A Call to the Conscience of the World

MUSCAT, 17 May 2004 — The coalition forces, led by the US, stepped into Iraq in April 2003. The goal, we were told, was liberation of Iraq from the previous regime, and President George W. Bush promised that the coalition forces would withdraw soon after. Ever since, unfortunately, killing has become an everyday affair, claiming many lives of innocent and unarmed civilians.

Our hearts are filled with grief as we watch daily the scenes of death. Death is lurking for everyone and everywhere in Baghdad and other Iraqi cities. It comes in the form of car blasts or random shelling or violent clashes. Almost always, it is the innocent Iraqi citizens who pay the price.

The death graph is scaling new heights every day. New names are added to the list of the dead, and often they are those who have got nothing to do with politics or those who couldn’t care less about who rules or does not rule Iraq. It is ordinary people going about their normal daily life who are being felled by sniper bullets, car explosions or sudden armed clashes.

The situation is getting worse and worse. There is no security of life or property. Death does not differentiate between young and old, man and woman, child and adult. Therefore, we make an urgent and strong call to the conscience of the world to act quickly to save Iraq and its people. Enough is enough. Iraq has lost too many lives, shed too much tears and suffered too much.

It is time the United Nations awoke to its responsibilities. The world body is duty-bound to save the innocent people of Iraq from death. It is the organization on which people pin their hopes during times of need. The UN has to make a move now and assume its duty. Let us not forget the fact that the Iraqi file should have been in the hands of UN officials right from the beginning of the crisis. It is late, but it is never too late. Many lives could still be saved if right steps are taken now.

The European Union too should play its role now more than at any other time. It has to take a decisive and bold step because it has political weight and resources to change the situation. True, Iraq is far away from Europe, but we are talking about innocent people killed, men humiliated and women raped in broad daylight. We are talking about a state withering away after the entry of coalition forces under the pretext of liberation.

The Arab League, well known for its policy of condemnation and reluctant stands, is now facing a historic situation that requires a bold stand. This is a matter of life and survival for Arab people and a member state of the Arab League.

There is a need for urgent Arab action and a courageous stand that helps save Iraq and its people from death and destruction.

This is a call to the conscience of the Arab world, to all the honorable people and anyone who could help the people of Iraq. Now is not the time to talk about who should rule Iraq or the billion-dollar rebuilding projects; it is time to talk about ways of saving our fellow human beings in the historical and civilized nation that is Iraq.

— Essa bin Mohammed Al-Zedjali is editor in chief of The Times of Oman.