Loud and clear
Sir-- Thank you for Ayman El-Amir's article 'The writing on the wall' (Al- Ahram Weekly, 10-16 April). I really appreciate reading world opinion on the actions of the US military/government. The author is an excellent writer. Our media in the US is presenting a sanitised version of events; the US public has to find other sources of information to know what is being done in our name. Our corporate media are just mouthpieces for the current regime in Washington. We are not hearing much about the wounded and dead Iraqi civilians, and the international press that have been attacked and killed.
Michael Fraley
San Fancisco
USA
More information
Sir-- Ayman El-Amir's article 'The writing on the wall' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 10-16 April) misses the closing of the Kirkuk-Baniyat oil pipeline, while the Israelis are busy looking at the implications of the Mosul-Haifa pipeline. Furthermore, OPEC has been shot through the heart, the Intifada is dead, and the Israelis are in an ebullient mood. A few items that would have bolstered his article. Simply put: a disaster for the entire region.
Paul de Rooij
London
UK
No logic
Sir-- Regarding 'The writing on the wall' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 10-16 April). The US, through Colin Powell and Don Rumsfeld, warned Syria not because of its expressed support for Iraq, but rather Syria's complicit actions in sending thousands of terrorists into Iraq. Did the US warn Jordan when King Hussein expressed his support for the Iraqi people? Your perverse and twisted logic falls flat on your [the author's] own face, if any person with any intelligence and informed knowledge would examine it. Otherwise, only poor and uneducated Arabs would take your words.
Paul Sisco
Boston
USA
Individual interpretation
Sir-- Ayman El-Amir writes in 'The writing on the wall' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 10-16 April) that America believes might is right -- effective in achieving political objectives. But is this not how all Arab countries are organised? The might (suppression of the population) is right and achieves the political objectives of the dictators (also known as life presidents, kings, princes etc.).
Stephen Walker
Bath
UK
Good argument
Sir-- I wanted to write a brief note in appreciation of the recent article 'The writing on the wall' (Al- Ahram Weekly, 10-16 April) by Ayman El-Amir about the war situation in Iraq. As an American who has also spent time living in the Middle East and travelling throughout much of the region, I find myself deeply saddened by my country's post 9/11 attitude of "justified force".
El-Amir has raised some very important points, and I hope that those in power here and elsewhere in the world will take note.
Julie Christensen
New York
USA
Unbelievable perspective
Sir-- The article 'Day of the chicken hawks' (Al- Ahram Weekly, 10-16 April) is absolutely incredible. Are you people out of your minds? You have no sense of reality, and just dispense lie after lie that is designed to incite your readers. It's no wonder you have a bunch of suicide bombers who think they are on an "express bus to paradise", after reading such a ridiculous and laughable article. Is this paper for real or is it a comedy paper?
I'm still shaking my head in disbelief over the intentional lies and misinformation. I guess the Iraqi minister of information, who was lying to everyone everyday, is a perfect model that represents the entire Arab world, just full of lies. The funny thing is everyone believed him until he couldn't lie anymore, because American armour was rolling through Baghdad.
To your readers, I say, be smart enough to find the truth because you're not getting it in this paper.
John Smith
Missouri
USA
Word play
Sir-- Regarding 'Day of the chicken hawks' (Al- Ahram Weekly, 10-16 April). Perhaps Hani Shukrallah does not realise it, but the words chicken hawk have a slang meaning. In New York City a chicken hawk is a homosexual man in search of young boy prostitutes. Therefore, it is a particularly apt description of the Perle-Wolfowitz crowd.
Steve Waldo
New York, NY
USA
Brothers in peace
Sir-- It is so refreshing to read a commentary like Hani Shukrallah's 'Day of the chicken hawks' (Al- Ahram Weekly, 10-16 April). I live within the belly of the beast, which feeds me and my people so much propaganda. God knows how hard I have tried, as millions of my countrywomen and men have tried, to counter those lies. I know that compared to the hundreds who are dying in Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan even as I write this letter, we in the anti- war movement should be doing more. I feel that sometimes our demonstrations are so little in comparison to what the people of the Middle East are suffering.
I wept as I watched the first bombs drop on Baghdad. Some of us have put our lives on the line to stop this war. This week demonstrators in Oakland, California, were shot at by non-lethal weapons that put some people in hospitals. Their faces and bodies were pelted with bullets and they looked as if they had been stoned. The repression here is starting up and many of us, like myself, feel hopeless in countering the propaganda. It is so overwhelming. Even my own family doubts my concerns, when you have hourly reports of Iraqis cheering American soldiers and Iraqi exiles being interviewed saying that they are happy that the Iraqi regime has fallen. There were even Iraqi victory celebrations in Michigan, which has the largest Middle Eastern populations in the US. I know that many of these people hated Saddam for good reason, but our media so distorts the truth for its own propaganda reason.
