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glhlkigsu L » “ End of War?. . . 2; Understanding the Gulfwu 3;AWn=B\d!tonGnml Illusions 13; ‘L Muslims my againstlmperialism. .. 1s;M=u§»§s$ mum.“ . .. 1s';1>m}>Léuv¢s T1 oftheGu1fWa!. . .19;WhntCanWe Do‘?. . . 22;Letwrs. . . 23;T1mku'sQuest for Peace and ~ Unity. .. 31;O1nent Concerns. .. 36;Thinking Allowed. .. 40. 2: . THE ULFWAR

All the articles on the Gulf war were written before the middle of February, with the exception of 'End of War '. This is because of the constraints that a monthly magazine like ours has to work with. Nonetheless, the editorial board hopes that the articles will enhance our understanding of what has been happening in the Gulf region and in West Asia. -EDITOR

END OF WAR?

t tbe time of writiD&. adlfted? If the United States' cootrol cml' puts of Iraq • lnq .. wilhdmriDI ,.. aim - a it il obrioas aow a leftw to force a c.... of A hm Kawail. It ila - il dle dellncdoa of the J0ft1111MDt Ill ...... Or, uz? till withdrawal. Tbere il lnqi mlitlry lpplntul ad Weawn coatrol Oftl', aad .. c r 11 n... n. 1Jiaimd sa.• tbe emaculadoa of rr.ideat occupatioll of, &aq may be dollaot wat a ce•eftre. Wdem au.ela't ...... Uled to coen:e other West JtWIDtltbe .... tOJOOL It ..... il ewry....,. that A.-..... - ..,....By the II ftiY c1ea' that the lJDitecl it wll coatillae the wu. Tbe IDclepeDdeat....u.decl ODel - ...... pw_.tWIJ DOt US.W cc.Udoa may try to iato acapdq .... repoaal ...... ,...... c:oatrol.,...... leCidy ltrUct1n wltll tile ....a&aql.....-. ad the rest of Souda Iraq . Uaited Slates. ita falcrum. We doa'11mow wllat wll Tbere IN)' be IOIDe •rt of After an. ... 't tile ...... after dail. ODce Iraq occupatioD of Iraq for a ...... t of a _..IICW'ity ...... campletly wldle Tbe Ualled Statll ... atrudln - of tile primlry ,._ bwlit wlllaodltiel hlalllelmaywatto .. ollju:..... of tbe Uaited .... to • _., W?l tbe w ...... , 'JII'OieCUtiat .....·to-tiiiWOidtof Prnideat Iaiit? wm there be ,._... hal otber powedul ...... , .... Soriet UJdDa. ... die Iraqi ...... , to accept aad ..,l_tIll die odw UN ...... __._.... by wllicll aD the II ....,ladoal lpllt,.. lteloludoa 660? If r.q II folad to accept tile edller --a.doal, wllat wiD be die co~ ~Mall Iraq acceptl ... tbe CIAIL.a ...... _ ...... ~ UN .....do• w!l die UDited IODIEI FROM A BAGHDAD IHELTER AFTER A HIT BY U1 ...... be ~·= Gl•• the ...... of the us. the .... libly continue.

2 States in the Golf war? tbird stroftltlt military in the - especially iD the last 41 Whatever it is, the United world - apart from beiDa the days - the United State$ States and its allies can be ODiy auclear power in the and itJ aWes llhould eXJ*f sure that there will be no whole of West Aaia? political instability and sqdal pace and stability in West Aslo11111 the United tensions for a lona whiJe to Alia, if lnq's military is States and ita allies are engaged come, repdle• of whether destroyed or itsleadenhip in this game of double Sadclan Huaaien is in power .humiiated. Cm the United standards and hypocrisy there or not. States hope to get away with will be w.idespreacl resentment What this means is that the datruction of tbe Iraqi and hatred towards them in even if the actual w• ends nUiitlry when it has actively Wat Alia. After what bas soon, there will be no peace eacOUfltled the pwtb of the happened in that part of the in West Asia. For there caa lmeli Milled forces iato the world in the bit 7 months be no peace without justice. 0

Understanding the Gulf War ...

1) Aliran, it is said, is pro-Saddam Since there is a great about this since it needed all the in the Gulf War. deal of confusion and money it could get for the We are neither pro-Saddarn nor misunderstanding about the economic and social reconstruction anti-Saddam. When Saddam Gulf War, CHANDRA of the country, following its eight­ year war with Iran. Hussein invaded Kuwait on 2 MUZAFFAR has tried August 1990, we joined the rest of to clarify issues through Iraq also accused Kuwait of the world in condemning him. No stealing oil from the Rumaila oil­ a question and answer field. Most of this oil-field is in country has the right to invade format. or annex another country. We Iraq. It has been alleged that the abhor the use of force in inter-state relations. Aliran has continued to criticise the occupation of Kuwait US TROOPS IN A MOCK and demanded the withdrawal of ATTACK: The Gulf War is not Iraqi forces from Kuwait. about getting rid of a dictator. 2) Isn't lnq's invasion of Kuwait an example of unprovoked aggression? It is not accurate to describe the invasion as "unprovoked aggression". Since 1988, a major economic conflict had been brewing between Kuwait and Iraq. The Iraqi government had accused Kuwait of deliberately pushing down the price of OPEC oil through overproduction. It has been estimated that oil-exporting countries in West Asia might have lost billions and billions of dollars as a result of low petroleum prices. Iraq in particular was very unhappy s revenue from this theft was used by Kuwait to help fmance Iraq during its 8-year war with Iran. This was what piqued Iraq when Kuwait demanded settlement of its debts after the war ended! Whether these allegations are true or not, the conflict between Iraq and Kuwait had been discussed at a number of bilateral and regional meeting~ since July 1988. In fact, there was a meeting in Jeddah between Iraq and Kuwait on 30 July 1990, two days before the invasion, but the deadlock could not be broken. It is interesting that even the Los Angeles Times - Washington Post in an article reproduced by the STAR on 22 January 1991 states 'Kuwait was over-producing; and when the Iraqis came in and said, "Can't you do something about it?" the Kuwaitis said, "Sit on it." And they didn't even ment not only refused to recognise And the United States, as its say it nicely. They were nasty Kuwaiti independence but even record in the last 45 years shows, about it. They were stupid. They attempted to invade Kuwait in is quite happy to give wholehearted were arrogant.' that year. In the early seventies, support to dictators and destroy So serious was the quarrel it revived discussions on Kuwaiti democratically-elected leaders. between the two states that sovereignty but to no avail. Didn't the United States support Saddam Hussein complained to This shows that the Iraq-Kuwait Sygman Rhee in South Korea? the then American Ambassador conflict has a certain background Wasn't it an ardent defender of in Baghdad on 25 July 1990 that to it which goes beyond the oil Ngo Din-Diem in South Vietnam? Kuwait was ''waging economic dispute of the last few years. It And what about its loyalty war against Iraq." He had hoped does not of course justify Iraq's to Ferdinand Marcos of the that the United States government, invasion and annexation of Kuwait. Philippines till almost the very as Kuwait's patron, would be able But it does nail the lie about end? Isn't it true that for a long to prevail upon the Emirate to 'unprovoked aggression'. while the United States supported change its attitude. General Pinochet in Chile - one of The deterioration in Kuwaiti­ 3) Whatever the provocation, the the most barbaric dictators in lraqi relations since 1988 should fact remains that the United recent history? These are just however be placed within the States had to get rid of a a few examples. The United States context of the latter's long­ dictator. After all, the United has been patron and protector standing territorial claim over the States is the champion of of countless bloodthirsty dictators former. Kuwait which was part of democracy. in Asia, Africa and Latin America. the province of Basrah was carved The Gulf War is not about What is worse, when it suits out by the British colonialists getting rid of a dictator. If Saddam its interests, the United States and established as a separate is a dictator, who is the Emir of government has had no qualms protectorate when Basrah and two Kuwait? Is the United States about eliminating democratically­ other provinces were integrated to restoring a democracy in Kuwait? elected leaders. Didn't it bring form Iraq. Before the eight-year It is not very well known that a down Chaddi Jagan of Guyana? war began in 1980, Iraq (except Parliament with very limited What did it do to Salvador Allende for brief periods in its history) powers was arbitrarily dissolved of Chile? Didn't the United never really accepted Kuwait as by the Emir when an MP asked States under Ronald Reagan an independent state. Right an innocent question about the and then George Bush create through the thirties there were telephone bill of one of the Kuwaiti conditions which de-stabilized the constant demands by the Iraqis princes. Kuwait, before the invasion democratically-elected Ortega to return Kuwait to them. The was nothing more than a feudal, government in Nicaragua? British resisted these demands and authoritarian state where the AI­ The United States government' finally granted independence to Sabah ruling family exercised does not care whether its ally is Kuwait in 1961. The Iraqi govern- absolute power. a dictator or its foe is a democrat.

4 It uses democracy as a convenient In the last few years, Aliran has, of revolutionary Islam. For some slogan to pursue its global on a number of occasions, of the Western powers, the ability economic, political and military protested against specific human of an Islamic movement to interests. rights abuses associated with the eliminate a militarily powerful Saddam regime. client-ruler was a great shock. 4) But then Saddam Hussein is a One should add that in the war Was revolutionary Islam going to tyrant and has to be stopped. against Iran, Saddam, according threaten their other interests in If the United States had not to the evidence gathered by inter· the region? For Iraq the war acted he would have taken national organizations, used was an opportunity to gain control over Saudi Arabia. chemical gases against Iranians. of the Shatt-al-Arab, a waterway There are many things which Iran also used chemical gases which was a bone of contention are wrong with Saddam. But against Iraqi soldiers and civilians. between Iraq and Iran. By linking Saddam Hussein is certainly not It was as a result of chemical himself with countries like Kuwait a tyrant. warfare between the two states and Saudi Arabia, on the one hand, It is true that he has committed that hundreds of Iraqis - many and the United States, Britain and serious human rights violations. of them Kurds - died at Halabja France, on the other, Saddam Dissidents have been inprisoned in mid-March 1988. revealed that he was unscrupulous for long periods and tortured The war ttself had the fuU enough to use his polittcal Political opponents have been backing of both the conservative adversaries to secure his own executed in the name of national Gulf monarchies and the Western political ends. security. This includes highly powers. They were both afraid His lack of moral scruples and revered religious personalities. of the Islamic revolution in Iran. his ruthlessness puts Saddam Saddam has also conducted at least For the monarchies, there was Hussein in the same category as two major purges wtthin the the fear that with the overthrow a number of other political leaders, ruling Baath1St party which saw of the Shah of Iran, other Sultans past and present, in West Asta the elimination of a number of and Emirs in the Gulf would be and elsewhere. West Asian politics, party leaders and functionaries. toppled in the face of the rise on the whole, for the last few

5 decades, has been violent and as a military power. In its military a few months ago, a number of often chaotic. A whole lot of programme, as in its industrial Western news reports accused him political ebtes from Gamal Nasser and econom1c policies, Iraq has of killing one of his ministers m and Houri Boumedienne to K.Jng tried to stress upon self-reliance. cold blood because he had dared Hussein and King Fahd have been Equally significant, Iraq has to disagree with him. It is now part and parcel of the turbulent been described even by some of known that the story was invented. politics of the region. its critics as a society where Similarly, after the Gulf War broke But the readiness to resort to corruption is negligible. At the same out on 17 January, a story violent methods in resolving time, the country has taken bold appeared in most dailies about political conflicts in itself does steps to liberate women from the Saddam executing his Air Force not make a leader a tyrant. If a clutches of outmoded traditions Ctuef for his failure to retaliate tyrant is someone who consistently and obsolete customs. Iraqi women against the massive aerial bombard­ exercises his power in an oppressive, are amongst the most modern ment in the first 24 hours of the cruel and unJUSt manner, Saddam and progressive anywhere in West war. The story was given a lot Hussein is not a tyrant. He has Asia. The attitude of the populace of prominence in our newspapers. provided for the basic needs of to Islam is also , on the whole, A few days later it was reported his people - food, clothes and more enlightened than what one in an insignificant comer of one shelter - and has established an would find m certain other West of the pages of one of our dailies effective education system and Asian states. that the Air Force Chief in health-care programme. Iraq has These aspects of Saddam's question was still alive and had one of the tughest literacy rates leadership have seldom been appeared with Saddam at a in the Arab world. And as the mentioned in the mainstream meeting. former Chancellor of West Western media. The reason is It is because of the pro-United Germany, Willy Brandt observed simple. The mainstream Western States, pro-West bias in the main· recently it is also one of the few media is determined to present stream media that the allegation countries in the South where Saddam as a demon. Everything made by the Bush Administration there are no slums. about tum is evil. The Western that Iraq was about to invade Iraq has also made a strenuous media has done this to anyone Saudi Arabia has never really been effort to develop manufacturing who stands up to the West - challenged by anyone of industries on a comprehensive scale. whether it is Sukarno or Nehru importance. The Bush administra­ Food production is also emphasised. or Mao or Nkurmah or Khomeini tion, it is reported, tried to Compared to many other countries or Gaddafi or Castro or Ortega. convince K.Jng Fahd of Saudi in the South, Iraq has given a lot Because Saddam is painted in Arabia with the help of aerial of attention to scientific research such evil dye he is sometimes pictures that an Iraqi invasion and technological development. accused of doing things that he of his country was imminent. This has contributed to its growth is not guilty of. For instance, Saudi Arabia, therefore, should

•We EE~ not E~ON ate Saddam Hussein for his actions. We will

Mobilize to meet tbls Ulreat to our

6 request assistance from the United as a result of the American States to defend its territorial administration's action, it doesn't 111ttgrity. The United States really make any sense to ask why authorities failed to show Saddam did not attack Israel in journalists - in spite of repeated the fust place, instead of invading requests from some of them - Kuwait. In any case, Saddam's proof of Iraqi designs against quarrel, as I have shown, was with Saudi. In fact, the Los Angeles · Kuwait. This was why he marched Times and Washington Post of into Kuwait. It was the manner of 21 January 1991 asserted that the United States response to his from evidence provided by the annexation which brought Palestine CIA Itself it was clear "that while into the picture. Iraq had the military capability of continuing beyond Kuwait, 6) As soon as the War started, it never had the intention of doing Iraq began to attack Israel. so." Besides, Saddam's feud was Israel has not retaliated to these with Kuwait, not Saudi Arabia. attacks. Isn't this aggression King Fahd himself who had a against Israel'! non-aggression treaty with Iraq To understand why Iraq has was initially not convinced that chosen to attack Tel Aviv and Iraq would conquer his country. other Israeli cities with Scud United States officials like Dick missiles, one has to understand Cheney, the Defence Secretary, the relationship between Israel and used high-handed pressure tactics the Arab states. This 1s a complex to get him to change his mind. issue which we can only deal with ANGUISHED PALESTINIANS: briefly in this answer. Bush, not Saddam linked Kuwait to 5) Now Saddam is talking about For the overwhelming majority Palestine because of the US' double liberating Palestine. If he is so of Arabs, Israel is an entity created sta.ndards. concerned about Palestine why by colonialism and imposed upon didn't he fight Israel straight­ the Arabs against their will through in this. In this connection, it is away, instead of invading the power of American imperialism. worth observing that when Hitler's Kuwait'! Israel is seen as an entity which Germany was subjecting the Jews It is true that when Saddam serves Western imperial interests to all sorts of indignities, both invaded Kuwait on 2 Au&ust in the region. Worse still, since its Muslim and Christian Arabs in 1990, he was not thinking of formal establishment in 1948 Israel Palestine provided refuge to fleeing the liberation of Palestine. As I has come to be perceived as an Jews. have said elsewhere, (see OJ"ent aggressive, arrogant military power This is why the British scheme Concerns in this issue) it was Bush, bent on territorial aggrandisement to create an entity called Israel not Saddam, who linked Kuwait and expansionism. out of Palestinian land - a scheme to Palestine. For while Bush The strong Arab stand against hatched immediately after the mobilized the military might of the Israel, it should be emphasised, fust wQrld war - was a mortal West to punish Iraq for its annexa­ is not directed against the Jews blow to the Arabs. It was not only tion of Kuwait, he was not as a people. Jews have lived among in response to demands from prepared to do anything to evict Arabs, both Muslims and Christians, European Jews for a Jewish home­ Israel from Palestinian land which for centuries. In fact, on the whole, land but also an attempt to protect it had occupied for decades. The Jews living in preponderantly British interests in West Asia. Arab masses became angry with the Muslim societies in the past had Following the Nazi pogrom United States for its double enjoyed peace and harmony. As against the Jews and the end of standards. Sensing their anger, Eba Ebban, a former foreign the second world war, the United President Saddam linked the two minister of Israel pointed out some States manipulated the United issues and maintained that there time ago, it was Muslim rule which Nations to authorize the partition could be peace in West Asia only enabled Jews in the medieval of Palestine and the creation if all issues of annexation and period to develop their culture of Israel in 1947. The Jewish occupation are treated in the and to strengthen their community community which was only 30 per same manner, based upon the ties. In contrast to this, the cent of the total Palestinian popu­ same principles. He was, in fact, dominant stratum of Christian lation was given 56 per cent of saying that he would be prepared Europe from the middle ages right Palestinian territory. This unjust to withdraw from Kuwait if up to the 18th century, carried partition was made possible Israel quits Palestinian land. out various forms of persecution through coercion and bribery on Since the Kuwait-Palestine against the Jews. Both economic the part of the United States. As linkage is something that emerged and religious factors played a part James Forrestal, the then Secretary

