Islam is a demanding religion, both for its adherents and for those who share the planet with them. It is quick to anger when non—believers in predominantly non—Muslim countries do something which offends Islamic sensitibilities. The imperative to struggle, violently and non—violently, to make Shari'a the law of the world under a proper Islamic caliphate marks Islam as unique among the major spiritual paths.

Ummah News Links calls our attention to an item from the Gulf News about the United Nations' latest step to apparently accommodate the special and unique demands of Islamic nations, when being served by international humanitarian relief efforts. Even when needy, Islamic nations can be choosy.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) have agreed to set up a mechanism for exchanging information and the possibility of sending joint field missions. The decision was taken at the first meeting between the two organizations held at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah on Monday.

The OCHA offered assistance in capacity building, mainly in fund raising, financial tracking systems and product evaluation and reporting systems. It also offered assistance in the creation of OIC forum for NGOs.

There was also agreement on joint action in preparing for the OIC—sponsored donor conference for Niger. The OIC will promote OCHA's image and mobilize resources for its programs in Islamic countries.

It is quite typical for the official language of such announcements to obscure more than it reveals, and my general lack of familiarity with the UN's OCHA makes this even harder to interpret. But I have to wonder if any other religious groups receive such special consideration. Does the UN meet with groups purporting to represent Buddhist issues? How about Christian issues? Is the UN telling Christian groups how to raise money?

Clearly the OIC is raising money ("mobilize resources" — don't you just love the way these people bend the language?) for OCHA, so maybe it is simply a matter of money talking, and the UN being for sale.

Because many Islamic countries practice outright bigotry against Jews, they are reluctant to allow Jewish individuals and organizations to patricipate in relief and rescue efforts. Perhaps the UN can "coordinate" with the OIC to devise mechanisms for identifying and tracking covert Jews who might slip into rescue efforts after the next tsunami or earthquake?

I have a great idea! The UN loves to hire expert consultants. There is one available right now, as his movie has been completed and is currently number one in the US box office. Yes, Borat Sagdiyev should be contacted immediately for make great benefit glorious organization of UN.

Thomas Lifson   11 9 06