Humanising the cause
Sir-- It is sad that the petition for collective sovereignty of lands occupied by the Good People of Palestine is not heard at the steps of the World Court, even when presented by the most blessed of martyrs. The only news blurb that is coming through is some people got blown up. The case jurisdiction for the documentation of ownership of individual Palestinian properties by class action suits need to be determined by a hearing in a non- bias court.
The presentation of the case by competent attorneys will ensure private ownership rights, therefore the work started by the Swedish mappers needs to be revived and enforced by a World Court ruling.
In conclusion, the ability to influence world opinion about the land ownership rights of the "Defenders of Yerushalayim" needs a face; the face of a young female speaking to the world about the plight of the family. This could evoke the power of the spirit of human endeavour and swing funding away from the unequal and prejudiced precepts plaguing the land rights of the People in Palestine.
Juan Chan
Fatima
Portugal
Off balance
Sir-- 'Mapping dead ends' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 15-21 May) was sloppy journalism. As a "hard" news piece both sides should have been presented; instead we read only about the Palestinian. Nowhere does the article mention any reason why Israel wants security guarantees. Nor does it mention that Israel is giving Arafat a dagger aimed at her heart, for nothing more than empty words from the terrorist PA leadership.
Yes, my comments reveal my opinions, but I'm not a reporter and have no obligation to balance. Reading Graham Usher's piece left me with the impression that there is no Israeli side to this question. I'm not asking you to agree with me, I am asking that at least a wink be made towards what might be called the "canons" of journalism. I read this newspaper for an Arab point of view because I don't read Arabic (and therefore cannot view terrorist/Saddam mouthpieces like Al- Jazeera and Abu Dhabi TV). In this article, as in most in this paper, balance is like a mirage.
Scott McCrea
Maine
USA
The Lord says
Sir-- Regarding 'Recruiting for Hamas' (Al- Ahram Weekly, 13-19 March). When God made man and woman, in His wisdom, He did not make them of any religion. He made them to believe in their humanity first. Isn't it right to believe that those who bring this battle to the innocents have forgotten they too are innocent until they do the deadly deeds. The things that are carried out in the name of religion that kill and maim are against the law of the Most High, whom we all profess to obey. For His sake, remember a wise and truthful saying: "We are all brothers and sisters of the Book."
Philip Peller
Brunswick, GA
USA
Intrinsic causes
Sir-- Regarding 'Time bomb' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 15-21 May). Amazing. Why do you refuse to accept responsibility for any terrorists in Saudi Arabia? The fault does not lie with the US, the fault lies with the Saudi Arabian government that implicitly supports these radical groups and refuses to do anything substantive to prevent them from operating and killing scores of innocent people. I think that living in an autocratic society with no real economy and no personal freedoms contributes much more to young Saudis being desperate enough to kill themselves and many others, than does any US foreign policy stance. Not until the Arab world recognises the inherent shortcomings in its governing bodies and addresses these very real problems, instead of deflecting all internal problems on the US and Israel, will any progress be made. Unfortunately, media outlets like yours continue to perpetuate this hatred and by association, continues to perpetuate the deaths of innocents.
Peter Baverman
New York, NY
USA
Land of the oppressed
Sir-- I really appreciate the article 'Bushed by Bushland' by Ms Muna Hamza (Al-Ahram Weekly, 15-21 May). I'd like to add that the democracy which the Bush administration wants to shove down our throats is fake. The US is far from being democratic. In this "land of liberty", the WASPs monopolise power and wealth and the Blacks are still humiliated, oppressed and despised. American citizens are misled by the invincible infotainment Zionist organs, and intellectuals and free politicians are afraid of being lynched if they dare to unravel the truth. So many things are happening in this country which we cannot explain or understand.
In this "free country" women are harassed, raped and beaten; looting and crime -- as envisaged by Rumsfeld -- are acts of freedom. The Arabs are not, as circulated in America, filthy pigs. They wash their faces, hands and legs 15 times a day before going to pray -- cleanliness is one of the tenets of faith.
Hopefully, some day Americans would be able to see the truth and enjoy real democracy. Ms Muna, please keep up the good work.
Sobh Azab
Damietta
Egypt
Non-democracy
Sir-- So far, the USA has committed many crimes against humanity although they claim support of democracy and freedom. I listen to Bush's speeches but unfortunately, he does not have any proof of what he's talking about. The Pentagon gang (including Rumsfeld and Wolfowitz) work for Israel's intelligence agency the Mossad, and Bush is directed by the Zionists. Bush destroyed international policy and disrespected world opinion.
This gang in the White House have led the world into a crisis which the coming generations will pay for heavily.
Ahmed Al Alia
Basra
Iraq
Broken promises
Sir-- Here is what the West promised the Arabs, and what is really happening.
First, on the issue of oil, Tony Blair said: "We don't touch it, and the US doesn't touch it." In reality, the draft UN resolution gives total control of Iraq's oil revenues to the US and UK until an Iraqi government is established.
