Politics

Former US Representative: “Israel Steals Gazan Land Under the Guise of Security ‘Buffer Zone'”

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Dennis Kucinich, former US Representative from Ohio, published a piece in The Guardian which argues that Israel’s latest attack on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip is not about “security” but rather a “land grab.” Kucinich provides a little insight into what is really happening in Gaza: There is a land grab going on. The Israeli prime…… Continue reading Former US Representative: “Israel Steals Gazan Land Under the Guise of Security ‘Buffer Zone'”

Politics

Politician in Turkey Calls on Turkish Women to Stop Laughing in Public, Calling it “Immoral”.

Dr. Craig ConsidineLeave a comment

First of all, HAHAHAHA and LOL. In all seriousness though, this story is no laughing matter. Telling any person, let alone a woman, not to laugh in public is inhumane and stripping an individual of some of the joys of life including humor and friendship. Imagine how strange and miserable life would be without laughter. Imagine that there…… Continue reading Politician in Turkey Calls on Turkish Women to Stop Laughing in Public, Calling it “Immoral”.

Politics

Obama Admits US Tortured “Folks” After 9/11

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“Folks.” At least have the decency to call them people, Mr. President. Obama stated, “In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, we did some things that we got wrong, we did a lot of things that we right, but we tortured some folks … We did some things that were contrary to our values.” Gee, ya think? “It’s…… Continue reading Obama Admits US Tortured “Folks” After 9/11

Politics

Text of “When Genocide is Permissible” Article by Yochanan Gordon

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Yochanan Gordon, blogger for the Times of Israel, called for “the final solution” of Palestinians, just like Hitler called for “the final solution” against Jews during the 1930s and 1940s. Not only does “When Genocide is Permissible” have an utterly outrageous and ridiculous argument, but the piece itself is poorly written. Genocide is never permissible, you idiot. Original link…… Continue reading Text of “When Genocide is Permissible” Article by Yochanan Gordon

Politics

Village of Kinvara First to Boycott Israeli Goods in Ireland

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

Kinvara (Cinn Mhara, meaning “head of the sea”), a village in County Galway, has become the first community in Ireland to unite against Israel’s military action in Gaza. Kinvara’s business community agreed this week to operate a boycott of Israeli goods, in protest against the “ongoing bombardment” of the Palestinian people. According to the Irish Palestine…… Continue reading Village of Kinvara First to Boycott Israeli Goods in Ireland

Irish Diaspora

Irish Diaspora May Get the Right to Vote in Irish Elections

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New legislation initiated by Jimmy Deenihan, the Junior Minister for the Irish Diaspora, will allow Irish passport holders living in diaspora to vote in Irish elections. Irish Central reports: The matter of voting rights at home for the hundreds of thousands who have left Ireland in recent years has been a constant matter of protest among…… Continue reading Irish Diaspora May Get the Right to Vote in Irish Elections

Irish America

When Irish Catholics Changed America

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This article is from Irish America magazine. To enjoy more articles from their History Archives, click here.  The 1930s. Before the decade was over, America would be a vastly different nation,  thanks in no small part to Irish Catholics. Nineteen hundred and twenty-eight was a dark year for Irish Catholics in America. It was, of course,…… Continue reading When Irish Catholics Changed America

Quoted

Laugh, Think, Cry

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There are three things that we should do everyday of our lives. Number one is LAUGH. You should laugh everyday. Number two is THINK. You should spend some time in thought. And number three is that you should have your emotions move you to tears. Think about it… If you laugh, if you think, and…… Continue reading Laugh, Think, Cry

Philosophy

How to Be a Good Person

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

Here’s how you can become a good person… Look people in their eyes when they’re speaking to you. Listen to everything they say and never interrupt them. Don’t dismiss their points, ever. Make them smile, make them laugh. Find their strong points and tease them out. Find common ground and build on it. Be humble.…… Continue reading How to Be a Good Person

Politics

Irish Government Gives €500k in Emergency Funding to Gaza

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The Irish government has pledged funding of €500,000 for the United Nations’ emergency appeal for families affected by the conflict in Gaza. The funding will provide food, shelter and healthcare to thousands of families, many of whom have had to flee their homes. Foreign Affairs minister Charlie Flanagan said: ‘I totally condemn the major escalation…… Continue reading Irish Government Gives €500k in Emergency Funding to Gaza

