48 Hour Ultimatum


It is not war - It is a slaughter! A mammoth war machine, that has not been seen in the history of humankind is about to crush an ant. Even before the so called weapons of mass destruction are touched by a single Iraqi soldier, the destruction of Baghdad will be complete. The ultimatum issued by President Bush is to create panic in Iraqi ranks. Seeing its end so close, Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein may be tempted to initiate attacks either on US soldiers, or on Kuwait or Israel creating conditions for the obliteration of his rule.

At this moment it is futile to preach about the immorality of war or the ethics of peace. President Bush is determined to remove Saddam and he will take his determination to the battlefield. During the crushing of this ant, when our patriotism will be tested every second, many of us will adopt the Bush doctrine and many will retire into silence. But certain brave Americans will definitely stand up for justice. They might be forced to pay a price for their outspokenness in this land of the free and the brave. They might be classified as enemies or anti-Americans but when the dust will be settled, perhaps their questions will become relevant and those who are raising the banners of war today might begin to say, Alas we could have listened to others.

1. The first question that we must ask: Is this war necessary? Why does Mr. Bush insist that this is the time to go to war? The United Nation's inspectors have been reporting progress and the dictator has been destroying certain missiles. There is no hard evidence to suggest that he is manufacturing weapons of mass destruction. If he is, then there must be some evidence for that. If he is hiding some weapons, then someone must at least account for the existence of those weapons. Assumptions are not the foundation for any attacks. So far hard facts have not been presented to convince at least half of the country that this war is necessary.

2. So far, the cost of war has not been projected by the Administration. But some are suggesting that the US will spend between $400 to $900 billion. This is a huge cost that someone will pay. This amount is sufficient to give every American health insurance. This amount could wipe out poverty from the face of earth and this amount could take our education to the highest level. But this amount will now be used to kill people and destroy nature. Perhaps the cost will be borne by the Iraqis. If the future leadership of Iraq refuses to comply without dictates, we may find ourselves again in a situation of war.

3. So far the real goals of war have not been stated clearly. At times, Mr. Bush wants us to believe that it is a war against weapons of mass destruction. Sometimes he wants to believe that the real purpose is to establish democracy in Iraq. Still at other times he wants us to believe that the exit of Saddam Hussein is the prime goal.

The real purpose of war is still unknown. Many experts have argued that the real purpose of this war is to protect our oil interests in the Middle East and the security for the state of Israel.

The state of Israel is itself in possession of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. It does not need any protection from Palestinians, Egyptians or Jordanians. One cannot imagine Saudi Arabia or Kuwait and Qatar using their US arms supply to attack Israel. Realistically, no one can challenge the might of Israel in the region. It is, therefore, futile to conduct a proxy war for an ally who will not benefit from this war in any way.

4. President Bush talked about UN resolutions and their non-compliance by Saddam Hussein. But Hussein is not the only ruler who has violated the UN resolutions. Israel and India are in flagrant violations of the UN resolutions. Why is it that India and Israel are not considered dangerous to their regions? After all, Israel is the only country that has used weapons of mass destruction to kill people and destroy their homes and India is the major violator of human rights abuses.

5. Mr. Bush has ignored the opinion of millions of Americans who are opposed to this warmongering. His policy clearly indicates that he is motivated by factors other than democratic. Is he acting on behalf of the powerful lobbies and special interest groups? American lives cannot be put at the altar of a few special interest groups. Perhaps those millions of people will speak in the next election loudly and clearly.

6. The economic recession is destroying the fabric of our country. The war will further recede our economy as being projected by many economists. Mr. Bush, however, believes that the war might boost our economy and create more jobs. This means that if our economy is dependent on wars, then we will need war on a perpetual basis to keep our economy going. This is a dangerous paradigm that will ultimately ruin the social foundations of our country.

7. Mr. Bush's ultimatum is being lauded by many special interest groups including many Christian evangelicals who believe that the showdown with Iraq is a prelude to the second coming of Jesus. They see the Bush doctrine in line with their Biblical interpretation of current events. This is a dangerous trend, as it will make many in the Bush administration feel as representatives of Jesus carrying out his mission and will. This might lead to a conflict on ground with Muslims in general creating hostile conditions for Muslim Americans.

The showdown with Iraq has created a challenging situation for Muslim Americans. They are already a target of attacks and hatred. The coming days are likely to see an increase in anti-Muslim acts as suggested by the FBI. At a time, when the country needs its full resources to combat terrorism, the division within the country will not help the administration win this war.

With the ultimatum, the judgment has now been pronounced. The life of innocent people is at stake. The uncontrollable egos of two leaders and their hawkish advisors have created dangerous conditions for the world. A victory in Iraq will not subside these dangers. Rather, it will increase the destability in the region leading to political conditions that will hurt all of us.

