Monday, July 03, 2006
When the first case of alleged terrorism in Canada resulted in 17 behind bars, the public opinion, though not as biased and inflamed as their southern neighors, was hostile. Op-ed articles were filled with questions on the ability of Muslims to integrate as if implying that the alleged 17 somehow represent the entire community.
They very same community that had existed in peace for decades with contributions to every facet of society was now being questioned at the onset of one case of alleged and I repeat alleged terrorism.
So what happens when US soldiers rape an Iraqi women, kill the entire family, and burn the bodies to cover up the evidence?? It's considered an isolated case limited to certain individuals. Was that not the same excuse for Abu Ghuraib??
As a Muslim, do I now have the right to label the entire US army? Of couse not, because I realize that for every soldier raping and killing Iraqi or Afghanistani women, there are those that will stand up against it. But why is this understanding not reciprocated and talked about in media, in newspapers, in the very social and political circles that are up in arms every time a Palestinian child throws a rock at an Israeli tank?
I heard some 'expert' on TV some time back claiming that the war crimes committed in Iraq are low relative to the stress that the soldiers are facing. Now these actions are trying to be justified. Excuses, reasons, and explainations are being offered to bring a sense of rationale because it's hard to accept that atrocious acts can be committed by anyone -- even the American born, sunday church going, baseball playing, hot dog eating soldiers.
How many such war crimes have been covered up or not reported? I guess we'll never know.
They very same community that had existed in peace for decades with contributions to every facet of society was now being questioned at the onset of one case of alleged and I repeat alleged terrorism.
So what happens when US soldiers rape an Iraqi women, kill the entire family, and burn the bodies to cover up the evidence?? It's considered an isolated case limited to certain individuals. Was that not the same excuse for Abu Ghuraib??
As a Muslim, do I now have the right to label the entire US army? Of couse not, because I realize that for every soldier raping and killing Iraqi or Afghanistani women, there are those that will stand up against it. But why is this understanding not reciprocated and talked about in media, in newspapers, in the very social and political circles that are up in arms every time a Palestinian child throws a rock at an Israeli tank?
I heard some 'expert' on TV some time back claiming that the war crimes committed in Iraq are low relative to the stress that the soldiers are facing. Now these actions are trying to be justified. Excuses, reasons, and explainations are being offered to bring a sense of rationale because it's hard to accept that atrocious acts can be committed by anyone -- even the American born, sunday church going, baseball playing, hot dog eating soldiers.
How many such war crimes have been covered up or not reported? I guess we'll never know.
Faraz Ahmed 1:19 p.m.
2 Comments:
I posted almost the exact same concerns today. Uncanny.
Just a note: the first case of alleged terrorism in Canada was the arrest of a 24-year old in Ottawa. I know his family well; we still know nothing as to why he's been arrested.
I think such hypocrisy will always remain; we just need a way to work around it.
Just a note: the first case of alleged terrorism in Canada was the arrest of a 24-year old in Ottawa. I know his family well; we still know nothing as to why he's been arrested.
I think such hypocrisy will always remain; we just need a way to work around it.
I agree. Hypocrisy will remain but what ticks me off are the constant claims of 'free and unbiased press.'