This is with reference to the article “Divide and rule policy” (Sept. 6) by Ramzy Baroud. So, the writer intends to blame Israel for the divisions among the Palestinians. How long would this trend continue among us? We Muslims have become so used to blaming others for our own weaknesses. Israel and for that matter any other power can only exploit the existing fissures between a nation, it cannot drive a wedge between a united people.
It is not just the Palestinians who are bitterly divided. Muslims all across the world are divided along sectarian and ethnic lines. We have completely forgotten the true meanings of the term “Ummah” or nation.
Unfortunately, whenever somebody raises the slogan of Muslims unity, it is generally perceived as a call to attack “enemies.” We need to rid ourselves of this emotional baggage from the past. Things have changed. Gone are the days of conquering lands and people. It is the era of economics. Economy is the key word and it is the magic wand that helps a nation promote its global and regional interests. Many people would cite the US military interventions as an example. What has the US achieved from these interventions?
History tells us that the US has never won a single war on foreign soil. So, it cannot be used as an example here. China, on the other hand, is a good example. Chinese leaders’ focus on strengthening their country’s economy is now bearing fruit, as it has emerged as the new global power that has the capability to change any global scenario with much ease. China has conquered the world economically and that is what matters today.
The Muslim world is blessed with all sorts of natural resources. Had there been unity among Muslims, the Muslim world would have been an unimaginable economic power to reckon with. If the Palestinians are really interested in gaining freedom from the Zionists, they need to put up a joint front and cast aside their differences to work together for a common goal against a common enemy. — Abdul Ghaffar Ahmed, Jeddah
Stop blaming others
