Yvonne Ridley (Ex-Taliban Captive)!

"As for me what makes sense is

Stockholm syndrome and its effect even after the victim is freed(one of the victims infact got married to a cptor in that incident). The victim loses his/her sense of identity and assumes one/ identifies with her captors."

wINN: pRECISELLY MY 1ST THOUGHT WHEN I Saw the post ;)

This makes me remember a paquistanese female that was showed at TV during the war in Afghanistan, she was studying in a university and was saying that she agreeded with the Taliban view (guess she forgot that if she was under talibam dominium she wouldn't be allowed to study).

Only God Can Judge Me

الله فقط يمكنه محاكمتي

I am you and you are me, if you love i love, if you suffer i suffer

أنا أنت, و أنت أنا, إذا أحببت نفسك أحببت نفسي, إذا عانيتَ عانيتُ

that last subject line sounded suspiciously like a 'separate but equal' sort of argument dmigty....

I fully agree with your observation, Gypsy.

"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"

There is very little equality between men and women in the Bible dmighty, there's less then even in the Quran in fact.

Frankly, neither text provides proper equality, but the Quran attempts it more then the Bible.

I mean absolute equality? None is how you understand it, it doesn't mean zero, thou!

"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"

dmighty are you actually saying there are no inequalities in the Christian world?

can you cite me a "Christian-dominant country" arresting Muslim because they gather for worshipping? And you pretty well know that Christians are arrested when they gather for worship services in Muslim countries.

"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"

don't know whwta you are telling about. I am just reacting to what was said that equality is cultural and not Islamic.

And Smartbuddy, I am not talking about inequalities in the Christian world because there is none.

Mr. Smart, what is your idea of equality?. I am not against Islam or any other religion, but what I am reacting to is the equality issue. If you are convinced that in Islam, equality of women is a truth, why can't it be be seen in the real world. Can't Islam overcome cultural behavior?

"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"

We've seen in parts of Africa, Pakistan, India that women have been abused / raped by people as a means of subjugating them or "teaching them a lesson"..

Sorry, I digressed from the gist of the post..

Not to mention the definition of rape. In the States and other Western countries the entire spectrum of rape is used when making statistics, including rape by a spouse, date rape, etc, which aren't considered rape in other developing nations. Also most developing nations don't actually look at or report their stats (Qatar included).

You're right. In many developing nations, a woman is stigmatized if she reports a rape..

Again, culture, lack of education, lack of rights and not religion.

Wow what a sparkling attitude smartbuddy. Rape statistics are also incredibly high in Muslim countries too, especially considering that most women are too afraid to report rape in Muslim countries.

exactly britexpat...people start Islam bashing everywhere....Islamophobes are here too!

"dmightlysolomon", i can easily start posting the oppression of "christian" women, the rape statistics of US of where women are claimed to be "liberated" and not "oppressed" etc...also its you the liberation police (with their own motives) who term every muslim women as "oppressed"....

u said: "Because it is a fact that equality among Muslim women doesn't exist at all"......FACT???? Why, because u said it? You know what the fact is: u like it or u hate it, Islam IS the fastest growing religion of the world, majority of the converts to Islam are women!

Its not islam which is intolerant to other religions/faith but rather its the other faiths who are intolerant towards Islam and its values. If given a choice u would even say that Mother Mary was oppressed, looking at her dress and also the Nuns, who cover their heads and look similar to muslim women...

Wy get into another Islam bashing exercise..,

Catholic priests have been convicted of abusing young boys..

It's against their teachings, but they did it.

Female abuse and oppression is not condoned by ANY religion , but it occurs.. Even in religious countries.

Therefore, whilst all these practices are frowned upon, they occur because of the local culture or lack of education or lack of adherence to religious princples.

4 women in equal sharing of one man?