It is very difficult for the anti-war movement to counter the lies and deceptions of the Bush administration. Our struggle in the US is very difficult. Yet like Sisyphus, we keep rolling the rock up the hill. I shall keep struggling for my people and for your people and maybe one day the world shall know peace.
Marlene Alvarado
Los Angeles, CA
USA
Victorious cowards
Sir-- Those who fight wars against helpless people without being seen -- unseen missiles, unseen planes -- bombarding harmless people in the name of democracy and civilisation; pretending that they are protecting the US from weapons of mass destruction when it is the US that has unleashed a veritable inferno of weapons of mass destruction on the helpless Iraqis that they pretend they want to liberate.
However, facts are facts. What do we see now? This super power has decimated the Iraqi population, created untold misery to the families who lost their loved ones either by death or crippling diseases. They completely polluted not only the air, but also the land that for untold years will be barren due to the chemicals emanating from all kinds of bombs and missiles. They have secured the oil wells to dispose of as they please to enrich their economy. Look at the herd of companies lining up to secure lucrative contracts to rebuild Iraq (with its own oil money); look at the shares rising on the stock market; look at the unrest that was deliberately unleashed across Iraq to create instability and give them the excuse to remain in Iraq until it is squeezed dry of its riches; look at the destruction of Iraq's most cherished culture and monuments; look at their complete disregard of the UN Charter, international law and the Geneva Convention; look at the agony and trauma of a nation, for weeks without electricity or water or medical supplies or sleep, until they practically lost their minds.
One could go on and on, but the main point is that we consider this war a crime against humanity, those responsible for it must be tried by international courts and made to pay compensation to the people they have harmed.
What about Israel's weapons of mass destruction and its nuclear arsenal? Israel, which has disobeyed scores and scores of Security Council resolutions with the help of US veto. Here in the Middle East, we know the plan exactly. Israel must destroy all nations in the area in order to take the whole of Palestine and many other areas for itself; this is also the policy of the US.
Unfortunately, the whole world has been brainwashed by their powerful mass media with all kinds of misinformation, lies and deceit. No one nation should hold power over the world because of military might; there is no alternative to international law. We accept no double standards, we say no to arrogance, yes to mutual respect, tolerance and meaningful dialogue between cultures.
Mahiba Abdel-Salam
Cairo
Egypt
Act now
Sir-- This is a letter to Mr Kofi Annan.
I expect condemnation of the USA and its allies' violation of all international laws. I expect a decision to impose sanctions on the USA and its allies. I expect a 48-hour ultimatum for the USA and its allies to withdraw their military forces immediately from Iraq. I expect the formation of a strong coalition against the USA and its allies' invasion of Iraq. I expect true and strong action against the USA and its allies.
I expect the same against Israel. What are you doing to end Israel's occupation of Palestine? Why are you all watching and doing nothing? I expect you to resign if you cannot do any of the above.
Ghada Khafagy
Alexandria
Egypt
Corrupt UN
Sir-- I've lived in Geneva, knew many people who worked at the UN and I can assure you it is, for the most part, a decrepit, corrupt, nepotistic, bureaucratic organisation. Those sent to work there by other countries are given huge benefits, large salaries and many do little but talk. My sister's boss had a very important position in what was then known as GATT. He came in late, had long lunches from which he returned drunk more often than not, then left early. Unfortunately, he was the rule rather than the exception.
Those who work in the field are usually dedicated, but not those who run the various organisations comprising the UN who are generally self-serving. The UN, as it is, and has been for decades, will not solve any of the world's problems. They could make a good, planetary soup kitchen though.
Gillian Lucas
Cheshire
USA
Obscene spending
Sir-- It is unfortunate that the UN has been reduced to a debating society. Its various agencies could have done so much to alleviate the appalling conditions for many citizens of our world.
To spend $100 billion on war is obscene, to say the least, when half that amount could eliminate disease, hunger, famine, homelessness and poverty for every needy man, woman and child on our planet.
The UN and it various agencies must ultimately reassert its authority.
