NationStates Jolt Archive

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Heartland Islamic Conference Logo

Peace be upon you,

The Timurid Sultanate of Transoxiana, in association with our Council of Imams, is most pleased to announce the first Heartland Islamic Conference, to be held in Rajab AH 1425 at the Sultan Valide complex, in our capital of New Samarkand.

It is our honor to invite delegates from across the Sultanate, the Heartland and the world at large to this conference. Airfare to New Samarkand for delegates, as well as hotel accommodation and a sumptuous opening banquet at the Amir Timur Palace, shall all be provided by the Royal Household. Security shall be provided by elite units of the Sultanate Touman and Jendarmi; there is no need for delegates to worry for their personal safety while in New Samarkand.

We welcome delegates from Muslim states, peoples and organizations to attend the Heartland Islamic Conference. Non-Muslims interested in observing the conference shall also be allowed. The planned agenda includes, but is by no means limited to the following items:

- Our Embattled Brethren: Protecting Muslim Minority Populations
- Islam and the Struggle Against Terrorism
- "Charity is a Necessity for Every Muslim": Development Aid and Zakat
- Cultural Exchanges Between Islamic States and Peoples

Those parties interested in sending delegates to the Heartland Islamic Conference are free to submit their own agenda items. Delegates are kindly requested to RSVP here, in order for the Royal Household to provide for your transport to New Samarkand, and lodging whilst you are at the conference. Outside the conference, delegates shall have to opportunity to explore Transoxiana's rich past and dynamic present, by touring the Sultanate's capital and environs.

The Heartland Islamic Conference is slated to begin 6 Rajab (22 August). We hope to see you there!

Temel Beg
Minister Plenipotentiary and Acting Foreign Minister to the Sultan

Baris Stamboul
Spokesman for the Royal Household

Imam Jafar al-Adali
Spokesman for the Council of Imams

***
EDIT:
Nations in Attendance
Transoxiana
Bedou
The BlackWolf Order
Aerigia
Greenmanbry
Ottoman Khaif
Al-Amarah

***
OOC: This thread shall be double-posted at the Heartland's regional forum, at this thread. (http://invisionfree.com/forums/The_Heartland/index.php?showtopic=2924) Feel free to check out the regional forum as a whole!

Due to pressing matters of State the Sultan Mohammed Bin Al Deeb can not attend, in his place is the recognised religious leader of the Bedou people Imam Ali Beydoun
"I would like to state that the core concerns of the Bedou people globally are already the core issues set forth by Transoxiana." Imam Beydoun

Peace be upon you,

We welcome the great and learned Imam Ali Beydoun to the Sultanate. The Royal Household has dispatched a jetliner to take Imam Beydoun and his entourage from Bedou to Transoxiana.

May there be friendship between Bedou and Transoxiana, and peace between all Muslim believers!

Baris Stamboul
Spokesman for the Royal Household

Considering the Heartland is involved, I do believe we'll send along a Rep team to see what exactly is going on.

Peace be upon you,

Again, the Sultanate must thank the BlackWolf Order for their interest. As your Order's military prowess is second-to-none, you might have special interest in those parts of our agenda focusing on combatting terrorism.

A jetliner shall be sent, at your command, to take your observer delegation to New Samarkand; official aircraft from the Order (and indeed all other parties attending the conference) are also welcome to land at Shah Jahan International Airport.

Baris Stamboul
Spokesman for the Royal Household

The transport will be much appreciated, since much of our resources are devoted elsewhere at this time. The team will be prepared to depart three days before the beginning of the conference. We will be sending along several of our security experts and officers, who may indeed prove to be invaluable in the anti-terrorisim discussions.

Greenmanbry would be very glad to send a delegation to this conference. However, our President is quite ill and other top diplomatic figures are not present in our country at the moment.

Therefore, we shall send the First Cleric of our Dominion, Khalid Al-Kowari and President of the Islamic Institute of Greenmanbry Mohammed Al-Dosari to this conference.

The agenda is very adequate, and we have no further suggestions on how to improve on it at this time.

Anthony Williams
Minister of the Interior

Peace be upon Your Excellency, Minister Williams of Greenmanbry,

Honored Minister, allow me to thank you on behalf of the Sultanate. The Royal Household shall send a Padishahlik Airlines jetliner to bring First Cleric Al-Kowari and President Al-Dosari to New Samarkand.

His Imperial Majesty, the Timurid Sultan Rukh, wishes your President a full and swift recovery.

