24 - 30 January 2002
Issue No.570
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Al-Ahram Weekly Online 24 - 30 January 2002 Issue No.570 |
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Drawing by Ossama Qasim
Come and help
Sir- Re Barbra-renee Brighenti's letter to the editor (Al-Ahram Weekly, 17-23 January):Dear Ms Brighenti,
There is a great need for individuals like yourself to join the struggle for liberation in Palestine. As a photo-journalist you would be of great help here at the moment. As I am sure you are aware, there is very little media attention given to the true plight of the Palestinian people. There are many international workers like myself in Palestine, and it would be quite easy for you to come and get involved, particularly as a member of the international checkpoint watch. I live in Ramallah and would be happy to get in contact with you over e-mail to answer any of your questions. My e-mail is skyanna@hotmail.com.
Sky McLaughlin
Ramallah, West Bank
Palestine
Don't talk to me
Sir- No wonder there is no peace or possibility of peace in the Middle East. What seems apparent is that you write to an uneducated audience. Ask yourself: Why do terrorists gravitate to the Middle East to the exclusion of other places? Why do Arabs support governments that slaughter their own people? Why do Muslims refuse to accept religions that differ from them?All are signs of weakness.
There is an old joke that a woman is running for the presidency of Iran. She is the progressive candidate -- and is going to lead them into the 15th century.
Alas, if only we could build a 10-foot wall around you, we'd all be better off -- for just a few hundred years so "civilisation" might take hold...
If I thought that I could start a dialogue and get back a sentence that said more than "death to the infidel," I would try a conversation.
Alan L Liebowitz
US
Next, toilet paper
Sir- Regarding your article "And what about the Geneva Conventions?" by Faiza Rady (Al-Ahram Weekly, 17-23 January): Do you really expect anyone who does not share your self-interested bias to believe that you are at all concerned with the treatment of the criminals the US government has just taken from Afghanistan to Cuba -- to be housed and fed (and given their own personal Qur'ans) and generally treated in a manner that is in all likelihood superior to any housing conditions or treatment formerly afforded them in their own countries? Do you actually expect anyone from any developed part of the world to give credence to what you have to say?How can one believe your "concerned" position worthy of credibility when you agree to be part of a culture that beheads homosexuals? As a matter of fact, you willingly belong to and promote a culture that beheads and amputates body parts of anyone who threatens its rigid beliefs.
Egypt and other Muslim regimes spend time committing inhumane murder upon its citizens rather than spend (probably less!) time creating a working social structure that allows people to function happily within decent, democratically agreed-upon bounds... A structure not dependent upon having to resort to the sorts of barbaric means towards "justice" (such as amputation) that give rise to the necessity of such civilised social responses as the Geneva Conventions. Conventions of humane treatment, unfortunately, have had to be provided and maintained by the civilised world because of the cruel treatment backwards cultures always seem to replicate.
Perhaps you might consider applying the rules of the Geneva Conventions to your own "society." It would have to give you a leg up. I'm sure you can get a copy in plain brown wrapping and I'm additionally sure that someone who has had the benefit of a Western education could help you to read (and maybe even implement) the rules of conduct.
By the way, as a psychotherapist, I do find it intriguing that the Muslim cultures spend an inordinate amount of time trying to suppress the feminine -- whether it shows up in men or women -- and yet your men all seem to prefer the company of men to the exclusion of any other persons! In this country, we refer to that as homosexual attachment. I say this knowing that not for one moment are you capable of considering another's perspective, but it feels good to send it your way. If more Islamofascists decide to enact their hateful jealousy on this country, I would dislike dying without letting you know just what I think of your dubious "concerns" for humane treatment of prisoners and other thoughts expressed herein.
You should do yourselves a favour and start including yourselves in the company of women. It will make you smart eventually, if you try hard and listen carefully! Also, do yourselves and the rest of this sorry world a favour, and do consider applying those Geneva Conventions to yourselves. First, freedom from cruelty, then democracy and then -- who knows? Dare I dream? Toilet paper!
