New Trend Magazine
(commentary and analysis)
A First in Modern Times: War Comes to America
How Will America React?
Backlash Against Muslims or Retreat from the Middle East?
September 11. The catalysmic collapse of the twin World Trade
Center
towers and the other incredible attacks in America have left the nation
in a
state of shock. People were weeping openly where this observer moved,
as
every TV channel reported live the unbelievable events of hijacking
and
kamikaze-style attacks. At this time it is difficult to say how many
people
have been killed and injured. The losses are said to be in the
thousands.
America is undergoing a totally new experience: under attack on its
own
mainland. The heavy losses in one day are unacceptable.
INTELLIGENCE FAILURE: Already questions are being raised about the
effectiveness of the FBI and the CIA. How could the hijackers carry out
such
a coordinated, sophisticated attack on the American mainland without
being
detected by intelligence? People are asking, does the American giant
have
feet of clay?
Innocent Victims: The suffering of those who are non-combatants is
one of
the worst horrors of war. Attacks on large targets lead to such
innocent
victims. The nations of the world need to arrive at a universally
accepted
declaration that civilians will not be attacked in any war.
How will America react? Observers say that the following short
range
consequences are probable:
1. Strikes against Osama Bin Laden and Islamic Afghanistan.
2. Strikes against Iraq.
3. Pressure on Pakistan to pressure Afghanistan to hand over Osama.
IN THE LONG RUN:
The Bush government is faced with a dilemma:
1. Should it extend its war against Islam? For instance the U.S. might
close
down all those organizations which provide hospitals, relief supplies
and
scholarships to Muslim countries. It could encourage Israel to attack
the
Palestinians in greater detail. It could get Israel to strike Iraq.
2. It could realize that the war against Islam cannot be won. In that
case it
might decide to withdraw from the Middle East and leave its Israeli
ally to
fend for itself.
ONCE THE HORROR OF THE IMMEDIATE CATACLYSM IS OVER there could be:
BACKLASH AGAINST AMERICAN MUSLIMS : We already have reports from
various
cities that Muslims are being threatened. We have to watch what line
the
major media take: Will they whip up hate against the Muslims? They
might try
it but they might fear that even placid Muslims might turn against
their
oppressors if hounded too much. Sometimes persecution can radicalize
the
people.
ADVICE TO AMERICAN MUSLIMS (from Jamaat al-Muslimeen): We must
sympathize
with and help all victims in whatever way we can. We must maintain our
dignity and self-respect.
Do not talk unnecessarily about the horrendous attacks. Do not gossip
on the
phone. Do not offer conspiracy theories. No one knows anything other
than
what is on the TV screen. Do not claim to be an expert about what you
do not
know.
Do not try to hurt other Muslims by trying to win over those in power.
REMEMBER THE LIFE OF THE PROPHET (pbuh) in MAKKA. Remember that you
don't
need to prove anything . Outward appearances, be it of hijab or kufi
caps
etc., can be abbreviated in a MAKKA-type of persecution situation.
Always remember that Allah is the only superpower and is the best of
planners.
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2001-10-27 Sat 14:33ct