Sowing the Wind
"Sharon you are playing with our Lives" - Israeli protestor holds a poster during a demonstration in Tel Aviv protesting against the assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin |
The murder of Hamas spiritual leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin by Israel was an act of terrorism, and an insane one at that. It has not only opened the gates of hell, as one incensed Hamas official declared, it has also slammed shut the door of peace.
If for one moment the Israeli leadership imagined that assassinating the Hamas leader would stem the tide of violence, they were deluded. Sheikh Yassin's murder will not diminish suicide killings, it will increase them. Hamas will want to retaliate, as massively as possible, to retain credibility in Palestinian eyes. Other groups too, such as Aqsa Martyrs Brigade and Islamic Jihad, will retaliate, because they want revenge and because they too want to gain credibility and prove that they are the viable, powerful, sole opposition to the Israelis. They will rush to wrap themselves in a bloody martyrs' flag - and young men and women will be readier than ever to lay down their lives as suicide bombers.
For Israel, the Sheikh may have seemed to be a major part of the problem. But he was also potentially a significant part of the solution. By killing Hamas' spiritual head, the Israelis have struck down someone they might one day have been able to talk to. Their missiles have killed a leader who enjoyed massive respect, who could have called a halt to militant violence, and would have been listened to had he done so.
Instead, Israel will reap the whirlwind. There is likely to be a struggle for power within Hamas and between Hamas and its rivals. But that struggle will be played out through suicide bombs and counted in the number of dead Israelis. The killing will be anarchic, uncoordinated, but all the more deadly - and it is entirely Sharon's doing. He doubtless hopes that such an overspill of violence will turn Palestinians into targets for George Bush's "war on terror". He is clearly willing to sacrifice Israeli lives for the sake of destabilizing the Palestinian resistance. Either way it is clearer than ever that he is utterly ruthless and will stop at nothing, and no one. Is Arafat next? The gloves are off. Nothing can be ruled out. At this critical time, the Palestinians stand united against Israel; so do the Arabs. But that is not enough. There must be a determination at last to force Israel to halt its murders. It has canceled a meeting with Qorei. It must be forced to the negotiating table, forced into concessions. There is only one state that can do this. The US.
We demand action by Washington to rein in the Israeli murderers, to stop Israeli terror. Is Washington sincere in its commitment to justice, or is it as usual only going to mouth platitudes and do nothing? To quote George Bush, if it is not with us, it is against us.
Source: Arab News
Topics: Conflicts And War, Hamas, Occupation, Palestine
Views: 2978
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It's telling that you characterized my comments as those of a "dogged Zionist", because this is the jist of the misunderstanding. I've never claimed to support Israel unconditionally. I think the reason why I seemed so "negative" to you (and most likely a great number of other people) is that I generally react strongly to what I view as objectionable. Doesn't mean I hate people or feel no compassion for the unfortunate. It just means that I don't see misfortune as an excuse for wrongdoing. I regret that people take umbrage at my approach, but it's how I feel. In the case of Yassin, I view his actions against the Israelis as inexcusable, so that's why I don't mourn his passing the way the Muslims on this site do. But to each his/her own...
Peace out!
"Morality dictates that we condemn terrorism in all its forms, regardless of excuses."
Rehtoric rubbish yet nowhere he condemns US or Israeli agressions against innocent people, people who did not do 911, stupid. Your words are starting to look like an ugly girl with heavy make-up - no direspect intended for ugly girls.
I should have taken the advice of my trusted friend Zinedine of Morocco and ignored your self-righteous comments. My fault. Still, better late than never.
I now join the ranks of brothers on this site who shall ignore your one-sided, biased, and ignorant comments.
P.S. You indicated a few websites for brother Yahya Bergum to look at but you must be so ignorant not to even mention the hundreds of Palestinian children who have been shot in the head or heart by IDF - a clear sign of their evil intent - then compare the thousand Palestinian dead civilians and the countless made homeless v. the few hundred Jewish victims. For every Jewish victim there have been 7 - 3 times more dead Palestinians with Natanyahu comiiting the highest ratio. Pull any way you wish but your views are the same as those of Zionsits who always excuse evil Israeli plans and want to dehumanise a whole people who fight an evil occupation which is hell-bent on ethnically cleansing them. You can't even comprehend a simple question: What came first: Occupation or Resistance? but you want to justify evil occupation and even more filthy land grabbing
by Sharon and genocide by IDF.