Margaret Doocey
New York
US
Stand up for your rights
Sir- As an African and a pan-Africanist, I fully understand the sentiments expressed by Egyptian patriots at the Nefertiti Hall, even if it was for only four hours ("Five-star steam," Al-Ahram Weekly, 17-23 January). I believe that we must get our act together to face this juggernaut on all fronts. The United States is only riding roughshod over our heads, humiliating our national dignity, because at one point we sacrificed African unity, Arab unity, Third World unity on the altar of the Cold War, giving more than we received. These forces are now so powerful our entire geopolitical reality is a function of their greedy corporate-led geoeconomic military, biotechnological and natural resource needs! How many of our current crop of IMF/World Bank- endorsed leaders can hold a candle to a Nasser, a Sekou Toure, a Lumumba, a Nkrumah?In 1956, the Rais won the Suez war that brought down the Earl of Avon in Britain! Today, British High Commissioners inaugurate toilets at nursery schools! What message are our tiny tots, let alone the upcoming generation, getting? What signals are we sending? Dependency, dependency, dependency! By April 1974, African combatants had so exhausted Portugal's colonial army that it led to the demise of the Caetano-Spinola regime, hastening independence in the erstwhile colonies but also ushering in the era of democracy in Portugal. Today, 22-year old experts criss-cross our impoverished countrysides in 4x4s giving lessons in "good governance" and "participatory democracy."
I cut my political teeth during the great anti- Apartheid struggles of the '60s and '70s. If we really are to get out of charged meetings in plush hotel suites and hit the streets and backwaters, then we must remember the great solidarity movements of that era, reinforcing and energising one another across the globe. As Martin Luther King Jr said: "A man can only climb on your back if it is bent." It is time we stood up to be counted!
Fatoumata Toure
Global Panafrican Movement
Kampala
Uganda
We the people
Sir- First I want you to know that I enjoy reading your paper. I love to learn about other people and what makes their world go round. I am a Native American (American Indian) and can understand some of your issues. But before you judge all of us, come over, to small towns and villages, and learn to know us. We the people really aren't so bad. As in Egypt most of our people are accepting of all people, curious about the way you live, your food, customs, and religion.When 11 September happened and people started talking about "Arabs" and the Qur'an I told all who would listen that they were wrong. I write to a man in Saudi Arabia. We share stories about family, friends, religion and customs. He has been nothing but polite, sensitive and thoughtful.
I have in fact read the Qur'an, and what the terrorists called Islam isn't what Islam teaches. It is a kind and gentle religion. I tell people that before they decide anything they need to know someone from that region and read the Qur'an. If they do they will find that apart from the kooks -- and we have our share -- they will find a beautiful, peaceful people who live by their religious beliefs.
So please, don't think we are all idiots, that we hate Arabs or that we think badly of Islam. We don't.
My dream has been to come to Egypt, see your priceless treasures and spend time really getting to know your people and county. I'm 61 years old now, so I doubt I ever will, but I want to and given the chance I'd be there in a heartbeat.
Shirley Snyder (Spirit Wolf)
Leipsic, Ohio
US
Make a difference
Sir- Regarding the up-coming Arab League summit:1- The participants must address practical measures to end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land, the Golan Heights, and the remainder of the Lebanese Chebaa Farms this year.
2- They must give the US and Israel a time frame for the withdrawal of all occupation forces from the above-mentioned territories, not exceeding a six- month period starting with a formal request presented to the current administration in Washington DC.
3- They must give the US and Israel a time frame for the evacuation of all illegal settlements in the occupied territories held since 1967.
4- They must address the issue of protecting Iraqi scientists, engineers, technologists and technicians if the US and its allies decide to strike the current Iraqi government.
5- They must prepare their nations for a genuine peaceful settlement to the conflict, which can only take place when Israel gives a time-table for the withdrawal of its troops and their settlers from the occupied territories.
6- The Arab League must put a high commissioner in charge of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The commissioner and his/her office will have the sole responsibility of dealing with Israel, the US and the EU.
7- The members should not, at the end of the summit, come up with declarations of "support," "condemnations," declarations of "brotherly" or "sisterly" love. The people have had enough of useless Arab League summits and all the garbage that follows them.
8- If the leaders attending the summit cannot stand up for the rights of their people, then frankly, they should resign their respective offices and declare themselves a collection of useless heads of states.
Imad Jazairi
Houston, Texas
US
Speak up, speak out
Sir- I was very interested in the article you published called "Translating silence" (Al-Ahram Weekly, 10-16 January). I am an American living in Egypt, and I have hopes of pressing for better public services for handicapped people in general. I wish to begin with deaf/hard of hearing people, since I am one myself. I note many services are not available here that were once available to me in America. I also enjoyed another article you printed a while back, about Down's Syndrome. I believe that given the proper help and opportunities, many people considered incapable of being independent could achieve great success. Also, being independent and connected with mainstream society would encourage civil-minded progress. I am guessing that as a newspaper organisation, you have means of contacting people who would and could help me in my goal. I would appreciate a response via e-mail.Valerie L Wright
Muqattam
Egypt
Powerful pictures
Sir- Last night my husband, a typical white American, saw something for the first time: the Israeli army bulldozing Palestinian houses. He was appalled, furiously asking me if I had seen the stark images. I looked at him sadly and explained that it had been going on for at least the 10 years I have watched the news. He is angry about what is happening to innocent people in Palestine for the first time ever. I suggest to the Palestinian cause that more of these images be transmitted. Westerners are enamoured of visual representations and the media can always be counted on to "report" the most gruesome sights, so use this powerful weapon of persuasion.Shelley Thran
Connecticut
US
What can I do?
