Kofi Annan’s
Plain Talking
By Mohammad A Chaudhry
CA
I read your editorial entitled
Kofi Annan’s Plain Talking (December 24
2004), and as in the past, it was brilliant in
every respect. Objectively its theme underpinned
the maladies that are contributing to so much
chaos and distrust in the world. Islamophobia
is one such malady. Every pundit is found surmising
on Islam, and declaring his verdict that it is
a religion that must be watched carefully, as
if it were born only recently.
The role of education, leading to better understanding
and tolerance could not have been better emphasized
than was done by Kofi Anan. You also dilated upon
so artistically where Kofi Anan had left, and
interspersed it with your reminiscences and happy
recollections of what this great country, America,
once used to be as for as its love for freedom,
justice and equality for all was concerned.
You have very rightly pointed out that much of
the fog that is responsible for blurring the vision
of the Western world about Islam is the obsession
of the print and electronic media to paint and
present this great religion only and only in dark
hues. This tilted attitude has further widened
the gaps that needed to be abridged so urgently.
The Vatican has no problem with Islam; but writers
like Bernard Lewis and Huntington have, and their
musings do not lead the readers to develop a better
sense of understanding and tolerance which is
the call of the day.
Your editorial is a must-must-read, a piece of
writing that is balanced; that is written honestly
and objectively, and that carries the eternal
message of love, understanding and tolerance for
all. You very rightly remind me of the Hadith
of the Prophet which is that diversity of opinion
is a mercy of Allah.
Well done.
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