September 20th was the Muslim Holiday of Ashura. It commemorates the death of the last members of the prophet Mohammed’s family. Historically they were killed in the battle of Karabala. But the Shiites have been waiting for their return (a second coming?) for some 300 years, There are some interesting aspects to the holiday according to Shiia tradition. One is the collection of alms in order to provide holiday meals for the needy. Doing good deeds for the Muslim community is one of the better traditions within the religion. Another is the intense mourning that can lead to inflicting pain, physical and/or mental, on one’s self.. Sunni Muslims also observe the day, but for the Shiites it is a major major occurrence.
Much of the speech making by Shiia clerics during Ashura in recent times has been to emphasize their loyalty to their religious leaders. Yes, That means the Iranians. The focus of most of those sermons has also been hatred of America and of Israel. Although most of the Muslim Arabs in Palestine and Gaza are Sunni, and don’t emphasize this holiday as strongly, the depth of feeling that is directed against America is especially bothersome. Making the Arab-Israeli conflict into a religious war means that there is little or no room for compromise or for reaching a negotiated settlement. No wonder the Trump administration is holding back on revealing ideas for making a deal. Even without hearing any part of any potential American proposal, the Palestinian leaders of both Fatah and Hamas (de facto governing bodies of the West Bank Palestinian Authority and the Gaza strip) have already categorically rejected any and all parts of whatever will be presented. In this approach, they are following the Shiite tradition. Will the conflict still not be settled for 300 more years?
Wetherhorn 