Obvious omissions
Sir-- Mr Bush's State of the Union Address sadly ignored the mere mention of more than 500 young Americans killed in Iraq; it also ignored more than 3,000 injured soldiers -- many of whom are amputees.
There was not a word about many thousands of innocent Iraqis who lost their lives, neither was there an admission of absence of WMDs. The whole charade was aptly described by Paul O'Neal, a former Cabinet member, as "A blind president addressing a deaf congress." How tragic.
Fikry Boulos Salib
Stamford, CT
USA
Incorrect reference
Sir-- Salama A Salama's recent column 'Saddam's US collaborators' (Al- Ahram Weekly, 15-21 January) states incorrectly that Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld was a former president of Bechtel.
Mr Rumsfeld never worked for Bechtel; the author apparently confused him with former Secretary of State George Shultz. Mr Shultz took pains to avoid any dealings with Bechtel while he served in public office many years ago.
Despite the author's dark hints about revelations in recently disclosed documents, Bechtel's commercial transactions in Iraq before the 1990 Gulf War were legal, legitimate, and a matter of public record. They have no bearing on the current status of Saddam Hussein.
Jonathan Marshall
Media Relations Manager
Bechtel Corporation
San Francisco, CA
USA
States for all
Sir-- Regarding 'Kurdish concerns' (Al-Ahram Weekly 8-14 January), America needs to give self determination to the Native Americans who want to have their own country.
The Hispanics and Blacks also want to have their own states away from the current oppressive system.
Alfonso Gonzales
Elpaso, NM
USA
Out of favour
Sir-- This is a question for George Bush, who claims that he is not against Muslims.
How many elected Muslims or high level officials are there in federal and state governments? The US has many Blacks, Hispanics and Asians elected or appointed, but zero Muslims.
DJ Savlia
Oslo
Norway
Live and let live
Sir-- I would like to respond to the article 'Secularism gets the shakes' by Amr Elchoubaki (Al-Ahram Weekly, 15-21 January). He wrote that "banning the veil in France is not an attack on Islam, rather a crisis of secularism." His excellent analyses of the issue, as he put it as a problem within secularism, is very factual and true from the eyes of any open- minded, politically-educated person living in a secular country.
Secularism was adopted years ago by most Western countries including Canada and the USA in North America. As he mentioned, secularism is reflected differently in Western countries. In Canada for example, public schools and institutes are not to teach religion or endorse a religious activity, whether Christian, Jewish or any other, to guarantee that no religious views will be forced on any student and to treat every one equally in the system.
It is apparently difficult for us, as Easterners, to accept this basic notion. But unfortunately, this is the law in the countries that we have chosen as our second homeland. As parents, we have to teach our children to respect the law of the land and accept the choices they make by being a good role model ourselves.
It should not be ignored that there is always another choice available, which is private religious schools, which we did chose for our child.
Nancy Zakhary
Toronto
Canada
Building on freedom
Sir-- The veil issue seems to turn Western communities upside down. The fear of freedom of expression and the freedom to exercise pornography is nothing to do with religious belief or ideological resentment.
Western and capitalist endeavours have succeeded in crushing socialism, communism and lesser- educated societies. Such societies of lesser exposition to the new media era are not only a threat to global greed, but rather a self-destructive device.
Building structures and building faith in community achievements begins with building the base and the foundation for future endeavours. To build a city that functions, we have to study, plan, test and retest what, where, how, and why. The quick cheap way will only produce a city with traffic jams, frustrated losers and criminal youth seeking a drug fix. Even pollution affects humans; it affects their very pride to breathe. I may replace the word "pride" with "right".
Andrew Barrada
Toronto
Canada
Bigger battles
Sir-- I don't understand the reason behind this anger against France banning the headdress for teenagers in schools, despite the fact that it is a Muslim dress in the strict sense of the word.