Your humble servant,
Baris Stamboul
Spokesman for the Royal Household

***

Statements from the Royal Household

The buildup for the forthcoming Heartland Islamic Conference is proceeding apace, with learned Islamic scholars and leaders from the both the Heartland and the wider world attending. In addition, observers from the BlackWolf Order are expected to provide their expertise on counter-terrorism. The Royal Household would like to confirm that an airliner has been sent to the Order, so that their delegation can travel to the Sultanate.

The Federal Republic of Aerigia is one of the latest countries to send delegates: the pertinent correspondence is below:

(Cross-post with the Heartland Forum)

Aerigia
Posted: Aug 20 2004, 05:03 PM
Message Board Administrator

The Federal Republic, as a multi-cultural nation, would like to send a delegate, with the trip funded by our Department of Cultural and Religious Rights.

Imam Korosh Mehmet of the Grand Mosque of Dundas would like to be in attendance of the conference, if that is possible.

(OOC: terribly sorry if the names and stuff is bad, not my area of expertise!)

Transoxiana
Posted: Aug 20 2004, 05:10 PM
The Heirs of Timur

Peace be upon you,

We thank Aerigia and Imam Mehmet for their interest in the Heartland Islamic Conference. It is our sincere hope that the conference will help establish and grow ties between Islamic communities, both in the Heartland and across the world.

Free first-class tickets shall be provided for Imam Mehmet and his entourage on the Aden-New Samarkand service of Royal Sultanate Airlines, all paid for by the Royal Household.

Baris Stamboul
Spokesman for the Royal Household

testtag

Ottoman Khaif will sent Grand Vizier Mehmed Pasa Sokollu to the Heartland Islamic Conference.
yours
Sultan Suleiman Al Bashir II

Peace be upon His Imperial Majesty, Sultan Suleiman Al Bashir II,

This is most excellent news, Your Imperial Majesty! We shall send an airliner to bring Grand Vizier Sokollu and his assistants to the conference as soon as possible.

His Imperial Majesty, the Timurid Sultan Rukh, would like to impart his best wishes and regards to Your Imperial Majesty and your mighty realm. May this be the first of many acts of friendship between our two states!

Your humble servant,
Baris Stamboul
Spokesman for the Royal Household

Statement from the Royal Household

Delegates from across the Sultanate have begun to convene in New Samarkand, for the coming start of the first Heartland Islamic Conference. The full membership of the Council of Imams met in the Sultan Valide complex yesterday for pre-conference talks; the imams were joined by the leaders of the Shia Conference and several madrassa principals.

The Royal Household has bankrolled the transport of delegates from outside Transoxiana to the conference: delegations from both within and outside the Heartland are slated to attend. An observer delegation from the BlackWolf Order will also be at the conference.

The conference shall begin with a lavish banquet ceremony at the Amir Timur Palace, to be personally attended by His Imperial Majesty, Sultan Rukh. Delegates will convene at the Sultan Valide complex the day after to begin the conference itself. Tours of New Samarkand, as well as the Greek and Islamic ruins outside the capital, will be arranged for those parties interested.

***
OOC: If nobody minds, the conference will begin tomorrow, with the discussion of the agenda items. You are still welcome to send a delegation or submit topics to be discussed.

