Fairness Works; Force Doesn’t: Mowahid Tells American University Forum

Washington, DC:   With rising tensions in the Middle East again the center of attention, a forum was convened at American University, Washington, DC, to address this precise topic and its projected global impact.  In this connection, attorney-at-law, author of “Will & Skill”, and former Punjab Cabinet Member, Mowahid Hussain Shah, was asked to give his perspective before a select audience, with Professor Akbar Ahmed moderating. 

Mowahid cautioned the youth to be aare of delusional policies, which led to disastrous interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan.  He slated the tone of the 2016 Presidential contest, the dominant theme of which has been negativity about Muslims.  He said the complicity of Indian Prime Minister Modi in the 2002 Gujarat massacres itself impelled the US State Department to ban him from the United States for 10 years.  His acceptance now sends an inconsistent message about state-sanctioned terror.

Replying to a question, the speaker dilated that the singular focus on Iran’s nuclear program meant that Israel’s escaped scrutiny. Mowahid said that leaving the occupation situations in Palestine and Kashmir unattended was unsustainable. He emphasized that when there was a negotiated end to apartheid in South Africa, why couldn’t a similar sagacity be shown to tackle these flashpoints. 

Mowahid, while praising the humility and piety of Pope Francis, said that the Pope, by not mentioning Palestine during his American visit, may have missed a historic peace-making opportunity. 

During a lively question and answer discussion, Mowahid asserted that the Muslim world is not seeking favors but its legitimate aspirations for an equitable place in the world order cannot be subdued by force. 

After seeing the unworkable results of double standards, the international community shall be wiser to meet yearnings for fairness, which ultimately is a common struggle, Mowahid concluded. 

He also exhorted Western Muslims to raise their level by striving for excellence.