Second, on the issue of the UN, Bush said: "The UN will have a vital role to play." In reality, the UN is reduced to an advisory body on the ground in Iraq. All operational decisions will be taken by UK and US officials.
Third, regarding the issue of WMDs, Jack Straw said: "Should the UN have a vital role to play in respect of weapons inspections? The answer to that is yes." In reality, there is no role for UN inspectors in the foreseeable future.
Fourth, on the issue of aid, Blair said: "The UN should have a key role in administering the delivery of humanitarian aid," but in reality, the US and UK oversee aid effort with the UN reduced to coordinating role.
Fifth, regarding the issue of government in Iraq, Blair said: "Military action is to uphold the authority of the UN and to make sure Saddam is disarmed." The reality is that the US and UK's "occupying power" will rule Iraq.
Fatima Majid
London
UK
An informed public
Sir-- I am troubled by what I view as an increasingly aggressive US foreign policy that ignores international law. I have also been greatly disappointed by the reporting of the war by the US press, showing increasingly blatant bias towards the administration's position.
In my view, most Americans are appallingly ignorant of many of the military actions our government has taken in foreign countries, especially the Middle East. The American media rarely reports anything other than terrorism or religious extremism when reporting on the region.
This ignorance of history has led to a simplistic view, narcissistic in nature, in which most Americans assume our motives for our actions, however damaging their effects, are noble and beyond reproach. This lack of awareness towards the outcome of foreign policy decisions and the belief that our motives are pure, allows the elite wide leeway in implementing self-serving policy under the guise of "freedom", "security", etc.
The question thus becomes, how to prevent further aggressive action by the United States in the future? Clearly violence isn't the solution, as it only adds fuel to the hard-liners for even more aggressive and hostile actions. I would like to see more peaceful resistance through public international condemnation and economic pressure. I think pressure by international human rights organisations, trade groups, businesses and governments could raise such an uproar that the political and economic consequences make any other pre-emptive attacks unthinkable.
Ultimately, the solution to governments abusing either their own populace or the populace of another country is a more informed citizenry; a citizenry that isn't afraid to demand accountability from their government, and hold them personally liable for violation of both international law and moral decency.
Todd McDonald
Arizona
USA
Back to Nasser
Sir-- In its war on Iraq, the US managed to implement part of its multi-pronged plan concerning the Middle East. Control over Iraq enhances America's military existence in the region and strengthens Israel's situation as well.
The US's desire to enslave the Arabs will cause it many troubles; Bush and his cronies try to trick us about the so-called "roadmap", but we will believe them no more. The late Egyptian President Gamal Abdel-Nasser said: "What was taken by force can only be restored by force."
Mohamed Ibrahim Fraig
Kafr Al-Sheikh
Egypt
Disgracefully ironic
Sir-- Despite the centrality of the WMD issue, no mention is made of resumed inspections in the sweeping new US-British Security Council resolution. No ground is given to Russia's demand that Hans Blix's work be completed before the council finally lifts sanctions and surrenders its powers.
What an irony, and what a disgrace, that after years of complaining about Saddam's obstruction of inspections, the US is now itself obstructing them.
Sam Neil
Portland
USA
Bitter reality
Sir-- I would like to thank you for all the articles concerning the war on Iraq; they were really helpful and informative. I would like also to say that what happened and is still happening in Iraq is neither a war on terrorism nor a war for freedom, as described by the American administration. The bitter reality is that this is a war on our culture and civilisation. This war is another way to Americanise our identity and control our entire region. The Americans came to our region under the disguise of freedom and civilisation, but the reality is that they only care about Iraqi oil and not the impoverished, innocent people of Iraq.
The Americans committed one of the worst crimes against history by allowing a gang of cowards to destroy and ruin the precious historical museums in Iraq, while they stood aside without reacting. This behaviour shows the real ugliness of modern colonialism. I think that this could be our last chance to prove to the entire world that we are the real source of civilisation and that we are still able to protect our culture and traditions. We should be aware that they are trying to destroy us, but we should protect our identity or else we will be nothing but helpless puppies without any capability to react against our enemies. They want us to be a nation without a history so they could draw our future according to their own benefits, but we should move quickly in order to stop this crime before we become shapeless followers to the modern dictators of this century.
Lubna Rizk
Cairo
Egypt
Natural cycle
Sir-- The problems the Arab people face today are no different than those faced by other peoples of ancient empires. The Roman Empire lasted 1232 years (756 BC-476 AD). From that period, Germanic tribes from Europe overran the old empire and created a new world order. The old Roman Empire entered what was called the Dark Ages, its military and engineering skills were no more the envy of the world. This situation seems quite similar to that of the Arab world today considering that 1371 years (632 AD-2003 AD) has gone by. The rise and fall of empires seem to be a fact of life; learning to live with that fact may be Islam's greatest challenge.
