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Ex-Pentagon Official Rhode: Muslim World Must Undergo "Thought Revolution"
(Jerusalem Post) Ariel Ben Solomon - There can be no peace between Israel and the Palestinians until there is a "thought revolution" in the Muslim world, former longtime Pentagon official Harold Rhode told the Jerusalem Post Monday. Rhode cited the doctrine in Islam in which land conquered by Muslims must remain under Muslim rule forever. This includes present-day Israel, which the Muslims conquered in 637 CE. "There can only be final peace when the Muslims recognize Israel as a Jewish state and declare an end to the conflict," he said. Rhode noted that independent and critical thinking were generally lacking in Sunni culture. "Could you imagine a lecture ends and the audience does not ask questions?" If someone from the audience asks a question, the speaker will often shame the questioner in front of everyone. That stifles future questions. "Personal honor is more important than truth," he explained. "Blame is avoided at all costs in Muslim culture," Rhode said. "Why is it no Palestinian leader ever admits making any mistakes? They can't. Sunni Arab leaders need to say: 'Our approach has failed and we must try another way.' But culturally, they cannot do this." No Sunni society has been able to undergo self-criticism because pride and honor are paramount values.