Politics

An Irish Perspective for the Palestinian People

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I must say, the Irish people I have been speaking to over the last few days are so passionate about the situation in Palestine. Not sure what it is, if it’s Ireland’s history of being oppressed by a ruthless foreign invader, or if it’s just the compassion of the Irish people. Nevertheless their stance on…… Continue reading An Irish Perspective for the Palestinian People

Pictures · Travels

Port, an Abandoned Irish Famine Village in Donegal

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

In all my travels, Port, Donegal was one of the most magical places that I’ve ever been. Port has been called “the most remote and least visited corner of Ireland.” The nearest neighbors are three miles up the road. I’m still surprised that we even found it considering that you can take only one road to get there.…… Continue reading Port, an Abandoned Irish Famine Village in Donegal

Travels

God Exhaling Over the Irish Sea

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

I saw something amazing last night over the Irish Sea. A devilish red sunset which nearly melted our plane. There were towering castles in the distant which were made of thick black clouds. Below us were rolling hills of puffy things. God was simply exhaling. This picture isn’t mine, but it’s the closest thing I could…… Continue reading God Exhaling Over the Irish Sea

Basketball

Another Questionable Move by Michael Jordan, the Owner

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Gordon Hayward, the Utah Jazz wingman, has signed a 4-year, $63 million offer sheet to play for the Charlotte Hornets. This is another laughable move by Michael Jordan, who’s constantly making questionable decisions in the front office. A little Google search will attest to that. Could you really ever see Hayward as the third player of a “big three?” I…… Continue reading Another Questionable Move by Michael Jordan, the Owner

Irish

Upcoming Boston Festival to Promote Irish Culture

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

Boston, where more than 20 percent of residents have Irish ancestry, is hosting the inaugural iFest festival, a $4 million event created by the Irish hospitality industry and politicians to promote Irish culture. According to the Boston Globe, iFest is a tool to increase tourism to Ireland. “It really will immerse visitors in the best…… Continue reading Upcoming Boston Festival to Promote Irish Culture

Philosophy

Reflection on the Importance of Paying Attention to Our Selves

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“… By paying attention to ourselves, we give to ourselves, and can open ourselves up to receiving too. We can re-parent and heal our inner child, as we start to trust that we can depend on ourselves. We have less need of attention from others because we begin to realise that from others there is…… Continue reading Reflection on the Importance of Paying Attention to Our Selves

Clare

Stunning Aerial Video of the Ancient Considine Homeland in West Clare, Ireland

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Check out this gorgeous video shot by Alan Magner Photography of West Clare, also known as the ancient Considine homeland! Footage includes clips of the Cliffs of Moher, Loop Head, and Lahinch, among others. Source: Clare Herald

Politics

Forget their Different Methods of Madness, ISIS and US Military Can Both be Brutal

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Don’t let the coverage of the media trick you into thinking that ISIS is somehow more brutal than the US military. Who cares about their different methods of madness, whether it’s an “execution style” gun to the head or a bomb which drops depleted uranium on civilians. All of these acts are outrageous. Both ISIS rebels and American military…… Continue reading Forget their Different Methods of Madness, ISIS and US Military Can Both be Brutal

Basketball

Grades for the 1st Round Picks of the 2014 NBA Draft

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

Now that 2014 NBA Draft is over, it is time to dish out the grades for each pick. I’ve based my evaluation on several factors including the talent of the player and the needs of the team which chose the player. However, I should note that in the end I always just go with my gut feeling.…… Continue reading Grades for the 1st Round Picks of the 2014 NBA Draft

Politics

Negligent Pakistani Government Displaces 455,000 People With Reckless Military Adventure

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A mass exodus of Pakistanis is now underway in North Waziristan after the Pakistani army launched a massive operation against militants who oppose the state. The Pakistani army has called its operation “The Strike of the Prophet’s Sword.” I think Muhammad would be insulted that the army has used his name in an offensive that has…… Continue reading Negligent Pakistani Government Displaces 455,000 People With Reckless Military Adventure

Sociology

Ethnic Vs. Civic Nations: A Comparison Between England, Ireland, and the United States

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Jonathan Freedland’s article in the Guardian on English identity discusses the differences between the “ethno-nation” which is defined by “blood and soil” and the “civic nation” which is defined by egalitarian values and democratic institutions. These two types of competing national identities are also discussed in my PhD dissertation which focuses on the experiences of young first- and second-generation Pakistani…… Continue reading Ethnic Vs. Civic Nations: A Comparison Between England, Ireland, and the United States

