The slaps received by the United States from the world community to stop its war threats are similar to the ones received by Iraq when it attempted to occupy Kuwait. Washington has not yet disclosed most of its objectives in launching a war. Evidently it not only eyes the Iraqi oil fields but also intends to redesign the region to serve its interests.
A number of countries have already voiced their opposition to any war. France, Germany, Belgium and Austria have played a leading role in this opposition and said that their relations with the US were not based on self-interests but on principles.
The report presented by UN weapons inspectors at the Security Council was another slap in America’s face. That slap was followed by anti-war demonstrations all over the world. But the tyrant always tries to mobilize his supporters. Like Saddam Hussein, who rejected all peace overtures before the last Gulf War, the US government is turning a deaf ear to calls for peace. A tyrant sees only what he wants to see and interprets what he sees only as he wishes. He usually wakes up too late to do anything but hear the sounds of his own destruction which is unfortunately not limited to him alone.
Now let us examine the stand of Muslims toward this war, which may not harm Saddam but will certainly harm the Iraqi people as well as the whole region. It will also increase the suffering of the Palestinians. Many Palestinian men are now in prisons, children are in the streets and women have been displaced.
Moreover, Israel is planning to carry out a major attack in Gaza and to deport Palestinian citizens to Jordan.
Most Islamic governments have been silent about the US threat to attack Iraq. This is tantamount to supporting the war because opponents to war have raised their voices for the whole world to hear. Though Austria succeeded in preventing US warplanes from passing through its aerospace, some Islamic countries are providing them military facilities and making concessions. Moreover, there are countries which negotiate to get an acceptable sum in exchange for the use of their military installations, shamelessly following the example of highway robbers and Mafia groups.
Why are Islamic countries not following the example of the Europeans? They not only oppose the war but make concerted efforts to protect the Iraqi people from US attacks. Muslim countries should also use their relations with other countries to mobilize support for the anti-war campaign and encourage everyone to adopt a balanced and just stand on Islamic issues. But this will not be enough.
Major revisions are required at international levels in matters related to inter-Islamic relations. New moves should be made leading to Islamic reforms based on justice and freedom.
Muslim nations should also make efforts to find a place in the comity of nations, to promote education, science and technology, boost industry and enhance trade between Islamic countries. Muslims should also understand that inaction is a great help to the enemy and is indeed one of the enemy’s most powerful weapon.
