do what's right.Allah is with the patient. Sadly today people are very impatient and want instant remedies which is not always possible. Even giving advice, dawah, to another requires certain manners and methods and patience which many are lacking badly. In such cases ones advices do more damage than harm,Allahu Must3aan!

here is one of his comments on Hizbullah

http://www.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/getstory?openform&E728F0B7E0634CF5C22573F00065ED89

when the understanding of the religion is done in a wrong way.

In many sentences (Ayat) in our holy Quran there is a focus that Muslim nation is one and unified.

Salem Alekoum sister Fathimah

I know the fealing, i still remember not long ago how some suphi brothers were killed by other extremist muslims that keep forgetting that only Allah can judge us by our faith.

Still i criticise the ones who think that by imitanting the way of the profet (pbuh) will be better than any other muslim. We should never forget that the message is only the Qur'an, nothing else. We should follow it and understand it and not just reading it for being able to have it, word by word on our mind.

As I see from the website it seems he is moderate, and I will read more to see the details and this also brings to me that there was one moderate Shia schoolar in Lebanon which Iran did not like him and I will get the details bye.

So much conflict between Muslims themselves today and yet some have the nerve to blame the west/non Muslims for all our trials? Subhanallah..Our Prophet did warn us that such trials will arise due to the splitting of Muslims. and to think if such minor trials are causing the division between believers then how will be the trial of Dajjal? Meanwhile we can only hope and pray the leaders of the Muslim world of the future will not commit the same errors that those before them did and work towards a better tomorrow, Inshallah. Personally I only wish for leaders like Muhammad Ibn Abdullah, Peace be Upon Him!

do you expect me to get my knowledge of shias from yahoo answers!??

Just because some adopted extreme practices, doesn't make them all fanatics

Take Scholar Sayyed Ali El-Amine for instance

http://www.al-amine.org/articles.php?id=26

You're again confusing faith with religious practices.

Don't they read your same Quran, pray like you, fast Ramadan like you, even perform the Hajj pilgrimage rituals exactly like you?

And just because they have different interpretation of the faith, does that justifies being treated as second class citizens,and suppressed for demanding their rights

Addey: lol nice to see you around too, been missing u all :)

Brit: Thanks, everything ok with me, wife and baby :)

SA: I belive that most ppl that call themselves salafi's are just trying to fool themselves and alter the true perception of what Islam really is

here is the link

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080817113016AApiuc3

for those who makes group like Islamic brotherhood or Salafi, the end result fight between different groups.

They are disrespectful to God, in one book I have read they appreciate evil more than God.

You can have a look at the web or read some of their books, simply you will be shocked.

Let us not be like those who have a very narrow knowledge and view.

wow

Good to hear from you again

Hello my brother. Hope all is well and you are enjoying married life and happiness..

Before replying the post i wanna say hi to my friends, Britexpat, Genesis, Risk and Oryx.

Now, Straight Arrow, do you know any country without crime?

And no, i'm not american.

In case you are wondering, yes, i'm a muslim but i'm not Sunni or Shiite, just a progressive muslim.

I feal ashamed by the behaviour of those that call themselfs salafis and behave like animals instead of peacemakers like we should all be.

I'm sure that they'll be judged as severly as they are now judging others and by then they won't give any excuses because Allah knows and sees it all.

Sadly, this is nothing new..

People have been manipulated by external influences and those with self interests...

The Balkans post Tito, Iraq, post Saddam and Egypt post Mubarak.

The bahrain issue is slightly different in my opinion, because it involves a proxy war between two major players in the region.

Ironic, isn’t it, Genesis. This thread has basically proved the point that political operators can use sectarian divisions to quickly and easily promote division amongst stupid people. Sadly there plenty of people in the gulf who will gladly jump at the chance to beat up (literally, in Bahrain) anyone different, not realizing that they are being used as pawns in a great game of regional dominance by those at the top.

Since it is rare for people in the Gulf to question the substance of actual political rhetoric, most of these naïve and uneducated people just seem to prefer to resort to petty name calling, like children in a schoolyard.

If it weren’t so pathetic, it would make me laugh.

But what is really the difference between Sunni & shia ?Last time I checked , we share the same belief ! The only difference is in the practices

You seriously need to check your sources

You still don't get the OP of this thread, don't you?

All this sectarian strife is political...

Nic who is poor?

A person who does not know the difference between Shia and Sunni Muslims, or a person who speaks respecting others thoughts?

Do not you think that the person says "shame on you SA" when he gets embaressed because his point defeated?

poor you and your poor understanding of the world you live in!

