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Comments and thoughts of an American Muslim on US Foreign policy in the Middle East and the so-called War on Terror,examining the contradictions from a perspective of justice, fairness and human rights.

Merchants for the Angel of Death
07 May, 2008

“You are on test in this world and have to render account for it.  Certainly this world is a dirty watering place and a muddy source of drinking.” – Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib[i]

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5th Anniversary in Iraq
20 March, 2008

Someone became angry with me for canceling an appointment on 19 March 2008, the 5th anniversary of the US invasion and occupation of Iraq, due to my emotional state after listening to “Winter Soldier” testimony and contemplating my actions in protest of the War. What follows is a slightly edited version of the text of my response. (More)

An Open Letter to President Bush
17 January, 2007

President Bush, you have informed the American people that you intend to send more troops into Iraq, which will no doubt, increase violence and further aggravate the volatile situation there.  It is clear to most rational beings that the US invasion of Iraq and subsequent dissolution of the former Iraqi army have caused the bloody civil war and security chaos that now exists there.

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Meanwhile in Iraq
24 October, 2006

Here in the fantasy world of America, lead by Prime Minister of Denial Bush, all signs seem to point to a rosy and upbeat picture, certainly for the near future if not for the long term.  Gas prices are going down, the stock market is once again reaching record levels and the holiday season, with its economic injection of consumer spending, is rapidly approaching.  Construction sites seem to be appearing on every corner, with tall cranes pointing skyward as if to suggest that here in America, there are no limits to economic growth.  Even in the neighborhood, the local strip mall is receiving a face-lift, apparently designed to give the impression of a medieval castle, which further adds to a surrealistic illusion.

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M3I: Music, Mormons, Military and Iraq
30 November, 2005

On a recent Saturday evening, I shared an experience with an Iraqi friend of mine. I met him over two years ago at a seminar where he gave a lecture on the situation in Iraq. At that time, I couldn’t help but marvel at how he spoke out against the US occupation of Iraq despite having been imprisoned by Saddam Hussein at Abu Ghraib. Since then, we have become close friends. He had been given two tickets for a concert by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Denver, Colorado USA, by a colleague from an interfaith program. Ibrahim invited me to go with him and I accepted, as being with him is always a learning experience as well as providing needed reinforcement for my world outlook. Frankly, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the evening turned out to be an opportunity to clarify my identity as a Muslim and as an American.

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Let's Get The US Out of Iraq
12 November, 2005

My goal in writing this article is the immediate withdrawal of US troops from Iraq and for an end to the occupation. I am disturbed by lack of logic and rationality that has permeated our government concerning the US-led war and occupation in Iraq. I am troubled by the language that is used by the media to describe it, as the choice of words veils the reality of the violent and volatile situation in Iraq that the United States, Great Britain and allies have created.

I am appealing for the immediate withdrawal of all US forces and an end to the atrocities of occupation and aggression for the following reasons which I will attempt to validate below:

  1. The number of trained Iraqi forces has peaked and is actually declining. American troops are not instrumental in training Iraqi police and military personnel.

  2. The US invasion initiated the instability, and the US occupation is causing increasing instability, based on the increasing number of attacks, bombings and deaths.

  3. The US occupation and attacks are provoking an understandable resistance response from Iraqis and people in adjoining countries.

  4. The government in place in Iraq is a puppet regime under US control that uses torture, just like the invaders who empowered it and just like the regime that it replaced.

  5. The vital mission being performed by the US has not been clarified.

  6. As a result of the US invasion and occupation, Iraq is on the brink of civil war.

  7. The US cannot impose a peace on Iraq or cause Western-style democracy to flourish there. The Iraqis must decide what form of government they want free from foreign occupation.

  8. The US is murdering innocent Iraqi civilians, including children, on a daily basis.

  9. The Iraqi health care system has deteriorated as a result of the US-led war and years of economic sanctions.

  10. The best defense against living in insecurity and fear of terrorism is to give no offense, that is, to withdraw.

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