tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29145551.post976636174207334663..comments2024-02-10T07:26:14.917-05:00Comments on Baha'i Faith in Egypt: Egypt: A Crucial Law Article in California's Daily JournalUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29145551.post-11541468009846649972007-08-24T14:49:00.000-04:002007-08-24T14:49:00.000-04:00i hope they review iti hope they review itAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29145551.post-9804002525878909842007-03-31T11:51:00.000-04:002007-03-31T11:51:00.000-04:00Can you tell us about its history?Can you tell us about its history?Bilohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08060802520953738221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29145551.post-35132996584739398942007-03-31T07:25:00.000-04:002007-03-31T07:25:00.000-04:00I used to work for this newspaper long ago when it...I used to work for this newspaper long ago when it was MUCH smaller.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14948341359264244662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29145551.post-9128928267186542132007-03-28T22:19:00.000-04:002007-03-28T22:19:00.000-04:00You see? You are both correct!;-)You see? You are both correct!<BR/>;-)Bilohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08060802520953738221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29145551.post-2510967929052005022007-03-28T17:44:00.000-04:002007-03-28T17:44:00.000-04:00Anonymous,The point of withholding foreign aid is ...Anonymous,<BR/><BR/>The point of withholding foreign aid is separate from economic embargo. It is an absolutely correct statement that foreign aid is rerouted, in untraceable and inconspicuous ways, to the pockets of the higher authorities, particularly in Egypt. Economic embargos, for example, would be in the form of trade restrictions and the like, which to the already wealthy and powerful, would prove to have minimum or no effect.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29145551.post-12383856673378183262007-03-28T09:22:00.000-04:002007-03-28T09:22:00.000-04:00A good point. Thank you for your comment.A good point. Thank you for your comment.Bilohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08060802520953738221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29145551.post-51196617912034127652007-03-28T09:13:00.000-04:002007-03-28T09:13:00.000-04:00I would have to disagree with R.A. on the subject ...I would have to disagree with R.A. on the subject that the withholding of foreign aid would hurt the needy. This is due to the fact that whenever there is government corruption present and there is foreign aid going to any country that foreign aid that was intended for the needy USUALLY ends up lining the pockets of corrupt officials instead of helping the needy. Therefore that point which was brought up is moot!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29145551.post-65912453202195566542007-03-27T18:17:00.000-04:002007-03-27T18:17:00.000-04:00r.a.,You are correct in pointing out that economic...r.a.,<BR/>You are correct in pointing out that economic embargos end up hurting the needy in the country. <BR/><BR/>Also, the recent court ruling against the Baha'is of Egypt clearly illustrates the critical need for the legal system in Egypt to reach such levels of professionalism and respect you are referring to. An essential component of this process is its independence from the executive branch. There are now many enlightened Egyptians who are struggling daily to promote this.<BR/><BR/>Very recently, there has been some encouraging news, indicative of a bit of improvement in the government’s attitude towards the Baha’is in its attempt to find a solution for the current crisis. A death certificate of a Baha’i was issued with 5 lines in place of religion, and a passport was issued to a Baha’i after the religious classification was allowed to be left blank on the application form.Bilohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08060802520953738221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29145551.post-62911298263992616282007-03-27T17:37:00.000-04:002007-03-27T17:37:00.000-04:00It is indeed of great service to have distinguishe...It is indeed of great service to have distinguished professionals provide their qualified examination of the legal issues in Egypt. Such competent testimony by the most prominent legal minds of the time indicates intelligent and mature judgment that is far superior and in no manner comparable to the unsubstantiated legal practices that are based on loose interpretation of religious text.<BR/><BR/>Such a foundation of experienced professionalism would be commonly understood to be the benchmark to which any government or institution would aspire, regardless of the threat of economic embargo or the withholding of foreign aid. There are conditions where it is appropriate to enforce economic restrictions in order to pressure governments to correct their violations, though it is often to the detriment of the common citizen. Any form of embargo would do little to alter the mindset of those in control of Egypt, who, by recent account, are estimated to have amassed a personal wealth running in the tens of billions of dollars.