Palestine yesterday, Iraq today!

Whose turn comes tomorrow?


   During a gathering with some Asian, European and American friends and colleagues, we talked about the grave and touching events in Palestine - events that are probably unprecedented politically and militarily.

Everyone expressed their displeasure and discomfort with the Arabs seeking the help of the US and Europe to solve their problems and heal their wounds. Some thought that the time has come for the Arabs to put their hands together, like any other nation, and solve their problems and disagreements themselves.

Because I believe that the opinions and comments expressed at that gathering were quite important, I wish to convey to the readers some of them.

One of those present said that the Israeli acts in the Palestinian occupied territories such as assassinations, murdering of children, breaching all beliefs, laws and religions, constitute an attempt to wipe out a whole nation, not only geographically, but probably from the history, too.

Another friend pointed out to the horrible Israeli decision to execute a head of state under the guise and pretext of deporting him from his homeland.

A third friend interrupted to say that at the moment the Israeli decision was announced, it constituted a violation of a president's right to live in dignity and immunity in his country and amongst his people. Actually, it constitutes as well a flagrant call to exterminate the Palestinian President, following the ongoing annihilation of his people.

It was my turn to express my opinion. I pointed out to the fact that the nature of the Zionist State, since its very early days, would produce nothing but such criminal acts. Consequently, its culture and attitude were restricted to a one-way path that leads only to more crimes.

Another friend, an Asian, said that what he couldn't comprehend, accept or justify, is this prevailing suspicious and disgraceful silence from the rest of the Arab.
"What does not make sense", he added, "is that many Arab countries-people and rulers-can't even stand to denounce Sharon, who is attempting to crush the Palestinian people and their valiant resistance of the occupation".

We all agreed that the Israeli leadership is attempting, in their devious ways, to assassinate the Palestinian people through murdering their leaders one after the other; those leaders who are safeguarding Arab and Muslim honor, and who are protecting this nation from annihilation.

Another friend from Europe said that expelling Arafat, a leader elected legally by his people, and who enjoys international legitimacy, is an insult, not only for the Arabs, but also for the whole world. He wondered how Israel dares to take such decision, and why the Arab states continue to turn a blind eye to this serious issue, satisfied by only issuing calls for help and statements of denunciation, or requesting European and US intervention to solve the problem.

Another friend pointed out that America is the supporter, ally and full partner of Israel. So, how could the jailer and executor be asked to be fair to his victims? He added that this applies to the American administrations, and not to the American people, as many of them understand the seriousness of the Arab problems, especially the conflict concerning Palestine.He called on the Arabs to stop their escapism and their relying on others and to stand as one man in support of the Palestinian people- a matter that they have to capability to do. He also stressed that the appeals made by presidents and officials, requesting Europe or America to interfere are a waste of time.He stressed that neither America, nor Europe will respond, and wondered why some Arabs do not even dare to criticize the US administration; and how could they ask for help in resulting regional problems, knowing well the extent of the disregard for the Arabs and their causes.

I interrupted, to affirm that supporting the Palestinian cause requires a firm resolution that could be taken only by people who strongly believe in the justice of our cause.

One of those present noted sadly:" Yesterday was Palestine, today is Iraq. Whose turn comes tomorrow?"

I believe that we should cease our appeals that lead us nowhere. Let's rely on ourselves once for a change, and not seek the help of the West. It is also time to stop relying on the US, which extends unlimited support to our enemy. We are the only party that knows what is the solution, because we know what is the problem in its deep roots.


Khalaf Ahmed Al Habtoor