This is encouraging. Arabs are asking whether they live in a sick society that is incapable of banding together against bigotry, hatred and violence.
The point isn’t that Arabs are born more bigoted, hateful or violent than anyone else. They certainly aren’t. The point right now is: Some Arabs have found the courage to ask the question.
Says Ahmed Al-Rabei in the Arabic daily newspaper, Asharq Alawsat:
In the United States, the congressman for the state of Colorado [Tom Tancredo] made outrageous and disrespectable comments saying, "If America was to be subjected to terrorist attacks by Muslim fundamentalist, then we could take out their holy sites." When the radio show host asked him, "Do you mean the Kaaba [the holy shrine at Mecca]?" He replied saying, "Sure."
This American congressman is now experiencing an enmity campaign against him from politicians and media figures alike in the United States. The White House and the American state department have clearly denounced his statements. The American press accused him of racism and hatred, and the reaction from within American society was much stronger than that of any Islamic country.
On the other hand, we hear of hatred and racist statements made by prominent figures of the Arab world against other nations and cultures, yet nobody is prepared to confront boldly such messages. Provocative thoughts and ideology have been spread by Yusuf Al-Qaradawy for example, who issued a religious ruling that states that Iraqi civilians are to be killed if they show any cooperation with occupying forces. He confidently spreads these messages via the satellite channels, mosques, and the Arab press.
We all remember when Abu Hamza Al-Masri who lives in Britain and has British nationality was asked why he lives in London considering his denunciation that it is an atheist country. He answered that, "Britain is like a toilet, we just do what we must and leave!"
How can such an ideology live peacefully in this world? I do not believe it can.
Judith Apter Klinghoffer, who is subbing for Andrew Sullivan on his famous blog, pointed out the Al-Rabei editorial. She also noted this comment from Ghassan Al Imam, also in Asharq Alawsat:
Is the Arab society sick? I say clearly and boldly that it is. To admit this is neither defeatist nor a self-indictment, but rather assurance that examination of the disease is the only way to find its cure. What are the features of such an ailing society?
Klinghoffer says Muslims from Amman to Bali are taking bolder stands against Islamist fanaticism, and Arabs are opening up to self-criticism. She says the press could encourage this trend, by covering it.
"By failing to cover that progress, the Western media are not only failing to tell an important story but actually undermining it," Kinghoffer says.
She’s right.
Frank Warner
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