George Forrester
Lantana, FL
USA
Forgotten civilisation
Sir-- Abdel-Moneim Said's article 'From Babylon to Tikrit' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 8-14 May) cites Mesopotomia together with Egypt and China as ancient civilisations, but does not mention the other great ancient civilisation -- the Indus Valley. Excavations in Harrappa and Mohindejaro (now in Pakistan) are at least 5,000 years old, according to Indian, European and American archaeologists and historians. The Vedic traditions following the Indus Valley civilisation contributed to the rise of three great religions, Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism, all in the range of 3000 to 500 BC.
Venkat Rao
Fairfax, VA
USA
Sell outs
Sir-- Thank you very much for Nermeen Al- Mufti's 'All the king's horses' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 1-7 May). I, like millions of others, am deeply concerned for the Iraqis. Everyday I read the news hoping to find a message between the lines about Saddam and the Iraqis (their real living circumstances and thoughts). Yes, I admit only now, that it is that specific message I have been looking for ever since 17 April. I still do not understand, like many others, why the commanders of the Republican Guards and ministers would betray Iraq and the Iraqi people. Truly, it was not Saddam, but the Arab nation and the dignity and sovereignty of Iraq that they had betrayed and sold out for a nickel.
Yvonne Wang
New York, NY
USA
Well rounded
Sir-- I believe 'Constraining the market' (Al- Ahram Weekly, 15-21 May) unfolds the negative consequences of the recent adjustment measures taken by the Egyptian government. Although inflation is hitting the roof and economic recession is inescapable, I believe this is only a transition period. Recovery will follow shortly if the government proceeds with its initial plan to liberalise the Egyptian economy. My only concern is the heavy intervention, by setting prices again. This, in my opinion, contradicts previous bold moves made by the government. I think the article covered both sides of the story.
Khaled Rashed
Dubai
UAE
Through sheer force
Sir-- 'Point of order' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 8-14 May) is a very well thought-out and written opinion and analysis document. However, you do not address the fact that the US -- should it want -- can militarily force its desire for Middle East stability. It is apparent that the Arab world sees "terrorism" as a legitimate means of forcing their will on others and to try to shape peoples, nation-states, and ideology. In the 21st Century, in a civilised world, this tactic will not work and particularly when there exists but one nation with ultimate military superiority -- the United States of America.
Right or wrong, this is the fact. Resistance, such as support of recognised terrorist organisations and the fact that a nation should be proud of that support, is futile in the face of superior force. This resistance can prove effective only for so long. Eventually, it will win out as the target nations and the nations who oppose such actions will necessarily run out of energy as they are, and will be, helpless.
It is necessary to look further into the future, rather than the short-term. If nation-states will not control the terrorism issue, the US will; it is as simple as that. Thus, any nation-state which adopts this strategy will present itself with a much greater potential for peace, stability and self-determination in the future.
Brent Cederquist
Arizona
USA
Lock down
Sir-- We, residents of the Garden City area next to the US and UK embassies are fed up; ever since the outbreak of the war and the protests that have taken place, the area has been closed off. Ordinary things such as going to the grocer, pharmacy or even the garage have become an issue for negotiation. And if we avoid the closed off area by going around it, we get exposed to harassment by the soldiers and the officers. This week, after the bombings in Casablanca and Riyadh, we have concrete blocks closing off all the streets leading to the US and UK embassies.
And now even the sidewalks are off limits; with metal barriers preventing people from using them and having to walk on the road instead. I understand that the area has been closed off for security reasons, but maybe the authorities should be as considerate to the residents, as much as being concerned for the safety of the two embassies. For example, has it not occurred to anyone that we could be issued passes indicating that we are residents of this area? Or is it only the welfare of the khawagas (foreigners) that counts in this country? Where are our rights?
Sherifa Shafie
Cairo
Egypt
Alternative source
Sir-- I am happy to find this Web site. I am an American and find it very hard to find the truth in media coverage here. I understand that the media in America does not show us the truth about what is going on in Iraq, and it fails to teach us the history and the big picture of what is really going on in the world. I am amazed at the ignorance of my own people.
I love the land that I live on, but I am sick at heart by my government. I cannot believe that my country is occupying a nation and using the banner of freedom as its cover. It is such a lie that I can not believe that more people here cannot see that. If America cared so much about freedom, how come they have not freed the Palestinian people from the Israelis? I just do not understand and will write to my government and ask them why. I have a feeling they will not reply to me though.
I Just want you to know that it is very important for Americans to be able to find news coverage from another source, because our media is corrupt. Thank you for the source.
Laura Zienowicz
New Jersey
USA
Matrix enthusiast
Sir-- In her article 'Escape to the future' (Al- Ahram Weekly, 8-14 May) Lubna Abdel-Aziz wrote "but while critics hated it -- The Matrix -- audiences loved it." Well, the critics didn't hate The Matrix, in fact they love it so much that The Matrix got very positive reviews in every major newspaper and film magazine. It won four Academy awards in 2000, so the saying that the critics hated The Matrix is baseless.
The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolution are the most anticipated films of the year. I can't wait to see The Matrix Reloaded on 28 May here in Egypt.
Ahmed Abdo
Cairo
Egypt
