PART I

THE UNSHEATHED SWORD
 

Until the late ’70s, a number of world publications and media articles portrayed the Islamic world as peace-loving countries. They gave the reader the false impression that diversified ethnic groups in the Islamic world lived in peace and harmony. They portrayed them as living in peaceful coexistence and maintaining good neighbourly relations. Travel Bureaus depicted colourful pictures of cities with impressive historical sites, ancient landmarks and beautiful scenery to promote tourism. They described the people as friendly and hospitable. Although embroiled in conflicts, travel agents promoted travel to unsafe countries for commercial gain, putting the life of innocent people at risk. Like the 14 Greek tourists who were mowed down in mid-’96 in front of a Cairo hotel, in Egypt, while getting on their bus - machine-gunned by Islamic militants. A surviving tourist described the killing: "…vicious as lambs led to a slaughter."

 

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