Derek Stratton
Ontario
Canada
Dotting the i's
Sir-- I am in agreement with much of Noam Chomsky's article 'Barbaric ambition' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 27 March - 2 April), but find his "ends" imprecise, too much so to be workable. For example, he addresses this to those "who have some concern for justice", but justice for some is infringement, or worse, for others. A more workable term, and one less emotionally charged would be preferred. Of course, all should pay more attention to the "legitimate grievances" of others, but unless the terms are converted to workable definitions, no two parties will agree to their meanings. And the US, and others, should become more active participants in a "world community".
We certainly are a world of nations, but almost a century of effort (League Nations and United Nations) have so far failed to convert the term "community" into something workable rather than each party interpreting it to mean that which supports him. More of Mr Chomsky's linguistic skills are needed here.
Louis Johnston
Florida
USA
Heartless policies
Sir-- Thank you for the article by Noam Chomsky 'Barbaric ambition' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 27 March - 2 April). I am a native Texan, one might say a fellow compatriot of Bush, but I am completely opposed to his unjustified war against Iraq. My husband, who left Egypt 13 years ago when he was 23, shares my views. He is a Muslim and I am a Christian and we are still outraged by the insane actions of Madeleine Albright, who imposed sanctions on a nation already crushed by the great US military machine. We wonder how she or anyone else in the present administration is able to sleep well at night.
Chula Jessup Al-Diasty
Toronto
Canada
Pushed to the edge
Sir-- I am a retired/disabled factory worker and a former Marine. I believe that the author of 'Beyond the veto' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 3-9 April) and the rest of the people of the Middle East should wait a few weeks, or perhaps months, to see exactly what America's elected officials have in store for the Iraqi people. I, and millions of my fellow 'working class' men and women, have little or no interest in the 'domination' of any country in the Middle East. What is certain, is that all of us here are fed up with 'turning the other cheek' when our servicemen and women are killed in terrorist attacks such as those in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The twin towers attack in New York were the final straw.
We are also tired of nations in the region, such as Egypt, who accept $4 billion of our foreign aid then slit our heels in the darkness of night. What many in the Middle East fail to understand is that Americans are something like a fire-hardened steel chain. You can drag us through the mud sometimes, but we are impossible to push.
David Metzler
N Jackson, OH
USA
Blinding bias
Sir-- As I search out other opinions on the war, I am frustrated by the coverage that I see in the Arab press. It is apparent that the hatred the Arab press has toward America, stemming from its backing of Israel, has clouded their ability to report on this war with any kind of objectivity. What descent person ever wishes for war? Does the general public in Egypt or any other Arab state really believe that the US wants to dominate, enslave or kill people as argued in 'Beyond the veto' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 3-9 April)?
It is true that the US government has made foolish decisions for decades, but that does not negate the fact that we have one of the best political systems in the world. But because of the past, your press would rather turn a mass murderer into a folk hero than admit that Iraq's citizens are being freed of a tyrant.
I get irritated when our own newspapers skew the facts of an issue. That's why I find it very alarming that your paper and others in Arabic-speaking nations are so clouded by anti-American sentiment, that you are no longer able to report the facts objectively. I realise that the views of your editors and readers will never be swayed by the words of an American, but I only ask that you do not let your anger over the past impede your judgment today and possibly scar the future of our children.
A J Yanakakis
Lynn, MA
USA
Atrocities now and then
Sir-- Please let me know when Mohamed El- Sayed Said will publish an article about the history of Saddam's defiance of UN resolutions over the past 12 years after invading Kuwait, after murdering hundreds of Kuwaitis, after gassing thousands of Iranians and Iraqis. According to his article 'Lessons learned' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 3-9 April), it seems that the US is to blame for all that is happening and all that has happened in Iraq. Is there any accountability on Saddam's side?
What is happening to the Iraqi people right now is terrible; it is terrible for them to live under constant bombardment from the air, battles raging around their homes and civilians dying in the street. This has been going on in Iraq for decades and the US has not always been involved.
I look forward to seeing some articles on the atrocities of the Iraqi government against the Arab people.
Matt Jorgensen
California
USA
Bygone era
Sir-- 'Lessons learned' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 3-9 April) is probably the best written on the subject matter. It could be a good introduction for a discussion about how what the US is trying to do in Iraq has been done several times before but failed. The difference this time is that the masses in the Muslim world are far more sophisticated than any time in the previous century. Furthermore, the present political atmosphere has revealed to the masses in the Muslim world in an unprecedented expansive manner the extent of the machinations of political and military terror committed against Muslims in general and the Palestinians in particular by the West and Zionism. It is impossible to find a historical equivalent to the present Iraqi case, except those by superpowers in times of distress as an act of desperation.