Since USA is brought in the table, why there are so much poverty in USA and crime all over.

hve a look at this news

MANHATTAN — Violent crime rates, including murder and rape, have increased dramatically in Manhattan this year compared to the same period in 2009, according to NYPD crime statistics.

The number of murders in the borough this year had increased 110 percent as of April 18, going from just 10 in 2009 to 21, police data showed.

Read more: http://www.dnainfo.com/20100420/manhattan/manhattan-murder-rape-rates-jump-sharply?gclid=CM_Dud2H2qgCFYZ66wod23lQGw#ixzz1LpLbta52

Also

3 kindergartners wounded when gun discharges at Houston school

this I got from CNN

http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/04/19/texas.school.gun.accident/index.html?iref=allsearch

look at this nice report, here is a part oof it

The new report indicates that women still earn less, on average, than men and are more likely to live in poverty. They are also at much greater risk of sexual assault and of violence at the hands of an intimate partner than men.

full report is here

http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/03/07/coontz.women.report/index.html?iref=allsearch

Where is Democracy from these problems?

shouldn't USA solve these problems first?

Britexpat--That has been the fundamental flaw of American foreign policy since Clinton (Somalia, Haiti). Democracy takes generations to develop, and even then it usually doesn't.

Last week many prisoners scaped from jail, there is chaos, in Egypt Sectarian fight is there where 11 are killed and more than 140 are injured.

As you said, the road to democracy and the evolution is a long one. This is why I can't undderstand who expect the transition in this region to be fast and perfect.

It will take time, but eventually an acceptable form of democracy will prevail..

As an english is not my first language, as an idea it self, the idea can not be wrong, but at the same time there is bad idea and good idea, a bad idea can lead to unwanted results, good idea can lead to desired results.

The transition to democracy is almost violent and rarely works. Places like the USA are exceptions to the rule (and it had its share of early problems), not proven paths to success. For every US there are a dozen Weimar Republics and Ivory Coasts.

There is little to suggest in most of these countries that democratic rule and law will work. The singular possibility is Tunisia. The rest are in for long-term domestic fighting and possible civil war. It will get much worse before it gets better.

Straight Arrow classifies "wrong ideas", all ideas that fall out of his box.

This is the kind of mentality that triggers hate, violence and war :(

In what way is an 'idea' wrong?

SA, this analogy does not work. A relationship between a professor and a student is a different one than that between regular people.

If I want to learn something I go to where it is taught.

And if I am quite happy with what I know, I do not expect anybody to change that.

If somebody feels the need to tell me something, then fine, if he does that with respect of my own beliefs. But that does not mean that I must adhere to what he has told me. And that has to be respected, on all sides.

As I said, if people would care more about what they do instead of others, all would be much better than what we are currently facing. I am not saying perfect, but better.

FYI SA - facts are NOT debated - ideas and beliefs are.

your analogy is a weak one.

the student who wrong idea, I meant had wrong fact.

The good professor will not let his student down, it is ok to let him down if the debate is within the class but not if the debate is among the country schools.

No the professor is not good. The professor would respect the idea of someone else not impose his own views. His job is not to clone students to think link he does but to encourage them in critical thinking. You can only correct a fact not an idea.

If everyone cares about what he/she is doing only and not looking at others, or let me rephrase it seeing wrong things others are doing it and doing nothing to stop it or correct is a very negative thing.

A political professor who sees two of his students discussing one political issue and one of the students has a very wrong idea, and the professor does not correct it, will the student who has a wrong idea pass if there is debate?

Is the professor is good and caring?

does not have anything to do with your comment.

If people would care more about what they do instead of what others do or don't do, life would be much better for all of us.

If that's in thier faith, so be it. No one is forcing you to follow it.

Unlike Saudi & Bahrain, Shias are not discriminated against. Why create this sectarian strife here?

without understanding it will not be your reference, me personally if some one asks me about a sentence I never answer him if I do not know.

Yes it is my reference but I will always refer to the tafsir book.

Never impose or force others to do something which they do not like or do not believe in.

We must be positive to clarify the points and not only be cynical, i.e. being foolish not understanding what is going around?

All people need help me my self even, but the amount help differs from one to another.

Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood has set up a new party to contest up to half the seats in a parliamentary election scheduled for September.

The head of the Freedom and Justice Party says it will be a civil, not a theocratic, group.

The election follows the removal of President Hosni Mubarak in February after a popular revolt.

The Muslim Brotherhood ran candidates as independents in previous elections, to circumvent a ban on the group.

It has sought to allay fears of an Islamist parliamentary majority, and said it would be willing to co-operate with secular parties.

