AROUND THE WORLD.Afghanistan's Taliban Destroys Ancient Buddhist, Statues Afghanistan's Taliban, which strictly enforces an Islamic theocracy theocracy Government by divine guidance or by officials who are regarded as divinely guided. In many theocracies, government leaders are members of the clergy, and the state's legal system is based on religious law. Theocratic rule was typical of early civilizations. in the Middle Eastern nation, drew the ire of the international community when soldiers began destroying historic Buddhist statues. Two ancient statues carved into a mountainside in Kabul stood 175 feet and 120 feet, respectively, and dated back to the 5th century. The larger of two was believed to be the world's largest standing Buddha The Standing Buddha of the Tokyo National Museum is a remarkable example of Greco-Buddhist statuary. It is one of the finest pieces known to this day. Comparable ones can be found in the Musee Guimet in France, and in various museum of the Indian subcontinent. . The Taliban, which interprets Islam to forbid idolatry Idolatry Aaron responsible for the golden calf. [O.T.: Exodus 32] Ashtaroth Canaanite deities worshiped profanely by Israelites. [O.T. of any kind, used anti-aircraft weapons, tanks and rocket launchers to obliterate o·blit·er·ate v. 1. To remove an organ or another body part completely, as by surgery, disease, or radiation. 2. To blot out, especially through filling of a natural space by fibrosis or inflammation. the ancient statues. The military also demolished Kabul's main museum because it contained smaller Buddhist statues and artwork. Pleas came from around the world to save the Buddhist figures, including a direct request from United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan. In an 11th-hour appeal, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates, federation of sheikhdoms (2005 est. pop. 2,563,000), c.30,000 sq mi (77,700 sq km), SE Arabia, on the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. and other Muslim nations in the region joined the effort. They were ignored. "All the statues in the country should be destroyed because these statues have been used as idols and deities by the nonbelievers before" the Taliban's official decree said. "They are respected now and may be turned into idols in the future, too." By March 12, the destruction of the statues was complete. Jehovah's Witnesses Win Court Victory In Russia A Russian court has given the Jehovah's Witnesses an important legal victory, which will permit the group to continue its evangelism efforts in the country. Under Russian law, religious groups are required to register with the government in order to function as legal entities with the right to enter into contracts, open bank accounts and hire employees. Religious groups that are believed to incite To arouse; urge; provoke; encourage; spur on; goad; stir up; instigate; set in motion; as in to incite a riot. Also, generally, in Criminal Law to instigate, persuade, or move another to commit a crime; in this sense nearly synonymous with abet. hatred or intolerance are prohibited. Two and a half years ago, Moscow officials brought the Jehovah's Witnesses to court to deny the group registration. Prosecutors argued the sect instigates "religious enmity" by claiming to be the only true religion and endangers adherents' lives by prohibiting blood transfusions. On Feb. 23, the court ruled in the Jehovah's Witnesses' favor. Most observers agree a defeat would have been devastating dev·as·tate tr.v. dev·as·tat·ed, dev·as·tat·ing, dev·as·tates 1. To lay waste; destroy. 2. To overwhelm; confound; stun: was devastated by the rude remark. for the sect, which is one of Russia's fastest growing faiths. |
|
||||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion