It should be noted that at one time in history, the Muslim world was at the forefront of science, mathematics, astronomy, and other subjects of learning. They were far more advanced than their European contemporaries during that period. What happened? A learned, progressive society was overtaken with the extreme, fundamentalist religious prattling of those who imposed their will at a political level and plunged their society into darkness and hatred. This should be a case lesson to those who dismiss the efforts of religious fundamentalists of all stripes who attempt to inject their particular brand of "morality" into secular government...
Regarding chess, has anyone else here ever tried the Japanese version of chess called Shogi? It is truly diabolical with all manner of piece promotions and with an added factor: a piece, when captured, can be used by the captor and placed back on the board to be used by the captor as one of his own pieces. It has often been noted there are an infinite number of game combinations in Western chess, but Shogi truly takes the whole game "to infinity and beyond"...
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