Mohammed al-Mursi, the head of the new Freedom and Justice Party, told reporters in Cairo: "It is not an Islamist party in the old understanding, it is not theocratic."

Egypt's constitution bans parties based on religion, class or regionalism.

source:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-13249434

Hve a look at this nice articl as well

Salafist groups find footing in Egypt after revolution

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12985619

The "official" link is the Qur'an and NOTHING ELSE!

What sort of 'help' do you think non-Muslims need? help to get involved in this sectarian bickering????

read my post again and again... before my post read your posts and check your source(Official link) thank for confirming that the link is OFFICIAL.

I don't know why do you mistakenly presume that I won't criticize liberals ! In fact, I'm very much ashamed from most Arab liberal intellects over the current Arab spring uprisings (in particular in the gulf) clinging to the Status quo for temporary liberties

The only ideology model I think worth admiring now in the Arab world, is Muslim brotherhood. Thier fundamentals have not prevented them from enrolling in civic societies & demanding political & social reforms

to continue discussion when their points are turned to be wrong.

It is an official link for an office to help non Muslims, you are not forced to tell me to delete it.

People are grown up SPEED, who doesn't want the link will not click on it.

Take it easy man, this is an open discussion forum.

People are not forced, SPEED!!

lol LP !

poke (check your Facebook) LOL

genesis... sorry for lil hijack

Pinch. Wake up, Rizks. You have 12 minutes left. And at 3 pm is the start for the F1 race in Turkey.

Why people argue when it comes to Religion ? :(

Cant they have a peaceful conversation rather then pinpointing in each others religion ?

There is ONLY one Religion and that is "LOVE" and all the HUMAN's should Follow this in order to have a PEACEFUL world.

PS: Can someone pinch me plz ? :(

Why it should be embressing?

quoting in your 'signature' calls shias as Muslims???

Should I believe your nonsens or your source which you believe is a right source for believing Islam?

Turst me people like you are the one main reason to give bad name to the Islam.

Now go and delete the link from your signature immediately :-) and please study more about Islam in a peaceful manner with CLEAN heart.

By the way, did you embrace your Shia brother in the meantime, SA?

I'd rather look at arXiv.org, SA.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikah_Misyar

Gensis these Shia schoolars come and make an affair with some ones mother or sister or small daughter less than 12 yrs old in the name of blessing.

Do you like gensis a Shia schoolar to come and f**k some ones daughter in the name of blessing?

And at the same time when some one comes and ask the Shia schoolar to marry his daughter who is 15 or 18 yrs old, the schoolare refuse, and when they have asked him, you know what he said, he said see now many gouverments put rules and they do not follow the rules, we are the same.

What a funny answer.

I am not specialized in science, and you can surff the web for better explainations.

You can look for Harun Yahya if you are intersted

http://www.harunyahya.com/

Straight Arrow, it is total nonsense to say that there was a cloud at the beginning. Mind you, it was a singularity, smaller than an elementary particle and full with nothing. Do not listen to people who know nothing about physics!

SA, on the website you promote I found this about "The Scientific Miracles of the Holy Qur'an: "The science of modern cosmology, observational and theoretical, clearly indicates that, at one point in time, the whole universe was nothing but a cloud of ‘smoke’ (i.e. an opaque highly dense and hot gaseous composition). This is one of the undisputed principles of standard modern cosmology."

Unfortunately it is one of the most disputed models of the beginning of the universe. But since you are not in physics you might be blinded by the fake authorities you quote without knowing what they have to say.

Shia hate Sunna so much and they choose to convert to chrstians do you know why?

Exactly, SA. Now go out an embrace your Shia brother!

I will say what I think is right and I will also say what I think is wrong.

Yes Nic West had made many good things but it always had made some bad things and no need to speak about.

Uncivilized person will say no the west did not help us, but I repeat this take the good things and leave the bad things.

Implementing things on people is the thing we should not Agree on.

Respecting and understanding others beliefs is what we all should agree on.

hatred comments.

No need to know you, you have done your introdution of your faith :)

do you know me? Have you ever sat with and dicuss with me?

It seems you belong to that group which judge from the outside and not from inside.

SA

U shouldn't give them a chance to laugh on U or make fun of your belief. This is their old tactics.

LP: Yes True, there is one Islam same as ONE Christianity, but then we see people from different school of thoughts.

I know where you're coming from , and somehow I used to share your same sentiment over the discrepancies in some Shias interpretation of Islamic faith. But, we can't dictate that on them. most of those people are Arabs & have lived here for generations. They share your same culture. Where us this McCarthyism is going ? Do you really think they'll convert to sunnah?

