MEMRI, Apple and Islam
MEMRI, the site which monitors Middle Eastern news sources, is often attacked by anti-Zionists and fellow travellers of militant Islam for being a biased source. I usually reject that charge, as it is a useful resource, passing on stuff that would otherwise slip thru' the net for non-Arabic speakers. No one has managed to show that it mis-translates, simply that it shows Arabic sources saying horrible things.
This time, though, I agree with the critics. Here's a dispatch from MEMRI:
And, of course, it gets picked up. "Muslims slam Apple" blah blah blah. More ammunition in the clash of civilisations. Except, of course, hardly any Muslims think this. See this response on Apple Gazette.
(I heard the story verbally, then read this at City of Brass.)
This time, though, I agree with the critics. Here's a dispatch from MEMRI:
On October 10, 2006, an Islamist website posted a message alerting Muslims to what it claims is a new insult to Islam. According to the message, the cube-shaped building which is being constructed in New York City, on Fifth Avenue between 58th and 59th Streets in midtown Manhattan, is clearly meant to provoke Muslims. The fact that the building resembles the Ka'ba (see picture below), is called "Apple Mecca," is intended to be open 24 hours a day like the Ka'ba, and moreover, contains bars selling alcoholic beverages, constitutes a blatant insult to Islam. The message urges Muslims to spread this alert, in hope that "Muslims will be able to stop the project."AN Islamist website. No attribution.
And, of course, it gets picked up. "Muslims slam Apple" blah blah blah. More ammunition in the clash of civilisations. Except, of course, hardly any Muslims think this. See this response on Apple Gazette.
(I heard the story verbally, then read this at City of Brass.)
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