By Ekbal Qidwai, Imam, Tri-Counties Islamic Centers, Thousand Oaks, CA

I write as one who has total revulsion for the heinous acts perpetrated by a band of terrorists against innocent Americans on September 11. I support our president’s decision to go after the perpetrators of these heinous crimes. As a Pakistani, I also support President Musharraf’s stand on this issue.

I just heard that Mr. Rumsfeld has told Gen. Musharraf that bombing will continue as terrorists won’t take a break and may kill more innocent people.

I say to the secretary that we don’t have to act like the enemy; our war is NOT against the Afghan people. When we bomb military camps near Kabul or Kandahar and hit a Red Cross warehouse or homes, no one feels safe in his or her home. Granted that Muslims did fight during Ramadan, but the President has categorically stated, “Our fight is NOT with the Muslim people.” There is no need to make it more difficult for the Afghan Muslims to practice their faith during the month of Ramadan.

I implore the President to reconsider his decision of carrying on with the bombing operation in Afghanistan during the month of Ramadan. Go after the Al Qaeda or Taliban by all means but do it without putting the whole of the Afghan nation at risk or discomfort.

Is it difficult for the Pakistanis to recall what the Taliban were doing to women? The flogging and the endless tales of abuse and woe? This could have gone on and on forever had the Americans not come to their rescue. Why do we want the Americans to stop the war during Ramadan?

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