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The Daily OrangeFilm sparks conflict on radical Islam
By Adeniyi Amadou
Posted: 10/22/08, 4:39 AM EST Section: News
Syracuse University's College Republicans will show a controversial film on Islam tonight at 7 in the Hall of Languages Room 207.
The 2006 movie, directed by Raphael Shore, is "Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West." The debate surrounding it stems from its focus on radical Islamic viewpoints. Some Muslims on campus said they do not agree with the showing of the movie at the university, claiming it is biased and unfair. But supporters of the film say it is a balanced and fair documentary based on the opinions of people who have experienced the Islamic religion firsthand.
Shore's nonprofit organization, Clarion Fund, distributed more than 28 million copies around the country during the last month. DVDs were sent to churches and synagogues, and as newspaper advertising supplements in swing states.
"There is a need today to promote awareness against radical Islam," said Dan Fitzpatrick, executive director of the College Republicans at SU and political science major.
The movie will be played during the "Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week," an event observed by some conservative groups nationwide.
"Moderate Muslims need to speak out against radical Islam and be the vocal element of the Muslim world," Fitzpatrick said.
Fitzpatrick insisted the film clearly starts with the statement that "it is talking about radical Islam, and that most Muslims are not extremists."
The movie makes a point that moderate Muslims don't speak out because they live in fear, said Mark Lucaj, a sophomore computer science major and a member of the College Republicans.
When members of SU's Muslim Students Association heard the College Republicans would be showing the film, they asked for the opportunity to tell their side of the story before the screening, said Ahmed Al-Salem, a sophomore in the School of Information Studies and president of MSA.
Al-Salem said he was angered and disappointed when he first watched the film last week. He said the movie has no credibility and questioned the credentials of the film's main sources.
The 2006 movie, directed by Raphael Shore, is "Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West." The debate surrounding it stems from its focus on radical Islamic viewpoints. Some Muslims on campus said they do not agree with the showing of the movie at the university, claiming it is biased and unfair. But supporters of the film say it is a balanced and fair documentary based on the opinions of people who have experienced the Islamic religion firsthand.
Shore's nonprofit organization, Clarion Fund, distributed more than 28 million copies around the country during the last month. DVDs were sent to churches and synagogues, and as newspaper advertising supplements in swing states.
"There is a need today to promote awareness against radical Islam," said Dan Fitzpatrick, executive director of the College Republicans at SU and political science major.
The movie will be played during the "Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week," an event observed by some conservative groups nationwide.
"Moderate Muslims need to speak out against radical Islam and be the vocal element of the Muslim world," Fitzpatrick said.
Fitzpatrick insisted the film clearly starts with the statement that "it is talking about radical Islam, and that most Muslims are not extremists."
The movie makes a point that moderate Muslims don't speak out because they live in fear, said Mark Lucaj, a sophomore computer science major and a member of the College Republicans.
When members of SU's Muslim Students Association heard the College Republicans would be showing the film, they asked for the opportunity to tell their side of the story before the screening, said Ahmed Al-Salem, a sophomore in the School of Information Studies and president of MSA.
Al-Salem said he was angered and disappointed when he first watched the film last week. He said the movie has no credibility and questioned the credentials of the film's main sources.
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 8
The Crusader
posted 10/22/08 @ 8:15 AM EST
+I quote the great American hero Todd Beamer, who after watching flight attendants have their throats cut with boxcutters by savages, in the name of Islam and their jet commandeered to be used in an evil and desparate scheme from the mind of a evil child, proclaiming manhood, he told his wife he loved her and proceeded to confront evil face to face. (Continued…)
Ross Deforrest
posted 10/22/08 @ 8:17 AM EST
Of course we all know that Islamic fundamentalism is a worldwide problem. But the part that the backers of this film leave out is America's part in the rise of this cult. (Continued…)
Haifa Jedea
posted 10/22/08 @ 12:26 PM EST
When it comes down to it, islam is a religion of peace. blame the people who use and manipulate the religion to give them power and not the religion itself. (Continued…)
laura
posted 10/22/08 @ 9:30 PM EST
Obsession - It's a great documentary, scary -- this: Islamic hatred, Islamic fascism -- as it is, so much of mainstream Islam is LIKE THAT...
http://geocities. (Continued…)
Evan Reiser
posted 10/23/08 @ 4:09 AM EST
And I bet that, right now, the "College Fundamentalists" club at some Iranian university is screening a film about Evangelical Christians in America and the threat that they pose to the world. (Continued…)
Vinny Napolitano - Class of 2008
posted 10/23/08 @ 3:51 PM EST
I applaud the Syracuse College Republicans for showing this film. Someone needs to expose the far extreme threat posed by radical Islam, and show why we need strong people like John McCain and Sarah Palin leading this country. (Continued…)
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