John L Esposito, Failing Muslim States, Assassination of Hamas Imam in Setapak

1.  Early this morning, a Hamas imam who lived in Setapak (and was a university lecturer) was assassinated by two guys on a BMW big bike.  

My condolences to the wife and family. 

No one deserves such a violent fate, especially not in this beautiful, blessed and peaceful country of ours.

Was this assassination a hit by the Israeli Mossad? 

Was it the result of an internal power struggle? 

Do read on.

2.  This morning I attended a talk by Professor John L Esposito who is making a reappearance in Malaysia after an absence of some years. Professor Esposito is no stranger to Malaysia and was a frequent visitor when our brader was at the peak of his power. Esposito came to speak about the rising Islamophobia in the United States of America. But his presentation went everywhere.  During question time I put forward some views but his reply was short. I have other views about the reappearance of John L Esposito in our country at this juncture.  Maybe after the elections.

3. The following is an article from Middle East sources about the failing Arab states. Here is a brief:

The Dangers of Failing Middle East States
by Kobi Michael and Yoel Guzansky
Middle East Quarterly
Spring 2018 Volume 25: Number 2
 

https://www.meforum.org/articles/2018/the-dangers-of-failing-middle-east-states

The Failed State Phenomenon

U.N. definition, "failed states" little or no ability to provide basic security

three key failings: 

1. weak govt lacks legitimacy, no monopoly on (use of force)
2. extreme political, societal fragmentation
3. and severe economic weakness

various national or ethnic groups aspire to independence 

or view themselves as belonging to a neighboring state

particularly in contemporary Middle East 

post-World War I  created  artificial states 

diverse ethnic groups, rival religions, different languages

process of state failure is gradual, prolonged

internal disintegration (because of identity politics—religion, ethnic, etc) 

weak, non-functioning institutions become failed states

failure intensifies in vicious circle

weakness of institutions reinforces fragmentation

in turn further weakens institutions and legitimacy

most active conflicts, including int'l terrorism, from failed states

cannot control spillover of domestic turmoil beyond borders 

deliberately export it to reduce threat at home

crises that develop in failed states harm surroundings

humanitarian crises, displaced people, refugees, endanger stability 

weapons stolen from collapsing military facilities

failed states growing security threat to national interests

constitute fertile soil for terror groups

Middle East encourages subversive activities among Muslims in West 

My comments :  

1.  The shooting of the Hamas imam.

Social media says the two fellows who shot the Hamas imam waited for 20 minutes on a BMW big bike.  One of the assailants fired (at least) 10 shots of which four hit the imam.  He died on the spot.

Few handguns can fire more than 10 shots. The Glock has a 10-12 bullet magazine. The Beretta M9 can fire up to 15 bullets.  The Beretta also happens to be a favorite of the Israeli Mossad.

It is sad that such violence takes place inside our country.  These are not issues that concern our country. 

2. The Middle East is becoming a vast area of Failed States

Talk all you want, analyse all you want.  

The failure of the Middle East can be simplified. 

This is the 21st century but their societies are not modern. 

They are not even fully in the 21st century. 

They do not use reason and logic in their daily lives. 

Reason, logic and scientific thinking are taking progressive human beings forward at an increasing speed.  The more reason, logic and science you use, the more progressive you become.

The Islamic countries, especially in the Middle East are denying themselves the use of reason, logic and even simple common sense.

They have serious controls on personal freedoms.  

This is the 21st century yet these Middle East societies (and their wannabes in the rest of the world) and their instruments of State use force (State power)  to determine 

• how individuals should dress
• what you eat
• what you drink
• what and how you worship
• what you think
• what you talk about
• what you believe

Because their societies and their State authorities wish to get involved in regulating personal and individual choice through the use of force (mob violence, State's powers of arrest and imprisonment, death sentence etc)  then automatically the social norms, the culture, the political platforms of political parties,  government departments and machinery, government regulations etc will all capture and reflect  this overconcern with regulating  individual choice.  

This is what is causing so many problems in these Arab countries. 

 

These are very unthinking and very backward societies.  

These are not modern societies. 

They will fail and continue to fail.