Some Updated Information on the Innocence of Muslims Affair

Adam L. Silverman, PhD*

The Innocence of Muslims affair (incident?  incidents?) has become a fast moving story that seems to get more fantastical the more that gets reported.  It is now pretty clear that Sam Bacile is not an Israeli, Israeli American, or even Jewish.  Bacile is, apparently, a pseudonym for a Nakoula Basselly Nakoula - who appears to be an Egyptian emigre and was involved in this project with a number of naturalized American Copts and native born American Evangelicals.  Members of the cast have clearly indicated that the film was supposed to be/originally about Coptic persecution and was overdubbed in both English and Arabic with the anti-Islamic dialogue that has led to some serious problems in Egypt, Libya, and Yemen including the death of four American foreign service personnel.  The thirteen minute clip, posted to You Tube in July, began to gather interest over the past several days due to its being promoted by both Quran burning advocate Terry Jones and Egyptian-American Copt Morris Sadek.  The fatal anti-American violence in Libya may have partially been the result of various media and extremist movement sources claiming that the video had been produced for the 9-11 remembrances and was being widely shown on American TV on that day. 

While the story will continue to undergo change over the next several days as more facts come to light, the real issues are how does the US adjust its strategies and policies in the Middle East in response to these activities.  It also demonstrates very clearly that no matter what America's official positions, messaging, and actions are they can all be overcome by events regardless of whether they are unofficial messaging being transmitted by Americans - official or otherwise or the activities of the actual actors on the ground in the Middle East.

*Adam L. Silverman, PhD is the Culture and Foreign Language Advisor at the US Army War College (USAWC).  The views expressed here are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of USAWC and/or the US Army.

Comments

[turcopolier]

All

What do you think of this one. we could improve it a little. Lots of deck space on this one.

http://www.yachtworld.fr/bateaux/1939/Ortholan-Argentina-Classic-Motorsailer-Ketch-2199069/Argentine

pl

[Mark Logan]

Sir, you've found something remarkable.

A ship made of 1 5/8" Brazilian walnut! My shock is on the order of what the old sailors who made to China must have been when they saw sails made of heavy canvas silk must have been. It goes for over $10.00 a board foot these days. It wouldn't surprise me the least to see Gibson Guitars pick her up for the current asking price. Why, the USS Constitution would have to bow and hand over her nickname on a silver platter to this baby. One of a kind? No exaggeration.

Classy looking sweetheart, but I'm afraid the price reduction is a very strong indicator of a bad survey. I am reluctant to disrespect her further, but she is also narrow and with a stub keel. She was designed for getting into shallow places and looks to be a "roller". She would be utterly magnificent stripped of that paint and varnished though. I hope somebody does it.

Here is something more practical.

http://www.superyachts.com/luxury-yacht-for-sale/karia-queen-633/

[Fred]

Damned nice catch there. You need someone to keep those diesel's going and is used to cramped spaces. Crew cabin aft? You'll need a few more bunks with this gang of volunteers. Somehow 'The Sea Wolves' comes to mind. Hopefully you have Commodore's pennant handy - and a name in mind?

[Fred]

Looks like Mr. Sadek has managed to deceive and slander all the actors, and endanger their lives as well.

http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/entertainment/2012/09/18/innocence-muslims-actress-forced-into-hiding-over-death-threats/