Asalamu-Wa-Lakium-Wa-Rahmatillahi-Wa-Barakhatu,

Dear All Islamic Nations of the World Brothers and Sisters,

We compose this message to make an appeal to the Islamic world to come together and unite into one Ummah and re-establish dignity among the Islamic world and become strong once again and not have to bow down to the America and the West. First we need to consider some things. Nationalism is an idea from the West. Nationalism and Patriotism divides us and dose not unite us. What do you get when you die for your country, other than really selfish reasons. Your country stays in this life and you are really risking your own life for somebody else's benefit. However when you die for the cause of Allah the reward is much more and carries on with you to the next life. We need to get the idea of nationalism, flags, passports, visas, and border disputes out of our heads and come together under the cause of Islam and the belief in Allah. We need to ban visas and the use of passports with travel among our citizens and should be able to see our great nations without these worries. We need to come under one flag with the saying of THERE IS NO GOD BUT ALLAH AND MUHAMMED IS HIS MESSANGER! We need to bring back a great Islamic Ummah like we had back in the time of the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh), Abu Baker Al-Sadiq, Omar Al-Kutab, and Saladin who kicked the Crusaders out of Jerusalem. At one time the Islamic Empire conquered all of Spain, from the Spanish coast all the way up to the borders of China and further within. Let us bring back these glorious days. The last true Islamic government in the Middle East and for the point the world was the great Ottoman Empire, which lasted for centuries, only until they fell apart after the First World War. I mean the Ottomans were fighting the British, British allies, Italians, Greeks, the revolting Arabs, and the Russians. The so called Lawerence of Arabia only went to Arabia to persue and secure British interests in the Middle East, they did not care about the Arab rights. Really the Arabs did not have it bad under the Ottomans. It was them who brainwashed their minds and posioned their minds with their own made nationalism to fight their Muslim brothers. Who made the Arab Revolt Flag? who helped make many of the current Arab flags we have today? The British that is who and other superpowers of the world of the time. There were also some Arabs from Palestine fighting the Ottomans, which were very stupid to do so, it only lead up to their inevitable future. Also not to mention that Arabs and many of the Muslim nations were caught in a power struggle between America and the Soviet Union for decades and their influcence. stooped. With Islamic Unity only then will we bring justice to Palestine, to Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya, and other places in the world where Muslims are living under oppression. Arab Unity dose not work, again an idea of nationalism. For example the United Arab Republics, composed of Egypt, Syria, Libya, Sudan, and Iraq. It all fell apart because of lack of trust amongest each other and their own differences and ideas of Arab Unity. The Federation of Arab Republic, proposed by Gaddafi, an alliance between Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, and Syria. It also fell apart for the same reasons. Also the Baath part in Iraq and Syria. All working towards a united Arab nation. At the end of the day Hafiz Al Assad and Saddam were bitter rivals and enemies over control and influence over the political party. Finally the Arab League. Where where they for Iraq, Palestine, and Lebanon during the Israeli invasion? Here are the main examples about Arab Unity and why they do not work. Islamic Unity dose work. For example at the Masjid, you will pray next to someone regardless of their race, colour, and their ideas which you do not agree on. This is the ultimate example. When we unite we are considered as all equals and no one has more power over the other free from corruption. Representative from all of the Islamic world. We must come together and for the nation and empire of THE UNITED ISLAMIC EMIRATES based on this very idea. Let us bring an end of Zionist oppression and American + Western imperalism. Let us hear your thoughts. Inshallah this is more than an idea and a dream but is a reality.

President Omar Hussein Jaber Alansari
The United Islamic Federation of Al-Amarah
ALLAHU-WAK-BAR!!!
ALLAH IS THE GREATEST!!!
ISLAMIC UNITY TO TRIUMPTH!!!
JUSTICE FOR PALESTINE!!!!
JUSTICE FOR IRAQ!!!!
FREEDOM FOR CHECHNYA!!!!

Opening Address of the Heartland Islamic Conference, Given by Grand Mufti Bahadur of the Council of Imams

Peace be upon you, fellow Muslims, honored guests, delegates all. Welcome to this, the first Heartland Islamic Conference.

We have gathered here today, among the mosques, hospitals and hostels of this ancient Sultan Valide complex, in order to discuss the issues that now affect Islam, Islamic states and Islamic peoples the world over. It is my great honor to welcome each and every one of you to this hall.

As the Hadith goes, the Prophet Muhammed, Peace be upon Him, instructs us to entertain our guests generously. It is therefore my sincere wish that your stay in the Sultanate as our guests will be as comfortable and pleasant as possible. It is also my deep hope that this conference will be as cooperative and productive as possible.

Honored guests and fellow Muslims, before we proceed to the formal agenda of this conference, I would like to open the floor to any other important business, from any delegate present.

Once more, most honorable delegates, welcome to Transoxiana, welcome to New Samarkand, and welcome to the Heartland Islamic Conference!

Grand Vizier Mehmed Pasa Sokollu rose up and said"Salaam to all the honored guests and delegates,may this meeting be fruitful for us all.!"

Address by Professor Enver Tugulian on the Subject "Our Embattled Brethren: Protecting Muslim Minority Populations"

Good evening and peace be upon you, honored delegates. I am Enver Tugulian, Professor of Politics at the University of New Samarkand, and it is my pleasure to speak to this honorable conference on the topic of protecting Muslims who form a minority population in their home countries.

It becomes clear from a cursory review of current events, honored delegates, that Islam and Muslim peoples are increasingly under threat in the world. Nowhere is this more true than in states where Muslims are in the minority. Our own region of the Heartland has itself recently seen a violent Communist dictatorship savagely repress its Muslim population, after many of that nation's citizens rose in open revolt against government oppression. The threats to Muslims worldwide are diverse: racist and anti-Muslim governments, prejudice and hate from ignorant people, and those murdering terrorists who wipe their bloody hands on the Holy Koran.

This problem of our embattled brethren - of Muslim minority populations but under duress, oppression, or worse - is largely one of perception, honored delegates. The wider perception of Muslims in countries with Islamic minorities has followed a worrying trend in recent times: Muslims are seen as the 'Other', whether this 'Other' takes the form of a crude racist stereotype, or of some inscrutable and exotic force.

