This is one reason I like to read the foreign perspectives on the war. I think this is the first one I've read that accurately portrays the inherent conflict of the two anti-war crowds, one being largely Arabic, the other being largely western. While both have been against the war in Iraq, each has been using diametrically opposed principles in their justifications.
[ Dar Al Hayat: The Great Arab Contradiction (Hazem Saghieh) ]
Demonstrations in the West were against nationalism. Our demonstrations in the Arab world were nationalistic, and of a 'Nasserite spirit.' Their demonstrations were against religion, which, with the current Bush administration, played a role unprecedented by any administration. Our demonstrations cast a religious shadow on politics and were accompanied by the issuing of fetwas for jihad. Their demonstrations were against the war on Iraq. They refused the principle of a "just war." Our demonstrations supported war against the West. Calling such war "holy." Their demonstrations were against Saddam. Our demonstrations supported Saddam, whom we vowed to defend "with our soul and blood." Their demonstrations were against the "clash of civilizations," as millions of "Christians" declared their opposition to Washington. Our demonstrations concealed the "clash of civilizations" or declared it: we said "the onslaught of the Crusaders."Posted by greg at April 9, 2003 08:54 AM | TrackBack