Double standards and lack of tolerance [Archives:2006/929/Opinion]
By: M. Vijaykumar
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Let me start by emphasizing on the vital need for tolerance and mutual respect among religions and people of different origin and ethnicity. The recent hue and cry in the Muslim world engendered by the offensive caricatures initially published by a Danish newspaper and later reprinted by some other newspapers in Europe do certainly necessitate some rational thinking by all concerned. If we look into the pros and cons of the crisis in a clear-headed and discerning manner, we will realize that the current generation lacks tolerance and mutual respect without which the world is not safe and sustainable.
Of course, the customs and values of Europe which provide its media and people absolute freedom of expression and speech are not compatible with that of the Muslim world and the only way out is to respect each other and come to terms with the reality. However, the freedom of expression is in no way a license to insult any religion or prophet and the press especially in a civilized country is bound to realize that it cannot cross the so-called red-lines. Indeed, freedom of speech also entails some responsibility, upon whoever uses it, to exercise discretion and ensure not to hurt the sensibilities of religions, beliefs or even an individual unreasonably. Discretion is very important and inevitable among the media people. No sensible person would have supported publications of drawings that could knowingly or unknowingly insult any religion or prophet, for that matter.
Nevertheless, to err is human and one has to understand that Jyllands-Posten, which published the controversial drawings, is a small newspaper in Denmark read by less than 5% of the Danish population and does not represent the whole country. Therefore, it would have been prudent had the apology made by the newspaper been accepted in order to make a reconciliation of the crisis possible instead of lashing out violence at the Danish/European Embassies and Consulates abroad. It now sounds like an apparently minor issue being blown out of proportion due to the intense propaganda and violent protests causing reciprocating repercussions. It should not be forgotten that only constructive and meaningful dialogue would lead to an ultimate solution, but not violent confrontations. Violence will not lead us anywhere, but it can only make things worse. Our aim and efforts should be directed at alleviating the crisis and not aggravating it. For the very same reason, it is imperative that people understand that the only way forward is through dialogues.
By over-reacting to the cartoon issue, the core problem is forgotten. Terrorism is today's main evil and so is America's hegemony. It is a vicious circle! I don't think anyone on earth can accept or appreciate terrorist plots like the September 11 attacks in the US, 2004 Madrid train blast, July 2005 explosions in London and the numerous bomb blasts in several countries in Asia. People who resort to terrorist activities killing innocent people must take a second thought. Terrorism is not the path to peace, prosperity and stability, but to destruction and hatred. Terrorism is not the answer to any mistakes or wrongdoings, but it is awfully agonizing as it takes away valuable lives of innocent people.
Similarly, the tenacious and unilateral decision of America to wage war against Iraq without a UN approval was also unacceptable and lamentable. The fact that the US weapon inspectors repeatedly confirmed that Iraq did not possess any WMD unequivocally proved the US invasion of Iraq to be an unforgivable offense. Many thousands of innocent Iraqis killed and many others who lost limbs in US air-strikes, insurgent attacks and suicide bomb explosions since 2002 are reminders of a great crime committed by the US that even used in its war banned material such as white Phosphorus and depleted Uranium. No wonder if the Venezuelan President compared Bush to Hitler! (Perhaps more precisely, Hitler of the 21st century!).
Finally, one would not forget and forgive the inhuman treatments at Guantanamo Bay prison and Abu Garaib prison. The news and pictures of sordid atrocities carried out by the US and British soldiers in Iraq, recently displayed in the media, are gruesome and will send tremors through the hearts and minds of any sensitive human being. Why is the Muslim world not showing strong indignation against these very indecent and inhuman acts? Why no concerted initiatives are taken by the Muslim countries and Islamic organizations against this deplorable and despicable situation in Iraq created by its invaders? Is it that human lives in Iraq are not so important? Is it because Denmark is an easy target and America and UK are not so?
M.Vijaykumar is an expatriate worker in Yemen.
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[archive-e:929-v:14-y:2006-d:2006-03-16-p:opinion]