Many theorists outside the Muslim world have furthered this conception of the Muslim as 'Other'. Samuel Huntington has spoken of the 'clash of civilizations', as if he expects that Muslims will always be in conflict with non-Muslims. Men like Francis Fukuyama do not accept this theory, but they instead refuse to see Muslim society as a viable alternative to the West. Muslims are the 'Other': they 'clash' with other peoples, or they stand outside the linear 'end of history'. They do not accept Muslim populations outside the Muslim world, as this 'Other' is fundamentally incompatible with the larger society. So say the experts outside the Islamic world.

This problem of perception does not stop once one enters the Islamic world; honored delegates, the problem of perception exists in Muslim countries as well. We do not see the struggles and battles of Muslim minority populations as our own, even though it is our fellow believers that are under duress, and our fellow members of the ummah that may suffer oppression. They have not betrayed their faith by leaving the Islamic world, as those 'Muslims' who attack our brothers claim. They deserve the same dignity and ability to worship God, the Wise, the Merciful, as we deserve in the Islamic world. Until we embrace their cause as our own, the Muslim world will be powerless to stop injustice against Muslim minorities the world over.

I come to you in no real official capacity: I am a scholar, not a statesmen. But I must suggest to you, honored delegates, that Muslim nations and peoples can support their embattled brethren abroad. The concept of the Muslim believer as the 'Other' must be combatted, by standing against the terrorists that shame Islam, and by promoting peaceful cooperation with the non-Islamic world. The Islamic world must also accept their brothers within Muslim minorities as full members of the ummah. How you, the honored delegates to this conference, choose to take my suggestions, is in your hands. Thank you for your time.

The Imam Ali BeyDoun rises to sepak.
"Peace be upon you all." The man is slim, his flesh is taught from living the 'harsh life' among the tents of the Bedou.
"I have come on behalf of Sultan Mohammed Bin Al Deeb, and on behalf of the Bedou people.
Many of you may be totally unaware of the Bedou, simply another tribe of Bedouin, simply more who add to the confused imagery of the Muslim in the Western world.
This however is over-simplification. The Bedou people began with the Sultan's Great Grandfather, May he rest in the bosom of Allah.
Unifing Bedouin tribes from across the Muslim lands of the east, from the Sinai to the Muslim Chinese in the Gobi, Saudis, and Saharans. All answered his call to return to the unity of one tribe. First the answer came from only those who already lived as we live, harshly.
Slowly however, others witnessed that our unity under the most merciful God gave us a shelter, no city, nation, or governemnt could provide.
Those who came before us had abandoned what was known... for faith. God is Great, all praise to him.
Now this is not a history lesson, so... my Sultan gathered together our ecclectic tribe of Muslims and fled the lands that are most Holy to our people.
It was non-Muslims who gave freely of their own for Bedou to form its first state.
It was non-Muslims who when Bedou called out again and said "Allah to live as you have commanded and to maintain the life that brings us closer to you we must expand" they answered with more land and open arms to millions of Bedou to live amongst them.
Now three Generations from the begining of the Unification of the tribes, We are spreading across the globe re-educating Muslims on the truth of peace and its importance to the Great and Merciful Allah.
Now three Generations Later a coalition of Bedou who were born in places as varied as Malaysia and Indo-China to North America live as a Military force in the Lands of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to ensure the indigenous populce is protected from any further oppression of their Faith as it was under the Soviets or could be under the Chinese.
Through the teachings of peace, we have the people of the book seek us out to teach them how live a life closer to God, praise be his name.
Through never drawing the sword until we were pre-pared to be embattled until the last, have we shown our enemies and allies alike that it is through our rightgeous devotion to the most Merciful Allah that he guides us to victory.
I too am no statesman, neither is the Sultan which I advise.
I speak on witnessing first hand that demostrating Faith and Peaceful strength, can win the hearts of the world to us.
That embracing the stereotype of the Noble Arab, the Noble Muslim Rightgeous and Dignified is still the image that the world wishes to see from us.
We live as different from the rest of modern world as possible and we are greatly accepted.
This is because we have shown our first priority is to heal ourselves.

I tell you this now, my most wise and esteemed brothers.
The dream of the Al Deeb has been unity in the Holy lands, in the deserts, in the Mosques, and in the streets, for Islam.
So to is this the Dream of the Bedou, each and everyone of us work to fulfill this dream, at every and any cost.
There can be no peace without, until there lies peace within.
Peace be upon all your heads, and upon the heads of your families for all time.
Most Merciful Allah be praised."

