Bush, the midget
Sir-- We as a nation are being sucked down the collective tube in response to Jr's war. There seems to be a growing number of citizens on this planet who believe that there is another roadmap to peace that does not involve the deaths of innocent civilians or the bombing of allied countries or allied soldiers, not to mention our own beloved.
Bush, through his mournful lack of credentials -- not much more than his father's name to his credit-- and the gaggle of nodding heads he has surrounded himself with, has managed to squander the goodwill and support of the world and turn it into resentment and suspicion. There has always been an evil dictator or some despot regime somewhere -- and there always will be -- although the who and where seem to change with the occupants of the White House.
Another item of note is that when the currant administration came on the scene the concern seemed to be about "rogue states", but now we are committed to fighting the "axis of evil" wherever we find it; so who is the "rogue state" now? And no matter how many lives this man is willing to sacrifice whether they be American, British, Iraqi, Afghani, Colombian, North Korean or whoever, it will never make us safe from the true believer hell-bent on doing us harm.
While we watch in real time, able to see the grandeur of patriot missiles smashing into Baghdad and our mechanised forces racing across the desert in grand columns, we can't help but feel the swell of pride in our chests. But be sure the two little girls who got in the way when that A-10 took out that British tank won't make our live broadcasts from now on.
So as the growing number of well-meaning and hopeful Bush supporters bask in the glow of a burning Iraq, we the few, the proud, the patriots for peace can but stand aside and bear witness to the decline of our once great nation. Who would have thought it could have been brought about by one ignorant little man from Texas? It seems we have gotten the government we deserve.
Keith Hupp
Chugiak, AK
USA
War for freedom
Sir-- In 'Not for oil alone' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 3-9 April) you state that you are concerned about the Iraqi people, yet you argue against a war that will end up giving the Iraqi people their freedom. Do you really believe that once this war is over that the Iraqi people and their children will not have a better future -- a future where they do not have to live in fear of their own government?
No government has a right to deny any law abiding citizen -- male or female -- their freedom (or absolute equality). Governments exist and serve at the will of the people -- not the other way around. And if any government doesn't agree, then all I have to say is "just wait"; someday soon their own people will come knocking on their doors and force a change. Sometimes popular revolts and wars are necessary to bring about popular change.
Bill Carroll
Denver
USA
Right and moral
Sir-- Many Americans support the war against Iraq for reasons unrelated to the "America as imperialist" view that you espouse in 'Not for oil alone' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 3-9 April). Iraq has maimed hundreds of thousands of Muslims over the decades, and yet not one Arab country intervened; why is that? Iraq has offered a haven for every major terrorist group -- Hamas, Jihad, and Al-Qa'eda -- and has sold and would sell them biological, chemical and even nuclear weapons if they ask. Americans aren't going to continue to wait to be attacked by terrorists, protected and supplied by countries like Iraq. President Bush clearly stated after the 11 September attacks that he would go after states harbouring terrorists as well as the terrorists themselves, so why is this war such a surprise to you?
Most Americans no longer care if many countries "like us". We know that to go after sadistic murderers like Saddam is the right moral action. We grieve for the innocent Iraqi citizens who have died, many because they were thrust into harm's way by Saddam's methods of fighting. We know that the virtuous Iraqi expatriates and in-country citizens will build a moral Iraq, where Iraqis are free to pursue a life worthy of their inner greatness. We hope that all Arabs will help them towards this end.
L James
Plano, TX
USA
Corporate evil
Sir-- I wish to thank the people of Egypt for standing up to the United States of America and their evil policies in your part of the world. George Bush was not elected legally by our people and it is well- known around the world, but not in the USA, that his family rigged the elections. The book The Best Democracy Money Can Buy by Greg Palast gives evidence and proof of this statement.
Our news sources and entertainment seem to be run by only a handful of very large, very wealthy corporations. They are constantly feeding the minds of the average American with filth and lies. Please boycott all products made in the USA until this illegal and unholy war ends and our government is repaired.
Simple acts of this sort multiply when the whole world works together. The American corporations are too powerful and their propaganda is too well-designed for the American people to see the truth at the moment. Economic sanctions destroyed Iraq, and they can do the same for these corporations. Yes, I am an American, but I am willing to endure hardship or death for the benefit of humanity and to bring justice to the world.