Sir- I am an American graduate student who has been reading your publication for several months now as an objective source of news, as American and British sources have become increasingly unsatisfactory. I have become increasingly disturbed over the Israeli occupation of Palestine, particularly in light of the "war on terrorism."After reading Mr Said's article "Emerging alternatives in Palestine" (Al-Ahram Weekly, 10-16 January), I have a sense that Americans must do more to make their voices heard on this issue. Personally, I have pursued a letter-writing campaign to my representatives in the US government with no results, and am increasingly frustrated with my government's unmitigated complicity with Israeli policy.
Sadly, the truth of the matter is that most Americans do not care about the plight of the Palestinian people. Arabs have been conspicuously demonised for several decades in the American media, and this has created an atmosphere of mistrust and even hatred for all things associated with Arab life and culture. The newest bout of anti-Arab (and indeed, anti-Islam) propaganda has only increased these feelings.
Without knowing what can be done, I wish to add my voice to the small (but ever-increasing) chorus of those who abhor violence in any form and wish to see the never-ending cycle of retribution and oppression terminated. Unfortunately, with the current administration in power in the United States, the voice of temperance and rationality will probably continue to be ignored.
My question is this -- what can I, as an American in the very heart of a country which is very much still bleeding, do to influence the policies of my government regarding this issue?
Al Ludwig
Missouri
US
Peace in Arabic
Sir- When Mr Arafat and his friends convey the same message of peace in Arabic to the Arab people as they do in English to its Western allies, then and only then should they be taken seriously as peacemakers. As long as their messages remain mixed, then they can hardly be considered trustworthy.Elliot Feldman
Michigan
US
Imagine the horror
Sir- It is with a great deal of ambivalence and trepidation that I read the article by Mr Hani Shukrallah ("Ultimate sacrifice," Al-Ahram Weekly, 17-23 January). As an Arab Canadian, sheltered from the daily suffering and realities of the Middle East, I have a sense of frustration and despair at the events that are occurring in the region. I cannot for a second imagine what it must be like to face the kind of horror that the Palestinians are facing on a daily basis. To try to intellectualise the response to this misery seems somewhat naive. Faced with the reality of "terrorist" attacks in North America, society here has implemented somewhat draconian laws that may impinge on civil liberties with the reasoning that desperate situations require desperate measures. It is hard to believe that the situation in which Palestinians live could get any more desperate. I certainly do not condone suicide attacks but, being unable to understand the degree of suffering, I cannot stand in judgement. Resistance takes on many forms and attacks on innocent civilians seem to be the least effective, and most harmful to the cause.Shaheer Tadros
Ottawa
Canada
Ashamed in exile
Sir- Re Fayza Hassan's "Diary of an occupation" (Al-Ahram Weekly, 17-23 January): As a Palestinian living in constant exile since birth, I thank you for humanising the lives of Palestinians under occupation. Your piece makes me wonder: where are our Arab brethren? Where are the rest of the Diaspora Palestinians, and what are they doing about all that is happening in the occupied territories? I am ashamed of my comfortable life, of my full fridge, of the fact that I have a full freezer too. I am ashamed of my car, my closets, my jewellery...Samar Jarrah
Port Charlotte, Florida
US
Two-state solution
Sir- In his "Dictates of the victor" (Al-Ahram Weekly, 17-23 January), Mohamed Khaled Al-Azaar writes that "Israeli governments, without exception, have never relinquished their ambition to seize all of Palestine." This is both an inflammatory and spurious comment. As reported this week in Al-Ahram, Arafat is promising the Palestinian people the right of return with Jerusalem as their capital. If 4.5 million Palestinians are allowed to move into Israel under the right of return, then Israel is no longer the Jewish state, it is now Palestinian. If Palestinians receive the West Bank, the Gaza strip, and Jerusalem, along with commanding an Arab majority in Israel, then it seems to me that Palestinians are the ones who have never "relinquished their ambition to seize all of Palestine." A two-state solution still appears to be the only solution. Future peace means difficult decisions. Israelis need to give up the settlements and the Palestinians need to give up the right of return. Two states, two people.Peter Reitzes
Brooklyn, New York
US
Not terrorism
Sir- In portraying the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as "the most massive terrorist act in modern history," Azmi Bishara (Al-Ahram Weekly, 17-23 January) is participating in a long anti- American tradition of distorting, ignoring and falsifying the context around these events. The aim of this exercise is to create a moral equivalence between American's actions and those of her enemies. However, even a cursory examination of the facts shows this comparison to be specious at best.Bishara claims that "the war had already been resolved in the US's favour" when the bombs were dropped. In fact, a massive infantry invasion of the Japanese was well in the works, with the expectation of one million American casualties, and many more on the Japanese side. In the weeks immediately before the bombing, American casualties were averaging 7,000 per week. For this account of the war I am relying on Hiroshima: A Soldier's View by Paul Fussell, hardly a pro-war jingoist.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki were the final act in a war in which civilians were routinely targeted by all sides. Other campaigns resulted in many more civilian deaths -- the only difference at Hiroshima and Nagasaki was the technology used to kill. Lastly, Hiroshima was a military target; it was the headquarters of the Japanese Second Army.
