UPDATE: 4 AUGUST: In a unanimous vote the last obstacle to building a muslim community centre and mosque at the site of 9/11 has been removed. The project's planners say:
We are eager to begin working with our partners, supporters, neighbors and communities, to build a community center for everyone.
UPDATE: 3 AUGUST The debate over the plan to build a mosque two blocks from Ground Zero rages on. This column by Abe Foxman, head of the Anti-Defamation League an organisation which fights anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, garnered a huge reaction as he lays out reasons for their opposition to the mosque. And a great round-up of conflicting opinion here courtesy of the Wall Street Journal.
Reading through the arguments, who do you agree with? Please post below.
UPDATE 10 JUNE: Opponents feel it's their moral duty to protest against what they call the 'mega mosque'. That's exactly what they did earlier this week when they hit the streets of Manhattan.The project founder continues to insist the aim of the Islamic Centre is to "bridge and heal the divide between Muslims and other Americans."
This blogger calls the whole idea an abomination but isn't impressed with the protestors behaviour. This piece adds that the debate is becoming irrational - there's zero tolerance on ground zero.
Dominic Esifa May I know the major area in terms of food that the crisis could likely affect.
Comment sent via Facebook
18:58
113631290
Nicholas J. Evancik This is nothing unexpected. Russia is not really a large contributor to the worlds food supply. Historically it was the Ukraine that was the supplier for both imperial Russia and the Soviet Union. Both areas seemed to suffer droughts every ...ten to fifteen years regularly, which resulted in many famines in the past. It's just the climate of the region.
This time though, and it is not being discussed as much, similar, though smaller, shortfalls in wheat production have also hit the United States, and stores in the United States are also limiting grain based food purchases. In February, for example the American Baker's Association asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to limit American grain exports.
Comment sent via Facebook
18:58
113631290
In the hope that WHYS is not scare mongering . Russian's contribution to world supply of wheat is not as significant as one want to make it out to be. The biggest producer ie China is also the greatest stockpiler. I...f India suffer a shortfall ,with its big population , then we will have to worry about the price. So investors don't hedged your investment in wheat yet.
Comment sent via Facebook
18:58
113631290
Chad Lupkes It won't affect prices in the US much. Which is too bad. We're so cut off from the world as it is, we need changes like this to affect us so we can understand the needs of the rest of the world better
Comment sent via Facebook
18:57
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Dominic Esifa Here in southern Nigeria we depend much on cassava while those in the north depend on wheat a little. As such, our counterparts could be forced to resort to cassava too. And this could culminate in rise in cost of the commodity.
Comment sent via Twitter
18:57
113678783
@bbc_whys In India the FOOD market is artificial due2 import export restrictions there4 it's open to manipulation by middlemen
Comment sent via host
18:56
113631290
On air now: How will the Russian wheat crisis affect the price you pay for food?
Comment sent via Facebook
18:56
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Jace Allen
It upsets me to see that people think don't really understand the meaning of "freedom". If they want they want to build the mosque then let them build it. That is there "freedom" to do so. I believe that most people should just drop religiou...s superstition because if there was a God we wouldn't be in this debate. It's a battle of who's God is better!
Comment sent via Facebook
18:55
113631290
Michael K. Lavers As a gay man who lives in New York City, I remain extremely fortunate to live in a place where diversity is seen as a strength, and not a hindrance (or worse.)
Our hearts should obviously go out to those who lost so much on Sept. 11, but th...is center could clearly demonstrate this city’s strength remains its diversity. And as previous callers have stated so articulately, it could also send a powerful message to those terrorists who co-opted the Muslim faith to justify their barbaric acts on Sept. 11, 2001, that religious extremism of all forms has absolutely no place in the world in which we all live.
Comment sent via Facebook
18:54
113631290
Lane C. Ikeler They have a right to build it, but it is a bit insensitive to build it in such close proximity to an area that was devastated in the name of Islam. Maybe it's just too soon. Maybe they should wait until after Southpark can run all of there episodes without threats to their lives, and after a paper can run cartoons of any religious figure they want without being murdered.
Comment sent via YOURSAY
18:52
113631290
WFYI Indianapolis.
I find it hilarious that the listeners can't seem to understand that American Muslims hold different tenants than Muslims in other countries.