Oppression of women is cultural and non-Islamic -- why, can Islam be not greater than cultural behavior. Does it means that all countries that are traditionally Islam as majority religion (actually state religion) but oppresses women are not true Muslim. If that's the case, does it means that there is really no tru Muslim country because it is a fact that equality among Muslim women doesn't exist at all.

"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"

Well, I have attended her lecture one and a half year before here in Doha.

She being a remarkable journalist in her field has accepted Islam as per her choice. None forced her nor was she sent by force to Afhganistan.

Whoever took her in captive bahaved in a very human manner and was given all rights such as good food, clothing and separate room where men cannot enter.

She wasn't harrassed, nor tortured but was served like a guest. There she learned some culture of Muslim and few verses of Quran. And was given an Islamic dress code. Where she felt secured and safe.

It was out of choice she accepted and saw.

Later she found that Afghanistan men and women were real muslim, cultured and value for humans.

She observed that majority haven't yet seen Television set nor any technology where they are still termed as terrorist. Women obayed their husband and were ready to defend their family and their nation with whatever they can.

I ask you, the nation deprived of technology, deprived of educationa nd basic health care. How r they gonna attack any other country. They have become captive in their own contry, they have become terrorist in their own contry. How's that possible.

Developed and progressive countries have just tested and experimented their arms technology.

Sad and shame of developed countries to spread hatred and violence.

Infact these developed and progressive r terrorist and should b brought to gallows.

Islam is as clear as a crystal and as pure as anything u name. To understand any religion you need to read, study and do research.

Ofcourse, respect should be for every religion and this is what Islam also teaches.

Rest you all are qualified should read and study.

Regards,

SS

It's either Stockholm Syndrome or she's just taking the opportunity to go from another "hostage" to someone of international "acclaim". YAWN!

Smartbuddy: Before you get all worked up, let me say what makes sense to me might sound crap to you and vice versa...and thats jus human.

As for me what makes sense is

Stockholm syndrome and its effect even after the victim is freed(one of the victims infact got married to a cptor in that incident). The victim loses his/her sense of identity and assumes one/ identifies with her captors.

What doesnt make sense to me by any stretch of imagination is her referring to Abu Hamza as sweet!!

From ur post...

1) But she says: "I was horrible to my captors. I spat at them and was rude and refused to eat. It wasn't until I was freed that I became interested in Islam." - The captives initially resist and its a natural thing.

2) "I have joined what I consider to be the biggest and best family in the world. When we stick together we are absolutely invincible." All Happiness to her. Got no problems with ppl converting. But the terrorist backdrop to it is appalling.

What does Ridley feel about the place of women in Islam?

3) "Oppression is cultural, it is not Islamic. The Koran makes it crystal clear that women are equal."- Well, ppl form impressions of things by visible practices n not documents. Quite unfortunate, if I might add.

And her new Muslim dress is empowering, she says.

4) "How liberating is it to be judged for your mind and not the size of your bust or length of your legs."

LOL...is she meaning to say that all non-veiled women are judged by bust n legs...looks like she has been thru the wrong places.

Sensible statements don't make sense, what syndrome is it called?

Individual Viewpoints maybe?

good to see you active again PM, always good to read your opinions :)

sure PM but sometimes people change, like you said allhu alim, we arent in peoples hearts, like to give people the benefit of the doubt.

Well look on the bright side, at least its a hostage situation that ended well, at least she got out alive.

She also seems to have found inner peace regardless of what title people attach to it.

...but unfortunately not to some other journalists, and plenty of them dead...

"Everything in this book may be wrong." Illusions: The Adventures of The Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach

britexpat, I was not referring to her comment in my last post, but to your assertion that he had something valid to say.

Anyhow, didn't want to disagree with you.

JJJ75

Did you read the article ?? She was saying that Abu Hamza was "sweet" when he talked to her about converting.. She also disagrees about his views reagrding violence etc..

I agree that the guy is an idiot and his views cannot be condoned..

