The Hindu : Iraq: Islamic nations criticised

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, May 11, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Karnataka

Iraq: Islamic nations criticised

By Our Staff Reporter

Bangalore May 10. Mumtaz Ali Khan, social activist, today criticised the Islamic countries for not putting up a united front against the U.S. aggression on Iraq. But it was heartening to see that Hindus as a community had protested against the U.S. war on Baghdad, he said.

Speaking at a seminar on the "Role of U.N. in the present context", organised by the Navanirmana Vedike, Mr. Khan said it was strange that Islamic nations did not raise their voice against the U.S. But Hindus made a united bid to thwart any aggression on the friendly country. Muslims were divided on the issue, which was a tragedy. It was time Asian countries formed their own `security council' to defend themselves against aggressors in view of the U.N.'s failure to prevent the superpower from attacking Iraq.

Since the U.S. economy was sustained by the military-industrial complex, Washington was constantly looking for reasons to wage war. U.R.Ananthamurthy, winner of the Jnanpith Award, said the U.S. President, George W.Bush, "needed urgent psychotherapy" as he was obsessed with gaining absolute power. Dr. Ananthamurthy was of the view that people subjected to authoritarianism should rise in revolt. But there should be a leader, even if he was cruel, because leaderless movements created anarchy and fear among law-abiding people. This had happened after the U.S. attacked Iraq, he said.

He exhorted India and Pakistan not to indulge in acts of enmity, as it would benefit the U.S.

Justice A.J.Sadashiva, who heads the panel looking into human rights violations by the STF, inaugurated the seminar. He said the U.S. had not followed any rules or ethics in the war on Iraq. H.S.Doreswamy, freedom fighter, said people should unite on Gandhian lines to oppose authoritarian regimes anywhere in the world. V.S.Krishna Iyer, President of the vedike, criticised the U.S. for its double-standards on Iraq and Pakistan. Srikantha Murthy, Convenor of the vedike, welcomed the gathering.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

Stories in this Section

'Govt. willing to allow brigand to surrender'

Toranagallu-Bellary line transfer smooth

Midday meal scheme working well: CM

Gowda opposes demand for separate State

2 ministers grabbing govt. land: JD(S)

Cong. plans training camps for workers

Iraq: Islamic nations criticised