MRN

The aspiration of the Media Review Network is to dispel the myths and stereotypes about Islam and Muslims and to foster bridges of understanding among the diverse people of our country. The Media Review Network believes that Muslim perspectives on issues impacting on South Africans are a prerequisite to a better appreciation of Islam.

Muslims disillusioned over lack of progress

by MRN
January 1, 2013July 25, 2013

(source: Layalina Productions – Review)

Muslims, and Palestinians in particular, remain convinced that US President Barack Obama holds as much promise of a "’just world’ as his war-mongering predecessor," despite the pledge made in Cairo, denounces Iqbal Jassat of Media Monitor Network.

Following Obama’s historic speech in Cairo, he remarks that Muslims were overwhelmed "with a new sense of expectation" that would "reverse strained relations … caused by the Bush administration’s belligerent policies."

Yet, Arab frustration with the United States has grown through a series of recent events, namely US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s praise for Israel’s "unprecedented" offer to curtail Jewish settlements. She later attempted to control the Arab backlash by claiming the US wants more concessions from Israel. Asharq-Alawsat fustigates, "Her words left a lasting sting … [and] angered the dismayed Arab leaders."

Sa chief rabbis defense of Isaraeli war crimes is untenable absurd

by MRN
January 1, 2013July 25, 2013

by Ebrahim Suliman

(source: MMN)

"The issue of malicious intent and the lack of evidence raised by the learned Rabbi as an aspect of substantive injustice is self evidently absurd. The report in itself is directed to present evidence of the violation of human rights, etc. by the Israeli army in Gaza."

In an article intended as a rebuttal of the Goldstone Report, South Africa’s Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein, states that according to the Talmud : “The world stands on three things: truth, justice & peace.”
With due respect to the Rabbi, it is my submission that his argument is faulty and militates against the concepts of truth, justice and peace!

Israeli soldiers from south Africa feel heat of prosecution drive in old country

by MRN
January 1, 2013July 25, 2013

By Raphael Ahren

(source: Haaretz)

South Africans who served in the IDF said this week they would continue visiting their home country despite attempts to prosecute them there for serving in a foreign army – which South African law prohibits. Many see the effort, spurred by war crimes allegations emanating from Operation Cast Lead and initiated in the main by pro-Palestinian NGOs, as mere "saber-rattling." At the same time, soldiers and activists said those concerned should be careful not publicize evidence of serving in Gaza and to stay informed about new developments.

"Of course I’ll be going back for visits," a 23-year-old IDF combat soldier from Johannesburg told Anglo File last week. "If something big would happen and I’d be in danger, I’m sure my friends and my parents would’ve told me." Advertisement

A former soldier now living in Johannesburg added: "I am not scared about being prosecuted." Fearing repercussions, many former and current South African soldiers declined to be quoted in this article, even if promised anonymity.

Does the mercenary law apply to conscripts?

by MRN
January 1, 2013July 25, 2013

By Raphael Ahren

(source: Haaretz)

According to South Africa’s 1998 Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, citizens are not allowed to "engage in mercenary activity" or "render any foreign military assistance to any state" unless special authorization was granted. Yet several local community members interviewed for this article said South Africans who served in the IDF need not worry because this law does not apply to them.

"The law applies specifically to mercenaries but not to people who were inducted into the Israeli army according to Israeli law," presumed a prominent member of the community, who asked to remain unnamed. "It’s my understanding that this law contains a paragraph saying that it doesn’t apply if you’re a citizen of that [foreign] country," a 24-year-old former IDF combat soldier from Port Elizabeth said.

Attorney Mervyn Smith, the former president of the South African Jewish Board, told Anglo File he has "never heard of that exception." However, a close reading of the legislation by Anglo File revealed the following clause: "Any court of law in the Republic may try a person for [contravening the law] notwithstanding the fact that the act… was committed outside the Republic, except in the instance where a foreign citizen [contravenes the law] wholly outside the borders of the Republic."