CG go ahead

britexpact, I really don't think that you can separate the totally violent things he says from other things he says. The fact that he truly believes what he preaches, in my mind completely invalidates anything else he has to say - he lacks credibility. The man has no sense of decency or honour.

Sorry to disagree with you, as I actually like some of the things that you have to say.

hello QL people.. can i join here?

"Shortly CG"

britexpat, if thats so....is it any wonder why non muslims are wary?

Supernurse, either way she is a complete idiot and a disgrace to all decent minded people

I absolutely detest Abu Hamza and all he stands for.. However , if you look at purely from an Islamic standpoint, perhaps some of the things are valid to MUSLIMS and THEIR LIFESTYLES.

I agree jjj75, I wonder if she really did say that or she's so bloody brainwashed she knows no different....

Just to set the record straight, I totally respect peoples right to convert to another religion. However, what I find totally offensive and completely naive is Yvonne Ridleys assertion that Abu Hamza is 'sweet' when he is well known for his controversial speeches .

Britexpat, yes the roof has just lifted as they scored lol......I'm trying to be tactful, no ninjas please lol

Newcastle are drawing with Fulham..

Anyway, what route do you drive, so i can get the Ninjas to lie in wait for you..

I think her choice must be respected. She is still criticizing Taliban and other Muslims, for thier wrong practices regarding women.

Existence is a heavy burden, only high spirited ones can bear it. 

what percentage of people leave Islam compared to people entering islam?

For ur reference:

http://www.cnn.com/W...

For YOUR reference:

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

Look at the last category listed too :)

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Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence - Carl Sagan

I've read enough blurb in the Gulf Times on a Friday......it got my back up just reading it! Although, I have tried to read the book but found it hard going as I did the bible and that went after the first page!

i liked this video:

there is something in islam that inspite of the negative publicity it is growing and is the world's fastest growing religion specially in the west something to ponder upon.

u need not get kidnapped to see the light....but u can read the book with an open mind which is always kept in negative limelight to just find out what its actually all about and are the accusations made against it actually true?........its available anywhere and everywhere...!

Ignore the comment to 'see the light' if u wish to, after all its about YOUR choice not to find the truth!

mmmm I'll stick to my own beliefs thanx, hopefully I won't need to get kidnapped to 'see the light'!

Exactly Britexpat, thats my point too....research and make your choice.

She researched and made her choice, no matter people call it some kinda syndrome or brainwash or money/fame sake or WHATEVER....

It was her choice and good luck to her....research, read Qur'an with open mind and then make comments....or else u are just a part of the nerd moving where others are moving eyes closed.

ohhhh dear supernurse, u are free to post ur views(ur criticism, rant, etc), if u don't like the NEWS, u have a choice to keep away from it too....or u can research like Yvonne Ridley....who knows u may be the part of the world's fastest growing religion(family)! Its all ur choice my non-believing sister!

Without the ins and outs of it, the story of this lady is similar to Terry Waite in some ways.. They both forgave their captors.

In Yvonne Ridley's case, she was impressed by the way she was treated by the Taliban and "AFTER RESEARCH" converted to Islam. I think this is the key here. She did actually delve into the religion and found that it "met her needs"..

Therefore, whatever the rights of wrongs, she made a personal choice and good luck to her..

Smartbuddy

stories suggest they are made up - Abu Hamza has been taped live talking his foul rubbish, therefore how can something be a story when he has been caught red handed.

And you should know that he is currently being investigated for promoting racial hatred. The UK authorities take a very dim view of people who propose death to other sections of the population, and this is coming from a country which has traditionally been slow to act on this kind of behaviour (they have also for years turned a blind eye, for fear of upsetting a section of the population, despite the fact that most right minded people are offended and appalled that he is able to promote terrorist activities).

ps I thought you were still referring to Yvonne Ridley when you originally wrote accusing stories.

oh smartbuddy please drop the chip......

