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Tuesday, November
13, 2001
The Editor,
Derby Evening Telegraph
Don't Let Taliban See We Are Weak
Dear Sir
The Reverend Willis’s letter,
arguing for a pause in the bombing of Afghanistan for Ramadan, needs a reply
because it shows up a dangerous ignorance of how wars are fought. It also
shows up the chink in our armour. It gives conviction to those who argue that
The West is unable to defend itself, because we have become so decadent.
It is correct to say that the
Allied bombing has caused civilian casualties. This is a cause for concern,
but the likelihood of civilian casualties should always be considered BEFORE
any bombing ever starts.
To proceed with this type of
action one must be absolutely sure about the morality of what is being
proposed. One must have assessed the chance of success and one must have
measured the effect of the proposed actions on opinions in other countries.
During the four long weeks after
the September 11th terrorism, all these considerations would have
been made. This action has been embarked on to wipe out the most barbarous
terrorist group the world has ever seen. It is also designed to free the
Afghan people of the most reactionary regimes the world has ever seen.
This regime claims to practice
Islam, but their version would not be recognised by many. Islam respects
women; the Taleban make them hide behind an all covering “gurka”, the Taleban
makes educating females a crime. Islam demands that the poor are helped; the
Taleban made it almost impossible for the aid to get through, and then stole
food intended for the refugees.
Finally, Islam demands that
international law be respected; the Taleban have harboured Osama Bin Laden,
the man who now admits to bombing the World Trade Centre, killing hundreds of
Muslims in the process.
The success of these actions is
now becoming evident as the first city is captured. With the fall of
Mazar-e-Sharif there is a real possibility of creating a humanitarian relief
corridor, right in the heart of Afghanistan. Further advances will soon see
Kabul relieved and other cities should follow soon after. Relief for the
starving will follow these victories.
So we must not let ourselves be
fooled by those who do not have the stomach to finish what has been started.
A pause now will alienate a few Muslims, but it will give the evil Taleban
regime just the time it needs to regroup. It will make the job more difficult
to achieve.
War is a terrible thing. On
Remembrance Day we should not forget this. Evil is succoured by the good
doing nothing. We must continue the fight.
Yours faithfully,
N Gregor Macgregor
Dr Willis Wrote:
09:30 - 10 November 2001
It is essential that the bombing of
Afghanistan is brought to an end before the Muslim season of Ramadan starts
on November 17.
Serious questions can be asked as to whether
fighting so far will have reduced the likelihood of international terrorism
or increased it.
To continue bombing an Islamic nation, such
as Afghanistan, during such a sensitive time for Muslims would be to risk
severe unrest amongst Muslims, not least among our neighbours here in Derby.
I write as the Rector of the largest Church
of England parish in Derby, one in which 20 per cent of the population is
Muslim, and over 40 per cent have overseas roots.
I live in the area I serve, New Normanton,
Rose Hill and Pear Tree, and count my Muslim neighbours as friends.
At the moment we have good relations and are
thanking God that, despite the problems in northern towns this year, troubles
in Derby have been small and largely brought about by the boisterousness of
young people.
We must do all we can to keep this calm, and
it means that we need to exercise a very great sensitivity to the feelings of
those of other faith communities and racial groups.
Few of any faith would excuse the atrocities
of September 11.
But what lay behind them?
Anger about the situation in Israel and
Palestine, and the perceived wealth, arrogance and bullying of the Western
nations.
There is every reason to seek out those
responsible and to bring them to genuine justice by legitimate means.
But the long-term route to a lower risk of
violence lies in bringing peace with justice in the Middle East, and in
acting with great awareness of the viewpoint and sensibilities of other
nations and groups.
So far the Western response has shown a lack
of intelligence about the likely reaction of Islamic and other Asian nations.
To continue the attack during the Holy
season of Ramadan would be a very gross violation of those feelings.
It would underline the belief of many that
this is an attack by Christian nations on the nations of Islam.
That is not an accurate analysis, but
actions will speak louder than words.
Muslim communities need to be aware that
many active Christians are deeply unhappy about the present campaign, and
share the implications of the slogan "Not in my name".
It is good that Tony Blair has made visits
to the Middle East in recent times. We must hope that he has heard what has
undoubtedly been said to him in private.
Now is the time to stand back from the
military action, take stock, and listen carefully to the way other nations
see things.
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