20 - 26 September 2001
Issue No.552
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Al-Ahram Weekly Online 20 - 26 September 2001 Issue No.552 |
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 | Current issue | Previous issue | Site map | ||
Difficult thoughts
How does one think clearly in the midst of madness? Yet the horrible events of 11 September show us what the failure to think can lead to. Clear thinking is now more necessary than ever.
To reduce innocent civilians not only to targets, but also to weapons; to use human beings to kill others who are working to earn their living: this is an act of barbarism. It cannot serve any cause.
Reactions to the disaster will follow the typical pattern: shock, denial, anger, and a deep sense of loss and sorrow. Then the ability to think kicks in -- of how to find and punish the perpetrators while trying to maintain a pluralistic, safe, free society. Problems happen when these stages are mixed up, with reactions based on rage, or blind retaliation. Not taking decisive action, or sacrificing civil liberties while trying to protect them, will only add to the list of victims. We will all be at once criminals and victims.
Nothing can justify the attack but, just as we seek to deal with poverty and violence without being accused of justifying rape or theft, we must also analyse the global environment. We will have to work on the image of Americans, particularly in the Arab and Muslim world.
The role of American Muslims and Arabs is crucial. An ignorant few may target these communities, but the country in general is showing solidarity, tolerance and compassion. This is the time for American Muslims to assert their identity, participate in the debate and become part of the healing process.
* This week's Soapbox speaker is senior adviser of the Muslim Public Affairs Council and spokesperson for the Islamic Center of Southern California.
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