"jjj75" :If she were to say what I said, she would find herself out of a job pretty quickly, as there is nothing original in taking a stand against extremist terrorists.

Most reporters of famous magazines, news media, television channels, etc get famous by writing against Islam, if you write something for or in favor of Islam, people will disown you are you are no more famous ....

One has to write something AGAINST Islam to get famous and not vice versa as u describe!

Abu Hamza?? Read my previous comment:

You will hear lot of such "accusing stories" like one you posted.

Smartbuddy

no disrespect, I come from the UK and it is a classic journalistic ploy to take an opposing, very emotive view on a subject. It means she will remain in print and in a job. If she were to say what I said, she would find herself out of a job pretty quickly, as there is nothing original in taking a stand against extremist terrorists. The fact that she is in an article on the BBC proves my point. If she believed what most people believe in the UK, there is no way she would have been given so much publicity - all a stunt I think.

I see you have no comment on my statement about Abu Hamza?

Nothing else. The victim does not realize that nor do people taking side with her (for obvious reasons).

And someone LEAVING islam?? are they enlightened?

No practicing Muslim who has read the Qur'an and knows Islam will ever leave Islam, the few who leave Islam are those who anyways were name sake non-practicing muslims, who would want to set themselves "FREE" since Islam has no place for evils, no alcohol, no exploting women, degrading her soul, deprivation of her rights etc...

what percentage of people leave Islam compared to people entering islam?

For ur reference:

http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9704/14/egypt.islam/

i can just quote a verse of Qur'an to answer ur question:

Al-Baqara [2:256] : Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from Error; whoever rejects Evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.

jjj75:

You will hear lot of such "accusing stories" like one you posted. And yes this is another argument which people give, converted for money, fame etc....common escapism....

Once a Texas based Christian Preacher now an Proud Muslim:

Yusuf Estes, listen to him completely, accuse him too of converting for money etc or otherwise say he is victim of some syndrome...

She's been well and truly brainwashed methinks....

Smartbuddy

have you ever read anything that Abu Hamza preached in the UK (whilst living on state benefits be it said!!).

Full of foul evilness, preaching death to non-muslims, supporting the mind blowing awfulness that are terrorists who inhabit our world today. I cannot think how this woman thinks he is sweet!!!

I would also suggest that her views are all a con, it is a very good trick to propose a point of view so radically different from other people's - it means she remains in print and guess what, probably in funds!!!

"Winn"....these extracts from the NEWS article didn't make sense to u???:

1) But she says: "I was horrible to my captors. I spat at them and was rude and refused to eat. It wasn't until I was freed that I became interested in Islam."

2) "I have joined what I consider to be the biggest and best family in the world. When we stick together we are absolutely invincible."

What does Ridley feel about the place of women in Islam?

3) "Oppression is cultural, it is not Islamic. The Koran makes it crystal clear that women are equal."

And her new Muslim dress is empowering, she says.

4) "How liberating is it to be judged for your mind and not the size of your bust or length of your legs."

Sensible statements don't make sense, what syndrome is it called?

Riiiight smartbudy .... so someone converting TO islam is ok ... no bad word to be said. And someone LEAVING islam?? are they enlightened?

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Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence - Carl Sagan

"...It has been suggested the 46-year-old is a victim of Stockholm Syndrome, in which hostages take the side of the hostage-takers...." makes sense!!

^Thats what u blame on every person reverting to Islam who was once a critic of Islam to be suffering from some kind of syndrome...Amazing thing to read such comments which defy the truth and believe in things like "It has been suggested..." and also such "suggestions" make "sense" for some people!

"... She now describes radical cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri as "quite sweet really" and says the Taleban have suffered an unfair press..." Yeah right!!

"...It has been suggested the 46-year-old is a victim of Stockholm Syndrome, in which hostages take the side of the hostage-takers...." makes sense!!

"...Her first thought as the furious young man came running towards her? "Wow - you're gorgeous," she says...." LOL!