Posted on 05/15/2002 1:11:59 AM PDT by JohnHuang2
In its "Viewpoint" column, the Iranian daily Kayhan International has criticized Muslim nations as apathetic and called upon them to unite against the U.S.
Excerpts from the column last week were translated by the Middle East Media Research Institute, or MEMRI.
"Where is human [consciousness]? What has happened to the Islamic spirit of jihad? Whither Arab honor and dignity?" asked the paper.
"A 'notorious terrorist' – Ariel Sharon – is currently in Washington ... to seek official support and blessings for state terrorism. ... Despite this ... no Muslim head of state has yet dared to call the American administration the No. 1 terrorist and the chief supporter of terrorism. ...
"... Uncle Sam blatantly calls Muslims 'terrorists and supporters of terrorism,' but no Muslim country has yet dared to summon up courage to say: 'Shut up, you breeder of terrorism.'"
The column then presents a call to Muslims for unity.
"If not for anybody, at least for heaven's sake, let all Muslims come together under one umbrella and overcome this unwarranted fear of the U.S. Our apathy to Palestine, Afghanistan and other sore spots of the Islamic world has encouraged the American administration to inflate itself to gigantic proportions and appear more terrible than they actually are. Our lack of faith in the fundamentals of Islam is dragging us to our doom," opined the Kayhan International.
"It is high time every Muslim realizes that there is no political solution to the Palestinian crisis. ... If there was, and if the so-called mediating parties, including the Europeans, were sincere, then the Zionists would have long gone back to the lands they belong."
The writer then turns to history to help rally the troops.
"Fifty-four years is a long period, although still short when compared to the 88-year occupation of Bait Al-Maqdis by the Crusaders, who were eventually driven out to Europe by a united and spirited Muslim attack that involved Arabs, Turks, Kurds and Persians.
"The Muslim Ummah can achieve this victory once again if only they close ranks and stop worrying that their unity would irk the U.S. ... [W]e should not displease God, the Almighty Creator. ..."
Concludes the column, "… Palestinians require arms and armies, and it is the duty of the Muslim Ummah to make these means available to them. ..."
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