Posted By:  RaquelEvita Posted On:  Jul 26, 2008	This Muslim knows how to have fun & great minds to watch out for
We all have our vices, whether we like to ‘fess up to them or not. Mine are slightly embarassing. But I’m willing to own up to them: * Independent bookstores: the one in my neighborhood has the most incredible Middle Eastern politics, current affairs and history sections...... [view]

Posted By:  RaquelEvita Posted On:  Jul 1, 2008	Activism - not all chants and spiffy tshirts
Not too long ago, I delivered my first keynote address . Prior to this, I’d been a “feature” at events, the guest speaker, a panelist, etc. In short, this wasn’t my first speaking engagement. I’m not nervous in front of crowds. I consider most events a chance to get to know...... [view]

Posted By:  RaquelEvita Posted On:  May 24, 2008	Faith and reason - let me know what you think
“Faith is more than my guiding light. It is my kinetic energy.”   - Helen Keller  I recently attended an event and panel discussion on Islam. All panelists were people active in movements for human rights. Something about the panel struck me immediately: there...... [view]

Posted By:  RaquelEvita Posted On:  May 19, 2008	Reflection for the week - William James on doubt, risk and morality
“If in the mountain precipice I doubt my right to risk a leap, I actively connive at my destruction. He who commands himself not to be credulous of God, of duty, of freedom, of immortality, may again and again be indistinguishable from he who dogmatically denies them. Scepticism in...... [view]

Posted By:  RaquelEvita Posted On:  May 19, 2008	Fanning the flames
“ Today, dear Israel, you are standing on the back of another people. A people who have become a broken mirror image of yourself. They dream your dream, fear your fears, and suffer your pains. Just like you they drink from the wellspring of their grandmother’s tears and...... [view]

Posted By:  RaquelEvita Posted On:  Nov 1, 2007	Raquel’s image challenged
i dont appreciate how u have picturess with ur cleavage showing. this is haraaamm. while ur trying to promote islam u are also discouragin itt. pleasee delete them if u fear allah (subhanahu wa taala) and if u wear hijab CONSTANTLY it should never be taken off; so delete ur hair pics. im so...... [view]

Posted By:  RaquelEvita Posted On:  Nov 1, 2007	Why I support Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Ayaan Hirsi Ali (photo: Lisa Wiltse, The Sydney Morning Herald) I gotta ask you, I hope you don’t mind: what is your reasoning for supporting Ayaan Hirsi Ali?  - an email I received A lot of people, particularly Muslims, have asked me why I support Ayaan Hirsi Ali...... [view]

Posted By:  RaquelEvita Posted On:  Nov 2, 2007	Rudy Giuliani: If it was good enough for Pol Pot, it MIGHT be good enough for me!
Rudy Giuliani “isn’t sure” if waterboarding - a simulated drowning technique allegedly used by the United States armed forces in the war on terror - is torture. Waterboarding induces the feeling of imminent death - see also, mock execution - which is illegal under...... [view]

Posted By:  RaquelEvita Posted On:  Jan 9, 2008	I give Haaretz my scoop on Benazir Bhutto’s human rights record
Hebrew readers: click here to download my editorial in Haaretz:   haartez.pdf English readers: hang tight, you’ll see it on Friday. Special thanks to the dashing fellow who sent me this snapshot from Tel Aviv this morning. ... [view]

Posted By:  RaquelEvita Posted On:  Jan 11, 2008	My commentary on Benazir Bhutto - Haaretz (this time in English!)
Quote:  “…Bhutto’s position as the Muslim world’s first female prime minister defied the tribal culture in which she lived. Her leadership, however, did not. Bhutto’s legacy certainly attests to her determination and resilience. What her leadership did not...... [view]