Some years ago, the minister of education in Egypt banned the same headdress in government schools and we did not find the same fuss over it as we find it today against France.
The third point is, are we not ashamed to protest against France at a time when all our human rights in our own countries are repressed or almost non- existent? Those who demonstrated against France cannot by any means demonstrate against their own governments for rising prices, martial law, imprisonment without trial, or torturing prisoners until death.
Ahmed Medhat
Minya
Egypt
Rampant hypocrisy
Sir-- The article titled 'Vacuous identities' (Al- Ahram Weekly, 8-14 January) by Hani Shukrallah surprised me with its honest and articulate observations. The author points out that Muslims really have no right to complain about civil and human rights concerns when they do not bestow those basic freedoms in their own countries. The author is absolutely correct in his observation. I have found many examples of Arab-Muslim hypocrisy in the way they live their lives.
A perfect example are Arab Muslims who flock to other countries to indulge in anti-Islamic pursuits. Osama Bin Laden was known to have chased women and drank alcohol during visits to non- Islamic countries as a young adult. Even now, there are many Muslims living abroad who violate Muslim teachings and laws. This type of behaviour is projected to other non-Islamic cultures as the hypocrisy of Muslims.
I wonder if Arab Muslims who say they do not want infidels (non-Muslims) on Muslim soil can see the hypocrisy of what they say. Do you think that non-Muslim countries want Muslims on their soil? Yet we have millions of Muslims in our countries that do not believe in our values, but chose to leave their Muslim countries so they do not have to live under Islamic law.
I wonder if Muslims can honestly look within themselves and see the hypocrisy. Do you understand that people in other cultures do not believe in Islam or what Islam teaches? Can you understand how countries that are governed by Shari'a law may be viewed as fascist and backward in the West? Can you see that the steps France took outlawing wearing of veils are not racist, but in fact is no different than the Islamic laws you use in your own country to deny people their civil, human and religious freedom?
Steven Potempa
Arizona
USA
False uproar
Sir-- I must tell you that I enjoy reading your paper with the exception of articles which are provocative.
In your last issue, Professor El-Saadawi writes in 'An unholy alliance' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 22-28 January), "The call to prayer, the sermons and religious teachings pouring out in an incessant stream of loud and angry voices from 90,000 microphones spread over the country encroaching on people's right to rest and to silence are a form of war."
Actually I read this and wonder how did Professor El-Saadawi come by the number of the voices and how did she know that these voices are angry and threatening? Does this mean that they should stop the call to prayers?
In my town, there is a big church and I hear the ringing of the bells, however I do not feel that they are threatening or angry. Concerning the hijab, does Professor El-Saadawi still want to wear the hijab -- "false consciousness" notwithstanding?
Mahmoud Abdel-Hamid
Giza
Egypt
The fallen
Sir-- Famous champion of women's rights Nawal El-Saadawi refers in her article 'An unholy alliance' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 22-28 January) to the "heavy toll" of Palestinian women killed in the current Intifada. As it happens, the toll of Israeli women killed is far higher than that of Palestinian women killed. The Interdisciplinary Centre (Israel) -- www.ict.org.il -- reports a total of 118 Palestinian females killed and 277 Israeli females killed during 27 September, 2000-13 January, 2004. On both sides, some were killed in combat. In the category of non-combatants, 87 Palestinian females were killed compared to 272 Israeli females killed.
I am confident Dr El-Saadawi would have referred to the very heavy toll in Israeli female non- combatants had she had the information. Surely these numbers help characterise the Intifada, as do the numbers for female non-combatants 45 years and older: Palestinians 80; Israelis 219.
Joseph Lerner
Jerusalem
Israel
Justified sabotage
Sir-- I reject the content and opinions expressed in 'An act of vandalism' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 22-28 January) regarding the actions of the Israeli Ambassador Zvi Mazel. Mr Mazel acted in outrage at the popularisation and trivialisation of anti-Israel propaganda in the West. This is a reflection of pan-Arabism and the normalisation of anti-Semitic propaganda throughout Europe. While I am a firm advocate of free speech, which I note is not the norm in your country, such rights demand responsibility and accountability.