Dr. Aslam Abdullah, Editor in chief, the Minaret and the Muslim Observer


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Older Comments:
VRESIDA FROM USA said:
I agree with Dr. Abdullah that Mr. Bush's and Mr. Hussein's egos are placing not only the Iraqi people but the world's people in great jeopardy. This ultimatum is the start of WWIII from which no nation, no religous group, no ONE will survive unscathed.

Mr. Bush does not govern by the will of the people but by the grace of five judges on the US Supreme Court. I believe this reason and this reason alone is why he does not listen to the voices of Americans and other nation's people begging for peace and restraint.

How can God bless any nation or person who carries hatred in their heart? Mr. Bush may feel he is the harbinger for the coming of Christ but he may only be the harbinger for the end of mankind. I wonder what the insects will think of the world we will leave to them and their progeny? Will their pray be "God Bless the Humans for destroying themselves"?
2003-03-20

KELELAWAR FROM MALAYSIA said:
'for those who still doesn't understand about the art, we like to give a simple anology, 'Iraq for us just like 'sugar', in Malaysia it is quite popular to say 'mati semut kerana gula' ...
2003-03-20

SOME ONE WHO IS A FRIEND. FROM CANADA said:
This war it might start the begining of the end of the U.S.A. America wil be alone isolated in this. It will attract more hate from any country in the world. Perhaps in the future, because of this war, many countries will start contacting their international trade in Euros and not in U.S.$ This will weaken more the U.S.$ and as a result of this, goodbye American economy. That's why the ugly and ignorant Bush, wants to attack Messopotamia. To controll all the oil and economy of the area countries, so their $ dollar becomes stronger than the Euro. It's a counter act measure, to survive the strength of their country. However, this war might develop to a III world war.
2003-03-19

JAMAL NAASIR ABDUL-RAHEEM FROM UNITED STATES said:
The opinion I have is based on the Religion of Islam (Sunni). Is it Right or Wrong to side with the Kuufar (Non Believer)? It is wrong to go against your muslim brothers and sisters in any way with the kuufar. Isn't it wrong for muslims to fight against eachother? Of course it is! How could the muslims of Iraq,Iran and other countries to fight against eachother? Because of the brainwashing of the kuufar! The United States! How could muslims claim to be Americans when it is this "America" that are killing our muslim brothers and sisters? Taking away our land, destroying our mosques, our homes and still we flee our beutiful land of islamic riches. The Riches being the knowledge Allah has sent to us through the Prophet Muhammad (S,A,S). We are not supposed to take the Kuufar for friends, companions, or allies. This is why Allah is punishing the muslims. Saudi Arabia The Basis of Islam has accepted the assistance of the United states. Allah is the only ruling power of the Heavens and the Universe and it is He we seek help and guidence from. We(The Muslims) are supposed to be the the worlds dominant power. I conclude that whatever Allah has written for the world will be what it is! anythin I said that will benifit you from this is from Allah and anything I said that is wrong is from me and Shaitan. Asalamu-Alaikim
2003-03-19

SOLOMON WEISKOP said:
The author describes Saddam Hussein as an "ant". Perhaps the hundreds of thousands of Iraqis who have suffered from his gassings of Kurd villages, mass killings of Shia civilians, summary executions of political prisoners, torture and rape chambers would disagree to such an analogy. I would like to propose a more appropriate insect analogy for Saddam Hussein: a parasitic worm infecting Iraq. The time for disinfection is here.
2003-03-19

ABDIRIZACK FROM KENYA said:
A very informative and unbaised article Jazakumullahu Khayra. Remember The saying of ALLAH S.A.W
"Be ye not afraid of them, but fear Me, if ye have faith." [3:175]

2003-03-19

ABUBAKR FROM ENGLAND said:
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH MOST BENEFICENT EVER MERCIFUL
ASALAM ALAYKUM BROTHERS AND SISTERS ALLAH SUBHANA WATALLA SAID DO NOT TAKE ANY KUFFAR LIKE FRIEND THE KUFFAR ARE ALLAH AND MESSENGER ENEMY WE GET WHAT WE HAVE SET UP THIS SLAUGHTER FOR OURS BROTHERS KING FAHAD MUBARAK JORDANIA KOWEIT TURKY
ARE GUILTY MUSLIM TODAY WE HELP KUFFAR TO KILLED OURS BROTHERS AND SISTERS WE MUST TAKE ACTION AGAINST AMERICA AND BRITISH
O YOU WHO BELIEVE OBEY ALLAH AND OBEY THE MESSENGER AND THOSE OF YOU[MUSLIM] WHO ARE IN AUTHORITY.SURAT 4:59 WE HAVE NOT TO ACCEPT THE RULE OF KUFFAR IN MUSLIM LANDS
2003-03-19