7 of Defence in the United States why the United States and other Reuter, UPI, AP, AFP etc. which administration put it, "The Western countries have armed Israel incidentally determine almost methods of pressure and coercion 'to the teeth'. Israel has the third 70 - 80 per cent of the inter­ used on other delegates within strongest army in the world. It national news flow. the UN amounted to scandal." is the only country in the whole The point is this: Iraq was After this unjust partition, Israel of West and South Asia which willing to withdraw from Kuwait used force and deception to evict possesses nuclear weapons. Because immediately after its invasion of a million Palestinians and occupied Israel is a nuclear power, every 2 August 1990. This story has now their homes and lands. Thus by Arab state lives in fear of Israel. come out in the Guardian of 4 May 1948, Israel occupied 80.4 And yet this aspect of West February 1991 . According to the per cent of the original Palestine. Asian politics IS seldom mentioned writer. Pierre Salinger, a former On how Israel enlarged its m the mainstream Western media. press secretary of the late John territory within a year of partition, All the emphasis is on the danger Kennedy, on 3 August 1990, Professor Hocking had this to say: posed by Iraq's chemical and Yasser Arafat managed to persuade "Disorders broke out from both biological weapons. But the Saddam that he should withdraw sides. In the confusion a pattern Western media has clearly from Kuwait and re-commence began to emerge, an organized concealed from the world this negotiations to settle his dispute military campaign systematically very important fact: that it is with the Emir of Kuwait over directed towards two maJor Israel. not Iraq, which possesses otl and territory. King Fahd, objectives: ftrst to confirm Jew1sh the most formidable weapon King Hussem of Jordan and domination over the Arabs within of collective terror and mass President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt the proposed limits of the Jewish destruction. Besides, Israel is not had all agreed to a peaceful solution state and second, to enlarge these a signatory to the nuclear non­ within the context of Arab unity. limits. The lrgun, the Stern Gang, proliferation treaty. Iraq is. Israel These three men and Yasser and and the Haganah. . . began openly has refused to allow the Inter­ Saddam were supposed to meet to attack Arab villages and cities, national Atomic Energy Agency in a Arab Summit on 5 August driving our the inhabitants or to inspect its nuclear arsenal. to finalize the settlement. However, massacring those who stood by The agency, on the other hand, when Yasser got in touch again their homes and fields. . . That has inspected Iraq's nuclear with King Fahd and Hosni Mubarak this was a planned military research facilities and found that he found that they had changed monoeuver there is no longer the "it does not have the capability their minds. The Eyptian president slightest doubt." to produce weapons - grade had even become antagonistic Since its 1948 expansiomst enriched uranium without which to the peace proposal. Salinger adventure, there have been four an explosive device is impossible." argues with some authority that wars between Israel and its Arab It is because of all this - Israel's the change in attitude on the part neighbours and as a result of annexation of Palestine, its of both Fahd and Hosni was due these, Israel has annexed and occu· aggression, its expansionism, its to pressure from the United States. pied even more Arab territory. military power, its nuclear potency The 5 August Arab Summit which Gaz.a, the West Bank, the Golan and most of all, its role as the might have worked out a peaceful Heights and South Lebanon are protector of American and Western solution never took place. now all under Israeli occupation. interests in West Asia - that the Why was the United States The land area presently occupied Arabs remain implacably opposed opposed to a peaceful, negotiated by Israel is 27,000 square kilo­ to Israel. For them, Iraq attacking settlement arrived at among Arab metres compared to 15,000 square Israel is not aggression. It is leaders themselves? In such a kilometres given to 1t under the liberation. It is part of the long settlement, Kuwait would have had 1947 UN partition plan. and valiant struggle to liberate to come to some agreement with If Israel has been able to annex not only Palestinian land but the Iraq about the Rumaila oilfield and occupy Arab land, it is because whole of the Arab world from and perhaps even the Warbah and the United States, the world's American and Western dominance Bubiyan islands which have been only military superpower, is its and control. part of their long-standing 'guardian angel'. The United States, territorial dispute. Even King Fahd in the last 43 years has given 7) But the fact remains that Iraq was of the view at that time that maximum economic, political and invaded Kuwait and was not Iraq's position on the oilfield military support to Israel because prepared to withdraw peacefully. and islands was reasonable. For Israel helps to protect and Here again, one witnesses the the United States, however, this perpetuate American interests in enourmous power of the main· would have meant losing some West Asia. For the United States, stream Western media in condition­ control over their oil since Kuwait Israel is its only dependable ally ing popular views on the Gulf War. is, to all intents and purposes, in a region which is of crucial It is a power derived to a large a client-state of the United States. economic and strategic importance extent from the West's control It would have also meant to the United States. This explains over the major news agencies like strengthening Iraq's economic and

8 geopolitical position. The United proposal as "not an entirely subordinated to a collective States reckoned that this would unreasonable proposal; you can compromise. Henry Kissinger, the be against its interests. imagine a basis for discussion." former US Secretary of State On 12 August 1990, Saddam But the Bush admirlistratlon was very candid about this when made another peace proposal. He rejected outright the Saddam he noted recently, "First, I am was prepared to withdraw from proposal. It refused to allow the very skeptical about an inter­ Kuwait if Israel would withdraw Kuwaiti issue to be linked to national conference. For the from the occupied territories and Palestine. Up to this point, the United States would be totally South Lebanon and Syria would Bush administration is dead set ISOlated at such a forum." Withdraw from Lebanon. He against any linkage Morever, the Because of its opposition to wanted all these lSsues of United States government remams linkage and to an international occupation and withdrawal to be totally opposed to any comprehen­ conference, the United States discussed within the framework sive conference on West Asia before rejected a number of other peace of a comprehensive peace and unconditional Iraqi withdrawal initiatives. The Yasser Arafat, King security conference on West Asia. from Kuwait. Hussem, Chadli Bajdid, Primakov, He argued - and rightly - that The United States does not Nakasone and French peace pro­ all these issues were inter-related. want linkage for a simple reason. posals were all unacceptable to For hlm, of these issues the Israeli­ It is determined to protect Israeli the Bush administration. Malaysia, Palestinian conflict was the most interests which, in a sense, are together with Colombia, Yemen important and had to be resolved its own long-term interests too. and Cuba had also proposed a immediately. Israel under Yitzhak Sh.amir will comprehensive peace plan in I have shown in other articles not agree to the establishment of November 1990 which, according how the Israeli-Palestinian conflict an independent Palestinian State. to Dato Musa Hitam, Malaysia's is linked to the Iraqi annexation The United States government itself special envoy to the United of Kuwait and why a comprehen­ has been very lukewarm about the Nations, was torpedoed by the sive peace conference is necessary idea. This is why it had no com­ US and Britain. (see Aliran Monthly Vol. 11 No. 1, punctions about breaking off talks The United States was simply 'Our Plea - No War' and Current on a Palestinian state with the not mterested in negotiating a Concerns in this issue). This is a Palestinian Liberation Organization just, viable peace. It wanted Iraq position which has been adopted (PLO) in early 1990. More than to obey its ultimatum. It was by numerous governments and that, the Bush administration is not inclined to participate in non-governmental groups in both very apprehensive of a peace any exchange or d1alogue. Indeed, the North and the South. The conference participated by a the Bush attitude during the noted American political thinker, number of states from West Asia entire five months preceding the Noam Chomsky for instance and elsewhere. It feels that its war was more akin to that of a described the Saddam peace own interests will have to be cowboy. All that he said in that

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9 period was "Get out! I'll count Soviet Union invaded Hungary in What is so unique, what is so I 0 (perhaps 15 for the 15 January 1956, C.leckoslavakia in 1968 and extraordinary about Iraq's mvasion deadline) if you don't get out, Afghanistan in 1979? and occupation of Kuwait that I'll shoot." In West Asia itself there have the United States, Britain and It was this attitude, more than been a number of annexations a number of other nations in the Saddam's stubborness, which made and yet the US has done very little. North should mobilise all their a peaceful solution impossible. We have already noted Israel's resources to fight aggression? Is annexation and occupation of it because suddenly the United 8) If the United States had not Palestine and South Lebanon. We States and the others have dis­ stood up against Iraq's invasion are also aware of Syria's occupation covered that there are certain small countries throughout the of parts of Lebanon. There is principles one should uphold in world would not feel safe or Morocco's annexation of the international relations? Have they secure. Western Sahara, carried out with stumbled upon a new morality This again is a lot of bullshit the indirect support of both the or have they seized upon a novel perpetuated by the mainstream United States and France. And opportunity to impose their will Western media. Let us not forget when Iraq invaded Iran in 1980, upon the world in the name of a that it is the United States more what was the United States' stand? so-called 'new international order'? than perhaps any other nation in In truth, the US condoned the the world which has invaded invasion since she was using Iraq 9) Are you then suggesting that small countries. There 1s Panama at that time to stop Iran's Islamic there are certain underlying and teeny, weeny Grenada from revolution. motives behind the US action recent times and the Dominican In any of these invasions did in the Gulf? Republic, Haiti and Nicaragua from the US get the UN Security Council The US reaction to Iraq's the past. The United States invaded to pass, in indecent haste, one invasion betrays the superpower's Lebanon in 1958. resolution after another to isolate real motives. It ts not mvasion, Besides, what protection has and strangulate the aggressor? Did it is not occupation that has the United States given to the United States organize global md tivated the US and its allies numerous small countries which economic sanctions in any of to go to war. have been invaded by other nations these cases? Did it impose a naval US determination to maintain in the last so many decades? blockade? Most of all, did it bring control over gulf oil is undoubtedly Where was the United States when together 28 nations with all their a major factor. For the US Indonesia invaded East Timor, arms and men to fight the administration knows "that which­ when China invaded Tibet, when aggressor? Did the United States ever great power may come to Vietnam invaded Kampuchea, when and its allies go to war over any control the world's oil tap in the India invaded Goa, when the of these invasions? Gulf region, will to a large extent

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10 control the world." To maintain strength in the current war. control, both Kuwa1t and Saudi What this suggests is that even Arabia will have to remain under if there was no Iraqi invasion American patronage. This has of Kuwatt. the United States. become a very important consi­ its allies and Israel would have deration espec1ally after 1979 when found some other excuse to attack the US lost control over Iran, one Iraq. After all in 1981, Israel of the principal oil-exporting state! launched a surprise attack upon in the Gulf. Iraq's nuclear research facilities - Kuwaiti oil is vital partly with United States blessrng. 1r1 because "America's appetite for that sense, Saddam Hussem may oil is growing. lr1 four years have provided the US, its allies (1985-1989) consumption has and Israel a convenient excuse increased some 15 per cent." to destroy him. It has been estimated that "by For the US and Israel regaining the end of 1990 imports will have control over Kuwait is also grown by some 4.5 million BPD important from the point of view (barrels per day) roughly of maintaining a certain power doubling in the five year period." balance in the region which is But it is more than oil. Since favourable to them. Conservative the end of the Iran-Iraq war in feudal monarchies like Kuwait 1988, the United States and Israel tend to pursue fiscal, economic, have been very concerned about political and strategic policies Iraq's military strength. No other which serve the larger interests Arab state in recent times has of both the US and Israel. It is achieved the sort of military no coincidence that every time strength that Iraq has. Israel which a feudal monarch falls in West is determined to remain the Asia, American influence unrivalled military power in West diminishes. The succeeding regime, Asia wants Iraq's military infra­ more often than not, seeks to structure destroyed. The United assert its independence from States too knows that its interests American and Western control in West Asia would be jeopardized and becomes anti-imperialistic. if an independent, autonomous SADDAM'S FINER POINTS: A This is what happened in Egypt Arab state is powerful enough to fairly progressive Iraqi populace; in 1952, Ubya in 1969 and Iran challenge Israel's supremacy. This in 1979. is the reason why the United DESERT THUG SADDAM: This Preserving the power of con­ States and its allies are going all image has largely been a ctNtion of servative states like Kuwait would out to destroy Iraq's military the melnstream Wnum media. also help to stem the rising tide of revolutionary Islam in West Asia. Since the emergence of an Isla.mic leadership in Iran in 1979, the United States government has become somewhat fearful of the long-term consequences of the sort of Islamic resurgence which emphasises autonomy and inde­ pendence and, at the same time, opposes dominance and control by foreign powers. Islamic groups with such an orientation have become more and more influential in various parts of West Asia in the last 10 years or so. lr1 countries like Algeria. Tunisia, Jordan, Palestine and Egypt, Islamic groups and movements have developed massive grass-roots support. It is partly because of this that the King of Jordan - once a close ally of the West - has become

11 very critical of foreign dominance 65 per cent of the world's oil holding massive demonstations and foreign manipulation of West reserves are found in that region! against the war The V1etnamese Astan politics. The United States, However, the obstacle to the government, like the North Korean for obvious reasons, does not want Umted States ambition of creating government, has been very, very sentiments agamst Western a new secunty arrangement in cntical of lJS and Western im­ dominance to grow and expand West As1a which it hopes will pave perialsim in West Asia. Concerned through a radical, revolutlonary the way for a new international South Korean students have staged verston of Islam. order IS the small state of Iraq protests agamst the US. Checking Islamic resurgence. like Iraq IS determined to oppose In some parb of Afnca and controlling Gulf oil and protecting American and Western hegemony Lattn America, protests against US Israel, are vital considerations in in the region. By building up its and Western military act1on in Amencan foreign policy on West milttary prowess it has violated Iraq and Kuwait have been growmg Asia. Since the fall of the Shah of the unwritten rules of conduct rapidly. There have been Iran m 1979 - an Emperor who of West Asian politics laid down demonstrations in South Africa. was in effect the policeman for by the Unned States. By holdmg Z1mbabv;e Zambia and Tanzania. Western interests in the Gulf - on to Kuwait, Iraq is defying the Radical groups in Mexico, Peru, the United States has been explor­ might of Western military power. Colombia and Panama have mg the possibility of evolving This IS not acceptable to the West. attacked US and other Western a new security arrangement for the ThiS is why the US-led coalition facilities The Cuban Government region. The real power behind this has decided to crush Iraq. The has been an uncompromising arrangement would, of course, be fury with which the coalition opponent of VS dominance of the United States. Britain, France has set out to destroy Iraq is an West As1a and has exposed US and other nations of the North indication of its determination motives in various UN Security like Germany and even Japan to impose its will upon West Council debates. The Sandmistas would be playing Important roles As1a through a new secunty of Nicaragua have also taken in this arrangement from behind­ arrangement. an unequtvocal stand against the-scenes Arab states - either If we do not understand these American imperialism. alhes or clients - like Egypt, Syria, 1ssues - the real mouves behmd Even 1n Europe, North America Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the Emirates US action - we have not under­ and Australia there is quite a etc would be 'front-men' m this stood anything about the Gulf lot of opposition to the US-led security network. But within the War. coalition's military mvolvement in region, the nation which is likely West Asia. Many of those demon­ to emerge as the pivot of this I 0) Are there many groups in strating against the war know new United States-inspired security Malaysia and elsewhere who that oil IS one of the principal arrangement is Israel. The understand what the Gulf War reasons for the US action against strengthening of Israel in the last is aU about? Iraq. It is out of these demonstra­ few years, especial.ly through the The Arab masses know what tions that the 'No blood for oil' mass migration of more than a the war is all about. This includes slogan has emerged. million Soviet Jews, is part of this the people in those countries Here, in our own country, larger secunty plan. where their governments are the vast majonty of Muslims· It would be legitimate to ask supporting the US-led coalition. are very unhappy with the US-led why Amerkan aw.l Eu1opean Likewise, the ordinary men ~nd coalition's bombing of Iraq. They leaders are thinking of putting into women in Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, are critical of the Malaysian govern­ operation a new security arrange­ Bangladesh and Indonesia know ment's endorsement of Security ment at this point in time when that the liberation of Kuwait Council resolution 678 which the idea has been m the atr since is just an excuse for the US-Jed enabled the coalition to go to 1979. Is It because of the Iraqi coalition to perpetuate 1ts war. But sentiment. rather than invasion of Kuwait? Kuwait only dominance of West Asia. reason, seems to have inspired prov1ded them w1th an excuse. Outside the Arab and Muslim their opposition. As far as the The real reason is linked to the world, there is also growing aware­ non-Muslims are concerned, a lot decline of Soviet power in West ness of the real aims of the war. of them do not see anything wrong Asia Since detente and the dis­ In India, left-wing and centrist in the United States move to appearance of the Soviet Union opposition parties see the war perpetuate lts control and domi­ as a counter-balance to American as a challenge to the non-aligned nance of West As1a. Some of them power in West Asia, the Uruted movement. A number of social would like to see the US-led States has been eager to establish action groups there are clearly coalition tnumph! its total hegemony over the reg10n. against the US-led coalition. In Why is this so? Why do many No region is more important Sri Lanka too, there is opposition non-Muslims think this way? What to the United States and the to the war, but on a much smaller has brought about this situation? industrial powers of the North scale. Students groups and social This is something we'll explore than West Asia. It is estimated that activists in Thailand have been in a separate essay. 0

12 A war built on grand illusions

or decades, during the whole RICHARD FALK is fundamental UN undertaking of the Cold War, peace­ professor of international law "to save succeeding generations F minded persons bemoaned at Princeton University. He from the scourge of war." the internal political paralysis has been a counsel before The full extent of this perversion that made the United Nations little the International Court of of role and purpose was ev1dent more than a spectator at the great Justice, acting Director of as Jan IS approached. All attention moments of the conflict. Then, the Centre for International was fixed on the interaction of with the end of the Cold War the Washington and Baghdad. w1th a UN developed a new lease of life. Studies and a consultant to bid of confusing byplay on the The Gulf crisis seemed to the US Senate Foreign part of the European Commumty. present a perfect opportunity to Relations Committee. He especially France. The UN has consolidate that new position-clear argues that the UN is not in virtually disappeared as an actor. aggression director against a small control; there is not a clear If this were a genuine UN State with the aggressor for the ftrst military option; diplomacy, undertaking, then one would time in UN history purporting to even ..linkage", is not expect the Security Council to be annex a member State of the UN appeasement, and the in more or less continuous session, and then reinforcing its criminority allies' case for force in the as a Situation of this magnitude by committmg a series of crimes Gulf is based on a series moves towards clim~. and would agamst humamty in the occupied expect to witness feverish efforts country. of misconceptions. by the Secretary·General to In such circumstances. with the stimulate a diplomatic solution. East-West conflict abated it is not Instead, there appears to have been surprising that a strong and But, behind this formal mandate no disposition whatsoever to allow vigorous UN response emerged. from the UN lie extremely serious even further discussion in the Iraq's aggression against Kuwait questions about whether the UN Security Council (for fear of also threatened the security and has been true to its own Charter weakening the consensus) and price structure of the world oil and to the larger purposes of peace the Secretary-General has been market engagmg major political and justice that it was established all but invisible. interests. But a strong current by to serve. And beyond these The difficulties with the UN way of the United Nations is not concerns is the disturbing handling of the crisis go deeper. equivalent to suggesting that either impression that the UN has been Article 33 of the UN Charter war should have been authorised or converted into a virtual tool of US imposes upon States a fundamental that the US should have been foreign policy, thus compromising obligation to seek a negotiated allowed to run the show as its future credibility, regardless solution to any international completely as it has. War should of how the Gulf crisis turns out. dispute that is war·threatening. not have been authonsed. The There is, abo~e all. the Of course, one can rhetorically Security Council should have unrestricted authorisation to use maintain, as did the British Prime maintained a supervisory role force now that Iraq has failed to Minister John Major, that one throughout the crisis. withdraw. This authorisation in doesn't negotiate with a burglar. It is certainly true that the UN UN Resolution 678 is not limited Such an analogy is simplistic and has simply formally authorised as to duration, restricted in terms faulty. If the burglar is heavily the United States' approach to the of destructive means relied upon, armed, it would seem mindlessly Gulf crisis. President Bush can and is not even undertaken with self-destructive to refuse correctly claim that the UN accountability to and guidance negotiations regardless of the Security Council "has endorsed 12 from the appropriate organs of the circumstances. In any event, an resolutions to condemn Iraq's United Nations. It has been international crisis cannot be unprovoked invasion and understood everywhere as giving usefully compared to a civil crime, occupation of Kuwait, implement Washington a free hand to do far more complex issues and tough economic sanctions to stop whatever it wants to do now that interests are at stake. Above all, all trade in and out of Iraq, and the deadlme has passed. In effect, the peace and well·being of millions authorise the use of force to this is a warrant to wage war, of people will have been compel Saddam to comply. l-lnnpletely at odds with the jeopardised by the failure to

