Calling for societal renewal through cross-cultural and interfaith research, education, dialogue and understanding and upholding the universal values of freedom, justice, peace, democracy and prosperity for all in the 21st Century.
Some books authored by Dr. Imad-ad-Dean Ahmed:
1-Signs in the Heavens
2- Islam and the Discovery of Freedom
3- Islam and the West: A Dialog
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The Peace Quest
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March 2013 – No. 15
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TOWARD A 21ST CENTURY VISION FOR SOCIETAL TRANSFORMATION
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PEACE FOR PALESTINE: WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?
Dr. Imad-ad-Dean Ahmed, President,
Minaret of Freedom Institute
Wednesday 13 March 2013
Foggy Bottom, Washington, DC
Sandy Kay Report:
Dr. Imad-ad-dean Ahmed, President of the Minaret of Freedom Institute, a Washington, DC- based Islamic Think Tank, was introduced as the guest speaker by Foggy Bottom Peace Quest Forum founder, Dr. Hashim El-Tinay. South Sudanese Rev Thon Chol opened the evening with a brief prayer for peace.
Foggy Bottom, Washington, DC
Sandy Kay Report:
Dr. Imad-ad-dean Ahmed, President of the Minaret of Freedom Institute, a Washington, DC- based Islamic Think Tank, was introduced as the guest speaker by Foggy Bottom Peace Quest Forum founder, Dr. Hashim El-Tinay. South Sudanese Rev Thon Chol opened the evening with a brief prayer for peace.
Dr. Imad-ad-Deen Ahmed was born at sea to
Palestinian refugee parents who landed
in New York. He is a graduate of
Harvard University and has earned
advanced degrees in astronomy and
astrophysics. He is an author on
Islamic subjects and is a frequent
lecturer on Islam at the Foreign Service
Institute and American institutions of
higher learning.
Dr. Imad-ad-Deen Ahmed started his speech with the complaint that his topic has been discussed many times, but nothing has come of all the talk. He stressed that his approach is one at the grass roots level and seeks to introduce truth and reconciliation much like the peaceful, non-violent movement in South Africa.
He noted the three parties who are asked to address the problem (1) Palestinians (2) Israelis (3) everyone else. He noted Palestinians are a fractious group not at peace among themselves and unable to present a coherent narrative to the world. There is a need to unify Hamas in Gaza and Fatah on the West Bank who are at war with one another.
Dr. Imad-ad-Deen Ahmed started his speech with the complaint that his topic has been discussed many times, but nothing has come of all the talk. He stressed that his approach is one at the grass roots level and seeks to introduce truth and reconciliation much like the peaceful, non-violent movement in South Africa.
He noted the three parties who are asked to address the problem (1) Palestinians (2) Israelis (3) everyone else. He noted Palestinians are a fractious group not at peace among themselves and unable to present a coherent narrative to the world. There is a need to unify Hamas in Gaza and Fatah on the West Bank who are at war with one another.
The speaker was impressed with a
response given by a Palestinian who
was asked when the Palestinians would
be given a homeland – “When we deserve it.” Until there is unification
among the Palestinians, there will be no
effort at lasting peace or a homeland.
He also noted that aiming rockets and
violence have done tremendous harm
to the Palestinian cause.
The military approach needs to be dropped, as this has become an ineffective tactic. Palestinians must become like the South Africans in their effort to overthrow apartheid. Peaceful resistance proved to be very effective and is a role model for the Palestinians. As for the Israelis, the speaker understands the need for a homeland and the massive immigration that followed World War II.
The military approach needs to be dropped, as this has become an ineffective tactic. Palestinians must become like the South Africans in their effort to overthrow apartheid. Peaceful resistance proved to be very effective and is a role model for the Palestinians. As for the Israelis, the speaker understands the need for a homeland and the massive immigration that followed World War II.
He mentioned the need for pursuing
the ideal of Truth and Reconciliation,
which harkens back to the method the
South Africans used to redefine their
homeland after the fall of apartheid.
All parties were asked to speak the
truth as they saw it. There was no
punishment assigned. Both sides
admitted their own wrongdoing and
this helped create a mechanism for
moving forward.
Dr. Imad-ad-Deen Ahmed addressed the rest of the world with special emphasis on the United States which has a heavy investment in Israel with direct financial support and more important ancillary support in the form of wars with Iraq, Afghanistan, possible interference in Iran and Syria, which has been costly to the American economy.
Dr. Imad-ad-Deen Ahmed addressed the rest of the world with special emphasis on the United States which has a heavy investment in Israel with direct financial support and more important ancillary support in the form of wars with Iraq, Afghanistan, possible interference in Iran and Syria, which has been costly to the American economy.
The speaker sympathized with the fact
that the American Congress is helpless
to do anything at present, but may be
in a position to exert subtle influence in
the direction of truth and
reconciliation, which will bring about
peace in that area.
Also of influence are the pro-Israel Evangelical Christians who were once only religious, but now exercise political power based on a belief in Armageddon and the Second Coming, which they believe will take place in the MiddleEast.
The speaker noted that American media is limited in discussing all aspects of the Middle Eastern crisis out of fear of losing advertising and financial support. The only independent news source is the Christian Science Monitor, which is financed independently and does not fear criticism. TheProfessor ended his speech with an exhortation to the audience to communicate what was discussed at this meeting and to contact people in government.
After a lively Q & A session and comments, networking among those present and refreshments the Forum was brought to a close.
Also of influence are the pro-Israel Evangelical Christians who were once only religious, but now exercise political power based on a belief in Armageddon and the Second Coming, which they believe will take place in the MiddleEast.
The speaker noted that American media is limited in discussing all aspects of the Middle Eastern crisis out of fear of losing advertising and financial support. The only independent news source is the Christian Science Monitor, which is financed independently and does not fear criticism. TheProfessor ended his speech with an exhortation to the audience to communicate what was discussed at this meeting and to contact people in government.
After a lively Q & A session and comments, networking among those present and refreshments the Forum was brought to a close.
Some books authored by Dr. Imad-ad-Dean Ahmed:
1-Signs in the Heavens
2- Islam and the Discovery of Freedom
3- Islam and the West: A Dialog
"When you follow the dreams of your
heart,
express your passion creatively and live with purpose,
you will find joy in life"
express your passion creatively and live with purpose,
you will find joy in life"
peacequestdc@gmail.com
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