This center is to be built two blocks away while a church is trying to be built right on the grounds themselves.
We as Americans should hold ourselves to higher standards and not cower in fear or live with these irrational fears. Some people want to refuse the freedoms and rights of other Americans just because a few foreigners attacked us. These reactions are exactly what Osama Bin Laden wanted from us as stated in his writing.
We should be a better than the terrorists and prop up our values of equality and tolerance.
Comment sent via YOURSAY
18:52
113631290
Sean
The mosque should absolutely be allowed. The freedom that allows all religions to practice their faiths as they like, is the reason the extremists target America. To deny the right to build this mosque would put pay to the extremist's message that Muslims are discriminated by the west.
Comment sent via YOURSAY
18:52
113631290
Dawit in California
The orthodox church in Turkey is on the verge of getting shut down by the Turkish government. They have no religious freedom although the church has existed before Turkey becomes a Muslim country. It is wrong to build a mosque at ground zero.
Comment sent via SMS
18:51
114526230
I dont know when western countries will understand that 9/11 was done by bunch of extremist and has nothing to be linked to islam.
What wud they call abt there action performed on iraqi and afghani citizens in name of sebaurity
Comment sent via YOURSAY
18:50
113631290
Dale in Toronto, Canada
Let's keep in mind as we focus on the violent acts committed by Islamic terrorists, that people in Oklahoma City had a "neighbor" called Timothy McVeigh who caused the second largest act of terrorism in US history.
Comment sent via YOURSAY
18:49
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Shawn
If they have purchased the land they can use it as they see fit.
Comment sent via YOURSAY
18:48
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Crious2knowmz
The area yes its sentimental, however we need to move on as a people as hard as it may be. America can not want to have development and diversity and stifle it at their will. Are we forgetting this is also for the community?? Using LGBT issues as grounds for arguements are irrelevant, narrow minded views like such are what keep some of us in the closet. However, I can agree that the centre shouldn't have a religious stake..bt maybe we need to just move on with tolerance.
Comment sent via Twitter
18:48
113678783
@bbc_whys Crisis , what crisis russians can't b trusted on this, there was already massive speculation in wheat futures .mkt manipulation?
Comment sent via YOURSAY
18:48
113631290
J.E.Pangelinan
Mental anguish is a pass for irrationality and bigotry? That is a weak argument, and I am glad Fareed gave back his award.
Comment sent via YOURSAY
18:46
113631290
Richard in the US
Look, we Americans love liberty. This country was founded for "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." We believe that all religions should be free to flourish.
However, the fundamental principles of some religions, such as Islam, stand in opposition to the fundamental principles of the United States Constitution and the laws of the United States. We believe, like or hate it, that women can walk around any way they want. Do Muslims? We believe that pornography is legal for adults. Do Muslims? We believe that gays should have equal rights? Do Muslims? We believe in the separation of church and state. Do Muslims?
Unfortunately, our leadership has failed us miserably. These questions need to be asked during the immigration process. They aren't. So we've let in people, many people, who do not believe in the fundamental principles of the United States. This, I believe, is a big problem.
Comment sent via YOURSAY
18:45
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M
Thank you for this important debate.
Why don't Muslims make an effort - at a joint community project - involving those who are not Muslim - and unite in an ECUMENICAL project.
I really don't think this should be allowed, it is totally out of context and upsetting for the dead.
Comment sent via YOURSAY
18:44
113631290
Ben in teh US
While I agree generally that our freedoms should allow the mosque, can the proponents guarantee and or stop the extremists from celebrating their claiming the mosque shows their victory over the US. The bad result would be the rejoicing in some quarters that the mosque is proof of their "victory."
Comment sent via YOURSAY
18:42
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Dane in Indianapolis
My concern with the building of this is that during and upon the completion of construction this facility may suffer from domestic violence thus driving the wedge between the U.S. and the muslim world even deeper.
Comment sent via YOURSAY
18:41
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Paula in Ohio
As a native New Yorker I think the community center/mosque should be built. People say that the families of September 11th victims are opposed to it but I don’t know if we have heard from all of them, or just some. In other cases those who lost people took a variety of positions on sensitive issues.
