COMMENT | Astronaut Anousheh Ansari |  |
Muslim women in high places
Amid increasing tensions between the US and Iran, an Iranian-American entrepreneur and proponent of private space travel is preparing to become the first Muslim woman astronaut.
By Shahed Amanullah, August 28, 2006
With all the trouble that Muslim passengers go through at the airport these days, it's comforting to know that at least one Muslim will be entrusted with the flight of a lifetime - hopefully without the hassle that people who Fly While Muslim go through. After an ailing Japanese businessman pulled out of the running, Iranian-American entrepreneur Anousheh Ansari was selected to be the next " space tourist," paying a reported $20 million to be launched on a Russian Soyuz space capsule for a visit to the International Space Station.
Ansari, whose family helped fund the Ansari X-Prize to spur the development of private space travel (so much for Muslims not contributing anything to the modern world), will become the first Muslim woman astronaut (though not the first Muslim in space). "By reaching this dream I've had since childhood, I hope to tangibly demonstrate to young people all over the world that there is no limit to what they can accomplish," said Ansari, 39, who immigrated from Iran as a teenager and went on to found several successful technology companies.
Ansari's trip to space comes at a time when tensions between her adopted country and the one where she grew up have reached a fever pitch, with the US treating Iran's recent opening of a heavy-water plant as a confrontational move. "I believe [Iran] is the greatest enemy we will ever face," said Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) in a speech Tuesday, explaining that Iran wants to take over al-Qaida's unfinished business and introducing the legislative groundwork for military intervention in Iran.
With Ansari's space flight scheduled for September 14th, one can only wonder what she would be thinking if she gazes down from the International Space Station - after having shown through her example what is possible when you put the best of America and the best of the Muslim world together - only to see small dots of light scattered over the land of her birth.
Shahed Amanullah is editor-in-chief of altmuslim.com.
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It'd be nice if they can take Santorum to outer space and leave him there.
- Posted by DrM on August 29, 2006 at 12:22 AM
LOL!!
- Posted by biomuse2 (california) on August 29, 2006 at 04:42 AM
Nah, Santorum should be drafted and sent as a private to a Marine rifle platoon... Or, more realistically, lets draft his children and send them off to the MidEast and see how long he wants to invade Iran.
Anyway, Shahed, does she see herself as a Muslim? From experience, it seems many of the Iranian-Americans who make it big here aren't too much into religion. But, then again, does it matter? I say this because,
>>when you put the best of America and the best of the Muslim world together
I'm not sure what role the Muslim world played in this besides the biology of giving birth to a woman who then left it and made it big in America in ways she *currently* can't in her country of origin.
- Posted by OmarG on August 29, 2006 at 01:03 PM
Is she Muslim? I mean the article's premise is based on this, but its not more of the same day-dreaming like Neil Armstrong being Muslim, is it?
- Posted by hb on August 29, 2006 at 04:26 PM
She is very proud of her Iranian heritage, as far as I can tell, and most of her philanthropic efforts are focused on Iran and the Middle East. So long as she doesn't disavow her background, as far as I'm concerned she is "one of us".
- Posted by shahed (Austin, TX) on August 29, 2006 at 04:39 PM
"I was born in Iran, and I have sentimental attachment to that country," Ansari says. "But if it wasn't for all the opportunities and education I received in the United States, I wouldn't be here today."
And not just smart, she's also hot:)
- Posted by sru on August 29, 2006 at 05:38 PM
The first african in space is a white multi-millionaire. His first language and second langauge is european .. but he is happily called afronaut in the media. He has made huge efforts to encourage an interest in high school mathematics and science in South African scholars. His commitment isn't really known outside South Africa and isn't nearly as publicised as it could be, but it is very real, and very recognised.
- Posted by Ghulam (South Africa) on August 30, 2006 at 12:10 PM
People come to the USA to, not necessarily better themselves spiritually or morally....but financially with the help of education and opportunity. I think it's a great accomplishment for *anyone*, no matter what there race or religion is, to accomplish their goals....!! And I agree with the last comment......she, *Ansari*, is HOT.....!!! ;o)
That's a great news. It is indeed inspirational. However, I wonder when such a news will come from Muslim world.
Will the 60-odd Muslim countries ever have a space programme. Pakistan is busy in Balochistan, suppressing tribal leaders. Countries like Turkey and Egypt that have everything going for them, are peaceful, seem to be doing nothing at all. What hell are their leaders doing? No sicentific achievements at all.
As far as Gulf countries are concerned, the less said is the better. At least Qatar has given us the Al Jazeera. But what about rest like breakaway countries of USSR that had lot of expertise in space and other technologicy. Malaysia remains the only beacon of hope.
- Posted by Adnan (India) on September 2, 2006 at 08:28 AM
Well pardon me for being a tad bit cynical, but I hardly consider being a space tourist any kind of benchmark for humanity. The majority of space based endeavors are for weaponization purposes anyway. Maybe Adnan should be asking the question why countries like India have space programs while ignoring the more important and urgent needs of the people. I guess some people need the eye candy in their "monkey see, monkey do" inferiority complex ridden worldview.
- Posted by DrM on September 2, 2006 at 05:51 PM
Just to confirm, since so many people asked: Anousheh does consider herself to be Muslim, according to USA Today. - Posted by shahed (Austin, TX) on September 2, 2006 at 09:56 PM
Nice save, Shahed ;-)
- Posted by OmarG on September 3, 2006 at 01:36 AM
DrM...see there is no end to debate to any topic The basic thing is that kids and especially girl child, the teenagers, they get inspired by such things.
You and I may not feel that excitment but such heroes and role models are essential for the society. I understand your point but going in space is something that enthuses young ones, of course not you and me. Society needs such people also...mentioning, India, war, space programme is not the issue. And Indian space programme does help people when satellite images bring news and information to farmers, fishermen, and all kinds of people. Come on don't be so cynic, as you have yourself said :)
- Posted by Adnan (India) on September 3, 2006 at 09:16 AM
If it's any consolation, the Florida politician Mark Flanagan linked in the above article with [trouble] lost the Republicon primary race, so he can go back to being a bigot in private now.
The 13th congressional district in Florida is an open seat because the infamous Katherine Harris is running for Senator this year. Unless she gets to count the votes again, it is unlikely she will win. She, too, can explore life away from the public sector, hopefully.
I know this will never happen, but I think it would be funny if Ms. Ansari wore a (Raed Jarrar) "We will not be silent" T-shirt on the International Space Station for just one day of video footage.
Ansari comments on being able to see the crescent moon that marks the beginning of Ramadan while in space:
"I will be observing the moon as many times as I can, because I think it's a beautiful view up there. But it makes it that much more special, knowing that it's a very special time for Muslims around the world. For me to be able to observe that very closely is very special, and I look forward to it." - Posted by shahed (Austin, TX) on September 17, 2006 at 05:57 PM
More people should comment on the fact that we are celebrating someone who is throwing away $20 mil as a publicity stunt. Such frivolous gluttony. Think of all the good that amount would be able to do in the developing world.
- Posted by AJ on September 21, 2006 at 08:44 PM
I thought that, too at first, but then also thought how many pockets it would end up lining...
- Posted by OmarG on September 21, 2006 at 08:48 PM
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