Friends · Religion

“Jihad of the Pen” Interview with Qasim Rashid, Author of EXTREMIST

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

No Muslim has promoted the notion of a “jihad of the pen” more poignantly than Qasim Rashid, Ahmadi spokesmen, Muslim activist and author of the new book EXTREMIST: A Response to Geert Wilders & Terrorists Everywhere. A fervent advocate of human rights and a penetrating writer on Islam, Rashid has been actively promoting religious pluralism, freedom of…… Continue reading “Jihad of the Pen” Interview with Qasim Rashid, Author of EXTREMIST

Politics

If George Washington Ran Fox News, Bill O’Reilly Would be Fired for his Anti-Muslim Slurs

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Author Richard Hine recently tweeted about my article on honoring Muslim American veterans on Memorial Day. Hine noted: I agree with Hine. General Washington would not be happy with the Irish American Fox News commentator who has compared the Quran to Hitler’s Mein Kampf. Bill O’Reilly has historical amnesia or deliberately ignores the contributions that Muslims…… Continue reading If George Washington Ran Fox News, Bill O’Reilly Would be Fired for his Anti-Muslim Slurs

Religion

For the First Time in History, Islamic Prayers and Readings from the Quran Will be Heard at the Vatican

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

“For the first time in history, Islamic prayers and readings from the Quran will be heard at the Vatican on Sunday, in a move by Pope Francis to usher in peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Francis issued the invitation to Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas during his visit last week…… Continue reading For the First Time in History, Islamic Prayers and Readings from the Quran Will be Heard at the Vatican

Fieldwork

Multiculturalism in Ireland – Fighting Racism Against Pakistanis in Dublin

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

Islam, Race, and Pluralism in the Pakistani Diaspora. Published by Routledge – Taylor & Francis Group in July 2017 This book explores the Pakistani diaspora in a transatlantic context, enquiring into the ways in which young first- and second-generation Pakistani Muslim and non-Muslim men resist hegemonic identity narratives and respond to their marginalised conditions. Drawing on…… Continue reading Multiculturalism in Ireland – Fighting Racism Against Pakistanis in Dublin

Politics

Alabama, Islam, and the Founding Fathers’ Belief in Religious Tolerance

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

Published on Huffington Post Religion Recent comments made by the Chief Justice of Alabama shows that much work needs to be done in educating some of America’s most powerful figures on the history of religious tolerance in America, especially as it pertains to Muslims. Speaking at the Pastor for Life Luncheon, which was sponsored by…… Continue reading Alabama, Islam, and the Founding Fathers’ Belief in Religious Tolerance

Sociology

How Can Ireland, a Country with a History of Forced Migration and Oppression, Treat Refugees so Poorly?

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment
Interfaith

Sign the Petition to Save Saint Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai, Egypt

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Saint Catherine’s Monastery is one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. It is also famous for being the home of Prophet Muhammad’s covenant with Saint Catherine’s Christian monks in which he guarantees their protection and freedom under his rule. Saint Catherine’s “is a UNESCO-Designated World Heritage Site. It has been a destination for international visitors…… Continue reading Sign the Petition to Save Saint Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai, Egypt

Interfaith

More Details Emerge In Case To Destroy Saint Catherine’s Monastery

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

Last week I blogged about the possible closure of Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Egypt, which Ahmed Ragai Attiya, a retired Egyptian army general has pushed for. Saint Catherine’s is considered to be the only monastery in the world to serve as both a church and a mosque. It is also famous for being the home…… Continue reading More Details Emerge In Case To Destroy Saint Catherine’s Monastery

Interfaith

Prophet Muhammad’s Covenant with Christians to be Destroyed with Destruction of St. Catherine’s Monastery

Dr. Craig Considine12 Comments

In the ancient monastery of Saint Catherine’s at Mount Sinai in Egypt, there is a covenant of Prophet Muhammad’s in which he guarantees protection and other rights to the Christian communities of his realm. But a retired Egyptian army general says he has filed a court case pushing for Saint Catherine’s to be demolished, thus…… Continue reading Prophet Muhammad’s Covenant with Christians to be Destroyed with Destruction of St. Catherine’s Monastery