You will be able to only when read about them, as human being created like us yes, but when humanity foundations are demolished no one will be a human being.

SPEED,

I couldn’t have expressed it a better way!

;)

and I answeres him thats all.

Alter Dusty,

Is that all you know about hitler? Have you heard anything about how he got his policies voted and approved and by whom?

I admire you tremendous denial effort to refuse accepting the world you live in and the prime role of the West in your own life.

is Muslim :-)

But I bet If you ask him some details about Islam he will not know the answers. because he simply follows the copy paste Islam. LOL

I feel sorry for such narrow minded Muslims.

My point, dusty? There is only ONE Islam! And none of the groups has the right to denunciate another group!

He changed the "democratic" rules once he felt strong enough to do so!

Straight Arrow,

Even if you don't think they are Muslims, aren't they Human Beings?

As such, respect them like you respect all other human beings.

Do you agree?

LP

whats ur point???

Hitler was democratically elected in a secular country with their own version of democracy.

Now don't tell me, he was not following actual democracy, or US or Britain's model of democracy.

There are more than 30 Muslim sects. Which one??

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Islam_branches_and_schools.svg

Genesis,

Fanatics exist in all aspects of life, particularly in politics and religion but accusing entire groups of fanaticism should be avoided.

Isn’t this tension between Sunni versus Shiites, all about power and control? And isn’t it only taking place because there is no democracy?

Democracy embraces all equally, regardless race, religion, or creed.

The day religion becomes a personal and private issue and governments are elected democratically with secular agendas, it will be the beginning of a peaceful process.

That’s what happened elsewhere allover the world and hopefully it will happen in this region too!

SA

Religious discussion should be posted in Religious Group.

I do not think they are Muslims and I have explained the differences many times

those who does not know please watch this video

Biggest Difference Between SHIA ( shite ) and SUNNI (Muslims) - yemen muslims hamtramck islam

This also very intersting

Abdur Raheem Green-Why i did't become a Shia?

&feature=related

Here is the most intersting one for you Nic

SHIA PROOVEN KAFIRS FROM THERE OWN AUTHENTIC BOOKS THEY DONT BELIEVE IN THE

&feature=related

Frankly speaking, shiites has its share of fanatics also. I can go on about Iran & Hezbollah shameful silence over Syria massacre while hypocritically condaming Bahrain

Still, this will not change the dismal plight of Shiite Bahrainis

I bet Straight arrow watches a lot of sectarian "Wasal" TV;)

fubar

nothing amazing, U'll find this mentality in every religion, including Christianity, Jewism and Hinduism.

Yes I understand that now..And I do fervently hope and pray that the future of the Arab world be bright and away from the ugliness of extremism,intolerance, and messed up ideologies.

You almost get the feeling that Shias are inferior types of people who should be kicked out of the country.

It's heartening to know that there are some Muslims who hate other Muslims almost as much as they hate everyone else.

I've always admired your logical & peaceful interpretation of our faith. This thread is not about the "Salaf-al-Salih" or Ibn Taymiyyah preaching or any of his descended followers ( who I have a great respect of thier teachings). But, about this region politics

He lives in a box, Nic.

Straight Arrow

What is wrong with Shia Muslims?

Aren’t they Muslims as well?

Moreover, aren't they human beings as well?

I don't understand why you are always after them in particular!

Then you weren't really following my posts exactly :)

The same WILL happen here if the governments keep trying to crack down on democracy, free speech, and the ability of everyday citizens to be expect equal treatment under the law, equal access to opportunity, and equal financial privilege.

The current situation, where a ruling elite owns and controls all the companies, has access to most of the money, and is keeping the majority of Qataris living in debt while working in dead end jobs is unsustainable.

genesis

appreciated ur intention, but i never saw in ur posts condemning/highlighting liberal extremism, its religious extremism who always gets your kind attention.

Let me defend Genesis here.

He is an educated person with usual impartial and objective inputs. One of the very few Muslim's QL participants who dares to jump out of his own box.

As for the OP, no democracy is possible without a secular government!

And I have no grudge against anyone on QL. Personally I dislike the word "Salafi" used in a degrading manner because in actuality a Salafi should be one who follows the Prophet in all aspects of his/her life. And following the Prophet is obligatory upon ALL Muslims. Regarding the different sects in Islam then I'm sure all Muslims are aware of this hadith :

"My Ummah will split up into seventy-three sects, all of them will be in the Fire except one sect." They asked: "Which one, O Messenger of Allah? He replied: "Al-Jama`ah (the true followers of the Prophet)."

