November 01, 2009
Muslims Protest Islamist Leader
(Jakarta, Indonesia) Although anecdotal, this story indicates that average everyday Muslims do occasionally stand up to terrorists.
Tensions were high in Banten early on Sunday when radical Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Bashir was confronted by angry residents and asked to leave their village.Of course, Bashir used the episode as an opportunity to bash his detractors, calling the residents "people who dislike the unity of Indonesians."About 50 people surrounded a house in Kaujon village, Serang, where the former head of the hard-line Indonesian Mujahideen Council (MMI) was visiting. They demanded Bashir leave because his presence caused concern among residents.
But Bashir refused to leave, saying he was invited to attend an event at his friend’s house. “On what grounds do you reject me? I’m only visiting and attending a Koranic recital — I am not a terrorist,” he told the residents.
Ultimately, though, the residents allowed Bashir to stay, making the incident an insignificant blip on the religion of peace radar. Regarding his appearance in a small village outside Jakarta, I don't buy the Koranic recital story. I'd suggest he's attending a terrorism planning session. It's his forte. (Cont....)