Many of our people are opposed to the blatant cruelty of our government and the Israelis, but our voices are being silenced by the gigantic corporations, leaving us the Internet as the only way to contact the free people to ask the world to help us save ourselves from the evil that has taken our country.
When your religious leaders say that a great Satan has taken over the USA, they know what they are talking about. Please help us.
Leonard Buckingham
Glenwood Springs, CO
USA
Reigning daggers
Sir-- Jet fighters took off this morning from the capital airports of allied Berica and Aritain to drop megabombs on the headquarters of King Macbeth, former thane of Glamis and Cawdor. The allies spokesman regretted, earlier, the tragic and accidental deaths of many audience who lined up in front of the Globe theatre to have a look at their tyrannical king. The spokesman said: "We have constantly told those art- loving civilians to stay away from the theatres, libraries, parks, coffee houses... any place where the soon-to-be-ousted king may be hiding with his mercenaries." He added: "We promise that there is a prompt postwar plan to rebuild all the destroyed constructions by the best Berican and Aritish contractors." As for the historical constructions, the spokesman calmed the angry crowd that "they will all be replaced by metal and glass edifices much better than the mosaic and carved wood old ones." He explained: "the new is always much better than the old."
Reporters asked the spokesman about the deaths of children -- in a clear reference to the death of Macduff's child, head of opposition to King Macbeth and thane of Fife -- the spokesman responded: "They were going to die one way or another." Finally, asked about the shortage of water the people complain of, the spokesman said that anyone can bring his bowls and "we'll fill'm up." A native remarked that his fellow dramatomanes will refuse the "bread-for-book" programme since they prefer to die of hunger rather than shame.
Karma Sami
Cairo
Egypt
A better world
Sir-- Concerning 'The hand that feeds you' (Al- Ahram Weekly, 27 March - 2 April), I want to explain something to the Europeans and the Americans. It's not a charity given to us, it is our stolen wealth. Because of your amnesia, you have forgotten what your grandfathers had stolen from the East -- cotton, oil, silk, iron and much more. If I had been a Muslim/ Arab leader, I would not have allowed myself to think of accepting such an offer of what is called "aid" from your country. I am sure you have no "Alms House", but rather you have "The Black House" that spreads terror, occupation, corruption, lies in the media and double standards all over the world.
In spite of this, I do not blame you because it is not your fault; it is our leaders' who gave you the opportunity to control us economically, politically and psychologically.
Contrary to your dehumanisation of Iraqi women and children, I felt deep sorrow and empathy for the innocent angel who is crying while clutching her father's picture in 'What went wrong' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 27 March - 2 April).
As for the American who asks in 'War for peace' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 27 March - 2 April) about the kind of a world it would be without USA, my reply is as follows. It would be better, it would be more civilised, it would be more religious, it would be more safe, it would be empty of a state which calls for international legitimacy and freedom while violating international law.
Mahmoud Abdel-Hamid
Fayoum
Egypt
Biased reporting
Sir-- Describing Kuwait's involvement as "shameless" in 'Solitary Kuwait' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 27 March - 2 April 2003) is an opinion. You are a reporting journalist. The rules of journalism do not allow for personal opinions.
You must be unbiased in your reporting, especially when you represent a respected newspaper such as Al-Ahram Weekly.
Is this what Arab journalism is coming to? It is very sad.
Mazen Ali
Kuwait City
Kuwait
Stay tuned
Sir-- Your excellent coverage of the initial political fallout from Bush's decision to follow the advice of his neo-conservative advisors in attacking Iraq, begs the question of what additional tragedies will occur when Cheney, Wolfowitz, Perle, Rumsfeld and Co "prime the pump" with more of the same.
I follow your coverage, and that of other reliable international sources, simply to cut through the obfuscation and prevarication prevalent in the mainstream American press. Keep up the good work.
Mr Bush has yet another showdown coming -- in the Republican Presidential Primaries beginning with New Hampshire. The war will be the supreme issue. His opponent is another Texan, but one who believes in a Republic and not in Empire, Congressman Ron Paul. Stay tuned.