13 exports demonstrate the weakness of the William Webster, the DITector of UN m relation to its own Charter the CIA, no critic of US policy, than it adds to the American claim testified before Congress a few that the threat and use of force weeks ago that sanctions have has been properly justified as the cut down Iraqi exports by 97 per way to resolve the Gulf crisis. cent and imports by 90 per cent However one thinks about a correct and other prominent former policy. it is an illusion to think government and military officials that because the Umted Nations have concurred on the general has given its blessings to war, such proposition that sanctions have a course of action deserves public been surprisingly effective. respect Journalists on the scene have The fmal illusion of the Gulf confirmed the impression that crisis was that contributing to the sanctions are exerting increasmg overall stability of the Middle pressure in Iraq. In the face of such East would be a reward to Iraq. evidence, it is unseemly for the UN Any mention of justice for not to watt, even if no dtplomatic the Palestinians, even the proposal option seemed available. of a conference to consider There is also a serious technical Palestmians' claims. was waved off difficulty with the fundamental by Washington wtth a single word: resolution setting the Jan 15 "Ltnkage". The claim is, of course, deadline. According to Arttcle that because Saddam Hussein has THE BUSH FORMULA TO 27 (3) of the Charter, decisions championed the Palestinian cause PEACE : " No negotiations, no b} the Security Council on this then it would be rewarding compromises, no attempts at sort of issue require "an affirmative aggression to acknowledge these face-saving, and no rowards for vote of nine members including claims. aggression." • the concurring votes of the Such reasoning is quite perverse. permanent members ... " China The Palestinian card is in Saddam's find a peaceful solution. abstained from Resolution 678. hand mamly because the West The gap between the duties An abstention is not a concurring has taken such an imbalanced of Article 33 and President Bush's vote. approach over the years to the reluctant willingness "to go the True; there is a shaky precedent Israeli-Palestinian conflict. To move extra mile for peace" is revealed from the Korean War when the towards the creation of a by hts so-caJJed "offer" of meetings Security Council authorised force Palestinian State by a proper at the Foreign Minister level held during a penod when the Soviet dtplomatic process would be in Geneva. US Secretary of State Union was boycotting its sessions. to take a step long overdue. James Baker was instructed to meet Then, at least, a constitutional It would help mamly the Arab with Foreign Minister Tareq Aziz argument was found that responded Governments that are participating in Geneva on the basis of the to the apparent rewriting of the in the anti-Iraq coahtJon, and it following formula, as expressed Charter. Here, too, one would have would contribute to resolving in a speech by Mr Bush: "No expected that such a manifest the conflict that has brought negotiations, no compromises, breach of the UN's own suffering and contmuous warfare no attempts at face-saving, and constitutional structure would have to peoples of the region, including no rewards for aggression." This is occasioned challenge and discussion the Israelis. for more than four hardly the sort of injunction to both in the orgartisation and m decades. fmd peaceful solutions that is the Press. Beyond this, the UN response embodied in Artilce 33. The silence on this matter is to Iraq's illegal occupation of Perhaps, most disturbing of all, an indication of how complete Kuwait would be balanced by some this UN rush to mandate war the US control over the use of UN rectification of Israel's illegal almost totally discounted the machinery has been in this and prolonged (since 1967) alternative of sanctions. Again, situation, and It ts extremely occupation of the West Bank and no one can claim wtth certainty disturbing m relation to the Gaza It would be useful, as well, whether and by when sanctions independence and future of the UN to take steps to restore full can succeed, but it is far too soon in relation to the only remaining Lebanese sovereignty, a country to conclude that they have failed. super-power af)d its main source cruelly victimised by periodic On the contrary, the evidence of fmanctal support. interventions and occupations suggests that sanctions are exerting It should be clear, then, that by tts Syrian and Israeli neighbours. heavy pressure on Iraq, a country the quality of UN authorisation There regional concerns need to be whose viability has been tied to in this case is extremely weak, addressed as soon as possible. - foreign exchange earnings from oil and that indeed it does more to The Guardian 0

14 MUSLIMS RALLY AGAINST IMPERIALISM SURGING IN SUPPORT OF SADDAM: a painful awareness of US double standards. Religious emotions run high over the Gulf War. But, argues CHANDRA MUZAFFAR, the Muslim reaction to the issue has to be seen in the historical context of Western imperialism over the Middle East part of the Muslim world.

he overwhelming sympathy and support for Iraq and T Saddam Hussein among Muslims everywhere has evoked comment from certain Western political analysts. They argue that it is because the war is seen as a conflict between Muslims and infidels, a jihad, that there is this. massive demonstration of solidarity with Saddam. This is not really true. Other conflicts involving Muslims and non-Muslims have not proviked is not the real reason for the However, their attitude began to similar emotions among the former. outpouring of sympathy and change as Muslims became painfully If jihad has an instinctive appeal, support for Saddam Hussein. Mter awa1e of the double standard of the how is it that when a largely Hindu all the American forces started United States government. It was India went to war against the arriving in Saudi from 7 Aug, 1990 in such a hurry to mobilise the Islamic state of Pakistan on three and yet there was no widespread armed might of 28 nations to force occasions, Muslims in most places feeling among Muslims at that Iraq out of Kuwait and yet it were just passive spectators? time that 'infidels' were occupying was not prepared to act against They did not respond to some of their holy land. It was only much Israel for its annexation and the calls made by Muslim leaders later that pro-Iraqi sentiments occupation of Palestinian land since in Pakistan to rally around the became a thing to reckon with. 1967. Worse, the United States has Islamic banner. Similarly, when In fact, when Saddam Hussein gone out or'its way to protect Muslims and Christians in Nigeria invaded Kuwait on 2 Aug 1990, Israel's annexation of Palestine fought one another in the Biafran there was very little support for by using its veto to thwart any civil war in the early sixties, him within the Muslim world at attempt to enforce the 150-odd Muslims in other countries ~rge. Even groups which are now United Nations resolutions on the remained non-partisan. very pro-Iraq like the Muslim issue. It is this blatant lack of In the case of the Gulf War, Brotherhood of Jordan and the even-handedness, this gross there is no denying that the Salvation party of Algeria were disregard for the norms of fairness, presence of a mainly non-Muslim critical of the invasion. The this total contempt for justice coalition of armed forces in Saudi invasion was roundly condemned which has caused a wrench in the Arabia, the holy land of the by not only Muslim governments hearts of the Arabs and Muslims. Muslims, has stirred religious but also by a broad cross-section It is the United States government's emotions to some extent. But this of the Muslim masses. unethical and immoral stand on

15 Israel and Palestine which is largely central concern of a lot of ordinary petroleum - the life blood of the responsible for the solidarity of people. It has generated a powerful industrial West - is found in the Muslim masses with Saddam feeling of compassion among many Muslim countries, many of them and Iraq. Muslim and non-Muslim citizens of have been subjected to various the South for the people of Iraq forms of control, dictation and Brutal bombing and Kuwait- whatever their regulation in not only the economic This solidarity became even attitude may be towards the sphere but also in matters stronger when the bombing of Saddam regime. pertaining to politics and security Baghdad began on 17 Jan, 1991. Compassion arising from the by some of the powerful nations The intense, incessant bombing merciless destruction of Iraq, of the West. Oil is after all one of came across television screens as and a yearning for justice the underlying causes of the a brutal, barbaric attempt by the connected with Palestine - and not conflagration in the Gulf. Oil­ United States-led coalition to religious sentiment per se - are producing Muslim states like Iraq, eliminate and annihilate Iraq. at the root of Arab and Muslim Libya, Iran and Algeria which value From day one of the war there support for Saddam. Arabs and their independence and autonomy was an effuxion of sympathy Muslims, in other words, are resent the constant attempts by among Arabs, Muslims and many responding to emotions and the United States in particular to other citizens of the South for what impulses which in themselves are control the petroleum market. they perceive as a small country noble. of 17 million struggling to survive However, the intensity of Arab Imperialistic dominance against the arrogant assault of the and Muslim feelings in the Gulf The desire to be free of mightiest military arsenal on earth. war cannot be explained merely imperialistic dominance is therefore Saddam's aggression has receded in terms of what is happening one of the major sources of tension into the background. His invasion to Iraq today or the tragedy of and conflict between a segment of has faded into memory - thanks Palestine. The difficult, often the Muslim world and a section to the United States and its allies. antagonistic relationship between of the Western world. American The aggressor has become the an important segment of the and Western imperialism expresses aggressed, the invader has become Muslim world and the dominant itself in other areas too - trade, the invaded. It is not the stratum of Western civilization is investments, technology, sovereignty of Kuwait but the also a significant factor. Because information, culture - and has survival of Iraq which is now the a big proportion of the world's caused real anger and frustration among Muslim states seeking to chart their own destinies. This perception that it is the imperialistic West which is blocking the Muslim quest for justice and dignity is linked to the traumatic experience of colonial rule. Like many other non-Muslim states too, Muslim societies continue to bear the mark of colonial policies of partition and decimation. Both Iraq and Kuwait, together with their festering territorial dispute, for instance, were spawned by colonial history. Neither have the Arabs forgotten the treachery and duplicity of the British colonialists after they (the Arabs) helped them (the British) to overthrow the Ottoman Empire in 1918. The height of that betrayal, which led to the dismemberment of the Arab heartland, was the British promise to European Jews to create a Zionist home in Palestine. The Arabs could no longer trust the RUBBLE : The m•sive destruction British. of Iraq stirred Muslims worldwide If the bitter memory of colonial to swing in support of Saddam. deception and manipulation lingers

16 on it IS partly because Islamic early 20th centuries. The while all these heroes have a c1vtbzation was, m a sense, that misconceptions, distortions and wmmon overall purpose. they world order which colonialism preJudices created by the have, nonetheless, different destroyed so that it could establish denigration of Islam have shaped ideological approaches to the ItS power. The vast stretch of the the Western response to the question of how one should restore Ottoman Empire even in the 18th religion 1n the latter half of the dignity to. and ensure justice for. century, covering parts of Europe, 20th cent<.~ry. one's people One cannot imagine North Africa and Asia, confirmed two individuals with such this. In the Indian sub-continent Historical inequities contrasttng approaches to lslan1 too, Muslim dynasties were It is against this background as Kamal Ataturk and Ayatollah ascendant until the mtddle of the that we srould try to understand Khometnt. Th1s shows that for 19th century. It IS their loss of Islam's contemporary relations the Muslim masses the sort of political and economic power, in with the West. A lot of the Islam one advocates is not the the face of the colonial onslaught, emotions that surround the Gulf crucml consideration. What matters that has bred so much opposition war will n·ake sense only 1fwe is the courage to confront the towards colonialism and its relate them to the inequitieS of haughty power of the domineering successor-ideology, imperialism, history. These inequities have West. among Mushm groups. had a strong tmpact upon the If challengmg Western But the antagonism between Muslim mind. They tell him that dominance has become so segments of the Muslim world the West has been unfair and unjust important, it is only because of and the dominant forces in the to tus religion and his people. what that dominance has done to West pre-dates the colonial epoch. Palestine, he realizes, is but the the Muslim world. This is why After more than 750 years of latest tragedy m that long, sad we are convinced that it IS now up Muslim rule m Spam and parts of saga involving the West and Islam. to the dominant forces m the West PortugaL which, according to It is because Muslim feel so to re-assess thetr relationship wtth certam Western hiStorians, was strongly about the injust1ces those Muslim societies which characterised by exceptional done to them by the West, that cherish their independence and harmony among Mushms, they have always hero-worshipped autonomy. What is required, in Christians and Jews. a Christian any leader who has the guts and a larger sense, is a re-assessment monarchy emerged in 1492 whose the gumption to stand up to that of the entire relationship between persecution of Muslims and Jews civilization. Thts is why Kamal a dominant North and a dominated was unbearably harsh. It created a Ataturk was hailed as a 'sav10ur' South. deep cleavage between Christians by Muslims everywhere after his The Arab and Muslim masses and Muslims which coloured magnificent triumphs over the amv'indeed the oppressed and relations between the two Western powers and Greece at exploited of the South are no communities for centunes the end of the First World War. longer prepared to put up with an afterwards. Later, when he embarked upon unjust, unequal international Hostility towards Islam and the wholt'sale westernization of system which allows a rich and Muslims was in fact quite rampant Turkey. he was reviled by the powerful cartel in the North to m vanous parts of Europe even Muslims. Carnal Abdul Nasser, define, decide and determine their before the 15th century. The long the late President of Egypt was fate on earth. They want to shape centuries of crusades which ended lionued by Arabs and Muslims their own destinies, mould their in the defeat of Christendom because of his willirtgness to own futures. generated a great deal of bitterness confront the Bntish and the The Muslims and the other on both s1des. Whtle Christian French over the nationalization ordinary men and women of the Popes and princes viewed the of the Suez Canalm 1956. South know, man almost instinctive crusades as attempts to liberate Ayatollah Khomeini evoked awe way, that whatever the origirt of their holy land from the Muslims. and reverence among Muslims in the Gulf War, the underlying Muslim rulers saw the crusaders 1979 when he overthrew that motives and the long-term as invaders out to destroy their contemptible Western puppet, obJeCtives of the Umted States religion and control their wealth. the Shah of Iran and withstood and its allies from the North, It is partly because of the the arrogant m1ght of American are inimical to their own interests crusades that some religious elites imperialism. Today, if Sad dam and aspirations. and scholars in medieval Europe Hussein has emerged as a hero This is why they realite that embarked upon a concerted in the eyes of the Arab and Muslim they should resist the arrogant campaign to villify Islam. The masses, it is because of hiS might of the armed plunderer from villification of the religion stupendous courage in challengmg across the seas who has come to contmued for centuries and sunk American imperialism as It seeks thetr kampung with his entire to its lowest depths during the to establish total hegemony over gang in the pretext of getting rid height of Western colonial West Asia. of a burglar who has entered one of dommation in the late 19th and It is interesting to observe that their homes. 0

17 MALAYSIA BLUNDERS!

alaysJa's support for outset for at least three reasons. resolution 678 which One, UN economic sanctions M allowed the United States­ against Iraq had not been given ~ •.'1" ,...... '( .. led coalition to go to war m the enough time. Even the United Persian Gulf was undoubtedly the States CIA director William Webster '$UWal IS biggest blunder ever comm1tted stated recently that sanctions in our foreign policy in the last had reduced Iraqi exports by 97 !::;_ ARI\SIC f 33 years. per cent and imports by 90 per Many Malaysians are still cent. It was just a question of puzzled over the Malaysian waiting for Iraqi intransigience government's endorsement of the to weaken. US-engineered resolution of 29 Two, a number of peace plans Nov, 1990. The government insists were still being discussed in early that Malaysia supported the January. What was needed was resolution because we have always a concerted attempt to persuade been against aggression - the the United States to concede aggression of one country against that any West Asia peace plan another. must include the restoration of There is a flaw in that argument. the Palestinian homeland. There Resolution 678 does not ra1se the had to be negotiations towards question of whether Iraq's invasion this end. The United States should of Kuwait was right or wrong. have been told by the UN That was settled in the frrst of the Secretary-General and some of its 12 resolutions passed by the United less hawkish Western friends Nations Security Council. AlliS that peace is only posstble through AMERICANS AGAINST THE members of the Council including negotiations. It was stupid of WAR: Why did Malaysian leaders Malaysia condemned Iraq's the United States government not understand the implications of aggression against Kuwait. Indeed, to issue the same ultimatum over supporting resolution 678? both Cuba and Yemen who and over again - get out or ru subsequen.tly voted against shoot you - for almost five particular individual? Perhaps there resolution 678, also took Iraq months. was pressure or blackmail or to task for its invasion and Three, if the Malaysian bribes? annexation. But these two government knew the real motives Whatever the reason, our countries and China (which behind the United State's moves government is indirectly responsible abstained on 678) knew that against Iraq - motives such as oil, for the terrible tragedy that is resolution 678 sought approval Israel's security, a new secunty unfolding in Iraq and Kuwait. for war. How is it that Malaysia arrangement in West Asia etc (see Thousands of civilians have died. did not understand the implications Aliran Monthly 1: 12) - there Military personnel on both sides of 678? would have been no reason to have been killed. A vital natural In the last few weeks, Malays1an sanction war. resource - oil - is being depleted leaders have been trying to salvage through the war. The environment the government's untenable Blooded hands is being destroyed. The world's position on the resolution. They It is quite possible that the economy may go through a period now opine that the resolution Malaysian government did not of chaos and confusion. seeks only to liberate Kuwait, really think through all the The Malaysian government not to destroy Iraq This is true. implications and consequences cannot absolve itself of guilt. But what the government should of supporting 678. Perhaps there It stands condemned together with realize is that the moment the US are very few solid analysts of West all the other members of the UN and its allies obtained Umted Asian politics in Wisml Putra, Security Council who voted for Nations sanction for the use of (our Ministry of Foreign Affairs). war. Our government- there is force no one could possibly stop Perhaps the intellectual quality no denymg - is helping the US them from interpreting the and calibre of Wisma Putra officers and its allies kill men, women and authority vested in them any way has deteriorated. Perhaps there children. Its hands are stained with they wanted. were other reasons for our decision the blood of the innocent. The principled thing for on the resolution. Perhaps it was A thousand explanations, a Malaysia to do would have been to investments? Or technology? Or million clarifications will not wash oppose the use of force from the the personal ambition of a away the blood on its hands. 0