Film-work

Test Run of New 3CCD Camera in Bray, Ireland

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment
Religion

A Biblical Poem of Love

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

Love is patient, Love is kind. * It does not envy, It does not boast, It is not proud. * It does not dishonor others, It is not self-seeking, It is not easily angered, It keeps no record of wrongs. * Love does not delight in evil But rejoices with the truth. * It always…… Continue reading A Biblical Poem of Love

Interfaith

Pope Francis and King of Jordan Oppose “Clash of Civilizations,” Call For “Culture of Dialogue”

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His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday held talks with Pope Francis at the Vatican, focusing on bilateral relations, peace efforts and issues relating to dialogue and Islamic-Christian coexistence, according to a Royal Court statement. During the meeting, the King voiced Jordan’s keenness on enhancing its relations with the Vatican as both sides are partners in…… Continue reading Pope Francis and King of Jordan Oppose “Clash of Civilizations,” Call For “Culture of Dialogue”

Interfaith

Christians & Muslims Stand Together Against New Forces of Extremism & Destruction

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Source: Catholic News Agency The Holy Land’s bishops have said that Christians and Muslims need to unite against extremism, stressing that people of all beliefs are at risk. “Christians and Muslims need to stand together against the new forces of extremism and destruction,” the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land said in an…… Continue reading Christians & Muslims Stand Together Against New Forces of Extremism & Destruction

Outreach

5 Amazing Facts About Islam in Western Culture

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Transmission of Greek philosophy – Perhaps the greatest Muslim contribution to European civilization began in the 8th century when Muslim scholars inherited volumes of Greek philosophy. The wisdom in ancient Greek texts, which had been lost to Europeans, was translated from Latin to Arabic by Muslim scholars, thus creating one of the greatest transmissions of…… Continue reading 5 Amazing Facts About Islam in Western Culture

Sociology · Work

Family, Religion and Identity Experiences in the Pakistani Diaspora: A Case Study of Young Pakistani Men in Dublin & Boston

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

This presentation provided an overview of data collected during an exploratory case study based in qualitative research regarding the lived experiences of Pakistani men between the ages of 18 and 35 living in Dublin and Boston. I offered a theoretical backdrop on diaspora theory and its related concepts, a general introduction to Pakistanis, the origins…… Continue reading Family, Religion and Identity Experiences in the Pakistani Diaspora: A Case Study of Young Pakistani Men in Dublin & Boston

Personal

This Is What I Am Thankful For

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

I have been thinking a lot about thankfulness during this Lenten season. Oftentimes in life we forget to be thankful for obvious things such as our own beating hearts, our loved ones and family members, the food we put into our system, and the roof over our heads. When I walk around Dublin I often…… Continue reading This Is What I Am Thankful For

Sociology

In His New Book, Akbar Ahmed Explains the Current Cycle Roiling Muslim Countries

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By Khaled Ahmed Akbar Ahmed has had a good homecoming. His message has been embraced by the Pakistani state: Army chief Gen. Raheel Sharif presented him a shield at the National Defense University in December; and the Navy chief was so impressed with Ahmed’s latest book—last year’s The Thistle and the Drone: How America’s War on…… Continue reading In His New Book, Akbar Ahmed Explains the Current Cycle Roiling Muslim Countries

Politics

The Problem with Banning the Burqa

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

When I was recently invited to speak at a debate at University College of Cork in Ireland on banning the burqa, I was a bit hesitant to accept the call to participate. I, for one, am not a woman, nor am I Muslim. Speaking on an issue that focuses specifically on Muslim women seemed to…… Continue reading The Problem with Banning the Burqa

Personal

Christians Prepare for 40 Days of Sacrifice in Preparation for Easter Sunday

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Peace and blessings to the millions of believers in Christ who are choosing to give or sacrifice something they love for the 40 days of Lent. Lent is the 40-day period of preparation for Easter Sunday, the Christian holiday to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is believed that Lent is 40 days long…… Continue reading Christians Prepare for 40 Days of Sacrifice in Preparation for Easter Sunday

Politics

What Does Akbar the Great Teach Us About Tolerance in Islamic History?

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

Note: Akbar the Great, ruler of most of South Asia in the 16th and early 17th century, rejected bigotry and made unprecedented moves to help non-Muslims feel at peace in his Mughal empire. Below is passage from my article Finding Tolerance in Akbar, the Philosopher King, published in April 2013. You can also watch my short…… Continue reading What Does Akbar the Great Teach Us About Tolerance in Islamic History?

