On a private question..
WMD for me was never an issue in Iraq...
Once the idols fall
Iqbal Latif
22/4/2003
Iraq is the centre of the Muslim and Arab world. The establishment of a pluralist society in Iraq which respects the rights of minorities will compel other states in the region to follow suit
Political freedom in Iraq will shake the foundations of the political systems in the entire Middle East. When the statues of Saddam were brought down in Baghdad, I was reminded of early Islamic history. Abraham’s tradition of the pilgrimage to Mecca was turned into a pagan pilgrimage and pilgrims used to pray to 360 idols of Mecca. The first thing Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did when he returned to Kabba was to cleanse the holy place of the idols. He restored the “religion of Abraham”, the worship of one true God. The destruction of hundreds of statues of Saddam Hussein will prove to be a turning point for the Muslim world. It will be a defining moment for Islamic conscience!
However, I was surprised at the general reaction of Muslims. When the Bamiyan Buddhas were destroyed by the Taliban, Muslims failed to condemn the act. Whereas when Saddam’s statues were brought down, the event was mourned around the Muslims world. This is indicative of the malign influences on the Islamic street. Saddam’s statues were contrary to Islamic values. We should have recognised it as a historic moment and rejoiced that “idolatry” was being disestablished in Mesopotamia.
If portraying himself as an idol albeit a false one was one of Saddam’s sins, his second sin was to deny freedom to the Iraqis. Denial of legitimate expression and dissent is anathema to Islamic thought. Spiritual and personal freedom form the basis of society.
Freedom is not a value peculiar to the Western world. It is a universal value for all mankind. It is the basis for human societies for it ensures a framework for future prosperity, progression and human development. Without it, all societies are doomed to decline, obscurity and lawlessness.
The American invasion of Iraq which overthrew Saddam’s regime will reintroduce Islamic values of freedom and dissent in the country. This will lead to a renewal of Muslim civilisation. It might also open a new chapter of US-Arab relations and effect reconciliation between the Arabs of the Middle East and America.
It was a commonly accepted fact that the sentiment in the Arab street was decidedly anti-American. The fall of Baghdad has proved this to be a myth. The people of Baghdad rejoiced at their liberation and made visible their gratitude to the Americans. It also proved that Arab street is not in favour of jihad against the West. It is rulers and leaders like Saddam Hussein and Osama Bin Laden who are responsible for the apparent “conflict” between the US and the Middle East.
If the Americans now administer Iraq smoothly and ensure a quick transition to Iraqi self, they will be able to establish an effective platform of dialogue with not just the Iraqis but also the Muslims of the entire region.
However, we need to accept that there will be hurdles to begin with. Newly acquired freedom can lead to chaos initially. Iraq’s new tryst with freedom may look chaotic and disorganised to begin with but I am hopeful that the future is bright. Nothing was more heart warming than to see Iraqis demonstrating, demanding their rights. Some wanted an Islamic state, others an end to looting and most asked for the restoration of civil order. Dissent is the sign of a dynamic society.
It is also important to realise that these rights should not be limited to certain people or some segments of society while the rest are being oppressed. Oppressed people or oppressed sections of society lead to instability which always spills over. In the global village of today, we cannot afford pockets of uncertainties.
Only universal freedom can lead to progress and stability. Enslaved human beings can easily be convinced to become suicide bombers. If we want stability then oppressed people everywhere have to be given their rights. The overthrow of Saddam’s regime will have a domino effect in the Middle East. Other people in the region will also demand their rights. This may lead to instability in the short-term but will be to the benefit of all eventually.
The French revolution is a case in point. It led to bloodshed and instability but left a long-lasting legacy. The events in Baghdad will also prove to be significant historically. It may lead to the eventual freedom of the entire Arab population of the Middle East.
Iraq is the centre of the Muslim and Arab world. The establishment of a pluralist society in Iraq which respects the rights of minorities will compel other states in the region to follow suit. The welcome the US forces received in Baghdad must have sent jitters down the spines of the Arab rulers sitting in their palaces.
Our children should be able to look forward to their future. Let’s resist those who encourage children to become cannon fodder to kill and maim other innocent people. The fall of Baghdad should usher in a new era of peace. |