18 What com• from the li~M, r•ch• the HEART TO HEART ear. Whet comee from the h•rt. r•chee the tMert. -ARAB PROVERB MALAYSIANS' PERSPECTIVES OF THE GULF WAR

ollah and Chin are both What do Malaysians think being espoused by some of the third year students attend­ about the Gulf War? As is so other Malay students present 0 mg Universm Sams Malay­ common in our society, against which he brilliantly argued. Sia. They are enrolled in the same stereotypes of Malay and non­ And Chin was actively defending Political Science course and so Malay perspectives of the War him differing himself from the attend many sunilar classes. have developed. FRANCIS stances being assumed by some Because they have also lived in of the other non-Malay students. the same dormitory over the past LOR KOK WAH argues Dollah and Chin were probably two years they run into one that these stereotypes are somewhat surprised to discover another all the time. They borrow misleading. He shows instead that they shared so rnaoy similar lecture notes from one another that there exists a spectrum positions vis-a-vis the Crisis. And sometimes and have helped one of opinions and that some these were not simply academic another with their course assign· of them cut across ethnic but · moral/political perspectives ments. They also represent their lines. But he also argues that were involved. dormitory in the same football the need for Malaysians to team. However, they are not what dialogue with one another and "Sensitive Matters" and one would call close friends. Stereotypes For although both of them were to develop a perspective that equally concerned about develop­ advocates peace and justice That Dollah and Chin had not ments in the Gulf War, and pro­ at horne, in West Asia and earlier discovered their similar bably realised that the other was elsewhere. stances is not surprising. Most equally interested If for no other Malays and non-Malays, though than simply an academ1c reason, working alongside and generally nonetheless they had shied away and that ultimately peace could friendly with one another, usually only be achieved through a com­ from engaging in serious con­ do not discuss politics and so-called prehensive settlement involving the versation with one another over it. "sensitive matters" with one withdrawal of all foreign troops Yet. as 1 discovered m my another in serious fashion. Such and guaranteeing the Palestinians conversation with some students matters are supposed to be handled a homeland. after class last week, they shared only by our leaders ''who know many Slffiilar views. Both thought It appears therefore that they best". Ordinary mortals are that Iraq was wrong to have share many common moral posi­ supposed to have "open· houses" invaded Kuwait; that the bombmg tions. lrl fact. Dollah's position for one another on festive occasions of Iraq by the US and its allies was rather different from that and therein do their part in was inhumane, unjustified and enhancing the spirit of muhibbah. unacceptable; that the Malaysian Thus Dollah and Chin probably government should have minimally ... thewarwu did not seriously discuss with abstained, mstead of supporting not • jihad but each other - though they probably Resolution 678 under which one .....1nUS did with others from their own auspices the US is conductmg its imperialilll'llftd ethnic groups - the conduct of aggression agamst Iraq; that the the previous General Elections an~ war was not a jihad but one either. Stereotypes of one another between US imperialism and an third world nation; in these important matters are independent thud world nation; resorted to instead. lrl this context

19 many Malays suspect that most . .. our people ethnic backgrounds and perhaps non-Malays are supporung the US and leaders have the extent of connections with and perhaps Israel too. On the lacked any sort the Americans and theu allies, other hand, many non-Malays nonetheless. they tend to support imagine that most Malays are of initiative in the Malaysian government's posi­ backing Saddam, and that they are trying to help tion on the matter. which they doing so emotionally in response bring an end probably consider balanced and to his call for a jihad against the to the War . .. measured. At any rate theu variance us. with the government's hne 1f any. Like all stereotypes, there is a IS not likely to be displayed openly, measure of truth in these assertions. issues. However, such concerns are at most, they are expressed Seen in toto, however, they generally limited to those involving privately. obfuscate and are misleading. For the Muslim ummah and can be Since none of them are in the there is a spectrum of opinions rather emotional. The contra­ busmess of producmg "smart on both sides. Clarifying these dictions in thetr perspective for bombs". planes, etc., nor do they varying opinions is important for instance the fact that Muslims are stand to profit much whatsoever, in so doing we debunk the found on both sides of the conflict unlike for the American, European stereotypes which can cause including PLO support for Saddam and Japanese busmessmen, from unnecessary ethnic suspicions and on the one hand and Afghan the rebuilding of the region, they tensions. In fact, as the cases of mujahideen backing the Saudis on prefer to see an early end to the Dollah and Chin mdicate, it can the other - are not addressed. War. Undeniably there would be also show that there are some It is probably this particular some who wish so for humanitarian opinions which cut across ethmc response by Malays that accounts reasons. By and large, however. lines. Below I attempt to indicate for the stereotype of the Malay they wish so because they fear these perspectives. For purpose perspective in non-Malay minds. It the recesswnary and inflationary of orgamsing this dtscussion better must be clarified that these lower consequences of a prolonged war. I shall distinguish the Malaysian class Malays may support either Already the stock market has population into three major classes. the government or PAS. been adversely affected. Fewer But these are not meant to be On the other hand, lower-class tourists have been arriving and watertight categories and are used non-Malays tend to be very poorly overseas tours are now under­ more loosely. informed, and express even less subscribed; markets have been concern not only about the War lost and orders for products fallen. Lower Class Perspectives but about international politics In summary, although there might It is true that more Malays generally. This was not the case occur different perspectives among than non-Malays are concerned previously but has become so the business class, there tends about the War. This is principally increasingly due to the lack of to be a consensus in the perspective because more lower class Malays organisations and parties concerned that is openly expressed. This than non-Malay ones have been with educating them politically. is so regardless of ethnic back­ anxious. As Muslims, these lower Hence, their interest in develop­ ground. class Malays can readily identify ments in the Gulf is essentially with current developments in Iraq. centred around how these might Middle Class Perspectives Moreover, the issue has also been cause the cost of goods to rise It is essentially among the discussed in mosques throughout as the price of petrol has risen, middleclass that the differences the country, which, in tum, have and jobs to be lost. In recent are striking. And by thts we do acted as channels for disseminating times they have been more pre­ not imply a clear dtchotomisation alternative - to what the Western­ occupied with Thaipusam and between Malays and non-Malays. controlled media has been feeding Chinese New Year. Although some F 01 among the Malays there us - interpretations of what is might express anti-Saddam and are at least three perspectives going on. The mosques have also pro-US views, these opinions are that can be distmguished. The served as vehicles for mobilising not held to steadfastly. Confronted first two stem from religious popular condemnation of the US with the relevant information they identification with the Arabs. and its allies though at this stage can be persuaded to change their However, because Muslims are not as explicitly as what has been stances. But it appears that no involved on both sides of the occurring elsewhere. one is attempting to do so. conflict a problem arises. This It follows that there is a problem is resolved for some by tendency fo r them to view develop­ The Business Class Perspective siding with Saddam and his call ments essentially in religious terms. In contrast to the lower class, for a jihad. Those Arabs who are For the same reasons above, these the business class 1S well informed involved in the US-led alliance lower class and indeed most Malays of developments. Business consi­ are seen as less true to Islamic generally are also concerned with derations demand that they do so. principles. By and large this is the Palestinian and Afghanistan Despite slight variations due to the perspective advocated by PAS

20 leaders which is also critical of Malays and non-Malays. They believe, or are anxious that the Malaysian government's Apart from the above, three the end of the world is nigh. This support for Resolution 678. It other opinions among middleclass is not as ridiculous as it sounds is a perspective that also squares non-Malays can be discerned. A for the use of nuclear weapons with theu criticism of the Malay­ large group. essentially comprising could result in a real holocaust. sian government's polic1es at home the leadership at various levels Real peace, they believe, can only which they believe to be not guided of the MCA, Gerakan and the come from reconciliation with God. adequately by Islamic principles. other Barisan parties probably However, because some of the The second perspective probably subscnbe to the government's literature that they have access involving the largest group of perspccuve. Of course they arnve to - for instance the American middleclass - usually government at this position not via identifi­ evangelical magazine {Plain Truth) servants - Malays, who are often cation wtth the Arab Muslims but which IS distributed free through­ UMNO supporters as well, does because they consider the govern­ out the world - 1s clearly pro­ not attempt to resolve the problem. ment's position to be measured. Amenca, some of them tend to side w1th the so-called Christian Instead, it conveniently drops It is sigmficant that they re.~ect reference to Arab and Muslim the PAS perspective. In this regard West, and often with lsraeli countries involved in the allied the government's pos1t1on is also aspirations as well. However a coalition just as it is stlent on the one that cuts across ethruc lines. caveat is in order Most Christians fact that Malaysian government A third perspective, probably belongmg to the mamsteam had supported Resolution 678. involvmg the largest group of Catholic and Protestant churches As Allied bombings of Iraq middleclass non-Malays differs from do not necessarily subscribe to intensified and as increasing all the above. It is generally this view. Some would supROrt numbers of civilians were killed, pro-US. The range of people the governmenl's view while still criticism of the US has increased involved mclude clerks and others the view that the source as has expressed support for Iraq. teachers, executives and business­ of the problem IS US imperialism. These positions coincide with the men, engineers, doctors and even At any rate. the official positions Malaysian government's own shifts univeCSity lecturers. Most of them of these mainstream churches has essentially been one advocating 10 its stance as 1t tries to distance are also English~ducated and itself from the US' hijack of the maintain Westernised lifestyles. immediate termination of the War. United NatiOns. Some have lived and studied in Finally, there is a third, more the West while others have visited A Spectrum of Opinions comprehensive, perspective not dis­ the US, Europe, Australia and Thus we see a spectrum of similar from Dollah's and Chin's. so on on holidays. These occasions perspectives on the Gulf War in Cutting across ethnic groupings, recall pleasant memories. Thus Malaysia and they debunk the it is one which relates the US they can easily identify with notion of stereotypes. This is not presence in West Asia in terms the US and the West and what surpnsing sirlce we do not dialogue of its irnpenal designs 10 a post they cla1m they are fighting for with one another over serious Cold War era. Hence the Iraqi in this War. Some of them con­ and "sensitive" matters. Govern­ defiance is not unlike the stubborn scientiously follow the latest ment policy in dissuading and resistance of the Vietnamese in the developments in the Gulf via stifling political consciousness 1960s and 1970s. Moreover, those all types of medta reports of through various kinds of controls advocating this perspective are which, unfortunately, they are is also to blame. Consequently, also concerned with combatting not adequately critical. Conse­ not enough of us have compre­ not only Zionism but also injustices quently, their perspective of the hensive understanding of domestic all over; not only in South Africa War is shaped by their general and mternational developments and but at home as well. Those Identification with the West and the connections between them. assuming this perspective have also reinforced by uncntical acceptance Still less is there a strong multi­ been critical of Operasi Lallang of Western media reports and ethnic grouping that genuinely and the assault of the judiciary, interpretations. There are also some stands for justice and peace at increasing disparities between who w1sh that Israel would get home as well as abroad. Thus it the rich and poor, the conduct into the fight and teach the is not surprising how the prev1ous of the Bansan Nasional especially Iraqis a lesson. Unfortunately, elections resulted. Similarly with regards to the tengkolok issue such mdividuals are also very although the situation in Iraq and mampulation of the media opinionated and difficult to clearly demands, our people during the last elections, its treat· persuade otherwise. The stereotype and leaders have lacked any sort ment of Sabah, etc. Some of the of the non-Malay perspective of the of initiative 10 trying to help leaders of the ad-hoc groups "Gerak War among Malays is probably bring an end to the War. But Damai'' and "Peace in West Asia based on such rruddleclass non­ hopefully, Dollah and Chin will Committee" are representative of Malays. continue to dtalogue with one this perspective subscribed to by Finally, there is a fourth opinion another and with their other a small group of middleclass among some middleclass Christians. friends of other ethnic groups. 0

21 WHAT CAN WE DO?

uyofua-yNf..U., It II baponut to explain to 0111 livel we p11rchale IIWly itelnl M ¥WJ help.lell at dlia war. childna that the war il not a hilh which either COIDt directly from We want a ju ,.ce bat pe. tedl .....; raJ ..... 1ft loat theJe CIOilfttrilll 01' •• proctuced tM llliitlry...... ,. of .. ivWill dlole of the tlloi•Dd• by IHitiarioaal CIOII!pe•iel of ...... of iuocellt ctidna; the video tbele countriea. Yet we c:aa OM lnq aa ...... -ce wiD N clipJ oldie~ ... of the IIWI)' .abltitlltel fOI' theM impolld on tM Aiab people of computer piUd mildel do not ptOclllCtL For example, maay Wea Alia afur the war il ov.. show theM _ .... kiWJws aJicl Malaysian& coftlllJile Coca Cola. What can we do iJa ou illdMdual JDaimq U.t take place. We lhollld Faata.. Pepti anct other carboaatecl caa-riliel to repca our JIIOtelt explain to c-. die brucaity ctrinb that oqpaate from AIDeric:a. lpiJist Welt•n iln,...... ! I of aaocllnlllilh tech warfare. There are DWIY local .ubslitutea would like to .._... U.t there Such expilnMiont wollld ctevelop that can quench our thint. We can .e at &eut five clilr•ent ltdda mOI'e compulion for the inAocent aiiD avoid IOUW to Am•ica• of action dlat we can take which victinu of the war ud compulion fast.fooct outletiiiUCh u will aab a ctilf••ce both to u ill CGdiMI ...... dlat WcDoaald's or ICentlldty Fried ..s the vic:tiiDI of me war. we IIIDUI -.ate ia ov you.. Chicba. Ia aay cue the foocl Fint, we lhould ctilcua the .....tioa. Mned ia tt.e places are not very Glllf War with oae's collelpes Thirdly, we lhollld write letWs autritioua either. II we have to eat iJa ICJioola, factories aJicl otf"ace&. to tJie kM:al ud fllional o~at let 111 patroaile our own local Ia our clilc:1&aiou, we lllould ...,...,.. aad tNipZiaes reaca...u. To reduce &he cxpiUa llle ~allderl)'ina-.. of •1fii I 1 o. opiaiona. We ctomiDaac:e of the Am.M:aa aJicl the war .c:llu llle Wac's delire IIKMIIII allo ooaaaaaicate our Britilb COftbOI of the peiiOieum to coacrol tile oil r.ovc:• of ...... co the,.,.._..., eat.. inctustry, we should buy out die Gall nPNa. tM c06ollial uec:dy or .movp our eJected petrol from Petronu inlte.d ol experiace ol the Arab OOUCriea, npr-acati¥eL In puticullr we Euo,Cakex,BP,MobuorShdl the cnacioa of brael ..S the lllould tJy to,_... oar Afts all the war is~ fovpt re.attU., cleJ-iratioa of a ho...._. aoww-t ao ...... ,... .. ia..w lor the continaalioa of the fOI' the Pallldail•, IIICI the tro. Jtemllldoa 678 wiUda it ctomilance of dlele compuill Weatenl'elpOIIII to ldulaic wt.d for ia the UN Security in the world oil industry. AD in r~ Tbe arddel ill thil CouiiCiL all, ft'I.Y time we think of ..a ..._--. of theA/rfDI Founhly, we can piOriiM clinct purc:buil& an .U.ican. Freadl Monthly could N belp(ul for llllp co the..._. oftM war or British proclact, we llloUI ..ell UculioM. 1llil IMY help tty ..... cSo.cio• co ct-. Mrioully loot for aa ...... _ u..a to evaJaa• mon c:riticaJiy n.e ...... ,_ anlllainly uecl Tbele fil-e ...... io .... j ... the ...... dley heu,-..s to pucllue JbediciDe IJid ch..,_., a~ I am 111re the reldera ...S ia our IDeal ...ua wllich it foOil. c:aa tiUU of ott.. llwifimate ~lllmlybydleW.-. Fl/tltly, we c:u proteat ...... ac:bo• dlat o• caa tab to expn11 ...... ,.__,_.,...,.and yet ow f..W. oa the Gd War • Secoltdly, we lhould allo ctilcul eftectMiy 6nMrCb the boyCOUU. Pleul f•l free to .a.re yo. id.. die GuJf War widl out own family of piOClucu flo• the main weaurn by writiJw in to die Alir1111 --ben, •111• rill)' with the coaavilll wllicl\ are UM>ived ill Montltly. dlldNa ia tile faldy wllo ...... tile war, aullly, the Uaited Sta-. .-~~~e- ...... Britaia ..S F--. Ia _. 4aib' - S.P. Subr11mtl11itrm

ACAR FISH; LAKSA: Why not ...... ,.,.1

22 ALIRAN DID NOT PLAY LETI'ERS GOD jlllt don' t understand how your ...... quotiJia, "The Salpturet like the ...... ,.. I Sabbath, are for man. Not man ,...... , ...... , ...... for the Saipturea", coull1 amc>UAt to of ...... -.y tllfttr. n. .... you pllyq God...... There wu a great aint who aid...... onynll .. II IIW llut ..... "The Saiptures are not the proof of ehould ...... - ... our oonduct; we are the proof of the ..... UttM ...... ,,...,,.,...... 11 .,...... ; If ...... Salpturet". wrltWI _,.....,...... _ A rational human bW. cannot deny the truth behind thil atatement. And havin& now quoted it, can I be l..eftlfl ...... lie eMu 1 I • .... EtllfiN. accuaed of pllyiJI8 God? It makea no AlifWI Monthly. P. 0 . • 011 tH/1. 10113D Mille to mel "-n•n& M•~r~W. RATIONAL KUA LA LUMPUR

