Extremism is a Two-Way
Street: Mowahid
Washington, DC: The Punjab chief minister’s
special adviser Mowahid Hussain Shah Saturday said the London
blasts "are a crime against humanity" and also
"a violation of basic Islamic values, which explicitly
forbid the harming of innocents." "The net result
would be damaging to the growing 20 million strong Muslim
presence in Europe," he told APP.
Asked to comment, he said it is pertinent to ask the question:
"Who stands to benefit the most? Does it help or hurt
the Muslim cause? "It is entirely plausible that some
impressionable elements amongst Muslim youth could have
been unwitting dupes of vested interests, especially so,
in Britain where Muslims are slowly making a headway in
mainstream society.
"But curbing extremism cannot be one-way. It has to
be a two-way street," he maintained.
Mowahid Hussain said, "Extremist actions of the West
are causing extremist reactions amongst elements in the
global Muslim community. This escalating cycle of confrontation
can only be checked through intellectual honesty and moral
courage."
He added, "What is fueling zealotry are two key factors.
First, it is the forcible occupation of Muslim lands and,
second, it is the imbalance caused by Muslims' exclusion
from global power centers. These palpable injustices require
corrective measures.
"While Muslims are asked to repudiate actions of the
extremist fringe, mainstream Western policy-making elites
continue to issue inflammatory statements about Islam with
impunity."
For example, he cited the recent comments of Republican
Congressman Tom Tancredo, advocating military strikes against
the Holy City of Mecca.
These, he added, "are inexcusable and should be unequivocally
denounced by US officialdom, given the fact, too, that Congressman
Tancredo is a declared candidate for the US presidency for
2008.
"It sends a message of implacable hostility to Muslims
at a time when there is an acute need for reconciliation
and understanding," he added.
Mowahid, who practices law in the United States, arrived
here Tuesday on a few weeks visit from Lahore. During his
stay here, he will address various forums and think-tanks
and explain a Muslim’s point of view.
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