Then you fully reveal yourself by saying that you do not read Chomsky - it must hurt like hell for Zionist appologists to read the truth - even by Chomsky who by the way, is a Jew himself and very learned - you avoid facing truth and that is HYPOCRACY Mr. Nick Cameron or whatever you call yourself! (I believe that is not your real name)
The State of Israel is a globally recognized sovereign state and U.N. Charter member, and it exists in the Middle East and not Texas. Besides, the Israelis want their state exactly where it is. Of course, if they want to move here then they are free to do so, as far as I'm concerned. There will always be a safe haven in America.
I don't understand why it is that you feel so offended whenever I comment. I'm really not so bad once you get to know me. Regardless, I stand by my position that Yassin's killing was not necessarily an evil act.
I'm not sure what you mean about being "too late" for rational thought. I rarely think it's ever too late to be rational, although I've always strived to speak with a rational basis.
Yes indeed, names are very important in society. But as far as I can tell, this virtual world through which we are communicating is not real society. Nonetheless, you would be right to conclude that this name has personal significance for me. "NC" are initials that Muslims from another site gave me as a nickname a while back. (Nice people over there, which encouraged me in believing that most Muslims are good people.) So if you prefer, you may address me that way. In any event, why do you think you need to know my background? Aren't people more than just their bloodlines?
As far as you telling me that people here don't "endorse" terrorism, I believe that I've seen a small minority who have. But what I've been referring to is not endorsement of terrorism so much as the litany of "Yeah, but..." excuses that I hear from the Muslim world.
A few days following 9/11, a major news network here held a town meeting dialogue between Americans and some Muslim exchange students. One of the things that struck me even back then is that while the Americans were pouring out their heart and soul about how bummed out they were, the exchange students kept wanting to talk about Israel and how it's our government's support for the Jewish state that caused 9/11. Here these Americans were, many of them on the verge of tears because , and these foreigners wanted to chat about Israel! Maybe it's a cultural thing, but to many Americans this is offensive. (Yahya, if you're reading this then I know what you're thinking. But I believe my comments on the Yassin article constitute a different situation.) And personal experience has suggested to me that this line of thinking is not uncommon in the Muslim world. Anyways, I'm getting off-point so I'm stopping myself
Looks like my comments didn't go through due to connectovity, so I will try to reconstruct it to the best of my memory.
I have no problem with you telling other people that "Nick Cameron" isn't my real name. For me, it's just a moniker, nothing more. As far as your threat (if that's what one could call it) that you won't be "discussing" with me anymore, my response to that is sure, why start now? From the very beginning you've been talking at me rather than speaking to me. You do not respond to my comments. You corrupt my words and claim that I'm this that and the other. So I don't think your promise not to "discuss" will bring about any practical change from before. As far as things "going one ear and out the other", I consider this to be little more than you projecting your own faults onto me. I've listened to many Muslims here and I've respectfully disagreed with them, citing my reasons. If the Muslims here don't like it, then they can choose to disregard my comments. As I said before I'm not here for hearts and minds, only to express how I feel and why.
But there is one thing that I should note. You are well aware that I feel unease towards the Muslim world because you've criticized me for feeling this way numerous times. Why then do you demand my real name and/or my personal sob story about my experience with certain Muslims over the Internet that made choose anonymity? Clearly since you know that I won't give this out to anyone who hasn't won my trust (i.e. you), I believe your purpose most likely serves some rhetorical gamesmanship goal. I choose not to play your youthful games at this time.
Like I have pointed out in one of my other comments on another topic, trying to reason with Mr.Nick Cameron (not a real name? well atleast this message is intended to whoever is in disguise) is like striking our own head against a wall. Our head will break but nothing happens to the wall.
Let's leave Mr.Nick Cameron alone to dream in his own fool's paradise.
It shows me that you are not trustworthy, and I see your hostility towards an open, and understanding dialogue with people on this website. If there is any fear you have or any threats you feel that may jeapordize your personal security by posting your name here, please let me know how that is possible, then maybe I will reconsider talking to you again if your reasons are valid. And if not, then unfortunately I am afraid that I will not respond to any of your comments anymore, but as long as you keep using the name "Nick Cameron" here, I will just respond with a comment stating that this is not your real name, and I will let others know that I have tried to reason with you on very simple issues before by referring to old articles, and that my attempts failed. From viewing your posts, you characterize yourself like a Zionist-the way you favour the government of Israel and its brutal tactics on Palestinian people at large. Zionists come in many shapes and forms...kind of like the description given to terrorists, hmmm?