Here in the U.S. we need to hold ourselves to a higher standard. We can’t be concerned with whether some people will think it is a victory for terrorists. On the contrary, do we stand for religious pluralism and tolerance or not?
Should a mosque be built near Ground Zero?
| Monday, 8 Aug. 2010 | 18:00 - 19:00 GMT
UPDATE: 4 AUGUST: In a unanimous vote the last obstacle to building a muslim community centre and mosque at the site of 9/11 has been removed. The project's planners say:
We are eager to begin working with our partners, supporters, neighbors and communities, to build a community center for everyone.
UPDATE: 3 AUGUST The debate over the plan to build a mosque two blocks from Ground Zero rages on. This column by Abe Foxman, head of the Anti-Defamation League an organisation which fights anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, garnered a huge reaction as he lays out reasons for their opposition to the mosque. And a great round-up of conflicting opinion here courtesy of the Wall Street Journal.
Reading through the arguments, who do you agree with? Please post below.
UPDATE 10 JUNE: Opponents feel it's their moral duty to protest against what they call the 'mega mosque'. That's exactly what they did earlier this week when they hit the streets of Manhattan.The project founder continues to insist the aim of the Islamic Centre is to "bridge and heal the divide between Muslims and other Americans."
This blogger calls the whole idea an abomination but isn't impressed with the protestors behaviour. This piece adds that the debate is becoming irrational - there's zero tolerance on ground zero.
Your comments
Comment sent via Facebook
Dominic Esifa May I know the major area in terms of food that the crisis could likely affect.
Comment sent via Facebook
Nicholas J. Evancik This is nothing unexpected. Russia is not really a large contributor to the worlds food supply. Historically it was the Ukraine that was the supplier for both imperial Russia and the Soviet Union. Both areas seemed to suffer droughts every ...ten to fifteen years regularly, which resulted in many famines in the past. It's just the climate of the region. This time though, and it is not being discussed as much, similar, though smaller, shortfalls in wheat production have also hit the United States, and stores in the United States are also limiting grain based food purchases. In February, for example the American Baker's Association asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to limit American grain exports.
Comment sent via Facebook
In the hope that WHYS is not scare mongering . Russian's contribution to world supply of wheat is not as significant as one want to make it out to be. The biggest producer ie China is also the greatest stockpiler. I...f India suffer a shortfall ,with its big population , then we will have to worry about the price. So investors don't hedged your investment in wheat yet.
Comment sent via Facebook
Chad Lupkes It won't affect prices in the US much. Which is too bad. We're so cut off from the world as it is, we need changes like this to affect us so we can understand the needs of the rest of the world better
Comment sent via Facebook
Dominic Esifa Here in southern Nigeria we depend much on cassava while those in the north depend on wheat a little. As such, our counterparts could be forced to resort to cassava too. And this could culminate in rise in cost of the commodity.
Comment sent via Twitter
@bbc_whys In India the FOOD market is artificial due2 import export restrictions there4 it's open to manipulation by middlemen
Comment sent via host
On air now: How will the Russian wheat crisis affect the price you pay for food?
Comment sent via Facebook
Jace Allen It upsets me to see that people think don't really understand the meaning of "freedom". If they want they want to build the mosque then let them build it. That is there "freedom" to do so. I believe that most people should just drop religiou...s superstition because if there was a God we wouldn't be in this debate. It's a battle of who's God is better!
Comment sent via Facebook
Michael K. Lavers As a gay man who lives in New York City, I remain extremely fortunate to live in a place where diversity is seen as a strength, and not a hindrance (or worse.) Our hearts should obviously go out to those who lost so much on Sept. 11, but th...is center could clearly demonstrate this city’s strength remains its diversity. And as previous callers have stated so articulately, it could also send a powerful message to those terrorists who co-opted the Muslim faith to justify their barbaric acts on Sept. 11, 2001, that religious extremism of all forms has absolutely no place in the world in which we all live.
Comment sent via Facebook
Lane C. Ikeler They have a right to build it, but it is a bit insensitive to build it in such close proximity to an area that was devastated in the name of Islam. Maybe it's just too soon. Maybe they should wait until after Southpark can run all of there episodes without threats to their lives, and after a paper can run cartoons of any religious figure they want without being murdered.
