September 12, 2004

SELECT YOUR TEAM

Apparently we’re in danger due to being part of "Bush’s team". What team would Sheikh Taj el-Den Al-Hilaly prefer us to be on?

The bombing of the Australian embassy in Jakarta has prompted Australia's leading Muslim cleric to warn of the dangers of being a member of "Bush's team".

Speaking after midday prayers at Sydney's largest mosque in Lakemba, Sheikh Taj el-Den Al-Hilaly expressed his "sorrow and shock" at the attack.

"It's not in the interests of Australia for us to be in [President George] Bush's team because that team has expressed and proven its animosity to the world," he warned. "The Bush team is known now to rely on deception and has goals that are not all open. He is leading a push for American imperialism and he doesn't care for Australian interests or those of any sovereign nation other than his own."

The Sheikh's team is well known for proving its friendliness to the world.

Posted by Tim Blair at September 12, 2004 03:54 AM
Comments

"Sorrow and shock" aside, friendly warnings from Muslim clerics just look and sound like threats to me. Sorry. It's the history, you know.

Eat pigs and die, M. clerics.

Posted by: Rebecca at September 12, 2004 at 04:00 AM

I think the reverend cleric is displaying his brotherhood as well.

[/sarcasm tag]

Posted by: The Real JeffS at September 12, 2004 at 04:59 AM

But of course - any right-minded individual would be on Saddam's team.

Posted by: Zhang Fei at September 12, 2004 at 05:14 AM

I'm sure the Sheikh was in such sorrow and shock that he lost sleep. I'm equally sure he really cares about all Australians. Probably says a prayer each day asking Allah to protect and defend each and every Australian.

/sarcasm

Posted by: Chris Josephson at September 12, 2004 at 07:08 AM

Would that be the froth mouthed barking mad dog team?

Posted by: K. Cinosa at September 12, 2004 at 08:36 AM

I think the Sheikh has enough to worry about controlling the Muslim Lebanese gangs operating in his parish(do muslims have parishes or are they caliphates).As the State Opposition leader commented"Sydney is being controlled by a hundred or so Lebanese gangsters"and the Sheikh is worried about who Australia's friends are?

Posted by: gubbaboy at September 12, 2004 at 09:18 AM

If you're ever in doubt of your own moral compass, here's a tip: Choose the side without the hate-mongering cleric.

Posted by: Quentin George at September 12, 2004 at 09:38 AM

"has goals that are not all open"

arent you meant to protect your own goal. I think the sporiting analogy got a wee bit tangled here.

Posted by: Giles at September 12, 2004 at 11:00 AM

I suppose he'd want us to stay on the sidelines?

Posted by: Andjam at September 12, 2004 at 12:55 PM

Shame on you, Chris, for suggesting that the sheikh's sorrow and shock were not genuine. After all, there were no infidel Australian embassy staff killed in the blast.

Posted by: Clem Snide at September 12, 2004 at 04:26 PM