A ut'TL£ BOY TOUCHES ALIRAN NOT GUILTY OF TVNXtrS HEART PLAYING GOD

am writing in reaponJe to Daniel Ho's 'Ia Aliran trying to play God?' l (Letters, AM, Vol 10 No 10). I feel I have to write in defence of an innocent pubtication that publishea only the truth with no ulterior motive~ whataoeYer. Fintly, let's .ee what the other re~.Wions lllte Buddh.IJm and Taoilm have got to ay on the aubjec:t. Recently, I read a abort oonveration in the AM between the Buddha and the folloWer Deat Hua Yin& f Auau•t HEllO-WORSHIP . _. your letter o of an external re~ion. The extemalilt )1ave receJV.,.. nice of you to ..,,..._.a._.._.or..,..., tokl Him that 10me of His teacbiJW• 30, 1990· It :-:ouched with yo~ • .., .. ,...... ,.. ... 'fWY were oontnldictiJW His aalptures. write me. l re id of Ot Mal1ath•· IIIOMd .,... .,...... paid Buddha replied, "Then, abandon your Iappeal tO me to set : wiJh betaUie )\e to tile ... Tallb by ftiO...... odw aaipturea!" In other worda, reliJion ...... t ia my greatet ...... y We must ...... _ .. 11om-- is for man and not the other way round. ••- f · to an,...,.,.. · )tal not been all must praY for o\11 ... Jll*. We ClOIIdllded dllt ... IIIJJd Wheth« Je:AU Christ aid "The f~t wd and you ...... • wry .,...... , Scripturea are for man, not man for succet'· you and yo\11 ramUy. • ...... oodl ...... the Scriptures," is immaterial becallle Kind reguds tO dllt of c. .... ,....o111 ...... eYe" a fool knows that he Ill mon .... YiJW. Not .,. Won tile ...... important than a mere book, holy or TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN PUTRA died, dlla • .., ..... t1oJ, of W ern otherwilel rm not tryirw to denounce \IIOiidDa. w wnn. to ..., ••• the Holy Book but what I'm tryq to are 1 brave boY - . PS: l can see you stand up for just tee flnt ...... ay ia that words are mere worda only you must atways -....u.11 nply wfliclt II a~ until they are put into action. I» and fairplay. below. dentally, Confusiua aid, "The ea.ence CIU.RLES MUNRO of knowledJe ia to know it and to CHEJU.S. SELANGOR apply it."' Ac:cordq to lAo Tzu, the founder p .S. Our paaclloA'I fadllr W'U OM of of Taoilm, '"The Tao (Truth) that can ... tMa 100 ..... pablled be dacribed ia not the real Tao". In ...... _ISA ja OceoWr 1!117 Ull other worcb, Truth (God) il beyond ...... tridMMit tdll ... u worcb. It Ia important to describe and .-.. In 1989. He II.,. MP for underatand Him throu&Jt 0\11 limited ...... Jwa. S.lilr .. 1990, .... human J)«ception. On a mundane My W wiMM to M1..... k; lie le¥el, let's oolllider the word 'love'. ltiCeiiM IIV-- fJ08I tile ...... It can only be exJ)«Ienced. Worda are .wu.t• otawa,• inadequate to deac:ribe it. Anyway, I'd like to take my hat off to Dr. Chandra Muzaffar for hafllw the tpirit of Socratea who woukl rather have died than renounce the

IS truth! Good and wise people liJce him "Mc>ul! (vulgar) •.. the self-acclaimed nation and tts peoples is to be free and are hard to come by nowadays. How leader or the black community in independent. No one can deny thts can publishing the truth be regarded Malaysia. . • Old Samy's already black fact. Ask the African nations today. as "being insensitive and not taking face. • • the trqedy of the black man We, as Malaysians, know it. into cognizance the multi-religious in Malaysia." These words and sentences Bear in mind, messrs. Chandra and chuacter of our society?" No wonder, are uncalled for. I strongly believe that Kassim, that Kuwait was invaded by there is a wise saylll! " Truth is un­ it is the Opposition that moulds any Iraq last August and its citizens were pleasant and its hurts." We will be country. For such a recosn.ized Oppo­ denied their right to freedom - the neglecting our universal responsibilities sition party which has fared well in the most tmportant right in the human as human beings it we condone last general election, such articles usifll race. falsehood. vu~ and insensitive language are Stnce Ku\\'ait has been so unjustly Anyway, we do not have to change unbecoming. Articles should highlight taken over it is the right of the rest our scriptures. What we have to cha~e issues and should be polished and of the ~orld (i.e. the allies) to take is our interpretaion of it ulina our educational. No ethnic group in measures to en re Kuwait's return to hearts! We should take the deeper or Malaysia liJces to be referred to by its independence and flf· _dom, first and cosmic and not the literal meanina "cobur". With all due respect to foremost tlu .ugh peaceful means. which will not get us anywhere. Sdr. Lim Kit Siang, I strongly urge him The UN tried that for five months and Actually, Alinn has exercised cue to view this seriously. failed desptte the gallant efforts of and respect for others. This can be aU those involved. Hut Saddam Hussein, seen in the publication of numerous S PACKIRJSAMY the ineffable bully, refused to withdraw. opposing views. Though there are many Johor Baru This then, gave the A 'lies the right to reJ..Wions in the world, ultimately, the expel his forces from ~ uwait and put rivera of Re~ion now into the ocean of an end to his aggressi<. •. It was either Truth. The Truth remains: that there this or let Kuwait fade a" ty forever. is unity in diversity! Why look for the To use a well known phrase, it is differences in re~ions? Why not, for evident that measrs. Chandra and a chaflle look for the similarities? Kassim (and those with similar opinions) There are many, if we cue to loolt NO MORE ALIRAN have eyes, yc.:t they ca.nnot see: ears, for them. We should DOt let different MONTHLY yet they cannot hear. They should be physical appearances deceive us. ashamed of themselves and I suggest After all, we are one big family - the that they re-examine their own human family! have been a very firm supporter conscience. Finally, I hope Aliran will continue of Aliran for a very IOJ18 time, This is because they cannot under­ the good work of propagatifll truth I having subscribed for my family, stand why the US and other countries and not let a few not-10-broadminded friends and myself. Lately, I can't seek to remove the stains of Iraqi people suppress it, thus depriving help noticina that your articles are aggression in West Asia. The US has themselves and others of the place in getting to be very pro-Islam, pro­ never been in a war to win something. heaven which they crave for miJerably! Palestinia.a, pro-Arab and very anti-US, It has always been in a war to stop anti-Israel and anti-Christianity. 10methmg - namely aggression e.g. TRUTH SE::EK/;R For once, (note: for once) the World Wu I and II and in Korea; that's S~b~rang Nrai Government is r~t in 111pporting the the truth. UN reaol•tion in uaiJII force to evict Once we undeutand this, we will Iraq out of Kuwait. Do you dil!lllee learn to value the burning desire of for the sake of disasreeina? This I've a nation trying to Live in freedom and got to ask you. What it 10me powerful harmo ny, under the identity of its country invades Malaylia and annexes very own flag. 'ROCKET' SHOULD AVOID it as their 19th province, will Aliran stand by and welcome them with open MICHAEL D"OLJVEIRO CRUDE LANGUAGE arms? I'm really very disappointed with Kuala Lurrtpur Aliran. It has deviated from its original aims. You can be sure that when my he DAP's Rocket (December subsajption ends in a few months time, 1990 ilaue) has certainly incited I won't be renewifll it anymore and all T hatred towards itldf. Vulpr the previous U.Ues, staclcs and stacks, la~e ana~ of ethnk prejudice will be thrown in the rubbish bin! was freely ~Ual. I am stronaly protestina SUPPORT FOR throUJh the AM as the 'letten to the DISGUSTED AGGRESSION Editor' columns in the rest of the KUANTAN Malaysian Press have become spineless especilllly after Operation Lalang and he Malaysian government's the infamous ISA arrests. The DAP support for Re10Jution 678 haa aenerated a bt of hope because T which permits the use of force of ita strong vocal presence which to drive Iraq out of Kuwait clearly touches many thinJr.i.ng Malaysians who shows the wnonnce of Dr Mahath.ir believe in equality and above all, bve DR CHANDRA SHOULD on the ulterior motive of the US. It for the Merdeb Malaysia in the ori&inal BE ASHAMED is very ridicubus to llllpport the use sense - as dreamt of by a great 10uJ, of force and then later regret that the whose thoughts and wntimenta still war has bepn. Mahathk has jultif"Jed liJwer with the muses - Tunltu Abdul wish to draw your attention to the uw of force to drive Iraq out of RaJunan. The Rocket should produce Dr Chandra's response to Dr Kuwait by sayifll that Malaysia articles of a more refined nature where I Mahathir's UN statement and aliO supported the reaolution beca;a~e no writers take extra cue not to over-react Kuaim Ahmad's imprudent letter country has the rwht to annex another or write in a biased manner especially (AM, VollO No 12). country. It is a weak argument because on topica relatina to religion, ethnicity The late President John F. Kennedy the moment Malaysia supported and languqe. once said that the greatest desire of a sanction• against Iraq it is clear proof

24 to the world that Malaysia denounces foreip policy wu, it nothifW else, invasion. It does not have to support MALAYSIA'S FOREIGN at least consiJtent. a war which causes human casualties POLICY INCONSISTENT However, history belies this apparent and environmental destruction. Fwther­ consistency. Can Mahath.ir or Wisma more the use of force is not goin& to Putra give one JOOd rea.on why the .olve the problems of West Asia because fter the Malaysian government Malaysian government did not oppose the issue is not just the annexation had supported the UN Secwity the invasion and subsequent annexa· of Kuwait by Iraq but is related to a A council re.olution authorq tion of East Timor by President wide range of issues and injustices which the use of military force in the Gulf Suharto's JOYernment in lndonetil? the American imperialism and Zionist alter IS January 1991, Prime Minister Thouands of innocent people in East Israel had created in the world. USA Dr Mahathir explained that his govern­ Timor were killed u a result of that has used the United Nations and ment'• Jtand was bued on itJ opposition invasion. Did the UN Security Council Malaysia as a tool to fwther its own to agreasion. Mahathir said that the re.olve to use force ~&&inst Indonesia? selfish interest in the Gulf. Malaylian aovernment had always When former US president RQPJ~ oppoled .greasion anywhere. For a and President Bush sent troops to invade RONALD moment, it seemed a comforting Grenada and Panama l'e4lpectlvely, did IPOH reassurance to Malaysians that our the Security Council re101Ye to Ute force qainst the US? Between 2,000 and 4,000 Panamanians were killed dwi.Jw the US invasion, and thousands of others were made homelesa. By voting for the UN Security Council re.olution to ute force against Iraq, tht> Malaysian pernment lost the oppo.-tunity to play the role of an WOMEN OF THE WORLD! honest peace broker, with the posa'billty of helpi.Jw to avert the houitic tracedy SAY NO T0111E WAR! of hundreds of thouands of innocent men, women and children in that e haft ..,, pwa bkth to o• reslon beU. killed. This ia not to mention, of course, the thoualllb of dllllna, ., 1llat - .... m.iitary ps10nnel, on both llides of ....,,... "F .. ~ W the conflict, who willlote their lives. tau.ce e1 tllil war. It Is hi&h time that we in Malaylia - No GotwJMNat of WOitd ... tWa had a foreiln policy that is Jenuinely tbe rWt~t 10 ditllloJ oar • ud tbe independent and consistent. We of ow cllldnllf Be it Ia our r'lioa or lA any ftWio• ol tbe worW. ,.,....,., ., .,,...... ~ dlk FANYEWTENG World .... die ,.Itt to demoy people Kuala Lumpur ta d the Cur COUlltrill. - N*ber tbe foreeflll o cc.,ark»a ~ K.wnit by aM Jn4i WJi41¥WI, 1101 tu rich countrill' lnttl:wt for cM.p ol jllltJtY a •• tMt wll be a catu11ophe fcx llllllkW _. THE BOMBING OF BASRA p.tlcllluly ror the ..Third WOrld" ud the Ea.Wruneat! onday, 11 February, Peter THEREFORE WE DEMAND Arnett of CNN news reported that cluster bombs have been -O• ...... ollfe.,....toa Muled in the bombina of Bun, at leut.. - The fllalltediate wiiWnwal of tile bOOpl tW ... beea deployed ...... 011 ~ oL t1IDie The photopaphl taken at a hospital toattact._.l wllo clo .ot wa.M a WW for oil in &a.a provided ample confirmation - We 11111111*11 ...... I Nea-Eut ...... ,.to,....ewr...... _. of the ute of IUch weapons. r--eo~~~.. -. wtdlotlr -...... oliO iptiDL This is not the f"ast report of the uae Oil tbe withdraw~~~ ol lnqi IJOOpt w... ol tM wodd ...... of auch weapou in the war in the Gulf. IJON K.uwaiL bi tldl ...... ,. Earlier, it '-d been reported that the - Solidlidry withal die w..-ln the wliaf II .c • y. a., Gilly Americans and Britilb ..ve been Gulf couauin...... Jfor droppifta cluster bombs which are - 11Mrtlore, women ~ tM wodd We! IAiw JV• ar ill the ....l tfiaered by a tlme4elay. lay don you wart! S1Utill flolll w.. t are cluster bombs? They are W.._...y,llnl J__, 1991, ... specially detiped bombs that do little OIPJiile ...... ,...._,.,.. WE WOMEN WANT LIFE or no damlle to buildinp or other .,.,.t.e in )'OUI c:itill. towal AND NOT DEA'IH phy.ical atructures. Howe¥a, they cauae ...... JDiltimum claJqp to hDIDIJI ~ - ..,... ol .... wodd, .,.,.. )'OUI Womat oftlte F•dthodtycl,. Mil They are a variety of what are known ...... and.,. to Fnwrtforu"' autl genericaDy u anti-ps.onneJ weapona. .,..,..,, GmiMIIJI In pAenl, a clusta bomb compriles a nain bomb which, on impact, ffiiJilenta into hundreds of thouands of steel pJOjec:illel and is intended for uae lpinlt human bei.np. GoO. by the evidence of the photopaphed victims, and Peter Arnett's report,

25 war in the history of the world. the type dropped on Bun was of a STOP THE WAR Hundreds of thousands of innocent type that explodes above ifOund level, people (be they .:>ldiers or civilians) releasing smaller bomb units which will pay the price of this war, with then explode to release the projectiles. he Asia Pacific Forum on their blood. We are past the stage of A penon within reach of any of the~~e Women, Law .l Development attributing blame on any party to amaller bombs would be sprayed with T deplores the attack of Allied the conflict. We are past the stage these projectiles. Not only do these forces on Bagbdad paving the way of taking partisan (right or wrong) projectiles cause tremendous pain~ they for more human destruction. In our positions to the conflict. We call upon are abo virtually impoasible to remove statement ISSUed in August 1990, we the U.N. (and especially the Security completely. Thus, if a victim does not urged the involved nations to desist Council) to exercile its true mandate die immediately, the chances of from usage of violence as a means and to restore world peace. We strongly developing gangrene are extlemely high. of conflict resolution. urge the UN to take immediate ateps Chaster bombs were developed to a At a time when more than half to initiate an immediate ceasefire of "fine" art" of destructiveness in the population in the world is hostilities in the region. We alao call Vietnam. Since then, we can be aure experiencing starvation, malnutrition upon the leaders of the U.S. and Iraq that their destructive capabilities have and poverty, the present expenditure to re-open diplomatic negotiations which further "improved". into warfare is a total disregard to were never given a real chance. In Vietnam, a variety of such bombs humanity. The childlen and women We abo believe that a West Asian were used. There were cluster bombs not only in Kuwait, Iraq and the Gulf Peace Conference must be convened that aprayed out plastic pellets. The region but all over the world will be as soon as poasible under U.N. auspices reason? Such pellets would not show further dliven into destitution, starva­ as an easential component towards up on x-rays thus maJr.ina medical tion and death. resolving this conflict and achieving treatment virtually impoas.ible. There We call upon for an immediate a lasting peace in West Asia. Such a were cluster bombs that were engineered ceasefire to the attack. We urge the UN conference must address and make to explode at the avenge he@ht of to initiate dialogue between the US a concerted commitment towards a Vietnamese in order to maximize and Iraq autJioritiea, and a peace findU. a just and humane solution damase to the human being. There conference on the Gulf crises in an to all the outstanding grievances/issues were abo others that contained attempt to brt,. m a peaceful solution in the region. projectiles with jagged edges to make based on equality and justice amongst We are convinced that a lasting peace for more effective cutting of the rle$h. nations at the same time reoognasing the can be attained through honest and Why u!le cluster bombs? To cause sovereignty of states and the r@ht open dialogue. Peace will never be maximum casualties and pain. In brief, of self-determination of all natiOns attained through the barrel of a gun. to spread terror. Used in an urban in the Gulf. We call upon all other Now is the time to turn our swords context, cluster bombs are clearly parties involved not to make use ~f into ploughshares - for the sake meant to infljct maximum hurt upon the present conflict towards thear of the people of West Asia, for our humans, in particular civilians. Such political gains including other nations children, for our world and for our bombs are ineffective against bunkers, among the Allied Forces a~ the own future as human beifWs. tanks, artil.lery, military installations, neighbours of Iraq and Kuwaat. We On our put, we call on all Malaysians even ordinary buildings. urge the Non-All&ned Movement and to observe days of "PRAYER FOR But besides the ute of cluster bombs, the UN to ensure global peace. PEACE" in Mo~ques, Temples, Churches the pictures coming out of Bun indicate We appeal to the UN, the Inter­ and other houteS of prayer u our maasive destruction of civilian and national Red Croas and aB other related contribution towards lasting peace and residential areas from more conventional agencies to ensure the safety of t~e unity amo• all peoples. bombs. Asian women worken who are still Are there no international regulations in the Gulf region. An intensive SURUHANJAYA KEADILAN re&arding the use of IUCh weapons monitoring of the situation of the nAN KEAMANAN and such massive destiuction of a women workers must be developed Justice & Peace Commission city? Yes, there are. To cite two such during thia period in order to prevent Diocese of Penang reeulations: women worker• from bei• stranded or/and exploited. o Article 6(b) of the Charter of the International Military Tribunal at NIMALKA FERNANDO Nuremberg in 1946 specifies JS REGIONAL COORDINATOR war crimes "wanton destruction of ASia Pacific Forum on Women. cities, towns or villqes, or devasta· Law cl Development SADDAM WILL ANNEX tion not justified by military Kuala Lumpur OTHERS necessity",

0 Article 23(e) of the Haaue Regula­ ulf war has broken out. In the tions of 1907 forbida the _ute of rush to condemn Bush as bia "arms, projectiles, or material cal· G boy bully (no doubt thia label culated to cause ~nnecessuy WAR NOT THE SOLUTION is true), Saddam escapes the full force auffering". of condemnation which he equally if not more .:> deterVes. Clearly, war crimes have ~en Let us not forget that linkinl the he Justice .l Peace Commission, committed. In view of the ~ely Kuwaiti annexation to the Palestinian Dioceas of Pe~, is deeply onHilled nature of the air war m th_e after oC concerned over the outbreak of c:aute II aa tho\llht Saddam to Glllf and in view of the fact that rt T suit hia convenience. However much war in the Gulf. War, we feel, is NOT the ' initiated by the United States, we feel for the suffesiJWs oC the France, Saudi Arabia, EJYPt, solution to the Iraq-Kuwait conflict. Palestinians, let us recognite Saddam ;:ian, Instead of brin&UW about a lutitw Kuwait and their aWes, the onus of for who he ia. He was the ~~~~~r who responaibitity must faB upon them. peace in West Alia, th.~ .war is o~ started the war with Iran. He buWed goins to deepen hostillu~ and ~ill Kuwait and annexed it. He has not KHOO KHA Y JIN people. Already thia war as unfold~ the sllghteat rapec:t for the anctity Penang into beoominl the most devutatq

