War On Terrorism, Not Religion
Editorial Published in The Nelson Evening
Mail Newspaper, February 28, 2006
A point worth making amid the furore over the Danish cartoons is the marked
difference in attitude among factions within the Muslim faith. In European
and Middle Eastern countries particularly, violent outrage has resulted in
death and destruction over publication of cartoons featuring the Prophet
Mohammed. In this country, Muslims and others have written strong letters to
newspapers, marched in Auckland and in other ways exercised their right to
express opposition to printing and broadcasting of images they find
offensive. Their response has been entirely understandable and in keeping
with the ways and values of this country.
This country's Muslim leadership has gone one step further. Despite feeling
insulted and aggrieved that the cartoons had been shown here, they accepted
that the choice to do so was made by individual newspapers, including this
one. The New Zealand Federation of Muslim Associations spent some time last
week lobbying Middle Eastern ambassadors, urging that this country escape
trade boycotts or other possible consequences said to face those Western
nations in which the cartoons had been published. Its president, Javed Khan,
says he is optimistic New Zealand will be spared..
The federation's efforts to safeguard exports to Middle Eastern countries
worth $1.5 billion are commendable. How better for New Zealand Muslims to
demonstrate commitment to their country? The controversy also provides a
significant opportunity for the mainstream, moderate, Islamic faith to
engage in discussion with the wider community about issues and values that
are important to it.
Confronted with reports and images of cruel oppression of women and girls,
violent mobs, hostage-taking, beheadings, suicide bombings and other
despicable acts, it is easy to form the impression that Islam is a cruel and
fanatical cult that seeks to dominate the world at any cost. It is not.
Although some sections of the faith have been captured by radicals, at its
core Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance. Unfortunately, the voice of
reason its leadership could provide - internationally at least - has been
drowned out by the rantings and rhetoric of dangerous extremists with
political, rather than religious, agendas.
Many people bewildered by the outrage that publication of a few crude
cartoons sparked are talking of a holy war between Islam and the West. Some
letter writers are describing the religion in terms that cross the boundary
of free speech and consequently will not be published. To suggest, as some
are, that all Muslims are extremists and terrorists is like saying all
Westerners sympathise with the Crusades or the National Front.
The speed with which the violence spread in the past week, or so, illustrates
the volatility in some areas - and the "us and them" approach preached by
the leaders of power groups in both East and West is not helping. The riots
in France late last year are another warning sign of the dangers of failing
to encourage inclusion and assimilation. Fortunately, this country is doing
better. Various local and central government initiatives backed by
multi-ethnic councils and religious groups are leading the way. As the dust
from the cartoon controversy begins to settle in this country, some positive
initiatives might well emerge. Not the least would be a greater awareness of
and engagement between the members of an increasingly diverse New Zealand
community.
Reproduced with permission of the Editor of The Nelson Evening
Mail.
Copyright © The Nelson Evening
Mail 2006.
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