Today, Japan and the US are reconciled, and Japan stands as an example of liberal democracy. If the atom bomb is the main evidence of America's enormity, then the case is quite weak.
John Raley
San Francisco, California
US
Restore faith
Sir- Sometimes, I must admit that I lose my faith. There is one question which I just cannot seem to explain. The question is: why is a kind and merciful God allowing the Palestinian people to suffer such humiliation at the hands of Israel?If there is somebody out there who can answer this for me, they would be helping to restore my faith in religion.
Where is God in all this tragedy?
Ikram Abrahams
Cape Town
South Africa
No women
Sir- I am writing to comment on Amina Elbendary's interesting "If not now, then when?" (Al-Ahram Weekly, 17-23 January). A portion of the article exemplifies the "damned if you do, damned if you don't" choice that so often confronts American policymakers. That portion reads:"Imperialist condescension toward Arab women, Cooke argued, was evident in the discourse and policies of such men as the British high commissioner in Egypt, Lord Cromer. It is an attitude one literary critic described as being 'white man saving brown women from brown men.' Cooke remarked that after 11 September American official discourse on Afghan women, exemplified by Laura Bush's patronising statements, sounded too much like Lord Cromer for comfort. Now, Afghan 'sisters' are seen to be the passive victims of violent Taliban men, and they need to be saved. Some American women, like Cooke herself, find the attitudes inherent in such discourse shameful."
Professor Cooke rightly notes that many Muslim women have been active in their opposition to harsh patrimony, particularly in Afghanistan under the Taliban. Nevertheless, their brave struggle was not successful, i.e., the Taliban's strictures remained dominant and the repression of Afghani women was widespread. Moreover, there was no evidence that the women's struggle would become successful. The Taliban's grip on power was increasing, particularly with Massoud's killing, and the Taliban was becoming more extreme, not less. America is frequently criticised for not coming to the aid of Muslims. For example, the US has been criticised for not intervening earlier in Bosnia. Now, we are criticised for intervening in Afghanistan. Indeed, we are supposed to feel "shame" because one of the things we thought we were supporting was an end to the Taliban's oppression of women. Mrs. Bush is "patronising" because she expressed concern for their plight. Had she ignored their plight, I'm sure she would have been criticised as insensitive.
Two other points. Arab women, and Arab- American women, are not demonised in the American media. Quite the opposite is true. Overwhelmingly, both groups are presented in highly sympathetic terms.
Second, "Zionists" do not cause this (nonexistent) negative portrayal of Muslim women in American media. Other than the Taliban, there is next to nothing on US television about the aspects of treatment of women by Muslims that would revolt the American public. For example, I have not seen a single TV report on "honour killings." There is virtually nothing on modern slavery, often for the purpose of sexual abuse. There are virtually no reports on polyandry [sic] and, other than the briefest of mentions of the Malaysian controversy over whether a husband could e-mail a divorce, nothing on Islamic divorce laws. There is nothing about spouse abuse. Currently, there is nothing about female genital mutilation. There is nothing about inheritance laws or codes on the weight to give male vs female testimony in court. Now, try a thought experiment: (1) if Jews really did control the US media and (2) these Jews were dedicated to helping Israel by causing widespread US hate of Muslims, then (3) our media would be filled with such reports. I hope your readers will consider the possibility that the first two premises are false.
William K Black
University of Texas at Austin
US
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