26 of Ufe. He has no hesitation to use greatest religions - lslam, Judaism and oommunity thus cannot and shoukl biological and chemical weapons in Christianity - which the focus of not tolerate the aggression of one order to achieve milituy and political the workl is now on, is the battleground nation 11ainst another. Whatever objectives. He kindled and stoked the of some of the proudest races that Iraq's grievances .gainst Kuwait, we fire of religious hatred when it is ever walk this Earth. believe that it was wrong for Iraq expechent for him to do so. If we all do not greatly desire in our to resort tu brute military strength Given this kind of track record, and hearts the peace which aU our religions to resolve their grievances. with his present milltuy milht, he so profoundly expound, the holy land (ii) The Principle of Non-Violence will quickly turn into a monster that may be mankind's final battleground. The approval of the United Nations cannot be oontrolled if he is allowed In the final outcome, simply put, Security Council Resolution 6 78 to capitalise on the oil wealth of Kuwait the shameful grand conflict was over meant the sanctioning of the use undetened. And when he is so rich and sand, dust, oil, Jieed and ambitions - of force which is against the principle powerful, who or what as to prevent properties of Earth which none of us of non-violence. The Jraqi-Kuwaiti him from annexing Saudi Arabia and will surely take with us thereafter. issue oould have and should have other ne~hbouring oountries'! Iraq is the But the sins we oommit, the wrongs been resolved through non-violent next superpower that we neither desire which we do uatQ our fellow brother means such as economic sanctions nor need. Saddam must be stopped and upon one another, we shall and negotiations - not by means at all oofl. cany with us in our souls. of war. In the universities, in the conference War not only results in death and C.H. LEE halls of the world's biggest capitals, destruction, but" also unimaginable Petaling Jaya h8hly-clwged atmosphere pervades ecological and environmental amid intellectual d.iscourses over this damaae. In addition to this, wu earthly issue, this bit of soil. Man lives, diverts monies and re10urces away man dies. Simplicity may yet be found from alobal development. Wu is in profound thought. thus a enormous crime apwt Unless and until man finds and millions of people who are without PRAY FOR PEACE conquers himself, he shall know no the basic necessities required for peace. There is no everlasting joy in life food, shelter, clothiJW, selfishness. From it sprouts a thousand health cue and proper sanitation. ills. s the workl marches relentlessly Just a fnction of the budget spent West Asia, the crucible of aU that the on wu armaments would be into what could be or may great religions hokl so dear, will truly eventually be the biggest sufficient to solve this and other A be man's deathbed if he cannot find problems confronted by the vast disaster in the history of mankind, the humility to kneel and pray for majority of people. peaceseekers and peacemakers find their peace and for all mankind. voices muted by the drums of wu and To those supportive of President the deafening and deadly sounds of C G. LIM Saddam we call on them to consider bombs. Kuala Lumpur the br~tal Iraqi invasion of Iran in For many of us intellectually ill­ September 1980 which led to an eight equipped to search and submit genuine year wu and the loss of around a million and everlasting solutions to the lives; lraq's systematic use of torture seemingly intractable problems of the and the murder of its dissidents; and West Asia, contributory peace efforts Saddam's use of the invasion and may oome and shoukl come in the not­ ADOPT BROADER annexation of Kuwait to round up some so-insignificant form of sincere prayers 1 0,000 1raq i d issid ents in exile, the and regular Castings. PERSPECI'IVE TO GULF majority of whom were taken back Ultimately and eventually when the WAR to Iraq to suffer an unknown fate. war or wus come to an end, the one As for those supportive of the US, sure result is the massive loss for they shoukl not be fooled by the high mankind. Stripped of all tenitorial t is disturbing to note the way in lofty ideals espoused by President characteristics, erased of all biological which a large number of Malaysians Bush. The US has a dismal track record and cultural traits, man stands the same are viewi~ the oonflict in the Persian with regard to internati>na~ law ~ and alone. He belongs to the family I Gulf. As the war in the Gulf enters its the righU of sovcre~ natiOns. It_ IS of the human race. third week, and prospects of an escala­ probably the greatest aggressor nat10n Religion created by man, encounged tion of the conflict loOm, we note with in modern history. The US has always by God, desi&ned to bring us all closer great concern that many Malaysians been unflinching in its support for to the Alm~y. may once again be have chosen to support either the lsnel which has unlawfully occupied used to drive us all further away from United States or Iraq. the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and Him. What is even more worrying is that the Golan Heights since 1967. The US Intellectuals, world leaders, the there appears to be some relation has aiao been responsible for countless common folk caught up in this ferocious between the taking of these positions acts of 188ression against independent and feverish fervour of wu-making, and ethnicity. It would be unfortunate sovereign nations of the Third World, wumongering, have taken sides, no if Malaysians allow ethnic and religious for example its support and uming matter how unintentional their acta sentiments to cloud this issue thus of the Contra rebels in Nicaragua and milht be. Many have forgotten, man negating the real underlying reasons its bombing nids agairm Libya. On can only find the true aJlJWers in a pure for this oonflict. the grounds of principle and inter­ heart. Two millenia have past, the words We believe that in order to adopt national law, the Iraqi invasion of uttered then still beus considerable a principled position vis-a~vis ~e . war Kuwait is not fundamentally different sigdicance for us all today - Blessed in the Persian Gulf, two ~or prUICrples from the US invasion of Panama and Are The Pure In Heut, For They Shall need to be oonsidered. Grenada. See God. Perhaps for those who (i) The Principle of Non-lntervent_ion The present US-~ bombudment sincerely desire to seek peace shall of Iraq is primuily motivated by its see the light of the truth in those words International law demand's that the aovereignty of independent nations vested economic interests. The deploy­ in the aolitude of their meditation. ment and hasty unleashing of US-led The holy land of three of the workl's be respected. The international

27 allied forces in the Gulf are linked human life, be it Muslim, Christian a ten year-okl would believe Iraq's directly to the question of who controls or Jew. communications centre would remain the oil reserves in the Middle-East. This has resulted in our call for at the same place, or that the office Since World War II, US foreign policy an immediate and unconditional cease­ of the Ministry of Defence and tht· in the region has centred around who fire on the put of all parties involved Iraqi air force had been wiped out. should control the major energy reserves in the war. Based on the principles Armed with the Security Council of the Middle East - independent of non-intervention and non-violence, resolution, Bush can now obliterate Third World Arab nations or pro­ we also continue to insist that Iraq Baghdad and annihilate Iraq. But strictly western client states of the US. must withdraw from Kuwait. speaking, the resolution does not permit It is for these reasons that the present In addition to this, in the interests such excessive force. Gulf crisis should not be seen from of a lasting and just peace in the Gulf Saddun had fooled Bush by setting either a pro-Saddam or pro-US point of region, we believe that more than just up decoys. His war machine is tucked view. It is unfortunate that economic the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait needs away in underground bunkers at loca­ sanctions and negotiations had not to be considered. This problem cannot tions known to him and a few aides. been given serious enough consideration. be tackled in isolation if we ue This is nothing new. The Vietcong used It was understood that the minimum interested in the long term stability of the same methods very effectively. period required for economic sanctions the region. It is for this reason that Beijing too has a system of underground to take effect would be in the region we believe that there is a need for the shelters and factories. of six months. Yet, just four months immediate convening of an inter­ Now Bush has to bomb anything after the impositioli of sanctions, the national peace conference on West remotely resembling an entrance to US led a lobby to obtain support for Asia which will address the Iraqi invasion underground bunkers. Bush also got the use of force using the argument of Kuwait as well as other issues in to bomb all large vehicles as these that sanctions were not working. On the region, foremost of them being could be camouflaged mobile Scud what basis were such claims made and Israel's 23 year illegal occupation of launchers. This will take a long time. presented to the international commu­ Arab lands and the very legitimate Airfields could be camouflaged as nity, when recent reports indicate that demands of the Palestinian people for piles of sand in the desert and nearby sanctions had cut Iraqi exports by 97% a homeland. hills and caves serve as hangers. The and imports by 90%, dealing a major It is pa:tinent that the Iraq i-Kuwaiti Western Press has given US the blow to the Iraqi economy - an issue be viewed from this broader impression that Saddam had under· economy linked closely to foreign perspective. It would appear that in estimated the might of the allies' wu exchange earnings from oil exports. Malaysia today there seems to be a machine. Instead, Bush has under-rated What was indeed more appalling tendency to relate this issue along Saddam's ingenuity. was the fact that the US placed more narrow racial and religious lines negating Soon, the crucial land battle will emphasis on trying to resolve the issue the real issues that need to be addressed. be fought because all pleas to stop with the use of force rather than paying the war have fallen on deaf ears. Or attention to the more peaceful proposals Executive Committee perhaps the loss of face on the part that were being put forward by Iraq Society for Christian Reflection of the US is too much to bear. The and other countries as a possible means US and its allies have no experience to end Iraqi occupation of Kuwait. in desert warfare while the Iraqis On 12 August 1990, Iraq apparently practised it for eight years with its offered to withdraw from Kuwait neighbour Iran. If wu continues, then provided that Syrian troops withdrew the world will see the war of the century from Lebanon and Israeli troops with­ or the World War Ill. We will also see drew from the occupied territories. BUSH OUTWITTED BY Saddam's secret weapon. So far Saddam And then, on 19 August 1990, Iraq SAD DAM has test f"tred a few missiles with talked about a general settlement treat­ minimum payload to see how well ing the problem of Kuwait as an Arab it goes. How does Mahathir and his cabinet problem and said that it should be fter months of arrogant talk, settled by Arab states giving due consi­ feel now? They have played this game Bush decided it was time for according to the us· tune. deration also to the Syrian occupation A action. The American soldiers of Lebanon and the occupation of the were very pleased for they had been Western Sahara by Morocco. It is MATT ROSSI holed up in the desert for months, Petaling Jaya deplorable that these and other peace many were itching for a piece of the initiatives had not been given serious action. consideration. All peace initiatives that The Western media had been have been put forward have been met insinuating that the aUies would win with the intransigent US view that the war with their 'high tech' state of has now resulted in an equally intran­ the art war machines. They seemed sigent Iraqi position that Kuwait is their to fotget that, wit.h each bomb, innocent SADDAM MUST BE 19th province. It is little wonder that civilians would get maimed or butchered. STOPPED the world is now faced with the prospect It is now a game and the world is kept of a prolonged, destructive and un­ informed of each development. profitable war. With the UN Security Council ush's justification for a massive Since the principles of non- Resolution 678 the US and its allies deployment of forces in the intervention and non-violence have not can go all out. It would not be liJce Middle East has been questioned been adhered to, the result is the loss Vietnam, said Bush. But after six days B by many. of innocent lives not only in Iraq and and 10111e 9,000 sorties, Saddun Hussein Many Arabs are angry when they Kuwait but also in Saudi Arabia and could still striJce at Riyadh. Bush was compare the US' reaction to Saddam Israel It is distressing to note that some fuming now. On the first day, it was to the passive US stand on the quarters only appear concerned when reported that Iraq's communications Palestinian issue. The Americans them­ Tel Aviv is bombed white others only centre and the office of the Ministry selves are suspicious of the motive when cities like Baghdad and Basra of Defence had been wiped out. It is of their President. Some accuse Bush are bombed. We believe that there is now certain that they had bombed of sacrificing the lives of Americans a need to be sensitive to the loss of decoys set up by Saddun. Yes, only for free access to oil and the effective

28 manipulation of oil prices. Others injustices by the Israeli regime against mihtary target. \fiLK l'ACTORY? accuse him of putting hts o~ n interests the Palestinaans have been commited "No, that is a biological warfare before the nation i.e. his standing with the connavance of the Unated States facility". Bridges? "Oh! Those bridges in the polls and his de~are to stay on Government. carry military cable communication for another four years as President. When Saddam Hussein invaded facilities hidden iside. You cannot Whatever misgivings the Americans Kuwait, the United States became see it. Our satelites say so." may have, they are slowly being upset. Impatient with the slow results "No, the US is not obliterating Iraq. eliminated. This could be a consequence of economic sanctions over Iraq, the No, the US has not exceeded the UN of the 15 January UN deadline and United States pezsuaded the United mandate." The fact is that the US Bush's decision to send additional Nations to legatimatise the use of force and Its stooges have bombed Iraq to troops to build up a formidable over Iraq. The United States as anxious the Stone Age. And Iraqi civilians got uCCen~ive force. In mid-November 1990, to see that Iraq's military capabilities bu1111Jell, even inside bomb sheltcn. only 499< of Americans thought Bush are destroyed. The US is still insisti~ that they bomb was doing the right thing compared The United States as a superpower only military targets. to nearly 60% by the end of November. and in spite of its military mjght could How long are you going to keep Regardless of Bush's real motives, not defeat Iraq within days as was raining Iraq with bombs? B 52's with Saddam must be ~opped. If not, his eApected. This is a war between Caith 1 '1 ton bombs that make craters 100 actions could 5Ct a precedent for other and technology. However costly and states to act m a mnilar fashion. We feet wide and 50 feet deep. Nuteron sophisticated the weapons are, they bombs? Nuclear bombs? mush lhow that no country can just are still subject to vulnerabilities. The Bush Administration which wu move tnto another and take it over itching for war, assumed the role of the by force. Hasn't history taught us FAIZI\' 8 ARSHAD US Marshall. They had to have lOme­ anythi,.? We paid dearly for not Buuerworth thing lEgal So they rounded up the UN stopping Hitler earlier ~hen we could. Security Councal and by some arm· Ho~ever , Bush hu to take the twisting, threats, pezsuasion, intimida· Palestinian issue more seriously if tion and blackmail got thrOugh Resolu· he wanh to get fuU support. The tion 678. Unfortunately, the UN which Palestinian$ have a tcaitimate claim. is the lnterantional Authority set up to It's time the US stops dancing to Israel's BUSH WAR prevent war amo~ nations, authorised tune. war. Reaolution 678 granted the war lacence to the US and its stooges and MHWANG am sick to the stomach with the then the UN took a back seat. Petaling Jaya media blitz that followed the Our government is coyly displaying massive US bombing of Iraq. All its naivety in trying to justify why it I voted for Resolution 678. Does it news on the Gulf War is supposedly cen10red by the military authorities. expect tbe US and its stooges to lane Freedom of the press so highly up m the desert and shoo away the acclaimed before by the West suddenly Iraqis! Surely it can anticipate what UNITED STATES EVIL disappeared. Thus we do not know the mtention was. We all remember DESIGN what is really happening out there. what the US did in Vietnam some Immediately after the IS January 25 years ago. That was an illegal war. deadline, the US-led coalition unleashed Today it is a war sanctioned by the UN. he Bush Administration has its military misht and announced proudly The US and its stooges will go on made an e&Je&JOus blunder by and arrogantly that 10 many pez cent unleashing their military might with T us&Jll force over Iraq in order of Iraqi military forces had been no holds barred. A JloSt war says Bush. to liberate Kuwait. The United States destroyed. Later Scuds or AI Husseins Who dare stop the US? The Russian and its Allied forces, empowered with streaked to Tel Aviv and Riyadh. Then bear has its own problems. Further United Nations Security Council Reso­ they realised that they had been bomb­ it does not want the US to interfere lution 678 are causing havoc to Iraq. ing at decoys. Iraqis are no Panamanians in the Baltic republics. The Unrted States and its allied or Grenadians. This is not a stroll in The West has been accumulating forces should launch the preemptive the desert. They fired away smart bombs bombs and war mac"ines for the past strikes on Kuwait to expel the Iraqi and computez guided missilies. Saddam 40 years anticipatin& a war with the forces from Kuwait. Their mission is should have been blown to bits. When Warsaw Pact countries. "Why not use to liberate Kuwait and restore the this did not happen they blamed Saddam them? Ah, we drop all the bombs onto legitimate government of Kuwait. But for buildin& bunkers deep down the Iraq and create a new Bush order! instead the United States Government earth. Israel will be safe for some decades has trlnlllfeued the limitations imposed They fired at c-verythi.n& including to come." by Resolution 6 78 by lnvadang Iraq. pumping stations and oil tankers which The United States Government has resulted in a major oil spill Of course MAT ROSI ADAM an evil design on Iraq. The United they blamed it on Saddam: "Saddam Petaling Jaya States does not want Iraq to emerge delibterately spilled the oil", "Environ· as a military power in the Middle East. mental Terrorist", "Deliberate act. A last The United States is keen to !eC that gasp". Isnel dominates over the Gulf. The It has been weeks since Saddam's American foreign policy is in favour last gasp. But Saddam is still in business. of the moderate Arab States but is So they bomb civilian buildinas. Ah! oppoled to governments led by That is "coUateral dam~e". When Iraq SADDAM'S AMBITION radicals. showed more pictures of hits on civilian ONLY A DREAM Israel has made several inroads into targets, they exclaimed, "Oh no! These territories beioJ18in8 to flypt, Syria are hits by the stupid Iraqi anti airaaft refer to the article "Expo.U. and Jordan. Israel has illegitimately batteries. You know these Arabs are US mot.ives" by Steven Gan, occupied these territorie~o The United trigger happy. Arabs just fire away." I (~U;, VollO, No. 11). States has been coUuding with lsnel So they bombed away the infra­ The historical baclcground refers in this matter. The atrocities and gross structure claiming that it was also a to recent events relating to Iraq and