I really don't care to know who or what you are, but I will say, please continue to converse with others on this website, I am not stopping you from doing that, but I will not stop reminding everyone that this is not your real name. I will simply analyze your comments and respond with truthful answers for others to read instead of addressing them to you.
To me, you have lost your credibility in being someone who I can engage in a dialogue with.
The United States should absolutely repudiate this action and should drop all alliances with Israel, in my opinion.
First of all, I am familiar with the term, "Chutzpah". If I'm not mistaken (and I very well could be), it means "courage". If so, then I'm puzzled that you'd criticize me for having courage.
You should not view me as a "pet peeve", since I'm really not worth so much of your negative energy. I am but a simple man who desires little more than to live a good life free from injustice. In any event, I think it's becoming clear what exactly it is that you're asking from me. It seems to me that you want me to go on record as condemning all injustices perpetrated by both my government and Israel. That's a simple enough task, so consider me on the record now. I condemn all injustice, pure and simple. (See? I'm easy.)
But I also want to go on record as saying that Israel has a right to exist. It is a globally recognized sovereign state and U.N. Charter Member. Whether or not it was founded in a just way does not change this reality. In this sense, Israel is little different from a few former British colonies that I'm sure come to mind.
Also, I did not claim that the majority of Americans approve of Bush's overall job performance. However, a recent poll was taken that shows the majority believe in a Saddam-9/11 link. Apples and oranges.
Shuja
"Bottom line is that we must oppose all forms of terrorism."
How gallant! People like you can only dress their words in fashionable lines. "Terrorism" appears to be redefined in the American vocab. Let me remind you thyat the whole state of Israel is built on terrorism - from its inception its founders were terrorists gangs and murderers, including Menahem Begin and other little creeps of the Isralei elite. Do a google if you need more education in this line on Jewish gangs like Stern, Hagana, Ergun and the bully Sharon who was called 'man of peace' by your misguided president.
Sharon has much blood on his hand, as in Sabra and Shatila; Dair Yasein and more than 100 Arab villages now totally wiped out of the Israeli landscape. What school you go to? Why don't you educate yourself or perhaps you never want to see the atrocities that Israel carreis out daily against innocent and helpless people. And when they re-act; idiots like you brand them as "terrorists".
Every Eruopean and African Jewish convert has automatic right to Israeli nationality but the indigenous people are made to live in refugee camps with no right of return to their homes. Homes to which many still hold the keys to! You can feel proud about your stupid government when they restore the rights of Palestinians to their lands and homes - may be when pigs fly! Instead they pay billions to the terrorist Israel to even kill more Arabs. Remember Israel is the only country with no defined borders. The periah state wants to grab more land and more your filthy tax-dollars. Zionist historians confess to wanting Israel cleansed of Arabs vermins. READ b4 U write.
When 750,000 Arabs were forced from their homes, that was terrorism. When none of them have any recourse to a court of law, justice or to arms, then they fight the way they know best and they don't need guidance from biased poeple like you. Their rights WILL be restored one day. Allah
Jewish terror will not defeat the heroic Palestinian people, may God Almighty make them victorious.
Were you addressing me? If not, then please disregard the following comments.
Your hypothetical concerning a rock-throwing child is a puzzling one, since I cannot give you a full answer without more details. Right and wrong are often cut-and-dry issues for me, but questions of morality are more often than not context-determinaive.
For example, why did the IDF soldier (who I presume did the shooting here) shoot the child? Did he genuinely believe that the child had a grenade, or did clearly see it was nothing but a pebble? In such a case, right and wrong depends on the proportionality of the soldier's reaction. Concerning the parents, did they have reason to believe that their child intended put himself/herself in danger the morning that they sent him/her off to school? And *if* they did, what actions if any did they take to prevent their child from acting foolishly? In this case, right and wrong would seem to depend on whether or not the parents were negligent or reckless.
As far as your question about why I "seem to be inclined to start arguments at funerals", two things. First, I do not think of Iviews/Islamicity as a funeral. As far as I can tell, it's an American website (based in Culver City, in fact) that publishes information and opinions concerning the Muslim world. And this website invites comments from its visitors, whether such comments agree or disagree with the site's content.
Second, I am do not post what I post because I am "inclined to start arguments". My primary intent is to express my opinion, and I believe that I did that here. If in doing so I help to contribute to a genuine exchange of diverse opinions, so much the better. After all, I believe that honest dialogue is the first step to conciliation. If, on the other hand, an argument ensues and we're reduced to sniping at those who differ with us, then the best thing is for us to take a step back for a moment and then return to the table
Also, just out of curiosity, why might you seem to be inclined to start arguments at funerals? Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un (Verily, to the Creator we return).