<BR/><BR/>As individual countries establish systems of law and enforcement, so also should be the case with the world community. Such has been the natural development seen through time, starting from families, to tribes, to states and nations. In this context, political or religious leaders of a country would not be left to operate outside of the law while enforcement is limited to economic embargo, but would be judged as individuals, tried, and passed judgment on. Such as a governor cannot be above the laws of his country, so also would a national leader not be sheltered by his title or protected by his country's autonomy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29145551.post-80010022371154928492007-03-27T09:31:00.000-04:002007-03-27T09:31:00.000-04:00EdoRiver,As you can tell, these matters are very c...EdoRiver,<BR/>As you can tell, these matters are very complex and involve a myriad of interplaying factors. I would not call it hypocrisy because I know that there are also very good people in Egypt who are well-wishers and supportive of the rights of oppressed minorities, who have been vocal and courageous in their stand. <BR/><BR/>For example, the nearly two billion dollars of annual financial aid received from the US has roots in maintaining the peace process in the region--with strings attached--and is not a simple matter of charity or aid…but this is a whole different subject which is outside the scope of this blog.<BR/><BR/>What is important though is accountability and the adherence to international rules of preservation and protection of human and civil rights for all citizens regardless of their religion or belief.Bilohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08060802520953738221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29145551.post-64715538533415583702007-03-27T07:04:00.000-04:002007-03-27T07:04:00.000-04:00Bilo, I think the hypocrisy is most amusing. As yo...Bilo, I think the hypocrisy is most amusing. As you say, Egyptian officials are quick to point out this is an internal matter, this is an example of Western interference, etc.<BR/>YET, they accept outsiders' money in many instances from various international institutions, private, and public.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14948341359264244662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29145551.post-46895354040405897262007-03-26T15:39:00.000-04:002007-03-26T15:39:00.000-04:00Phillipe said:"If those who oppose the Baha'is wer...Phillipe said:<BR/>"If those who oppose the Baha'is were really wise, they would simply leave us in peace."<BR/><BR/>Yes, but....Bilohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08060802520953738221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29145551.post-42486759348434871072007-03-26T11:52:00.000-04:002007-03-26T11:52:00.000-04:00It is amazing the ways of the Almighty. The effort...It is amazing the ways of the Almighty. The efforts to deny the Baha'is their legitimate human rights has simply broadcast their Faith throughout the planet and raised people's awareness of this religious community. If those who oppose the Baha'is were really wise, they would simply leave us in peace.Phillipe Copelandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18342490962831946701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29145551.post-63107787793864219052007-03-26T11:23:00.000-04:002007-03-26T11:23:00.000-04:00One can deduce that this is basically what the art...One can deduce that this is basically what the article implies. However, as to action, it is left for the United Nations and the International Criminal Court to enforce. <BR/><BR/>Outside financial aid must be conditional on compliance with certain international rules of dignity and the preservation of human and civil rights. Taxpayers in countries providing financial aid have the right and responsibility to demand from their representatives to explain how their money is being spent. I, for one, am asking this question! Egypt has been referring to this as “outside interference,” however it continues to accept “outside money” while attempting to avoid accountability. This cannot continue unnoticed.Bilohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08060802520953738221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29145551.post-40936751929899653212007-03-26T09:58:00.000-04:002007-03-26T09:58:00.000-04:00In other words if Egypt wants to continue its stat...In other words if Egypt wants to continue its status in the community of Nations they MUST IMMEDEIATELY CORRECT this error and REVERSE the December ruling.<BR/><BR/>If they fail to do this then the United States and other nations who supply financial<BR/>Support to Egypt must revoke their financial aid and consider other sanctions to<BR/>Socially isolate them from the other law abiding nations of the earth...<BR/><BR/>There must be justice in this matter!! If there is no justice then the lack of justice will create chaos.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com