That said I'm aware that people refer to many extremist groups as "Salafis" which is not so. A Salafi is never ever supposed to be an extremist..A Salafi should always be upon the path of moderation as preached by the Prophet. I guess sadly today the words Salafi/Wahabi etc are just been used without any real knowledge of its meanings and origination.

I have clarified many times, my intention was never to discuss the religious background of those movement. But, only to shed a light over its political impact in our region & the status que.

Its not me who created those labels you know, nor did I written the OP

The fact is, Both lebral & salafi ideology have contributed to the political scene in the gulf. If you happen to read Arab press, you'd know that already...

genesis, i'm following U for the last two years, and i've always found ur replies based on viewing profile/nationality, anyway thats off the topic.

Second, i've seen those who differs from secular/liberals arabs, they are always labelled in ur posts Salafi's.

Correct me, if i'm wrong.

Hate to burst your bubble. But , I'm not shi3i ;)

This thread is for you

http://www.qatarliving.com/node/1779967

I suggest you follow my posts over the past 5 years in QL. Because I'm not going to repeat myself as I've discussed the different idelogies in the Arab world over a dozen times

I have discovered that gensis could be Shia, if so then this will be another story.

There goes the "foreign Agenda" card...

will be interesting to know genesis defined "Salafi's"

Do want the same to happen in the Gulf here

Have a look at this news:

Egypt PM in urgent talks over Muslim-Christian clashes

The al-Azraa church went up in flames during the clashes

Continue reading the main story

Related Stories

Egypt's new Salafist threat

Chaos fears after Egypt's clashes

Growing fears of Egypt's Copts

Egypt's prime minister has called an urgent cabinet meeting following fatal clashes between Muslims and Christians in Cairo overnight, state media says.

Essam Sharaf has postponed a visit to the Gulf in order to discuss the violence that left nine people dead and more than 50 wounded.

The clashes broke out after several hundred conservative Muslims gathered at a church in central Imbaba district.

They alleged a woman convert to Islam was being held there against her will.

What reportedly began as an exchange of words between protesters, church guards and people living nearby developed into a fully-fledged confrontation involving gunfire, firebombs and stone-throwing.

Full news is here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-13325845

Also why these revolotionist in Bahrain raised the Flag of Iran?

As far as I know rightfully by definition only, a Salafi is one who strives to be upon the path of the Prophet,his Sahabahs, and the rightly guided predecessors.And we know He the Prophet never preached ignorance, extremism, oppression, discrimination,etc.He was a just ruler who was respected by both Muslims and Non Muslims at his time and so were his companions. Who is the "Salafis" mentioned in the OP? "“The Salafis are trying to pressure the Muslim Brotherhood to follow the Salafi model" what model/method is this?what do they want and expect? Truly truly confused here and would appreciate you shedding light on this matter.

tell me the meaning of secularism,

*** from your words "

Right now we can entertain different versions of Islamism that might be more democratic"***

what is this different version of Islamism, is there anything like that in ISLAM, could you please elaborate, there are a lot of non muslims area available in this forum, so they also can learn, what is this DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF ISLAM...

This sort of reaction to the unhappiness of Gulf citizens and residents would seem to suggest that the ruling families have learnt nothing from what has happened in months.

When you can only remain in power through brutal repression, press censorship and the withdrawal of any democratic reforms, you are only going to make things worse in the long run.

Bahrain has only succeeded in driving the forces for change deeper underground and strengthened their resolve. It’s only a matter of time before the King is overthrown.

People should not be afraid of their rulers; rulers should be afraid of their people.

There is no doubt that "external Influences" will be exerted as Egypt transitions. Looking at Egypt's history, extremism does not really hold sway with the majority of the population.

I am interested in the support for Salafi movement within the country. Are the Salafi and Wahabi movements compatible in this context ?

I hope not...the Muslim brotherhood & the seculars must move fast and avoid this sectarian strife

... and that means, Egypt will end up with a military regime or another Mubarak!

Just like Mubarak days...

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/05/08/egypt.clashes/?hpt=T2

Cairo, Egypt (CNN) -- At least six people were killed and 120 injured in sectarian clashes outside a Cairo church, an incident officials say began over rumors that a Christian woman who converted to Islam was being held there against her will.

Witnesses said an armed group of Muslims marched on Saint Mena Coptic Orthodox Church, one of the oldest churches in Egypt.

During the clashes Saturday, Muslims and Christians exchanged gunfire, sending people running for cover, witnesses said.

"With my own eyes I saw three people killed and dozens injured," said Mina Adel, a Christian resident. "There's no security here. There's a big problem. People attacked us, and we have to protect ourselves."