"Unity is need,all these problem come from a lack of unity.Most of the Muslim states are to busy with their people.To care about their brothers who getting killed for their belive.We need more Unity!"said Grand Vizier Mehmed Pasa Sokollu

"Due to the fact that the third largest religion in Hadula is Islam, we give a nod of acknowledgement to this conference, even though we are not taking part in it."
- Dominus Pele Kawau

Captain Erica Belshain, leader of the Order's delegation, rose to speak. Thus far, the simple fact that she was a woman had already discredited her in the eyes of several other delgations, but she refused to let herself be intimidated. In fact, she was quite set upon completing the Order's objective: Showing the Islamic world that things were changing and that women were worth more than simple kitchen slaves and birthing machines, as well as bringing the view held by much of the world forward, for an attempt at discourse and resolution of differences.

"Honorable Scholards, Diplomats. Throughout history, different peoples have been oppressed and held under the heel of larger, stronger groups. Christians, Jews, Bhuddists, Muslims; you name the religion, somewhere, sometime there has been a force acting against them, trying to repress them. Many nations, such as The Order, have taken an open policy of acceptance to peoples of all religions, simply because it is not the place of government to dictate the beliefs of the people, or at least is such in our charters."

"Unfortunately, Many nations do not believe the same as The Order. And some hold other religions up above others. In the case of Islam, many times it is out of fear of your people that you are repressed. People are afraid of your beliefs, afraid of what has been done in the past under the, I quote, "Blessings and Will of Allah", end quote. There have been groups claiming that your people, The Muslim People, are commanded in your holy book, The Koran, that you are to wage war against people who are different in belief.

"Some claim that the 'war' to be waged is at a spiritual level, akin to the 'war' spoken of in the Christian Bible. Others, as we have seen by many attacks upon innocent people, claim it is a physical 'war' which must take place. The issue is, to those of us on the outside, is that Islam is a dangerious religion. Right now, we are seeing an age that is comparable to the horror that were the Crusades back in the Dark Ages.

"Correct me if I am wrong, Honorable Scholars, Teachers, but would your god Allah truly wish you to kill people as his way of saying 'convert and be saved?' I'll be honest, I'm not a Muslim myself, that much is fairly obvious to you all. But what I believe in, certianly wouldn't want me to kill people simply to bring them around to my point of view. Doing such is counter productive to the cause of bringing your beliefs to others-it scares them, sets them against you if you randomly lash out.

"So please, once again, I request a discourse, a reasoning of what is right. We wish to open a dialouge of understanding and alliance between us. Thank you, Thank you all."

The captain returned to her seat and let out her breath; she's not sure how she felt about how she did, but she hoped in the very least her gender did not blind them from answering rightly....

(Whee...Probably gave you all a huge slap in the face with the sending of a Female delegate, particularally when her assistant is a lower-enlisted male.....But...hey, here's for progress!)

(Whee...Probably gave you all a huge slap in the face with the sending of a Female delegate, particularally when her assistant is a lower-enlisted male.....But...hey, here's for progress!)
[OOC: Not really. Ottoman Khaif for one is liberal with that, the Libyan PM is a woman.]

"Don't judge a book by it bloody cover!,what of think of Islam is heavy missunderstand and we do give equal rights to the Women of Ottoman Khaif ..how dare you!"said inrage Grand Vizier Mehmed Pasa Sokollu

OOC:
Umm..I didnt throw out accusations, I just put out what other countries see, and what makes them afraid, and a request for clarification on what REALLY Islam is about...and as for the whole equal rights to women thing..I never actually SAID anything of the sort. And I doubt you are privy to the Captains PERSONAL FEELINGS. And the note in the ()'s is an OOC note, not something muttered over a mic or something. Bloody hell, calm yourself down.

"If I may address this guest of the conference Grand Vizier , while I understand your outrage, I have some experience with antagonists.

My Dear, you are a soldier I see, forgive me for being less then informed on the insignias of rank. As you gave no introduction I choose not to presume your station, though high it must be for you to be here.
It would seem to me that this is less about Islam complaining about outside oppression as it is about Islamic leaders seeking unity through what is hardly a slight connection-Faith.
Your statement implies that the Order is somehow having a greater history of tolerence then Islam, which is hardly the case. Notably the Ottaman Empire which held a policy of religious freedom, Islam teaches tolerence. The fact that certain individuals, some even leaders defy the laws of the Quran does not change the fact that, that is what is taught. This no more being the fault of good muslims then it is the fault of your government for the actions of criminals who break your civil laws.
Second
the statement that government should not dictate faith, well again you will note very few Islamic states have forced religion, this is again not an ISlamic trait, and simply because you disagree with State sponsored religion does not make it wrong , or immoral. An Islamic state is still bound to the QUran in the acceptance of the people of the book. More so then a secular state actually, my God commands me to be to be tolerant and to advise my esteemed Sutlan to be tolerant. Your government merely chooses this path on the whim of secular opinion.