The tone of your editorial, equating Mr Mazel's 'violent' act, with the violence perpetuated by Hanadi Jaradat in Haifa last October is absurd. Jaradat was a murderer who killed innocent Arabs and Israelis. Your premise is evidence that you are acting as a propaganda vehicle and not as a responsible journalist. I urge you to examine your motives more fully and refrain from such vitriolic comments in the future.
Jack Abramson
Miami, FL
USA
One way out
Sir-- The real end to the PLO-Israel conflict is justice.
Everyone knows where the injustice lies and the world powers cannot pretend not to know. The solution to the Middle East crisis is the complete evacuation of Palestine of Israelis.
Palestinians have been pushed against the wall and that is why an average Palestinian citizen does not fear war.
Alabi Saheed
Lagos
Nigeria
Defenceless fence
Sir-- My thanks to Dina Ezzat for 'Facing up to the Wall' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 22-28 January), I couldn't agree more with the Arab League on what this wall represents: "Its construction is a display of contempt for international norms and standards, including international law and human rights." Indeed, the wall is a shameful statement to the free world. It contradicts our American values and support for both the Israeli and Palestinian people; it is a terrible human statement. It can never represent real security -- that only comes from peace. Peace has nothing to do with structure but with a state of being. It's the transformation of the heart and mind. The gift of peace is that we feel trusted not threatened, cared not cast out, loved not feared. This touches the very foundation of our humanity, our relationships and our lives.
The wall carries great external losses for both peoples. For the Israelis, the fence represents a great contradiction of terms -- a people called by God to be a "light unto the Nations" (Isaiah 422:6) are now hiding behind a fence. The fence also places the Israelis in direct conflict with God's word, "You will love your neighbour as your self."(Leviticus 19:18). For the Palestinian people, the fence is already having drastic consequences on their external life. It restricts their individual and collective rights to move freely, interact and to earn their livelihood. On a human level, the wall interferes with their ability to thrive as a people. This is inhumane.
Mr Ariel Sharon should have done more for peace. He slammed the door too quickly in his neighbour's face with his unreasonable demands that all terror stop at once. Yet he never pulled back his army enough to build confidence. I question his sincerity as a peace partner now; while appearing to be engaged in or desiring peace talks Mr Sharon and his government are involved in the construction of this wall. I feel this places the wall in "contempt" of our American will for both people.
Doris Cadigan
Massachusetts
USA
Vast obstruction
Sir-- Dina Ezzat wrote an engaging exposé 'Facing up to the Wall' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 22-28 January). The wall is a concrete manifestation of the weakness of Israeli society due to their harsh oppression of Palestinians. The Israelis are trying to prop up their security and moot any argument regarding the contested land they occupy, but it is a folly because there can never be security and prosperity, without peace and justice.
The wall will make Israel weaker in the long term since guest workers from non-Arab countries will not spend their wages in the Israeli economy. The wall will further isolate the Israelis from their neighbours by eliminating trade and other economic opportunities. All in all, the wall could be a more significant hindrance to prosperity for Israel than the Palestinians.
The Arab League should understand that the wall will prevent Palestinians from earning a living, consequently the Arab governments should relax visa regulations so that Palestinian workers can find work outside Israeli society. This unilateral action would be the most constructive outcome of their conference and would not require the cooperation of the Israeli government to implement it.
The Arab League can address the consequences of the wall with regard to Palestinians through dynamic leadership and positive immigration strategies. The Arab League would serve its charter well to tackle this issue through economic and immigration policies, which would neutralise the negative effects the wall will have on the Palestinian people. The success of the Arab League in this matter would make Israelis alone feel the hurtful consequences of the wall's construction.
