CNN's "Trying to Define Islam As a Religion of Tolerance" Highlights Intolerance

Note the inconsistency inherent in an online CNN article entitled "Trying to define Islam as a religion of peace" (http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2010/09/13/trying-to-define-islam-as-a-religion-of-peace/?hpt=C2). The article, which provides a brief description of an Ahmadi Muslim community in Atlanta, concludes:

"'We are the foremost community who is championing the cause of Muslims for peace,' Pudhiapura said. 'And that is to make the American citizens understand the true message of Islam is peace. To put a face on the people who are loyal citizens who are true American Muslims.'"

However, as acknowledged by the article, the Ahmadis are considered heretics by other Muslims and have been subject to persecution and threats by other Muslims both in the United States and overseas:

"Ahmadi Muslims are in a unique position to speak against Islamist extremism. Their sect has been persecuted for years, particularly in Pakistan, where the movement was founded in the late 19th century. In May, militants with ties to the Taliban targeted their mosques in Lahore, Pakistan, killing more than 80 Ahmadi Muslims.

In addition, Pakistan's government does not recognize the sect as legitimate. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has cited Pakistan as imposing 'the most severe legal restrictions and officially sanctioned discrimination' on the Ahmadi Muslims.

Pudhiapura said those restrictions include forcing Ahmadis to either lie about their religion or declare that they worship a 'false prophet' when applying for a Pakistani passport.

The sect also faces persecution in Indonesia, where they can be criminally charged for their religious beliefs.

Ahmadi Muslims believe that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, who lived between 1835 and 1908, was sent by God as the Messiah that other Muslims are still waiting for. Most mainstream Muslims - Sunni and Shia – say Ahmadis are not Muslim because they do not regard the Prophet Mohammed as the last prophet sent by God.

. . . .

The Ahmadis' worship center outside Atlanta has also received threats, he said."

Does this remind you of Iran's brutal discrimination against its Baha'is, who also venerate a prophet who lived long after Mohammed?