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Confusious

(8,317 posts)
10. Britian and france did not "invade the middle east"
Sat Sep 22, 2012, 02:12 AM
Sep 2012

Most of the middle east was ruled by the Ottoman empire at the time.

They invaded Egypt, yes, but that was competition for Empire, more then Religious reasons.

The French Campaign in Egypt and Syria (1798–1801) was Napoleon Bonaparte's campaign in the Orient, ostensibly to protect French trade interests, undermine Britain's access to India, and to establish scientific enterprise in the region. It was the primary purpose of the Mediterranean campaign of 1798, a series of naval engagements that included the capture of Malta.


Don't see "religion" there, unless it's a conspiracy.

Nice quote from Napoleon:

The peoples we will be living alongside are Muslims; their first article of faith is "There is no other god but God, and Mahomet is his prophet". Do not contradict them; treat them as you treated the Jews, the Italians; respect their muftis and their imams, as you respected their rabbis and bishops. Have the same tolerance for the ceremonies prescribed by the Quran, for their mosques, as you had for the convents, for the synagogues, for the religion of Moses and that of Jesus Christ. The Roman legions used to protect all religions. You will here find different customs to those of Europe, you must get accustomed to them. The people among whom we are going treat women differently to us; but in every country whoever violates one is a monster. Pillaging only enriches a small number of men; it dishonours us, it destroys our resources; it makes enemies of the people who it is in our interest to have as our friends. The first city we will encounter was built by Alexander [the Great]. We shall find at every step great remains worthy of exciting French emulation.


Africa, "white mans burden." To bring "civilization" to the "savages." more about gold and Empire, not Religion.

The British outlawed the practice of sati and a couple of other customs, not Hinduism itself. Look it up if you want to find out why. (Just as a side note, Hindu reformers instigated and supported those "things" being outlawed.)


Your examples are examples of competition for empire, not Religious.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Exactly. CaliforniaPeggy Sep 2012 #1
I don't think it's necessary ohheckyeah Sep 2012 #2
You see one group of religious fanatics, you've seen 'em all. Zen Democrat Sep 2012 #3
I think he was talking about the present, not 100 years ago. demosincebirth Sep 2012 #4
I understand that completely, but t be smug because we don't do that now... WCGreen Sep 2012 #6
Who's being smug? demosincebirth Sep 2012 #21
If many "Christian" missionaries had Smilo Sep 2012 #5
good post, thanks. needed to be said. n/t Whisp Sep 2012 #7
Which Christians were killing infidels all over the world? Confusious Sep 2012 #8
Britain and France both invaded and ruled the middle east between 1800 and 1900... WCGreen Sep 2012 #9
Britian and france did not "invade the middle east" Confusious Sep 2012 #10
Obviously Slobo didn't get enough press. Not to mention current Nigeria: Spitfire of ATJ Sep 2012 #12
He meant 100 years ago, not right now. Confusious Sep 2012 #13
Don't hear shit from the Amish though. Spitfire of ATJ Sep 2012 #14
Small Amish hate crime problem in Ohio unc70 Sep 2012 #15
They found the guy guilty... WCGreen Sep 2012 #16
Beard cutting? Spitfire of ATJ Sep 2012 #17
The only difference Between Xtian and Muslim extremists is.... PossumSqueezins Sep 2012 #11
Impressive news from Benghazi, Libya... pinboy3niner Sep 2012 #18
Go to the Southern parts of this country phascismisphun Sep 2012 #19
US religious right presses anti-gay laws in Africa justiceischeap Sep 2012 #20
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