Mark Dankof
Philadelphia
USA
Insightful
Sir-- 'How to win the war, and lose the peace' (Al- Ahram Weekly, 27 March - 2 April 2003) is an outstanding and thoughtful article.
Hani Hennein
Chicago
USA
Very accurate
Sir-- I just wanted to let you know that your columns are the only ones that can be depended upon for accurate information.
Your editorials about the small controlling group in the US are completely accurate. I am truly grateful; keep up the good work.
Paul Davallou
Virginia
USA
'Pull out, George'
Sir-- When Lyndon Baynes Johnson was invading and tormenting Vietnam, we anti-war demonstrators naughtily suggested that "LBJ should pull out like his father should have." And now, as Bush the heir follows old man Bush in ravaging Iraq, perhaps our advice ought to be updated to "Pull out, George, like your grandfather should have!"
Zeljko Cipris
Stockton, CA
USA
New age barbarians
Sir-- I am from Iraq, left Iraq since 1982 and working as an academic in Australia. I am planning to start a court case (somewhere in this rotten world) in the name of many Iraqis living in Diaspora against the new age barbarians (Americans and Britons) for the killing and destruction that is taking place now in Iraq.
Can you please direct me to the right channels that can assist in starting such case.
Faris Albermani
Brisbane
Australia
We, the people
Sir-- It is totally incorrect to state in 'The chick was in the way' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 3-9 April) that "the US public... continued to stand firm behind President Bush."
This does not represent the American people and is nothing but the propaganda that is fed to us Americans and the world. If the Bush administration had the support of the American people, why has there been millions of Americans protesting the war and only a few thousands showing their support for this illegal and criminal war?
I would ask you to stop telling the lies of the Bush administration to your audience and stick with reality. How many times have you seen President Bush speak to the American public in the open streets since this war started? Instead, he speaks at military bases and it is here where such stupid polls are produced and fed to the people of the United States and the world.
I ask that you respect us. We, the people of the United States of America, stand against the war. President George Bush has violated the United Nations and has refused to listen to us and he deserves to be sent before the World Court at the Hague for crimes against humanity. That goes also for all of his hungry cronies who take joy in watching innocent lives being killed in Iraq.
Ben Garza
San Francisco, CA
USA
Explosive power
Sir-- It was revealed that 8,700 bombs rained down on Iraq in 12 days, including 3,000 missiles over the weekend.
How many atomic bombs does this make? How many Hiroshima bombs does that make? Any answers?
Glid Deniro
Rome
Italy
Sharon's advice
Sir-- Did you know that Israeli military elements are in Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to advise the Americans on how to fight suicide bombers?
And that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon visited Kuwait and Qatar at least three times since last December.
Zelma King
Bristol
UK
Go USA
Sir-- I totally agree with the Kuwaitis; Iraq brought this war upon itself. Saddam is killing the Iraqi people, not the coalition forces, by putting his people in a position where bombing is necessary.
Also, why are all of these Arab, Muslim hypocrits not crying over the hundreds of thousands of Iraqis whom Saddam killed just for the sake of it. All Arabs who support Iraq and the Saddam regime should face eternal damnation in hell. Go USA!
Robert Harper
Texas
USA
The shame of it
Sir-- It is an absolute tragedy that once again the Arab world has lived up to the Western opinion of them as a weak and servile people.
Only the magnificent children of Palestine have shown that even against overwhelming military force, a high cost can be extracted. The war criminals will take Iraq without even a whimper from the warriors of Allah. God help you all.
Patrick Somerville
Perth
Australia
Humiliation delight
Sir-- It must be difficult to work while spewing such hate. It looks like things are going badly for your close friend Saddam and his stooges. Don't you think it will make you all lose what little credibility you have when the Arab world finds out how much you misled them?
I'll be checking back to watch your humiliation -- and working with my representatives to cut aid to your country. We have come to the conclusion that you would be better with Osama Bin Laden as your government.
Richard Mains
New York, NY
USA
All behind Bush
Sir-- I am amazed at the open, honest and uncensored discussion on the Readers' Corner section -- much has changed since I left Cairo a few years back.
