By Talat Khan, MD, Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Many innocent lives have been lost in Afghanistan in the US offensive against terrorists. No convincing evidence against Bin Laden’s involvement in the WTC attack was released to the US citizens but no one has asked for it. The same is true for the black box discovered in Pennsylvania: no disclosure has been made of its contents as is the routine in any air crash. Yet, no one has inquired about the black box findings. Aren’t we, as Muslims, supposed to speak up if we see any injustice done to us, or do Muslims fear that they would be called unpatriotic in case they were to raise a voice of protest?
Muslims have come a long way in influencing political decisions in this country. The en bloc voting for President Bush in the last elections is a vivid testimony to this fact. Can we not use this influence to talk to the Bush leadership in the quest for peace and justice? Remind them that the innocent civilians should not suffer due to the war that is being waged against terrorism? Other countries and other religions have disapproved of the bombing. Malaysian Prime Minister Meghwati Sukharnoputri said that it is not right on the part of America to go and attack civilians in a foreign country and it is wrong for the US to act as a superpower and do anything it wants to do in another country. Even a Roman Catholic magazine was skeptical if the US military campaign was adhering to a “Just War” principles.
Instead of bombing, the fight against terrorism can be won by diplomatic means. Remember, blood does not wipe blood.
Why do we have to promote more hatred in the world when a solution could be achieved in a peaceful way?