Peace be with you.
And then few decades later when we get tired of appealing for Justice to the next entity we conclude that it too is not committed to Justice we will then have to search for another new entity to appeal for Justice????
Let us fix our socities. Improve education, Increase economic activity and power increase innovation and take the lead in technology then we will be in a position to make sure we deliver Justice in cases like these.
Generally I don't read Chomsky.
No blood for that.
Jazaka Allahu khairan brother Hudd D'Alhamd for your time & efforts. Nick Cameron is a heartless red neck & is a waste of your valuable time. Here is an article for people with a brain to read: Wars of terror by Noam Chomsky. Nick, don't bother reading it because teaching you is like pouring water on sand...you are simply fruitless.
Yes you do insult me, but I'm starting to believe that your conduct is more attibutable to being in a bad mood than it is to anti-American bigotry. I can forgive that more easily, for what it's worth. But I really do think you should take a deep breath. You seem like you want to be a nice guy.
That being said, I don't think I was wrong in my earlier comments. In America, people who are responsible for the intentional targetting and willful murder of innocent people generally get sent to Death Row. In this case, that's what the Sheikh did. But what distinguishes this situation from my America example is that Sharon didn't give this guy a trial. Is this extrajudicial? You bet. Is it evil? Given the Sheikh's history, I'm not so sure that it was. And as I said before, alleged wrongdoing by the Israeli gov't does not excuse wrongdoing by Palestinians.
Bottom line is that we must oppose all forms of terrorism.
I am a man. ;)
I will answer your questions one at a time:
"Why do innocent Palestinians revolt or try to kill innocent Israelis?"
Palestinians revolt because they consider the Israelis to be an occupying power. That is the root of it, although now it's more complicated. For example, many Palestinians claim to fight the Israelis because of alleged ongiong human rights violations by the IDF. Many Israelis would agree with them, which is why many have chosen to stand beside peaceful Palestinian protestors and against Sharon. On the other hand, those Palestinians who take revolt beyond peaceful demonstrations and into attacks on innocent people are not themselves innocent.
"What is USA's interest in Middle East?"
Security and then commerce. In that order.
"Why does USA have a huge budget for Israel?"
Because those who are stridently in favor of aid for Israel grossly outnumber those who are stridently opposed. However, I wouldn't say "huge".
"Why do only USA, Israel and other devloped countries could have nuclear weapon? "
America have them because we were the first. Our allies, like the Europeans as well as Israel, have them because we let it happen, for a number of reasons. As far as your apparent belief that nuclear weapons and democracy go hand-in-hand, I disagree strongly. Some nuclear powers, like China and Russia, are hardly democracies. Many democracies, like Denmark and Japan, are not nuclear powers.
That's just how it is.
Makes one wonder what this guy was a sheikh of...Islam or politics.
The Jew and his brother, the Arab, will spill each others blood until the end of time.
They are both arrogant, pride-filled people who consider themselves ALLAH's chosen.
They deserve each other.....
I look forward to all the hypocrites hiding under the banner of Islam meeting a similar faith....by the very hands of their Jewish brothers...and vice versa.
Let them kill each other....eventually they will learn...they are not chosen because of their tribes....but because of their submission to ALLAH!
state "Murder is not the way to peace." You can
argue forever about whether Israel has a righ
to exist --it doesn't matter it does exist and it
was created so that the few Jewish survivors
who were left after WWII had a homeland.
How anyone can mourn the leader of a group
that was dedicated to killing is beyond me.
The Israeli government was wrong to
assassinate him. He was wrong to head an
organization dedicated to murder. Who's
right? Who's wrong? Will it take WW III to
decide? Will it turn into "Kill 'em all let God
sort 'em out???" STOP THE VIOLENCE. Both
sides. The U.S. The Arab World. The rest of
Europe. The rest of the world. Think peace,
people, before it's too late for all of us. First, if
you are a citizen of the U.S. and can vote, get
Bush the hell out of office. If you're in another
country and reading this, instead of getting
angry at me, try to think of a solution to the
madness that the world has become. THINK
PEACEFUL RESOLUTION. Everyone is
blaming everyone else and guess what? The
U.S. is guilty. The Arab world is guilty. The
resot of the world is guilty. EVERYONE IS
GUILTY . So let's just accept that and move to
live instead of die.
