Reply #7: Your methodology is not correct [View All]

[Lithos]

It is a good example of the logical fallacy of arguing from ignorance.

What you are proposing is a condemnation of a whole group based on the actions of a few without knowledge of what the majority are doing and the reliance on media/knowledge which are anything but perfect. Your choice of Memri/PMW is about as logical as using EI or the ISM's own website as proof that the IDF is not a bunch of thugs. These groups (Memri/PMW/EI/ISM) have agendas where it is not in their best interests on reporting anything contrary to the political line.

You seek moderate voices who support reasonable expression in the Middle East? Then I would suggest you start here:

http://www.onemillionvoices.org/partners/partners.html and note the number of groups with strong Arab presence.

As for Arab leaders, King Abdullah II of Jordan has stated pretty much exactly what you summarized:

http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2005/09/22/jordans_king_extends_hand_to_jews/

And while not Arab, former Iranian President Khatamei was also known for his humane and moderate stances. His ouster as President was one of the results of the swaggering sabre-rattling of George Bush which caused a nationalist reaction which brought in Ahmadinejad who played to the fears of the Iranians.