Category Archives: Government and Religion

The Ground Zero Mosque and the Pentagon Chapel

In response to the controversy over the “Ground Zero Mosque” in New York City, a spate of articles has taken to highlighting the “non-controversy” over Islamic prayers occurring in the Pentagon Chapel, just feet from the impact point of one of the other airliners hijacked in 2001:

The Pentagon chapel is part of a memorial to the 184 people killed in 2001 when hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 flew into the west side of the Pentagon and plowed through three of the building’s five office rings.

As part of its massive renovation, the Pentagon opened the nondenominational chapel in November 2002. The chapel hosts a daily prayer group and weekly worship service for Muslims, and provides similar services for Jews, Hindus, Mormons, Protestants, Catholics and Episcopalians.  Read more

Ramadan and the War in Afghanistan

An Army.mil article recently described the tenets of the Islamic celebration of Ramadan.  The military often goes to great lengths to help its members understand Islam due to its intense involvement in the culture in which American forces are deployed.

The Air Force Times carries the Associated Press article on “War doesn’t rest for Islam holy month” [sic].  Though some may view it as a time of rest, particularly with fasting during the daylight hours, that does not translate directly into reduced combat.  In fact, the opposite may be true:  Read more

Soldiers Claim Retribution over Christian Concert

According to the Army Times, the US Army is investigating claims that Soldiers were punished when they declined to attend a concert by a Christian music group in May. 

The Army said Friday it was investigating a claim that dozens of soldiers who refused to attend a Christian band’s concert at a Virginia military base were banished to their barracks and told to clean them up.

Interestingly, the punishment was reportedly telling the Soldiers to go back to their barracks.

As others have noted elsewhere, this “scandal” may be a result of  Read more

“Taxpayer money promoting Islam worldwide”

The recent controversy surrounding the proposed mosque in New York City, including the taxpayer funded trip of the mosque’s imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, has continued to highlight official government support for Islam around the world.  A recent article at the Baptist Press notes the use of “taxpayer money” to advance the cause of Islam, even in Afghanistan and Iraq:

“Americans also may be surprised to learn that the United States has been an active participant in mosque construction projects overseas,” The [Washington] Times said.

The US military’s assistance in mosque rebuilding and refurbishment has been discussed here before.

Religious Freedom in Iran and Afghanistan

The US State Department issued a statement on the “Persecution of Religious Minorities in Iran,” specifically addressing mistreatment of those of the Baha’i faith.

Freedom of religion is the birthright of people of all faiths and beliefs in all places. The United States is committed to defending religious freedom around the world, and we have not forgotten the Baha’i community in Iran. We will continue to speak out against injustice and call on the Iranian government to respect the fundamental rights of all its citizens in accordance with its international obligations.

In an interesting contrast, a group of religious leaders in Afghanistan recently called for the implementation of Sharia law.  Read more

“Freedom” Group Seeks Ban on Religious Exercise in the US Military

Despite running a self-founded “religious freedom” organization, Michael Weinstein is apparently calling for the US military to restrict religious free exercise within its ranks.  His reason?  The Constitutionally-protected liberty offends al Qaeda.

Unlike most mainstream organizations, Weinstein’s Military Religious Freedom Foundation still revels in publicizing his organization’s communications, wearing both the hate mail and the kudos as badges of honor.  (They even republish comments from their website, because apparently being posted once isn’t good enough…)  Recently, MRFF board member Richard Baker responded to a contact with a lengthy message in which he included many standard MRFF talking points, like this one: Read more

Women’s Rights and Religious Freedom in Afghanistan

The Time Magazine picture of the disfigured Afghan girl — reportedly the result of an attack by her husband — has justifiably raised the issue of the rights and status of women in Afghanistan.  The logic seems reasonable; if Aisha had not been a woman, it is unlikely she would have been subject to such abuse.  The “women’s rights” cause also fits with the common theme of some Western supporters — including some in America — of the Afghan war effort.

In an interesting contrast, the airwaves have been awash with condemnation of the attack that left 10 Christian aid workers dead in Afghanistan last week.  Karl Eikenberry, US ambassador to Afghanistan, said this is a video statement:  Read more

Interfaith Leader Cites Benefit of Religious Dialogue

Douglas Johnston is president and founder of the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy in Washington, D.C.  He is also a US Naval Academy graduate who retired as a Captain in the reserves.

Even though he is a Christian, he brings a unique perspective to international relations and religion:

Because Islam literally means, “submission to God,” Johnston once told a hostile group of 57 Taliban commanders, religious figures and tribal leaders, meeting with him in the mountains of Pakistan, “we’re all Muslim.”

Johnston undoubtedly has his critics and supporters.  However, he and his organization make one point abundantly clear:  religion cannot merely be “dismissed,” as some would have it.  Sectarian faith is a central to the lives and cultures of billions around the world.  The integration of an understanding of faith with government, military, and public operations will benefit nations’ strategic goals.  Conversely, ignoring the instrinsic value and importance of faith will hinder national objectives, whether they be diplomatic, military or even humanitarian.

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