Contrary to some of the comments by your readers, polls in the US show an overwhelming majority supporting George W Bush and our country's efforts to free the Iraqi people. It is clear that our military is doing its utmost to prevent innocent lives from being lost, and to say that this war is about oil, occupation or anti- Islam, is to choose conspiracy theory over reality.
The US has made many mistakes in the past and hopefully we have learned from them. One mistake that we will not make again is to let an evil dictator torture and kill millions of people without attempting to stop it.
Brian Martinson
Ithaca, NY
USA
Stand steadfast
Sir-- I am so sorry for what the US government is doing in my name to the people of Iraq; I apologise for my uneducated fellow Americans. The courage shown by alternative media outlets is heartening, please stand steadfast. Our country is under attack by a few rogue outlaws and its very foundations of liberty are being eroded. Please continue to tell the whole story.
I want to thank the French and German peoples for having the courage to stand up to the bullying by the US government. The actions of these two governments has given many, many Americans hope in a time of hopelessness. I am so ashamed to be an American.
Juanita Wood
Oregon
USA
Candle in the dark
Sir-- We have many news organisations in North America which give us the perspective of the West, but nothing from the Arab point of view.
In our country, Arab Canadians are violating the law when they subscribe to Al-Jazeera satellite station. Your paper and Web site do a good job of allowing us to see the other side of the issues.
Douglas Rush
Vancouver
Canada
In solidarity
Sir-- I would like you to know that I and many people throughout Ireland share your anger and frustration with this war.
It is needless, caused by misguidance, stupidity and greed. I wish you well.
Gillian Murphy
Dublin
Ireland
Cynical photo-op
Sir-- It is with great sadness that I learnt that George W Bush and Tony Blair are to use the peace initiative in Northern Ireland as a photo opportunity to cynically show themselves as men of peace. I am further saddened that the prime minister of Ireland has agreed to meet Bush and Blair.
This manipulation of the ongoing peace process to show these two men to the world as "peacemakers" is beyond belief. For my country's leader to meet with them is adding to the anger already present in Ireland for allowing US planes carrying soldiers to the Gulf to refuel at Shannon.
Ireland claims to be neutral, our leaders argued they would only allow the continuation of the use of Shannon if a UN resolution was issued in relation to the invasion of Iraq. This did not happen but Shannon continues to be used. The argument used is that Ireland needs investment from the UK and the US, they are our friends. We get jobs for Iraqi lives.
Sandra Garvey
North Tipperary
Ireland
American Third Reich
Sir-- Just as the world was eager to appease Hitler and his fascist Nazi regime -- in the hopes of saving themselves from the predations of that regime -- the world now appeases Bush and the unholy triumvirate alliance of the fanatical PNAC- fundamentalist Christian right-wing-corporatist regime that has over the last 20 years usurped the power of American democracy. Most Americans know little of the terrorist activities of huge corporations, the CIA-military junta, and the Likudniks because our media has long been under their control. The capitulation of the Arab world will not save them -- nor will it save the Europeans, Russians or Asians.
Like many poor Americans, on whose backs this invasion is funded, they will suffer for their near- sighted selfish interests. Millions of powerless Americans now face poverty and hopelessness as middle-class America transfers its power and wealth to the ruling elite. This new ruling class cares no more about the welfare of US citizens than it does of Palestinian or Iraqi citizens; all resistance will be crushed as surely as under the Third Reich.
Sandy Lambrecht
Wisconsin
USA
Taste of France
Sir-- The Americans are so angry at the French that they are calling French fries, Freedom fries although French fries are a Belgian invention.
What if they discover that one of their famous symbols and probably their pride, the Coca Cola bottle, is truly a French idea. It was designed, along with the logo on the pack of Lucky Strike cigarettes, by French designer Raymond Loewy.
I wonder what they will do about that.
Akef Adib Qusous
Amman
Jordan
Right to protest
Sir-- Amnesty International has received information that scores of people including three children detained during anti-war demonstrations in Cairo, Egypt on 20 and 21 March are still being held.
The children were initially held together with adults at Al-Darassa Central Security Camp and in police custody. They are now believed to be held with adults in various prisons in or near the capital Cairo and there are serious concerns for the safety of all these detainees.
I urge you and your readers to support the right to peaceful protest.
Chris Connors
Kalapa
Australia
