Response to Intizar Zaidi   (Post 18) 

Knowing of some one is not the same as knowing some one on personal basis. How can any Muslim (of this community) not know of Tarek Fatah after reading his articles in papers like the National Post and Globe & Mail. Furthermore, how could I miss knowing of Tarek Fatah while Intizar Zaidi used to extol him on CMU (Canadian Muslim Union) on almost daily basis during the early days of the forum. 

I know of many other columnists and authors through their writings, but that does not mean I know them personally.  

My review of Fatah’s book is strictly my analysis of the material presented in the book rather than what he may have stated or written elsewhere. I have reviewed the book, not the author. In my review I have quoted passages and page numbers from the book in question, not what he may have written previously. 

Lately, several aliases have been promoting the book on CMU forum. Since I am a regular contributor at this forum, how could I miss not knowing of Tarek Fatah. But this does not support the notion of my knowing him on personal basis, hence the possibility of personal vendetta does not arise.  

Applying Intizar Zaidi’s own logic, one can make a stronger case against his bias on grounds of his blind loyalty on the basis of his personal friendship with the author.  

It is a sad to see that the authors’ family or loyal friends have made no contribution to promote and enhance the discussion on the subject presented in the book or the views offered by the reviewer and FOTH readers but they are preoccupied in personal attacks and mudslinging.  

Javed I. Chaudry