In the discussion over how much and how visibly Obama should reach out to American Muslims, most people seem to gravitate towards one of two positions:
    1- It's a matter of principle, there can be no compromise.
    2- Politics come first, let him get elected, then he can reach out.

But this is missing a major point. How convincing is Obama when he says we can talk to the Iranians, if he's avoiding patriotic, non-fundamentalist, American Muslims here in the US?

A lot of the major issues in this election cycle involve Islam. The war. Oil prices. Iran's possible nuclear ambitions. Civil liberties. Terrorism. That's a long and heavy list. And every time we discuss one of those issues, like it or not, we're taking a position on Islam. And every time we don't take a clear stand we give other people (read: Republicans) an opportunity to define what our relation to Islam is. Is this really such a good idea?

Many thanks to klizard, who's graciously offered to Cave-sit while I muck about in the non-blogworld for a little while.  As always, please treat the guest-host with respect, and remember: there may be a pop quiz when I get back. - Unitary Moonbat

And thanks to Unitary Moonbat for handing me the controls to the batcave!

Last week Moonbat outlined the political history and major events of Medieval Persia, from the coming of Islam to the beginning of modern times. This week, I'm going to throw a little meat on the skeleton and talk about the society that Medieval Iranians built.

In a world where the rightly-guided government has fallen apart, and Islam has become a religion of the masses, Sufism thrives. Its mystical vision inspires some of the world's greatest poets and storytellers.

A second major non-violent act of resistance to the blockade of Gaza took place today, organized by Hamas. 5,000 Palestinian men, women, university students, and children formed a human chain near the town of Beit Hanoun, about four miles from the border with Israel.

More below the fold.