The time for imposing an order through gangster tactics, where orders are transmitted to the few on top on the opposing side, has long past. In this respect, the US is finding itself outdated and desperate and is destined for even harder times.
Serajaddin Momeni
Phoenix
USA
Hawkish clones
Sir-- Professor Owen's article 'War by example' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 3-9 April) is balanced, objective, and insightful. Yes, the real danger of Operation Iraqi Freedom is that it sets an example for the defensibility of war as a means of resolving differences between nations. A realisation that war is not a tenable option at all, and that there is no such thing as "the last war" or "a war that ends all wars" requires an accurate historical sense and analytical sophistication that are utterly beyond the capabilities of the current Bush administration. It is not an accident that those elements in Indian and Pakistani governments who can be considered perfect clones of Rumsfeld and Powell have begun to call each other paradigm cases for "preemptive strikes". Do we need any clearer instances of learning from the master?
Thomas Chacko
Bangalore
India
Bad deal
Sir-- I am curious as to what you call your product. It certainly is not news. It is a collection of wrong opinions written by hateful and uneducated fools. By continuing to misinform your public you are doing a great disservice to your people, your country, your culture and your character. The United States has no state-run newspapers; in fact, Americans tend to favour news outlets that are critical of its government. If there were anything going on in Iraq that Americans should be embarrassed about, it would be front page news with our largest media outlets. In contrast, your "journalism" is just hate-fed inaccuracies which pander to the anti-American sentiment that brings revenues to your organisation. I hope the money is good because you are selling your soul to make it.
Robert Hicks
Massachusetts
USA
America's dark side
Sir-- I feel so very sad because our so-called leadership launched a war against a sovereign country without provocation. I believe the Arab world is far more versed in the history of the American empire than we are here. We are protected from this because the American people are a well-meaning bunch, who want with all their hearts to believe that America is a force for good in the world.
Unfortunately, this is our greatest weakness -- that we refuse to see the dark side of our nation, as obvious as it may be to the rest of the world. Beware anyone who says they have no darkness in them.
This refusal is the only explanation for the United States' behaviour. We are a very religious, principled, well-meaning people who are willing to support countless atrocities in the name of so-called national interest, because we refuse to see ourselves as the world sees us.
Yes, we are a symbol of hope and freedom and human progress, but also a bully, an arrogant imperialist power. We are so big that we do not think we need the rest of the world, and I fear this will be our ruin.
Arthur Lent
Oakland, CA
USA
A balanced view
Sir-- I am well aware of much of what goes on in your region, but want to keep abreast of issues and events. I look forward to reading from a news source in the Arab world to get a different view of the news.
I do not want to rely solely on American news sources, especially on matters involving the Middle East. I am seeking a balanced view of the news by drawing from many sources, so I am glad you have a Web site. All the best to your organisation.
Thomas Grimms
Florida
USA
Sound the alarm
Sir-- The excellent articles 'The cradle of civilisation' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 10-16 April) by Jill Kamil, 'A heritage under siege' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 10-16 April) by Nevine El-Aref and 'History up in flames' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 10-16 April) by Zahi Hawass mirror the concern and frustration we feel when we view the cultural destruction that continues in Iraq. We urge that more voices in the media such as theirs speak out against the loss of irreplaceable archaeological sites and historical artifacts in this time of war. There are countless myriad discoveries and lessons still to be learned about Iraq's ancient past even as its future is still unknown.
May and Shane Beck
California
USA
Man of integrity
Sir-- I enjoyed the thorough and clear presentation of Dr Ashraf El-Bayoumi in the profile 'Images in black and white' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 3-9 April). As one of his graduate students at Alexandria University, I lived parts of the stories. Ashraf, or "Abul-Ashraf" as we used to call him, had a strong effect on a large number of us. He impressed on us to challenge the status quo, to have an opinion, to stick with it and to bear the consequences. He showed us how to make decisions, whether on the results of an experiment or on a stand regarding political or social issue.
Ashraf had a very rough year with the invisible "power centres" in 1966 and was not allowed to travel. Finally, in February 1967 he was permitted to go on a leave to the United States. As I was bidding him farewell on Sidi Gaber train station, he told me "There is a disaster in the air, I can smell it." Two years later we met in the United States and I reminded him of this statement. His comment was "I knew there will be a disaster, I did not imagine it would be of that magnitude." I just remembered that comment as I was watching the sacking of Baghdad on live TV.
Great profile for a remarkable man; and great writing by Fatemah Farag.
Omar Khalil
Libertyville, IL
USA
