The following is an archived copy of a message sent to a Discussion List run by the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq.
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Dear Bert & List I am shocked at the way the discussion regarding AI is going. We are either adults who can discuss and argue, agree and disagree, or then we should stop this useless discussion. While Bert writes: “At least we can both accept criticisms, and discuss matters amicably”, his replies are mere personal attacks, himself showing no tolerance or ability to accept criticism. Ghazwan has the full right to criticise AI which, in the opinion of many, has done too little regarding sanctions. One may disagree with Ghazwan or agree with some of what he says, but don’t go personal. When you reply with sentences like “for someone like Ghazwan, to hurl irresponsible abuse & accusations, despite his shallow knowledge”, or “The agenda is crude anti-Amnesty propaganda” etc…, then I believe a certain line has been crossed. What is wrong with Ghazwan that makes you say "for someone like Ghazwan"? And what gives Bert the right to launch this kind of personal attacks? This is not an "amicable discussion". Perhaps Ghazwan’s knowledge of AI and its work is shallow, but is Bert's knowledge of Iraq’s political and cultural history not shallow? Bert Asks:"do you mean that A.I., by not taking a strong stance against sanctions are therefore condoning sanctions?" My reply is: YES. If you see something wrong and not stand strongly against it, then you condone it. This has been the case with Israeli occupation too. It is not enough to talk about difficult conditions and lack of resources; these are excuses. It is like Bert himself said:"however useful any theories, one's heart has to be involved". And AI doesn't seem to have its heart involved fully yet. I believe Philipa's recent posts shed light on this. Bert asks "what did you do for the Chechneyans, the East Timorese, the South Africans during apartheid etc."? How does Bert know what any Iraqi did? Iraq and Iraqis opposed the apartheid regime and supported the SA liberation movement, a fact recognized by Mandela and his government. Iraq didn't have a magic wand, but Iraq has supported EVERY LIBERATION MOVEMENT in he world. We didn't just stand "across the street" shouting. We acted....Iraq didn't stand by watching nor counting the strokes, like the world is doing now. Iraq supplied money and arms. And this is a known fact. What are you doing about the right of Palestinians to a state, based on the 1947 UN resolution which established Israel? Is Bert or AI calling for the full implementation of those resolutions? Who ís helping the Palestinians except Iraq now? And I don’t see a point in insisting on knowing Ghazwan’s political associations. Why was Ghazwan singled out, and not the other members of the list? It is indeed Ghazwan’s prerogative to reply or not reply. Would Bert (who seemingly hasn’t lived in Iraq, and doesn't speak Arabic) tell us what he knows (first hand) about the Ba’ath party and why (as he seemingly does) he is against Ba’athists? Has he formed his opinion from personal knowledge and deep study of Ba'ath, or from reports of AI and HRW and other organizations? Is Bert a Free Mason? We would like to know his political associations too. Does he vote for Labour or Conservative? Does he support Zionism? If not, then how can he accept AI’s defence of settlements and settlers' rights in occupied Palestinian lands? I once read an interesting comment by a British scholar. He wrote: ”Outsiders who intervene in political or religious debate should try not to patronize those whose ideas and convictions they challenge”. I think Bert should follow this advice carefully. My comments on AI will be posted later. Greetings Hassan _________________________________________________________ Take a break! It's time to play with friends in Maktoob Fun & Games. Amazing selection of fun and mind stimulating games. http://www.maktoob.com/ _______________________________________________ Sent via the discussion list of the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq. To unsubscribe, visit http://lists.casi.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/casi-discuss To contact the list manager, email casi-discuss-admin@lists.casi.org.uk All postings are archived on CASI's website: http://www.casi.org.uk