I agree with Waqas. We shouldn't be asking for US administration's help. 2 things need to be done:
1)Muslims and Muslim Leaders should unite
2)American Muslims should get involved in the american political process. We should have some clout on that stage.
Why do innocent Palestinians revolt or try to kill innocent Israelis? Think about background history.
What is USA's interest in Middle East?
Why does USA have a huge budget for Israel?
Why do only USA, Israel and other devloped countries could have nuclear weapon? It seems they talk democracy for themselves not for others. Do you think people of so called developing countries are stupid, they do not know how to handle nuclear weapon, and USA and its allies are the people with wisdom..
The WORLD will flip!
SO, NO PEACE WITHOUT JUSTICE!
the world not only will palistianians suffer but
americans will suffer to beacause bush hasn't
taken action agianst this . in fact he gave the
green light for it. now radcail islam will attack
the world including us . i pray for yasin's family
and friends . long live palistine , long live shiek
yasin . all palistinians must FIGHT the israeli
emeny were ever they may be . jews ,
christians , and muslims must stand and fight
for palistine and end this one thousand year
old conflict . DEATH TO ARIEL SHARON ,
DEATH TO THE SECULAR NOT RELIGOUS
STATE OF ISRAEL. all jews must overthrow
sharon . BE PATIENT SHARON AND BUSH
WE WILL BURY U . god wants all men to live
in peace . these men don't want it.
Many Muslims do not believe that the US can force Israel to the negotiating table. If the Arabs do believe, that is their own cup of tea. It does't require much energy to realise that the US is Israel and Israel is US.
Killing Sheikh Yassin, Arafat or any other Palestinian will NOT solve Israelis problem - it will rather complicates it.
As for Sheikh Yassin, may Allah (SWT) grant him a house in His Paradise.
Bissalam
Many times we saw the true face of Israel, and why we still trying to make a peace with them, patient has a limit and we knew from Qur'an that "Israelis" will never make any peace with Islam and it's very fundamental. This assasination was another true face of Israel and the pretense of unknowing the assasination buy US Gov. (most of the heavy military equipment and War machines were supplied by USA). It's a pitty that we believe to a country which support Zeonist to make a peace? this war won't end untill the last muslim stand on the palestine ground and one of us becoming the victory, (palestine problems is not just for palestinians but for All Msulims).
They declared a holy war years ago and we must response this war with ours. So now let's face the reality, act now by supporting palestines in any ways (Islam's ways), act locally and think globally!!!
murder. Israel betrays its desperate state as a counterfeit
nation that has a short shelf life, and whether they admit it
or not, deep inside they know it. Let the metropoli of the
United States prepare to welcome the hoards of Israelis who
will now seek to migrate there. Having grown up in the
West, I can't help but feel sorry for those who wish to
recognize Israel as a sovereign nation, and am
thunderstruck by individuals who live in Islamic countries
who have such unwholesome inclinations.
I trust Allah will reward the Sheikh and those who were
martyred with him with the delight of heaven. As I weep, I
also rejoice that the Sheikh is now under the complete
protection of his Creator.
I say to all Muslims. Let our grief be sublimated into
purposeful action to rid our lands of these foul plunderers.
Let us be careful not to hurt children, women, and innocent
men so that we do not offend Allah.
First, out with the House of Saud, out with the Exxon Mobil
Chevron Texaco oil cartels who steal our resources, out
with Mubarak and his henchmen, out with Musharaff. Then
the dominoes will fall. This signals the beginning of a
powerfully coherent struggle.
Reportedly, the White House has gone from expressing that we need to keep the sheikh's assassination in perspective to being deeply troubled by it. Reportedly, public support for the current government of Israel -- at least among the citizens of Israel -- is at an all time low. (Alhamdulillah.)
Surely by now it would be clear to just about anyone that the Likud Party, collectively, has no real interest in peace "with liberty and justice for all." May the One who causes peace to reign in Heaven let peace descend on Israel and on us all (Ameen). May it be the will of Adonai that Israelis who seek peace receive protection against all who do not (Ameen).
Jewish terrorism needs to be dealt with if the world is have any peace whatsoever.
I don't buy the author's hypothesis that the Sheikh could have ever been open to talks with the Israelis. Hamas seeks the total dissolution of Israel, and this is a clear non-starter.
We can only hope that one day in the future, the Palestinians will learn that willful targetting and killing innocent Israelis is not an option.