The world is in shock and horror at the behavior of American forces when they fire at crowds of men, women and children in Iraq. This kind of behavior is broadcast on all TV channels and we have become used to seeing such ugliness.
To be truthful, there is not much more than the ugly side in what is happening to Iraq. And this is the case despite repeated promises by the American president regarding a future democracy and prosperous life for Iraq and its people.
The question that cries out for an answer is how many people must die and be humiliated before there is democracy and a good life.
Is killing necessary?
The friends of the US are shocked now when they see this country that in the past represented democracy killing people in Iraq. The behavior of the American military should make the American administration stop and think.
The world has long known about the racism in America that was directed against African-Americans. The world tried to understand that racism had a social and historical background and that it would require a long time to change it. African-Americans, with the help of white liberals in America, have attained results in the struggle against oppression.
The world also knew that during World War II there was racism in America which was directed at the Japanese. After the war, however, Japan’s rapid economic and technological advancement reduced racism against Japan and all Asian countries.
But what we now see — racism directed against Muslims and Arabs — should make us think too. There are cultural and social differences between the West and the Muslim world. In the past, countries were isolated from one another, but in these days of the global village and instantaneous international communication, we can see that racism still exists.
What shocks American liberals is the racist treatment that Muslims face in the US. American Muslims feel not only that they are alienated from society but also that they are being monitored. Despite the American administration’s efforts to provide security and peace for its people, it is simultaneously destroying the idea of democracy which has inspired the world for over two centuries.
American racism today is targeted at Arabs and Muslims. This racism is not invisible; it can be seen, heard and read everyday in the media. American political and military capabilities may cover up the fatal mistakes of the American administration but racism will weaken those very capabilities that the American government depends upon to carry out its policies. This racism which is stimulated by hawks in the American government coupled with irresponsible and inhuman behavior in Iraq will destroy the good image of American democracy.
American military behavior is a big disappointment to the friends of America all over the world. It is upsetting and disturbing the majority of Americans who believe in traditional American democracy. Unless something is done soon, American democracy may one day be only a memory — like that of ancient Athens.
Arab News From the Local Press 24 August 2003