Third it is not by any means unfortunate that many nations do not believe the same as the Order, it is a blessing of the diversity of ideas and opinions that God in his most infinite wisdom has blessed the people of this world.
Muslim will not fall in line simply because you say your way is the right way.

Forth the Quran does not to wage war against anyone unless war is waged against you first, this is it, period. There is no justification, unlessit is in the protection of the weak, or the Holy. Ideology is not nor has it ever been a legimate reason for war in the writtings of the Quran or in Islam, your opinion only aids in supporting that twisting of the truth, Jihad is of the spirit, we must wage a Holy war with in ourselves, all of us everyone, even you my dear.
Yes my dear it is obvious what you are not, it is however in our culture insulting to fail to properly introduce your self and explain what you are.

Your simplistic opinion is that we believe in forcing people to our beliefs when Islam has a great history of tolerating other's beliefs even in the conquered, especially in the conquered. So since you have come completely uninformed I find it hard to believe that your government would sendyou for genuine discourse, rather I see an impudent female who spreads lies about intolerance, makes assumptions about cultures she is unfamiliar.
If you have come to form relations and discourse truthfully then sit down and be quiet and learn something of us truthfully, then say your peace.
I will in the spirit of friendship ignore your first speech, and I ask the remainder of the delegates to difer to the Lady from The Black Wolf Order until she has garnered some genuine understanding of Islam, open your mind my dear.
May Allah grant you wisdom."

Grand Mufti Bahadur takes the floor. "Friends and honored delegates, I must ask that you no longer insult Captain Belshain's intelligence. A Muslim she may not be, but she remains a guest of the Sultan and a welcomed participant at this conference. We are here to, as Captain Belshain said, 'open a dialogue'. This dialogue must not be restricted to Muslims."

"Yet, Captain Belshain, your statement does betray a common misconception among non-Muslims. Professor Tugulian touched on this misconception when he mentioned the 'clash of civilizations'... this idea that Islam is, quote 'a dangerous religion'. That idea, that misconception, is the source of much tension and violence between Muslim minorities and non-Muslim majorities.

"Islam a dangerous religion? Nothing could be further from the truth. Those criminals who pervert the Holy Koran and the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed, Peace be upon Him, are dangerous. But the wider world makes a grave mistake in identifying all Muslims with these 'Muslim' terrorists.

"The Koran teaches us that 'God loves not the aggressors.' The actions of the terrorists, aggressors who kill and maim women and children indiscriminantly, are not sanctioned by Islam. Muslims across the world are opposed to terrorism, and there is no good reason to lump them together with a few radicals and murderers.

"I am certain, Captain Belshain, that your Order's experience in dealing with terrorism will allow you to offer your valuable perspective once we move towards discussing the Islamic response to terror. But I must echo Imam BeyDoun in stating that the Islamic world has a long history of tolerance and enlightenment. The barbaric acts of a few killers should not obscure that legacy for the wider world."

Captain Belshain's expression frowned in confusion, not quite sure of what exactly was being said. Obviously, she had made a faux pas somehere in her statement, but she wasn't quite sure where, and it troubled her. Taking a chance, she stood and bowed her head, attempting to begin recovering what could quickly spin into a serious slug-match.

"My apolgies to you all, an error on my part. I am Captain Erica Belshain, of the Kestrel Diplomatic Corps, representing Lady Callies Ymirson of The BlackWolf Order."

She took a deep breath, and dove in.

"This is, of course, the exact thing I'm talking about, and why I was sent in the first place. While I said the Order is rather tolerant, at the same time, we are rather ignorant of what you REALLY believe. This delegation here is mainly present to learn what you have to say, and explain to you the misperceptions so many of our citizens hold, in hopes you can provide us the knowledge that we can use to end these false perceptions of your people.

"While what I said may not be true of you, it is what has been percieved, and to so many people, perception is everything! I did not wish to label you, and it is my sincere apologies that I offer if I did. I understand what you are saying, Good Sir, and I understand what you percieved-you felt I was attacking you in my statement, when in all honesty, I was trying to explain the misconceptions on our side of the fence. As I said...to my people, perception means so much that it influences much of our opinions. Unfortunately, the actions of a few, as you said, people who wish to defy the teachings and beliefs of your people, have had a huge influence on our perceptions. This is what we want to fix, and we're requesting you to help us..."