Comment sent via YOURSAY
WFYI Indianapolis. I find it hilarious that the listeners can't seem to understand that American Muslims hold different tenants than Muslims in other countries. This center is to be built two blocks away while a church is trying to be built right on the grounds themselves. We as Americans should hold ourselves to higher standards and not cower in fear or live with these irrational fears. Some people want to refuse the freedoms and rights of other Americans just because a few foreigners attacked us. These reactions are exactly what Osama Bin Laden wanted from us as stated in his writing. We should be a better than the terrorists and prop up our values of equality and tolerance.
Comment sent via YOURSAY
Sean The mosque should absolutely be allowed. The freedom that allows all religions to practice their faiths as they like, is the reason the extremists target America. To deny the right to build this mosque would put pay to the extremist's message that Muslims are discriminated by the west.
Comment sent via YOURSAY
Dawit in California The orthodox church in Turkey is on the verge of getting shut down by the Turkish government. They have no religious freedom although the church has existed before Turkey becomes a Muslim country. It is wrong to build a mosque at ground zero.
Comment sent via SMS
I dont know when western countries will understand that 9/11 was done by bunch of extremist and has nothing to be linked to islam. What wud they call abt there action performed on iraqi and afghani citizens in name of sebaurity
Comment sent via YOURSAY
Dale in Toronto, Canada Let's keep in mind as we focus on the violent acts committed by Islamic terrorists, that people in Oklahoma City had a "neighbor" called Timothy McVeigh who caused the second largest act of terrorism in US history.
Comment sent via YOURSAY
Shawn If they have purchased the land they can use it as they see fit.
Comment sent via YOURSAY
Crious2knowmz The area yes its sentimental, however we need to move on as a people as hard as it may be. America can not want to have development and diversity and stifle it at their will. Are we forgetting this is also for the community?? Using LGBT issues as grounds for arguements are irrelevant, narrow minded views like such are what keep some of us in the closet. However, I can agree that the centre shouldn't have a religious stake..bt maybe we need to just move on with tolerance.
Comment sent via Twitter
@bbc_whys Crisis , what crisis russians can't b trusted on this, there was already massive speculation in wheat futures .mkt manipulation?
Comment sent via YOURSAY
J.E.Pangelinan Mental anguish is a pass for irrationality and bigotry? That is a weak argument, and I am glad Fareed gave back his award.
Comment sent via YOURSAY
Richard in the US Look, we Americans love liberty. This country was founded for "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." We believe that all religions should be free to flourish. However, the fundamental principles of some religions, such as Islam, stand in opposition to the fundamental principles of the United States Constitution and the laws of the United States. We believe, like or hate it, that women can walk around any way they want. Do Muslims? We believe that pornography is legal for adults. Do Muslims? We believe that gays should have equal rights? Do Muslims? We believe in the separation of church and state. Do Muslims? Unfortunately, our leadership has failed us miserably. These questions need to be asked during the immigration process. They aren't. So we've let in people, many people, who do not believe in the fundamental principles of the United States. This, I believe, is a big problem.
Comment sent via YOURSAY
M Thank you for this important debate. Why don't Muslims make an effort - at a joint community project - involving those who are not Muslim - and unite in an ECUMENICAL project. I really don't think this should be allowed, it is totally out of context and upsetting for the dead.
Comment sent via YOURSAY
Ben in teh US While I agree generally that our freedoms should allow the mosque, can the proponents guarantee and or stop the extremists from celebrating their claiming the mosque shows their victory over the US. The bad result would be the rejoicing in some quarters that the mosque is proof of their "victory."
Comment sent via YOURSAY
Dane in Indianapolis My concern with the building of this is that during and upon the completion of construction this facility may suffer from domestic violence thus driving the wedge between the U.S. and the muslim world even deeper.
Comment sent via YOURSAY
Paula in Ohio As a native New Yorker I think the community center/mosque should be built. People say that the families of September 11th victims are opposed to it but I don’t know if we have heard from all of them, or just some. In other cases those who lost people took a variety of positions on sensitive issues. Here in the U.S. we need to hold ourselves to a higher standard. We can’t be concerned with whether some people will think it is a victory for terrorists. On the contrary, do we stand for religious pluralism and tolerance or not?