29 Kuwait, but President Saddarn Hussein If these prophecies are fulfilled, then parties, in disintegrating all those refers to his ambition to re-enact what Saddarn may not be able to claim collective forces which are still unwilling happened many, many years ago. that Kuwait is part of Iraq and his to submit to us and in discouraging Recently, he referred to Nebuchad­ ambition to restore the glory of Babylon all per.!lOnal inititltive which can in any nezzer - the king of Babylon, who would turn out to be a dream. way interfere with our undertaking." once took the Jews in chains across the desert. He also mentioned that SAMUEL And from the Seventh: he would once again restore the glory /poh "To each act of opposition we must of Babylon. be in a position to respond by bringing Mesopotamia was the land between on war through the neighbours of any the rivers, Tigris and Euphrates, where country that dares to oppose us, and once existed the ancient kingdoms if these neighbours should plan to stand of Assyria, Babylon, Akbd, Sumer collectively against us, we must let and Chaldea. Today, Mesopotamia is ZIONIST CONSPIRACY loose a world war.'· called Iraq. At the time of Abraham (around Consider this from the Thirteenth: 1900 BC), old Babylon spread over am disenchanted that there is too ''To prevent them from really think­ aU Mesopotamia, but between 1270 much propaganda in the inter· ing out themselves, we shall deflect and 747 BC it came under Assyrian national and local press which their attention to amusements, games, rule. The new Babylonian empire, I appear to be under the obvious influence pastimes, excitements and people's established in 625 BC, however, was of the Zionist movement. The influence palaces. Such interest will distract their brought to an end in 538 BC, when has taken place in the most subtle. way minds completely from questions on Darius the Mede conquered the city so that the people have no choice but which we might be obliged to struggle of Babylon and incorporated it into to keep their mouth shut if they still with them. Becoming less and less the Medo-Persian empire of Cyrus. wanted to live on their miserable accustomed to independent thinking, Now, Saddam is anxious to restore paychecks. lt is too easy to put the people will express themselves in uni.!lOn past a.lory by making everyone in the blame on Iraq's Saddam Hussein for with us because we alone offer new world to pay for his project, perhaps the Gulf War. Practically everyone seem lines of thought - of course through by increasing the price of oil! His success to believe that the Iraq is are the villains. persons whom they do not consider in this venture is left to be seen. I am writing this letter to the A /iran as in any way connected with us. " ln the meantime, the Bible has the Monthly because I do not expect the answer for his ambition!! New Straits Times or other local news­ And from the Fourth: ". . . shout to them and wave them papers to publish it as there is too on as they march against Babylon to much truth in it! In the book The "It is for this rea.!lOn that we must destroy the places of the rich and International Jew written by Henry undermine faith, eradicate from the mighty. I, the Lord, have set apart Ford I in 1920, he is brave enough to minds of the Gentiles the very principles these armies for this task. I have called reveal that the true aim of the Zionist of God and Soul, and replace these those rejoicing in their strength to do movement is to dominate the world conceptions by mathematical calcula­ this work, to satisfy my anger. Hear economically and politically as shown tions and material desires." the tumult over the mountains. in the Protocols written by the Learned Listen as armies march. It is the Elders of the Zion. Permit me to quote And finally from the Ninth: tumult and the shouts of many nations. a few of them from the list of twenty "People of all opinions and all "The Lord of Hosts has brought four. doctrines are at our service, restorers them here from countries far away. of monarchy, demagogues, Socitllists, They are his weapons against you, 0 Reproduce Communists and other Utopitlns. We Babylon. They carry his anger with have put them all to work. Every one them and will destroy your whole land. From the Fourteonth Protocol: of them from this point of view is Scream in terror for the Lord's time "When we become rulers we shall undermining the last remnant of has come, the time for the Almighty regard as undesirable the existence authority, is trying to overthrow all to crush you." of any religion except our own, pro­ existing order. All the governments claiming One God with Whom our have been tormented by these actions. (lsaitlh 13: 3-6) fate is tied as the Chosen People, and by But we will not give them peace until Whom our fate has been made one they recognize our super-government. " "And so Babylon, the most glorious with the fate of the world. For this of kingdoms, the flower of Chaldean reason we must destroy all other AAINAA-RIDTZ A.R. culture will be as utterly destroyed as religions. If thereby should emerge Petaling Jaya Sodom and Gomonah were when God contemporary atheists, then, as a sent fire from heaven. Babylon will transition step, this will not interfere never rise again." with our aims. " A gentleman o (Isaitlh 13: 19-20) calibre treats people Consider this from the Fifth Protocol: with love and humanity and acts in accordance "The Lord says I will stir up a "To obtain control over public opinion, it is first necessary to confuse with what is right. He will destroyer against Babylon, against that not let others influence him whole land of the Chaldeans, and it by the expression from various sides but establish his own foun· destroy it. Winnowers shall come and of .110 many conflicting opinions. .. this dation for living. Why allow winnow her and blow here away, they is the first secret. The second secret oneself to be trapped shall come from every side to rise consists in .110 increasing and intensifying by fame and against her in her day of trouble... the shortcomings of the people in their wealth? "Flee from Babylon. Save yourselves. habits, passions and mode of living Don't get trapped. If you stay you that no one will be able to collect will be destroyed when God takes his himself in the chaos, and, consequently, vengeance on all of Babylon's sins." people will loose all their mutual under­ standing. This measure will serve us (Jeremiah 50: 1-3,6) a/.110 in breeding disagreement in all

30 UNITY MAKING HIS ONE BIRTHDAY WISH .------.:COME TRU Tunku's quest for peace and unity

Do Malaysians have such brief memories? Have they forgotten so soon the man to whom the country's independence from colonialism meant so much? The man whose singlemost important quest in life was for Malaysians to live peacefully and in unity? The man who until the last days of his life spoke out fearlessly and tirelessly against those responsible for the eroding state of democracy in this country? Malaysians may indeed have forgotten if the turnout at the ceramah ''Tunku and Unity" on Feb 8 (to commemorate what would have been the 88th birthday of the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-haj) was any indication. The Tunku, who passed away on Dec last year, spent more than 15 years of his life in Penang. He loved Penang and the people of Penang were on the whole very fond of him. His private staff have even said that when he did his shopping here now and then, shopkeepers refused to take his money. Because the people loved him so much, we thought we would hire a big hall. Hardly 100 seats in the Penang Chinese Town Hall, which seats about 1,000, were filled. As Dr Chandra Muzaffar, one of the speakers that night said, '

T. U.N.K. U. for Tolerance, Understanding, Neutrality, Kindness, Unity.

31 MRS BERNADETTE LEE so that all of us, whatever "Tunku was a humble man our race could just be at heart. .. kind to friends and Malaysians and be happy. staff alike. It drew people to That was our dear Tunku's him. I learnt much working wish up to the day of his for him the last four years. I death. was never interested in politics His kindness is known to but after working tor him, I all. Although I was just one of began to take an interest in his employes, he would offer the subject and found it me transport and lunch... stimulating. I also grew to Jove something none of the other our country even more because bosses I have worked for he was so full of love for this ever did. I salute him and I country and its people. He had pray God will grant this great dedicated his life to the nation man eternal rest forever."

HAJJ SAMAD MOKHT AR mind. because Tunku is a "Tunku used to give me sensitive employer who does very practical advice. Take not throw his weight about. good care of your children, I shall never forget how he he used to tell me. He would kept calling my name in his say there was no use having last hours. Thank you Tunku .. a lot of money, that education for everything." especially of one's childr~n (The late Tunku was so was more important. He takes close to Haji Samad that when me with him wherever he hospitalised shortly before goes... I am his driver, his his death, he called boy, everything. Sometimes I inccessantly for his personal even have to cook. I don't assistant).

MOHDSANIABDULLAH justice. People may criticise (The Tunku's Bahasa Malaysia him, but he will still go on, secretary from 1983) even if he is ill. At one "Tunku is one person who function in Kepala Batas, he never fails to be moved by any had fever, but still he went hardship suffered by others. although we tried to stop him. Once when reading the New He took two Panadols and Straits Times (that was before went. That is Tunku for you, he stopped reading the paper), right until the end of his he saw a report of a tragedy days. in Bangladesh and immediately "Tunku always showed of us were ill. He would also asked me to telephone the great concern for us. Whenever, give ang-pows to the Chinese embassy with the aim of any of us fell sick, he would staff about this time of the offering aid. This would send someone to bring us year. During the last general happen too when he watched some quinine which he election, he made me contest T.V. He would want to make believed could cure most although I know nothing about donations to people in trouble illnesses. Although we did not politics. I lost, although by not and in need. share the view, nevertheless, much. Tunku told me never He is also steadfast in his it was touching how he would mind, to try again the next desire for the truth and for prescribe the drug when any time."

32 "My father used to work breakfast and lunch, bring for the F AM (at that time, htm his papers. Football Federation of Malaya) "Sometimes I have to go as an office boy. .. that was to the Turf Club with him where he met Tunku. Tunku and read him the racing taught my father how to dtiv~: programme. I had to learn to and when he became Prime read the racing programme Minister. he took my father because I was not a gambler. along with him. After my Tunku is not a gambler too... (secondary school) studies, going there was just a hobby Tunku gave me a scholarship for him. My brother and me to study accountancy at would also help look after him K. MUTHU (He and his Perkim Goon. After that, at mght. That was the only brother bel~ look after Tunku needed someone to way we could repay him for Tunku especially at night help him around and I decided giVmg my farmly a place to towards the end of the latter's to take up the position. My job stay and helping my brothers days) is quite simple - serving him to flnd jobs.. ,

DR TUNKU ISMAIL JEWA and free from trouble ... the (The Tu.oku 'a aeplaew) Tunku's father, Sultan Abdul "During his lifetime, Tunku Hamid was then considered Abdul Rahman Putra on a symbol of unity and many occasions voiced the preserver of peace. The Tunku concern that there were people was born a prince but he had in the country who had tried the heart of a conunoner. to blot out his name from He grew up to be what he was the pages of Malaysian history. bec~use of his mother Che He cited an example of a Menyelara who would always professor of history in one of impress on her children not to our local universities who forget the rakyat, but to be failed to mention the Tul\ku's humble and to work for theu role in achieving independence welfare. Gandhi. Later on when the when writing the chapter It was the education the Tunku's College learnt that on Malays1an mdependence Tunku received at Cambridge he was the son of the Sultan in his history books for University between 1923 of Kedah, he was offered a schoob. and 1926 and the company room but he declined. He told He also reminded those who he mixed with 10 England the College autjlorities that wished to put aside the that moulded him to become he did not get to Cambridge as country's history that a nation a future politician in British a Sultan's son but as an can only be true to itself if Malaya. When the Tunku was ordinary student and that he it takes pride in its history. at St Catherine's College, expected no less favourable The present and future Cambridge, he was denied treatment than other students. generations of Malaysians a room twice. H1s tutor told He cannot deny that our must remember that it was the him that the College was only country achieved independence Tunku who succeeded in for Englishmen. From then, through inter-ethnic co­ getting independence for our there grew in him an intense operation, tolerance and country by peaceful means anti-colonial feeling and the understanding and today, through inter-ethnic co­ determination to fight for the we have peace, security and operation and this continues independence of his country. prosperity in Malaysia because to be the hallmark -of He began attending of the legacy of the Tunku 's Malaysian politics. meetings of the Indian student Alliance government. To The political scene in Kedah movement for Indian ensure that there will be no the year Tunku Abdul Raman independence and grew to communal unrest, the was born was extremely stable admire Mr Nehru and Mahatma Government needs to pay

33 special attention to the instead of bullets, clothing in the very name we fondly call security and welfare of the instead of uniforms and him. In TUNKU, we fmd: people. It is wise therefore to housing instead of barracks'. T for Tolerance remember what the Tun)cu But whatever his efforts U for Understanding always advocated: 'My policy, might be, we will always N for Neutrality which J always expressed remember Tunku Abdul K for Kindness aloud at every opportunity was Rahman Putra for what he U for Unity" to provide. the people food stood for and this is contained

communities. Yet he was able of these issues demonstrated to convince them to give non· his sense of fairness, justice, Malays citizenship, just as he compassion and democratic persuaded the non-Malays values. that it was alright to accept For instance, although the Special Rights of the Bahasa Malaysia is the official Malays. language, there is great leeway One of the reasons he in the use of other languages, succeeded was his populanty. whereas a Sikh employed in Moreover, he had rebuilt the British transport service Urnno from the shambles fought a 15-year legal battle after the entire party exco to keep his turban on. Thts resigned together with Datuk is somethmg we tend to forget. Oon Jaffar. The people trusted of course. all this is not DR CHANDRA MUZAFFAR him and he had tremendous entirely due to one man, but (Aiiran praiclent) energy and dynamism to the Tunku's attttude had a lot "The Tunku's contributions organise. delegate and mobilise. to do with it. to our country were His generosity was that of a He imbued a deep sense monumental. He was prince, an aristocrat who did of fairness in whatever he prominant in the movement not need to compete. One did. This sometimes made him for independence from British indication of his acceptance unpopular, but he was rule and sub~uently became by all ethnic groups was the prepared to face it. When the the father of the Malaysian fact that non-Malay (Alliance) MCA in 1959, demanded nation. He established our candidates who stood in 17 of that Chinese education be democratic institutions and 52 seats allocated to them in placed on par with Bahasa gave them meaning. He was the 1955 general election won. Malaysia as a medium of also responsible for many of Many of these seats were education, he stood his ground the service and welfare Malay majority areas. In fact, although it made him institutions which'provided for the Alliance won 51 of their unpopular with the Chinese. the basic needs of the people seats, the sole loser being Compassion was another in a benevolent manner. Most Suleiman Palestin. of his traits. ln 1969. the of all he was concerned about The Tunku also gave this Chinese community unity among the different nation a Constitution which campatgned agamst the communities. spelt out the..fundamental decision to hang 11 Malaysian The Tunku's ability to forge rights and liberties of its citizens Chinese for their role in the an inter-ethmc coalition in and which had the broad Confrontation. The Tunku the form of the Alliance during acceptance of the commumties. was of the view that they the fifties was one of his He also made accommodation should be pardoned and greaten achievements. People and consultation important pdittoned the Sultans of today think it was easy, but aspects of our society - give Johore and Perak on their it was an onerous task. The and take, compromise and behalf. He felt that they were still Malay community shortly tolerance. These are rare young. This incident was later after the war was poor, attitudes in a multi-ethnic used by certam quarters who economically and politically society. However, he was also wanted to force him out of weak and deeply afraid of prepared to make unpopular office in 1969. being overwhelmed by other decisions. He position on many In 1965, the Tunku faced

34 special attention to the instead of bullets, clothing in the very name we fondly call security and welfare of the instead of uniforms and him. In TUNKU, we fmd: people. It is wise therefore to housing instead of barracks'. T for Tolerance remember what the Tun)cu But whatever his efforts U for Understanding always advocated: 'My policy, might be, we will always N for Neutrality which J always expressed remember Tunku Abdul K for Kindness aloud at every opportunity was Rahman Putra for what he U for Unity" to provide. the people food stood for and this is contained

communities. Yet he was able of these issues demonstrated to convince them to give non­ his sense of fairness. justice, Malays citizenship, just as he compassion and democratic persuaded the non·Malays values. that it was alright to accept For instance. although the Special Rights of the Bahasa Malaysia is the official Malays. language, there is great leeway One of the reasons he in the use of other languages, succeeded was his popularity. whereas a Sikh employed in Moreover, he had rebuilt the British transport service Umno from the shambles fought a 15-year legal battle after the entire party exco to keep his turban on. Tlus resigned together with Datuk is somethmg we tend to forget. Oon Jaffar. The people trusted of course. all this is not DR CHANDRA MUZAFFAR him and he had tremendous entirely due to one man. but (Aiiran president) energy and dynamism to the Tunku's attitude had a lot "The Tunku's contributions organise. delegate and mobilise. to do with it. to our country were His generosity was that of a He imbued a deep sense monumental. He was prince, an aristocrat who dtd of fairness in whatever he prominant in the movement not need to compete. One did. This sometimes made him for independence from Brittsh indication of his acceptance unpopular. but he was rule and subsequently became by all ethnic groups was the prepared to face it. When the the father of the Malaysian fact that non-Malay (Alliance) MCA in 1959, demanded nation. He established our candidates who stood in 17 of that Chinese education be democratic institutions and 52 seats allocated to them in placed on par with Bahasa gave them meaning. He was the 195 5 general election won. Malaysia as a medium of also responsible for many of Many of these seats were education, he stood his ground the service and welfare Malay majority areas. In fact, although it made hin1 institutions which'provided for the Alliance won 51 of their unpopular with the Chinese. the basic needs of the people seats, the sole loser being Compassion was another in a benevolent manner. Most Suleiman Palestin. ofhis traits. In 1969. the of all he was concerned about The Tunku also gave this Chinese community unity among the different nation a ConstJtution which campaigned against the communities. spelt out the,_fundamental decision to hang 11 Malaysian The Tunku's ability to forge rights and liberties of its citizens Chinese for their role in the an inter-ethntc coalition in and which had the broad Confrontation. The Tunku the form of the Alliance during acceptance of the commumties. was of the view that they the fifties was one of his He also made accommodation should be pardoned and greatest achievements. People and consultation important pdittoned the Sultans of today think it was easy, but aspects of our society - give Johore and Perak on their it was an onerous task. The and take, compromise and behalf. He felt that they were still Malay community shortly tolerance. These are rare young. This incident was later after the war was poor, attitudes in a multi-ethnic used by certam quarters who economically and politically society. However, he was also wanted to force him out of weak and deeply afraid of prepared to make unpopular office in 1969. being overwhelmed by other decisions. He position on many In 1965. the Tunku faced

34 their frustrations were expressed through the Gerakan m 1969 and now through the DAP. Many of the problems existent during the Tunku's tune as PM continue to this day ... people still do not interact as they should and this had made the Tunku very unhappy. Problems relating to economic inequality are still there, and among the Malays, there is still widespread poverty in rural areas. Polarisation has worsened in the seventies and eighties because of the way religion is used to divide the people There the dilemma of Singapore's His strengths became the is less religious tolerance increasing antagomsm towards strengths of the nation. because of the growth of Kuala Lumpur. The Malays But the Tunku had his certain narrow attitudes here felt that the ISA should weaknesses too. like many towards religion. These issues, be used against a certain other leaders in newly which will be our greatest individual for questioning independent societies, he failed challenge in the years to come, the special position of the to socialise young Malaysians saddened the Tunku in his Malays and the rulers, but into a certain understanding last years. the Chinese wanted the Tunku of history using schools, The Tunku was in a real to accept the PAP (People's organisations or even the sense, a devout Muslim if one Action Party) into Malaysian media. For instance, there was judged a person's faith not politics. That Malaysia emerged no attempt to explain properly superficially, but on his depth from a Malay polity was why Bahasa Malaysia was of compassion, love for something the PAP could made the official language. humanity ... that the Tunku ne1ther understand nor accept, No attention was given to was often moved by the so the Tunku took the middle the building of shared values sufferings of the poor is very path. He expelled Singapore to be found in all our spuitual, a very crucial from the Federation. traditions such as justice, indication of his faith. Once, Again, when visiting India compassion, love of the family when asked by the foreign in 1962, the Chinese attacked and environment, the notion Minister of an Islamic country India and Tunku immediately of leadership and abhorrence whether it was wrong to announced the Save of corruption, poverty. consume liquor, he said: Democracy Fund in support He also failed to see certain 'Yes, it is a sin in Islam to of India, a decision which trends which challenged the consume liquor, but it is incurred the wrath of the static notion of unity. For a sin between man and God. Chinese back home. But the example, there was within I'm sure God will forgive Tunk.u believed that it was the Malay community, u it human beings for little sins important to defend became better educated and like this which are not so democratic ideals as more middle-class, a growing great as the sin of oppressing symbolised by India. His demand for a bigger role other people'. values tra,nscended communal in commerce, industry, the Of late, some politicians boundaries. professions. The May 13 have made a bi& thing of the The above examples incident took pJace lar8ely Tunku's weaker points, but demonstrated some of the because of this. The Tunku if one compared some of their outstanding traits of the also did not see the demand acts to the Tunku'1, they Tunlcu in his commitment to by the non-Malays for a were mere p)'ID'liel. He was the whole notion of unity. greater political role ... giant IJI\008 them. 0