From the obviously unmoving expressions on the faces of the others gathered, she knew she'd probably blundered into yet another mistake. Bloody hell, she thought, they never trained me to tread so lightly around religion...we've never had an issue with it! Something I'm going to have to discuss with TRADOC....

"Once again, honorable delegates, my apologies if I have offended you, I meant no such thing. I'm only trying to ask for your help."

She returned to her seat and kept, ever so difficult, the turmoil in her head from showing itself on her face. ......Lady Ymirson is going to have my ass when I get back.......

"I sorry for the outburst, But I will not stand for any statement like that. As for the " 'Muslim" terrorists they not do not follow Islam, They kill themselves into the name of Islam, Yet kill women and children that is against Islam. If stop this of terrorism, its goes against Islam laws.” said Grand Vizier Mehmed Pasa Sokollu

OOC:Transoxiana do you have a MSN or AIM?

Mohammed Al-Dosari stood up.. A well-built man with a boyish face and a trimmed beard, he straightened his back and looked at the delegations with his cold, grey eyes.. He was a moderate Muslim, a reformist.. Many have accused him of defying the concepts Islam stands for, but in reality his faith in Allah is far stronger than any of his critics'..

"Imagine a group of immature, joyful children prancing about in the yard.. Their parents suddenly look at them, and their faces shows signs of mixed emotions. On the one hand, they are happy that their children are enjoying their lives; on the inside however, they are weeping, because their children are ignorant of the stark reality of this world.. Ignorant of how rapidly this world is changing, ignorant of the disasters that might be in store for them."

Dr. Al Dosari stared at the different delegations, knowing that the following sentence might disappoint some of them,

"Well, my brothers... we are the prancing children.. In a rapidly-evolving world, we are ignorant of everything around us. Our minds are stalled..

The West has progressed.. The West has developed.. and we are still suffering from delusion and hallucinations.. We are still envisioning the gardens of Cordoba and the Golden Age of Islam..

His tone suddenly deepened, showing his extreme frustration,

That vision has sealed our doom.. The Muslim Ummah has gone through the slowest and most terrifyingly painful decline of any other Empire.. we are still witnessing the effects of that decline today.

What we need is unity. A union of nations that will achieve our goals.. A union of nations that will stop extremism dead in its tracks.. A union of nations," he paused, "that will destroy terrorism, as well as the image of weakness Western nations perceive in us.

Let us take off this shroud of ignorance.. let us stop being a burden on the world.. let us improve our situation and strengthen the bonds between Muslims and Non-Muslims..

Greenmanbry is an example of such progress.. The main religion is Islam, the official language is Arabic, and the democratic system we are following fulfills all political freedoms Islam grants its followers..

We vote for our President and our representatives/counselors and, as of eight years, our President has not been a Muslim, but a Christian of Sudanese black descent.. but he knows the values of Islam, and he fights for them, and under him, peace, liberty, and Islam flourished in our Dominion.

I am handing out papers to your excellencies.. papers that show the Dominion's official position on the issues on the agenda.. along with a report created by myself on behalf of the Islamic Institute of Greenmanbry, on how our Muslim Ummah can unite and establish its presence and its dignity in this world. Peace be upon you."

Doctor Al-Dosari sat down, and wiped the sweat off his forehead.

Imam Beydoun quietly made his way to near the Captain from BWO.

"Captain Erica Belshain, peace be upon you. I am very pleased to meet you, and equally pleased your nation is interested in learing the truth about Islam, as it applies to men, and to nations. Forgive my words if they seemed condesending, however certain times it is good press upon your tent walls, that they fall when you wish, and not with the winds."

He sat silently and listened to Dr.Mohammed Al-Dosari .
He then rose.
"Dr. forgive my misunderstanding, but how are we as a whole
less progressed then the West?
How is it you find that we as a whole are of stalled minds?
What has the West developed that is so beyond our capabilities?
Dr. you will forgive me, again. I am a spiritual man, not a scientific one, and the West I feel has little bearing on the true troubles with Islam, or Islamic states.
First what difference does it make that you allow your people to vote and for instance among the Bedou the Sultanate is a matter of trial, study, lineage, and dedication to Allah through the clerical order. I see that they differ, but I do not see a superior amongst the two.
What matters of Islam has West exceeded us in? Is not your soul and paradise a far greater reward, then MTV and MCDonalds?
I do not condemn, you desire to emulate the West, but I do wonder what it is you perceive there, that is not here?"
Imam Beydoun returns to his seat.
He ponders for a moment how similiar this is when non-believers come to the tents to exchange words with him. He is older then most here, and has been involved in many talks on Islam over the years.
This is quite enjoyable.

"Thank you for your remarks, Dr. Al-Dosari," said Grand Mufti Bahadur. "It is most interesting to hear of your homeland's successes. I look forward to reviewing these papers that you have so kindly provided."

