Where did you get the idea that "under my standards," Morocco could not be considered a "Muslim country" ??????

There are clear differences between Morocco and Lebanon -- in fact you just typed out a major one yourself: Morocco uses a combination of French provincial law and sharia. In contrast, Lebanon does not use sharia at all.

Also, Morocco does not have a sizeable minority of non-Muslims -- only about 1% of Morocco’s population is Christian, and only about .02% are Jewish. But in Lebanon, nearly 40% of the population is Christian, and by law, Christians are guaranteed a certain amount of representation in the Lebanese government.

So, due to its overwhelmingly Muslim population and its inclusion of Islamic principles in its laws, I would have to say that Morocco certainly should be considered a “Muslim country.”

Ok, then I am confused about what you consider defines a Muslim country. Please explain what makes one such.

oh let's see. perhaps you missed these parts........

-Hezbollah, Lebanon's most powerful Shi'ite Muslim group, and its pro-Syrian allies had called on Lebanese from across the country to take part in the protest (i'm sure they are doing that just because they are nice guys and have no plans for lebanon)

-Large numbers of security forces, backed by armored troop carriers, were deployed. Scores of soldiers, using barbed wire and metal barriers, cordoned off the complex housing the government's offices in downtown Beirut. (this sounds to me like civil war might occur - again)

and why is this going on?
-Hezbollah has been at loggerheads with Siniora's government over what it says was its failure to back the group during the July-August war with Israel.

so let's see........Hezbollah, Lebanon's most powerful Shi'ite Muslim group - Hezbollah, which is backed by Syria and Iran - what exactly do you think they will stand to gain from this deal? just replacing the govenment, or replacing the government with hezbollah members? i'd vote for the latter. and hence my remarks about the pending change.......

Ok, then I am confused about what you consider defines a Muslim country. Please explain what makes one such.

that long list of lebanon legal system above might be revised soon, was my point. sorry it was over your head.

uh-oh

There is nothing in this article that pertains to wanting to "change the Lebanese legal system."

You have listed a lot of snippets about Hezbollah protesting or making demands that the Siniora administration resign or be replaced, but that's not the same thing as changing the laws of the country.

So again... this article does not support your conclusion.

Friday entertainment for the discriminating taste.....

It was bound to happen after two days of talking about nothing but the weather Thankfully it is almost the end of the day, and someone can start a new thread!!

LOL, this is the Thursday thread that ppl aren't letting go of!! The Friday thread has been sorely neglected today!

ok, since you you're so brilliant.......just what, pray tell, do you think is hezbollah's agenda then in starting such unrest? do you think they (hezbollah) won't benefit from the downfall of lebanon's current government in such a way that they won't have more power there? do you really expect them (hezbollah) not to institute some changes to what the current mode of their legal system? i honestly foresee some changes in the wind.........

We believe the requirement for an Islamic state is to have an overwhelming popular desire, and we're not talking about fifty percent plus one, but a large majority. And this is not available in Lebanon and probably never will be.

http://www.counterpunch.org/kfoury10022006.html

Well I never claimed to be so brilliant but if you think so, then thanks... I guess....

What does Hezbollah want ? They have been pretty up front about it -- I mean, they hold rallies, they have a TV station, a newspaper, and a website -- this info is all easily available to you on the internet.

But basically -- they want the current government of Lebanon to step down and be replaced by a national unity government. They have a website if you want to read it in their own words (translated into English) -- it's at http://www.hizbollah.org/

You haven't come out and said it, but your concern seems to be that Hezbollah would want to turn Lebanon into an Islamic state or establish Shari'a law, by force. Hassan Nasrallah has stated:


By the way this entire article about Nasrallah from Counterpunch is very insightful -- it might answer a lot of people's questions.

Charles, you've put up a good fight. Trust me, you can't win.

Sarah...must say that i love that picture of the two of you...such an adorable couple...

D.

Charles, you've put up a good fight. Trust me, you can't win.

i just can't see how an organization that is supported by iran and syria is going to be "helpful" to the local population.........it's only logical that hezbollah would have an agenda different from what is best for the country.

can this thread also be put to rest now? thank u all very much!