II IRAQ-KUWAIT, ISRAEL-PALESTINE - THE LINK

here are a lot of people in our country who are not T sure how the Kuwaiti issue is linked to the Israeli­ Palestinian conflict. It is the Bush administration which helped to· link the two issues. When the invasion of Kuwait took place on 2 August 1990, the two issues for most Arabs were not related to one another_ However, after President Bush sent troops and tanks to Saudi Arabia and embarked upon a massive military mission to liberate Kuwait and destroy Iraq, the overwhelming majority of Arabs and Muslims became acutely aware of his double standards- one standard for Iraq vis-a-vis Kuwait and another standard for Israel vis-a-vis Palestine_ While the United States administration is eager to inflict the severest punishment conceivable upon Iraq for its CURRENT annexation of Kuwait, it has never penalized Israel, even mildly, for its decades-old annexation of Palestinian land. It is this CONCERNS blatantly biased conduct on the part of the United States which has persuaded a lot of thinking people that one cannot demand justice in one situation and ignore THE GULF WAR: STOP assault the United States and its the plea for fairness in another THE BOMBING! allies do not achieve their situation. objectives, they may be tempted It is because Kuwait and !iran urges the Malaysian to use the nuclear option. Any Palestine are inextricably linked government to condemn in human being even with a little in the hearts and minds of Arabs A the strongest possible terms bit of conscience and compassion and Muslims that nearly every the barbaric bombing of Baghdad would regard the use of nuclear major peace plan proposed in the and other places in Iraq and Kuwait weapons as utterly repugnant. past six months has sought to by the United States and its allies This is why the escalation of address both issues simultaneously. in the Gulf War. Within a couple of the war should stop. The The Y asser Arafat, King Hussein, days, the bombing of Baghdad destruction and devastation of Nakasone, Primakov and French had become the most intense human life and environment peace plans, among others, and inhuman bombing. in history. should not be allowed to continue. acknowledged this linkage. A There is evidence to show that Humanity should demand an former American President, Jimmy in the last two days in particular a immediate end to the war. Carter, has also maintained that number of civilian sites, including In this connection, Aliran the two issues are closely linked. residential areas, have been calls upon the Malaysian It is a linkage which the United bombed. The International Red government to give full support States has stubbornly refused to Cross itself has made a similar to the peace initiative of the recognise -which is why all the observation. Bombing civilian non-aligned movement. Leading peace initiatives so far have failed. sites is a violation of the Geneva member-states of the movement It is primarily because of this Convention on the conduct of want an 'urgent pause' in the war, obstinacy that war has erupted. wars. Civilian' casualties have been to be followed by the withdrawal The Kuwait and Palestinian mounting rapidly. of both Iraqi and American and issues are linked in other ways The United States and its allies Allied forces from Kuwait and too. Since Israel fears the are also alleged to have bombed the Saudi Arabia respectively. An emergence of an Arab military holy cities of Karbala and Najaf international conference on peace power which would be able to lend in Iraq. An ancient church in and security on West Asia should its muscle to the struggle for a Nineveh is also reported to have then be convened. All outstanding Palestinian state, it has been been bombed. Such acts are totally issues, including the annexation instrumental in persuading the contemptible. Places of worship of Kuwait and the Arab-Israeli United States to use its might to should be accorded maximum conflict should be discussed at this smash Iraq. There is ample evidence protection during wars. meeting. in the American, Israeli and Arab So ferocious is the aerial media to support my contention_ bombardment that a lot of people CHANDRA MUZAFFAR It is not widely known that since fear that if after this massive 22 January 1991 President the end of the 8-year Iran-Iraq

36 war in 1988 and the rise of Iraq as It is simply astonishing that United States is today the world's a state with enviable military the Security Council refuses to only superpower. It wants to prowess, both Israel and the United debate the conduct of a war develop an international order States and, to a certain extent, sanctioned by the Security Council which would reflect its status Britain, have taken various itself. One would have thought as the only superpower. It is economic, technoloeical and that given the gravity of the using the United Nations for this m1htary measures to weaken Iraq. situation the Security Council purpose. The United States, for instance, would be in continuous session It is a pity that other members terminated trade ties with Iraq evaluating the war and its impact of the Security Council and the 10 early 1990. The fanatical zeal upon human lives and the physical UN are not resisting the United with which the United States environment. After all this is only States. They do not seem to realize and Britain are trying to destroy the second time in the 45-year that if the UN is to be effective Iraq's military strength in the history of the UN that a war has it should reflect the interests current war is proof of this been declared with the blessings and aspirations of all its members Besides, United States' control of the Security Council. -- and not merely become a rubber· over Kuwait's political and Everyone knows why the stamp for one of its members economic pohcies - a vital Security Council refuses to discuss who happens to be a military consideration in that Superpower's the war. The United States and superpower. Gulf strategy- is a crucial factor its principal allies in the Security This is why the other members in Israel's own calculations about Council, Britain, France and the of the UN, particularly the non· its national int~rests. For by Soviet Union do not want the aligned states and some of the propping up conservative Arab conduct of the war to be subjected neutral European nations like Sheikhdoms, the United States to close scrutinv bv other Security Sweden, Norway and Austria, hopes to reduce the influence Council members. Since all four should put their foot down now. and appeal of those forces m the states are permanent members They should insist that the Security Arab world which have remamed of the Security Council with veto Council debates the Gulf War totally committed to a sustained powers, their wishes have become immediately. Otherwise, they struggle on behalf of the Palestinian law. should mobilize the UN cause. A Kuwait, under American The United States and Britain membership to hold a special patronage, in other words, is in part1cular are not prepared to session of the General Assembly unportant to Israel's future. allow other UN members to to discuss the conduct of the war. This is why we would be question them on why they are How can the UN wait and watch deceivmg ourselves 1f we do not bent on destroying Iraq when helplessly while West Asia burns? realise the connecting links between the Security Council resolution not only Kuwait and Palestine sanctioning the use of Coree, The Executive Committee but also a number of other i~ues in Resolution 678, only authorises 30 January 1991 West Asia. The question of foreign action to liberate Kuwait. The (non-Arab) dominance and control two countries and other members of West Asian politics, for instance of the US-led coalition will also is closely related to both the ' ahve to answer searching questions Kuwaiti issue and the Israeli· about the wide-seale bombing of ~alestinian conflict. Hence, the civilian areas in both Iraq and Importance of a comprehensive Kuwait. SOUTH AFRICA: TOO conference on West Asia which By refusing to allow the Security EARLY TO CELEBRATE will address all the major issues Council to debate the war, the in the region. Such a conference United States has also thwarted should follow the withdrawal sincere attempts by a number !iran welcomes President of both Iraq from Kuwait and the of non-aligned countries to bring F W de Klerk's United States-led coalition from about a pause in the fighting to A announcement of plans to Pen>ian Gulf and Saudi Arabia. enable peace negotiations to repeal laws segregating housing commence. The United States anrl and lnnd in South Africa. The CHANDRA MUZAFFAR its allies, it is obvious, do not want 1950 Population Registration 25 January 1991 President a negotiated peace which links Act, which classifies people into the Iraqi annexation of Kuwait "four main races" will also be to other crucial issues of peace repealed. and security in West As1a, But let us not get caught up in particularly the Israeli-Palestinian the euphoria. There is no need to conflict. be too thankful for the repeal of The ease with which the United laws which are patently unjust THE UN SECURITY States has been able to compel and against humanity. Such a the Security Council to obey its repeal was long overdue. Though COUNCIL - A TOOL OF comm11nd does not augur well the South African government may THE UNITED STATES for the future of the United deny it, economic sanctions Nations. The UN Security Council imposed against it by the !iran is deeply disappointed has become a tool of the United international community must that the United Nations States. While it is true that the have played a big part in its A Security Council has failed United States has always dominated decision to wipe these laws orr yet again to hold a formal meeting most of the oq:ans and agencies its statute books. It is obvious that to dilicuss the Gulf War. This is of the UN, it is now becoming sanctions are having an effect. the third time in the last two quite clear that the United States Hence, it is too early to call for weeks that the Security Council is determined to exercise total the lifting of sanctions. Western 'has refused to discuss openly control over the world body. nations, in their eagerness to do the war between the United States· This, in a serue, is a reJection of business with South Africa, will do led coalition and Iraq. new international realities. The well to remember that Blacks will

37 remain voteless despite the refonns. emphasis to the Palestinian one military superpower of our The Blacks are unlikely to be question. age, the world may have been satisfied with the scope of these While it is true that Kuwait has able to avoid the tragedy that has refonns for they have not yet been in the past, given a lot of financial' befallen West Asia. given full democratic rights, support to the Palestinian Kuwait should have never especially the rillht of 'one man one LihP.r11tion Organization (PLO) foriotten that it produces oil vote' and fair representation in there is no doubt that the tiny, which the United States and its parliament. rich Emirate by acting as a client­ allies covet. It would have been It is vital that sanctions remain state of the United States, has different if it was selling oranges in force until such basic democratic weakened the Palestinian cause. to the rest of the world. rights have been eranted to the For it is the United States, (apart Black majority. from Israel) which is primarily responsible for preventing the ANIL NOEL NETTO re-emergence of a Palestinian CHANDRA MUZAFFAR Exco Member state. Kuwait, by deliberately 7 February 1991 President keeping crude oil prices down, has helped the United States, one of the chief beneficiaries of cheap energy, to maintain its global dominance which, needless THE INVASION OF to say, is detrimental to the Palestinian cause. Besides Kuwaiti KUWAIT - SOME investments in the United' States CLARIFICATIONS have been described as "one of the principal props of the American t is obvious that the Press financial system." Officer of the Kuwait Embassy Indeed, Kuwait has for a very I in Kuala Lumpur (Star, 6 long while played this role of February 1991) has misunderstood a client-state in the service of not my letter of 29 January 1991. just American but also British He tries to give the impression that interests. In the early sixties I endorse Saddarn Hussein's Britain had noted that its fi~ancial invasion of Kuwait. In almost every stability "would be seriously threatened if the petroleum from statement I have made on the 11\~Y ._V£ 1\\10~ \o Kuwait and the Persian Gulf area issue, I have criticised the invasion ~\tNOi\1.~ were not available to the United and asked for the withdrawal S~Wilt1Y.- of Iraqi troops from Kuwait. Kingdom on reasonable terms However like thousands and if the UK were deprived of th~ thousands of other individuals, large investments made by that I believe that the problem of area in the UK and if sterling invasion and annexation - which were deprived of the support has happened over and over again provided by Persian Gulf oil". in recent times- cannot be settled This is why it is a little amusing through war. to bear from the Kuwait Embassy Neither did I suggest that that it is the Iraqi invasion of Saddarn Hussein invaded Kuwait Kuwait which brought foreign "for the sake of Islam or for the interests to the Gulf region. sake of the Palestinians." It is Foreign, specifically Western, crystal clear from my letter that interests have been part and parcel the Iraqi annexation of Kuwait of West Asian politics for decades and the Israeli annexation of on end! In fact foreign interests Palestine became 'linked' as a have never left the region - thanks result of the United States to countriealike Kuwait. And we government's double standards. are talking of not just economic Becau~te the United States but also military inteNY~ta. Aa an government penalized one (Iraq) article in the Los Angeles Times while protecting the other (Israel) of 8 January 1991 observed, for almost the same crime, the "few infonned middle Easterners Arab masses began to express are unaware that for two decades their anger. They could see with the United States has been their own eyes that while the enlarging ita military presence in United States is prepared to the Persian Gulf and seeking a tolerate Israeli aggression for 43 pennanent presence there." years, it decided to send troops It ia an unchallengeable truth to fight Iraq the day after Iraq's that one of the fundamental invasion! President Saddam sensed conditions Cor peace in Weat Asia that there was strong Arab reaction is freeing the region of the sort against the biased attitude of the of foreign interference and United States government and manipulation which hu been therefore chOR to proclaim on going on for the better part of the 12 August 1990 that his annexation century. If Kuwait had valued of Kuwait could only be resolved In its own independence and the context of a West Asia Peace sovereignty and had refused to be Conference which would give a subservient client-state of that sa contznu~d from back pag~ THINKING ALLOWED

iataelb are pen:eWed to be THE SADDAM VOODOO GENES AND GENIES enclalered. DOLL For -...ace, whee ol uch daqerous 1plled Oftl' a W. portion of fDyone is tempted to behaviour amoq IOIDe the Per8aD Gulf u a result S thiak that only 'le.ten' American soldiers potentially of releadell1parta of l are prone to stoopina 10 low, bodes iD for America's future firepcnNw Mtweea lnqi and the bebayiour of onliauy aeneration, especially when the 1JS.Ied force~ ia Kuwait, citizens t.. also been equally one is told of dozens of us Plelldeat Geoqe Bulb debMed aad prickly. In the US, American soldien vilitina a ...... to lnad lnqi for instance, certain c.pitalist sperm benk. the Fertility l'relideat Saddam ttu.eia eatrepreaeun h~ come Centre of California. The .. 'eDYiroDIIIelltal terrorilt'. up with an 'antidote' for thoee centre's director, Sharon Coe, But tllil ft1Y Wodd's Coastable tdevilioa riewen who have .udthenumberof~to w. oa tbe whole become "war wary and bleary­ the centre r01e sharply colllpicuoully sileat, to quote eyed': the Saddun Hu•in foUowina reports of a huge Cw....tin eo+irCHDeDtalilt voodoo dol. number of Iraqi mines planted o.rid Suzuki, ewer its 1prayina "Stick it to Saddam in Kuwait. 1be aps of those dtaiaa the Vietalm W• of HUIIein,' raa an adwrtilement seekina to preserve their &eBeS ~t Omqe llld 'defolilllt for a doll that for US$10 raqe widely froni 17 to 62. • llllioaa of becares of (M$27) promilel WU' relief by Uttle wonder, therefore, prildDe tropbl raiaforeats, prickina it with pins. Oae side ...... diem illto delerb'. of the doll's chest .-ys, 'stick {1'1111 il, of coane, DOt to me to end the Gulf Wu' and =~~ I/ ..,... dl8t two wroiJIIIDike the other, "buD's eye'. The .. a ....t; tt.l Ge ilmlion of adYertilemeat prods readen ~~ - ~ Kuwlit ~ lnq lboald be to buy the doll aad start ...... by tbe WfOIIICiolnp prickina. Ia the war where :ii"/ oflil lrotMr ud lmperillilt miaht • riabt and principles tf/1 •• • - ~) are tluowa out the wiDclow, this could pretencl to be a very peaetradDa idea and TO SADDAM WITH ....ely iadeecl. AFFECI10N w.c•w••• T .... bare certlliD IDtics ud tM ICnalt, If DOt , I 1hJ. bella¥iour of people .,.. _ _..ow toadied • ._...by it. For eumple, ...... ofdlele wkey is oae of the ...... T allies eapae4 in the CWrl ,, .., te ..... diet •• with lnq. In aa apparent a-ce .....({ ...... attempt to protect its owa to a~= us Slenaly of dtizal, the Turkish Deleace Dkt a-., l8d die authorities w.-oed them of ow.... oldie J.t Cldefa the .,.-'ble Ute of chemical of Stlllf Gea. Olla Puwel. weapoas by Iraq on their wae..,.... to M+e wrlttea country. Ala result, some of •• 1 oa a bomb to lnlqi the Turks, bncina for Iraqi Prul... tW' nlfe II chemical o...... ts. are l1liD& W... a...,, 'To 5.. 1 •, chickens to alert diem to ... atrectioa, Dick a-e,, poilon ps. 'People tie a ...... , of D•••ace.' Alld cbickea outside their doon _.,...... ,'ToWd-e: .a Dilbt ad If it il alive ill the Y• dlda't IIIOftlt aad BOW momia&, it teDs them ao ,_ ·~·-· cbemical w.tare,' •ys a ...... lllfectiall. * Cirllred report. A c.e of Tulks tumiD& Wodd ca do widlout. chicken, you miabt say.

S9 • Bellicoae Madness that has cauaed the war to become fuD blown. CONSTABLE AMERICA Thinking f anything, this war baa I revealed the exercise of Double Standards on the Allowed part of that superpower which always pruches and exhorts the virtues of democracy, justice and fairness to the rat of the world. Yes, the United States of America - or to borrow a word from Philippine foreip Secretary Raul Manalapua, the world's 'constable'. Yea, this il one superpower which fmds Mustafa K. Anuar itaelf at pains in a.imply calling a spade a apade - especially At the time of writing when when and where ita vital many people the world over were publicly and 'officially' expressing their love for eoch other on Valentine's Day, certain other people from the so-called Ovilized World and, by implication, Uncivilized World have promised and committed themselves towards an act ofmutual destruction and hatred for eoch other. Nowhere is such a deed more fully and effectively exercised than in the volatile and coveted region of West Asia.

BELLICOSE MADNESS

hile the Thai Public W Ministry may have a condom solution to protect young Ioven - thoae bent on induJaina in amorous and physical relationship• on Valentine'• Day- from the wrath of incurable AIDS, certain world leaden who ue equlfed in thia war don't seem to have the political will and monlatrenath, at leut for now, to offer some protection for the ordinary human beinp en both aida of the war from a kind of