Mel Gagliano
New York
USA
Algeria's future
Sir-- I read Al-Ahram Weekly on a regular basis and find it extremely informative. I used to follow the late Edward Said's opinions which were a joy to read. I use Al-Ahram Weekly for my teaching and research, as well has recommending it for my students over the last few years.
I read with interest Amira Howeidy's article 'Power corrupts' (Al- Ahram Weekly, 15-21 January) on the upcoming presidential elections in Algeria. It was informative but I have two comments to make.
First, Mouloud Hamrouche, a candidate for the next election and a signatory to the declaration that Ms Howeidy referred to, was never foreign minister. He was prime minister (September 1989-June 1991). Second, while she is correct in stressing that the army does not have a candidate and that Bouteflika may not even be the army's choice and that the military will remain neutral, recent declarations by Major General Mohamed Lamari, chief of staff of the Algerian army, stressed that the Algerian military will be "positively neutral".
In other words, it will be neutral as far as the electoral process goes but it would interfere if it feels that the rules of the game were not respected.
Youcef Bouandel, PhD
Senior Lecturer in Politics
University of Lincoln,
UK
Suffer the women
Sir-- I am not an Arab nor a Muslim but I know and feel for Arabs, especially the Egyptians. The article 'Document fluff not substance' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 15-21 January) made me cry, and I have not done so since I was a kid some 70 years ago.
The writer's despair on behalf of Arab women's destiny has touched me to the core. Besides, I feel that any group of people who denigrate any other should think again, to say the least.
Moreover, any ethnic group that denigrates its women or just diminishes their standing in society, that group has no future. Women are one half of society; they are our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, wives, daughters. They raise and bring up our children.
Elias Cacouris
Alimos
Greece
Scholarly heritage
Sir-- In the letter 'A smooth blend' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 22-28 January) Mr Michael Meo wrote "Islam set itself the task of assimilating Greek and Indian mathematics and astronomy." "Large- scale translation... focussed on learning from the predecessors of Islam." Well, the actual predecessors of Islam were the Arabs (the Qur'an was in plain Arabic, the Prophet was in fact Arab).
When Islam dominated Europe, it spread Arab knowledge (mathematics, astronomy and a lot more) which was distinctly more advanced than the mentioned cultures at that time. It actually helped the Europeans to overcome the Dark Ages they were living in.
Robert Lafore, holder of degrees in mathematics and electrical engineering, and has been a systems engineer for the University of California's Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, wrote a book in 1984 called Assembly Language Primer in which he explains that the Arabs figured out a numbering system so efficient that it is still in use today. Their idea was to assign single symbols to numbers up to a certain value, and then start over in a different column when the list of symbols had been exhausted, using a special symbol to indicate an 'empty' column.
"This system seems perfectly natural to us," writes Lafore, "since we are so used to working with it; but in fact the idea of using columns in this way -- to indicate value -- and the idea of using a symbol to stand for nothing, or 'zero,' are both very profound.
It's hard to imagine a successful numbering system that does not use these concepts."
Karim ElDeeb
Cairo
Egypt
Miles of art
Sir-- Fouad Tawfilis, an Egyptian-born native residing in Vienna, Austria should be acknowledged by the Egyptian cultural community for his initiative, devotion and constant support of a UNESCO project called The Art Miles Mural Project.
Dr Tawfilis began this project in 1997 to establish what is now 12 miles of acrylic painted murals on canvas, that will be connected to form the longest painting in the world. The objective of the project is encourage global harmony through art. So far over 1,000 murals have been completed and have involved "mural marathons" at the Great Pyramids of Teotichuacan, Mexico, Valencia, Spain, Vienna, Austria, Lahore, Pakistan and other countries.
Each of the projects has involved several hundred to several thousand participants. It is hoped Dr Tawfilis will be able to have his beloved country help such a project in Egypt for the benefit of all, especially children.
Joanne Tawfilis
Vienna
Austria
