Some time back, someone here wrote a diary, with connections to Iraqi bloggers. There was this overwhelming sentiment that it would be great to be in touch with people who are actually experiencing the conflict first-hand.
Well, my reflexive American self lauded it also, but not much came of it. "But I read Riverbend!" you say. Fine. But just for a moment think about a wonderful diarist in this own durned blog, who is deeply connected with issues in the Muslim world, who posted a diary today about the amendment of rape laws in Pakistan, an issue that will be decided upon on 9/11/06. In Pakistan.
http://www.dailykos.com/...
OK, so I'm a huge fan of eteraz (seemed so brilliant I assumed he was female--on second thought it's even better that a male is bringing up this issue) I understand that long, complicated diaries, well written, with dense references, have a hard launch time here. cskendrick can attest to that heartily (and only wu ming has the attention span,etc.)
I have thought many times about ways people can reach out to others where our government will fail or refuse.
What could be more fruitful: demonizing Muslim fundies or embracing Muslim progressives?
Are we going to let karen hughes be the special ambassador to the Muslim world, or are we going to stand up with our fellow Muslim progressives against terror and for women?
Please read eteraz' diary and do what you can. If you can take the time to pummel a TV program in the states, you can reserve some more for standing with others who want a freedom that means more than open market capitalism.