Politics · Religion

Revisiting the Connection Between Prophet Muhammad and George Washington

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

When I published the article – An Unlikely Connection Between Prophet Muhammad and George Washington – I had little idea of the impact it would have on Muslims and non-Muslims. The responses to my article varied from people being elated about the comparison to others feeling outraged. While some were pleased to see the similarities…… Continue reading Revisiting the Connection Between Prophet Muhammad and George Washington

Outreach

Rumi, Jesus, and the Power of Interfaith Outreach

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

NOTE: Excerpt from my article Rumi and Emerson: A Bridge Between the West and the Muslim World Rumi not only respected Christian teachings, but he also greatly admired the life and values shared by Jesus. In essence, for Rumi, all religions were more or less equally beautiful because they all sought the divine truth: I am…… Continue reading Rumi, Jesus, and the Power of Interfaith Outreach

Outreach

“The Enemy of One Religion is the Enemy of All Religions” – An Interview With Muslim Scholar John Andrew Morrow

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

I recently conducted an interview with Dr. John Andrew Morrow, scholar of Islam and author of the book The Covenants of the Prophet Muhammad with the Christians of the World. This interview was a follow-up to my review of his book, which you can read at “New Book Sheds Light on Prophet Muhammad’s Interfaith Views.” The…… Continue reading “The Enemy of One Religion is the Enemy of All Religions” – An Interview With Muslim Scholar John Andrew Morrow

Outreach

How Muslims of the Ottoman Empire Helped Ireland During the Great Famine

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

By Mehedi Islam Source: http://archiveislam.com 160 years ago, during the Great Famine in Ireland, the Ottoman Empire sent £1,000 sterling (about $1,052,000 today) and 3 shiploads of food to Drogheda, Ireland. Ireland was ridden with famine and disease between 1845 and 1849. Also known as the Great Hunger, this famine had lasting effects: at least one…… Continue reading How Muslims of the Ottoman Empire Helped Ireland During the Great Famine

Interfaith · Politics · Religion

John Andrew Morrow’s Spiritual Journey into Islam and the Life of Prophet Muhammad

Dr. Craig Considine10 Comments

This interview with Dr. John Andrew Morrow, Islamic scholar and author of the new book The Covenants of the Prophet Muhammad with the Christians of the World (Angelico Press, 2013), is a follow-up to my review “New Book Sheds Light on Prophet Muhammad’s Interfaith Views.” In his response, Dr. Morrow brings us on his journey…… Continue reading John Andrew Morrow’s Spiritual Journey into Islam and the Life of Prophet Muhammad

Religion

Pope Francis Building Bridges With Muslims Makes Top Ten Good News Muslim Stories of 2013

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Source: altmuslim.com Pope Francis is not the first pope to win the respect of Muslims – John Paul II was so loved around the Muslim world that even the Taliban mourned his passing – but his outreach to Muslims during the early days of his tenure has struck a deep chord in Muslim communities around…… Continue reading Pope Francis Building Bridges With Muslims Makes Top Ten Good News Muslim Stories of 2013

Film-work

Pictures/Video of a Mawlid Peace Walk & Conference in Dublin, Ireland

Dr. Craig ConsidineLeave a comment

On the 26th of January, 2014, I participated in the 4th Annual Mawlid Peace Walk and Conference at the Al Mustafa Islamic Centre in Blanchardstown, Dublin (Ireland). Prior to the start of the conference, in which I was a guest speaker, the Muslim community and other non-Muslims came together to walk peacefully in honor of…… Continue reading Pictures/Video of a Mawlid Peace Walk & Conference in Dublin, Ireland

Politics

Debating “This House Would Ban the Burqa”

Dr. Craig Considine11 Comments

The University College Cork’s Philosophical Society has invited me to speak on the topic: “That This House Would Ban the Burqa.” The debate is scheduled for the 10th of March at 7:30pm. I will be speaking for roughly 15 minutes in opposition to the idea of banning the burqa. The Philosophical Society is one of…… Continue reading Debating “This House Would Ban the Burqa”

Film-work

Documentary: What Studying Prophet Muhammad Taught Me About Islam

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

A short documentary on what studying Prophet Muhammad has taught me about Islam. I filmed this footage during Mawlid E Nabi in 2013 at Anwar al Madina, a Sufi mosque in Dublin, Ireland. A special thanks goes out to the Irish Sufi Foundation and to my friend Mia Manan Hameed. Please make sure to switch the…… Continue reading Documentary: What Studying Prophet Muhammad Taught Me About Islam