So, it turns out that we are fans of
Gilles Kepel and think about his conception of
fitna quite often. We wonder: does the reaction in Jordan over the recent hotel bombings suggest fitna (a breach in Islamic unity)? That is to say, do these heinous attacks actually harm the jihadists by driving popular support away from their militant douchebaggy agenda?
Our completely amateur analysis is that in a country like Jordan, which is characterized by relative peace and prosperity (not to mention a distinct and heart-warming affinity for the West), a terrorist attack would drive a big wedge between radical militants (Islamo-facists for all you Ann Coulterites) and the general population. Clearly, Jordan would be getting their fitna on. Yet, in a much more complex situation like Iraq, we've seen hundreds upon hundreds of attacks and there is a less clear fitna response. Perhaps my questions will all be answered when I go to Science-Po here in Paris and stalk Gilles. My quest to find Gilles will be kind of like the greatly under-appreciated doc
Who is Bernard Tapie? Well, other than the fact that I don't have a crush on Gilles Kepel and he should be relatively easy to find. In fact, I think he just responded to my e-mail.
Back to real news: I got an e-mail from
ClapYourHandsSayYeah and it seems that those of us in Paris will have to settle for their appearance at
Transmusicales, which is a festival in Rennes. Or you could fly to Berlin and check them out there. Rennes in on 12/10 and Berlin is 12/8. Other highlights at Transmusicales include Gang of Four, The Fugees (no joke), The Shout Out Louds. I think that tickets start at like 600 Euros. On that pricing note, can anyone explain the pricing set up for this thing? If so please comment or e-mail. Re: the last post asking your opinions, thank you. I was assured that I was neither a fag nor an emo-fag nor a loser for buying tickets to Bloc Party. I believe there was only one dissenting view on that issue.