"Friends and honored delegates, I must recommend that we now table our dicussion of how Islam is perceived in the non-Muslim world. If we as a whole are prepared to adopt a resolution on this topic, on behalf of our respective states and organizations, we may do so later. I would suggest that we first adjourn for luncheon, to be served now at the pilgrim's hostel here. Then, perhaps we could move towards discussion of Islam and terrorism... with Captain Belshain's assistance, of course." The Grand Mufti nodded towards the Order officer, before returning to his chair.

Dr. Al Dosari excused himself as the progression made its way to the luncheon hall, and made his way to Imam Beydoun, eager to respond to his queries.

"Al-Salaamu 3alaykom.."

He extended his hand, and Imam Beydoun grasped it and shook it firmly.

Your excellency, I was expecting such reactions from at least one delegation," he laughed heartily, "but I do not support the imitation of Western ideals. Why should we emulate Western society or government? It has shown that it is doomed to failure, and we are beter off ignoring such a reprehensible system.

The democratic system we adopt in Greenmanbry is a purely Muslim system.. The first democratic system established in history. Our great religion has never forced a leader upon the followers of Islam. Islam does not breed despots, but despots, once in power, distort the vision of Islam to their masses.

Islam allows for its subjects to choose their leader.. This is evident in the times of the rightly-guided caliphs, and the system of "Al-Mubaya'a". Islam also demands that a leader respect his subjects, do what is in in their interests, and protect them, and Islam, from all forms of agression.

I am not criticizing the tribal system, I am simply saying that it is not the system Islam followed, as evident in its first fourty years. The pre-Muslim nomadic tribes carried on their traditions, like the full veil, and incorporated them into Islam, even though Islam forbids or looks down upon such traditions.

Obviously the Sultanate follows the tribal system, yet incorporates many aspects of Islamic-rule.. and, as long as it is agreeble to the people of the great Sultanate, no one can criticize that system. But our Dominion follows the Muslim form of democracy and civil rights.. we in no way, shape, or form try to emulate the Western system.

And yes, I find it obvious that the Muslim world is, or was for a while, behind the West and the rest of the world. Industrialization and progression had been halted by despots to quell the Muslim Renaissance, thus effectively leaving us in the dark ages while the West continued to dominate several aspects of our culture.

I also happen to believe that the true troubles with Islam in the modern day are stemming from Islam itself, but you can not say that the West has little bearing on our problems.

The Sykes-Picot agreement, for example, destroyed our faith in a united Ummah, at least in the Arab world. It has also made our rulers, especially those of tribal origins, very concerned with wordly matters, such as the amount of land they can call their own... and that is also a tradition carried on from Bedouin times, when Bedouins attempted to establish dominance over a pasture or a territory during seasonal droughts."

Doctor Al-Dosari trailed off, and noticed that he had been carried away. They were now seated and ready to order. Imam Beydoun was seated directly across from Al-Dosari.. He can answer any further queries the Imam had regarding his speech.

"I see that you Dr. are a studious man, this is a respectable trait. To ease your mind, the Bedou law provides that any Bedou may at will leave and return to their previous life with no ill will what so ever. You are correct that many customs date back to the pre-Islamic traditions of many cultures, we have for instance used the similarity between the Bedouin culture and the old ways of the Tajiks and the Kyrgyz to form strong bonds with their people as they are no under our protection. You see Dr. the Al Deeb's have realized the union between the most modern and the most ancient, and they have done this through Allah, the most merciful and wise. Our technological advancements are glorious, yet we live in the ancient Bedouin tradition, this tradition allows time for contemplation on the spirit.
Dr, we believe the way to unify Islam is to allow its followers to call on their ancient heritage. The Modern world detracts from the spiritual, we have used the harsh style of living of the bedouin to bring the mind of hte people back to Allah.
I can not deny the truth of your words, however you can not deny that throughout the history of Islam the bedouins though they have clung to old traditions have also been the most respected and devoted of all of Allah's children.
We use what has always worked, simplicity, it is a simple life that leads us to paradise.
We have also abandoned the practice of owning land entirely, rather we merely seek the right to use it, we are a nation without borders.
I would when this conference ends like you to come and live among us, to see what we are achieving, for one year. I give my word the Sultan will send his most open minded son to Greenmanbry to do the same.
Dr. I will also suggest to the Sultan increased reations among our two nations, and I am eager to hear what you have to say on the subject of terrorism."
OOC:Greenmanbry, forgive the WEAK post but I just got off a 12 and half hour shift and it is after midnight and I am senseless, my next one will be less jabber.