MICHAEL D. WOLFF FROM U.S.A. said:
I don't understand the Muslim belief that says that you must defend any muslim no matter how evil, against a free county. Why do many Muslim county not allow freedom of religion? Freedom of religion is a part of the foundation of theis country. Muslims in this county enjoy great freedoms and yet other muslims deny others the same. I have a great deal of problems with the Muslim world. They hate Israel and will do anything to destroy this county. They are also at war in other parts of the world in Africa and Asia. President Bush is doing what is best for the world, all the world!!! Many muslims in this country are more concerned about tyrannical Muslim countries than this country and freedom for all people.
2003-03-19

MEBROCKY FROM USA said:
Excellent article, and some very good comments as well. Many comments were tough on the inability or unwillingness of Muslims to help their brothers. There is truth to this, but we have to remember that except for Muslims in America, it is very hard to safely voice an opinion. I'd like to hear some ideas about what people of all faiths can do to help our Muslim brothers and sisters.
2003-03-19

SUHAIL FROM USA said:
Thanks , indeed a good article.
2003-03-19

KELELAWAR FROM MALAYSIA said:
'welcome to our world, 'shock and awe' is not belong to Iraqis people.
2003-03-19

K2 FROM USA said:
Maybe the middle east needs some instability. To shake up all the arrogant Kings and Sheiks.

Maybe we muslims will also be as loud and take a stand against the oppresion of our Muslim brothers and sisters by the racist leaders of Saudi Arabia, Eqypt, Syria, etc.

Maybe we should have taken a stand against Saddam when he killed thousands of Iranian Muslims?

Maybe the hatred of Muslims for America is blinding us from the truth?

That we no longer follow what Allah has commanded us to in the Quran.

We may not reject Islam by our tongue, but our actions and behavior clearly show what is in our heart.
2003-03-19

A BELIEVER OF ALLAH FROM ALLHA'S UNIVERSE said:
The greatest traitors to the Iraqi people have been the muslims themselves( the rulers of the Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) sitting in thier Majestic palaces seeing the deaths of their fellow brothers and sisters in Iraq. The can rest in peace now for their time has been destined by Allah and they will not escape when their time comes.
2003-03-19

ABUBAKAR FROM UK said:
Stop calling Sadam a dictator. So far no one can clearly define what is dictatorship means. So far no one can give clear different between so called dectator and democracy, neither Bush or Blair can be a democratic and so why you call Sadam dictator? who is a democratic leader in the world ever known apart from Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w).

Dear brothers and sister, I think it is not wise to judge people the way we think, let Allah judge their deeds.

Thanks
2003-03-19

MARY THOMAS said:
I do agree with you and i feel hurt about this war. I have faith in Allah and I know he will work things out for the best if Allah will I prey he does...
2003-03-19

FAZA FROM KENYA said:
i agree with the author's views and just i wish that those supposing war could see 'reasons' before it is too late.
Maybe it is too late ......too late for the world including America and Britian, too late for the UN......but above all too late for the world peace.......With least than 48 hours to go for the missiles to be unleash on the Iraq .....
Surely if Iraq was such a huge threat to the worldpeace, the whole world particularly the America would not let 12 good years to pass by - then suddenly waking up from this deep slumber -just to realise that.WHAT A PARADOX
2003-03-19

GLENN CHURCHILL FROM USA said:
My question is, "What happens next?" Will the US become an occupying power? For how long? How has that gone for the Israelis? Will there be elections? What if the US doesn't like the results? Who will feed the people? How much will all this cost? Maybe lots of US soldiers will return as Muslims!!
2003-03-18

SHKH. SH. ART ARRASHID HAMZA ALHAQQ' FROM SIDRATULMUNTAHA said:
AllaahuNuruusSamawatiwalArdh

They plan to destroy you, but Allaah Tabaraka Ta`Ala is the Greatest of All planers
2003-03-18

YAZID FROM USA said:
Salaam-

Dr. Abdullah should do some research on the criminals that are running, have been running and will continue to run MUSLIM countries on planet earth.

THEY are the criminals!

The US Admin. is doing what any country with the power would do...secure it's interest.

The QUESTION we should ask as Muslims....WHY are MUSLIM countries helping in the attack of another MUSLIM country?

Why are'nt these people who are so "enlightened" asking that question?????

Secondly, as a muslim living in the US I can honestly say...I enjoy more freedom to practice, speak, write and gather than ANY OTHER MUSLIM in a "MUSLIM COUNTRY"

The war will come, muslims will die, it will pass and another cruel thief will be incharge of another Muslim country.

The pundits will continue to BASH the west but overlook the stinch and trash in their own back yards.

The answer to Muslim problems....are in Muslim hands!
2003-03-18

YAHYA BERGUM FROM USA said:
What if Americans saw the Quran as the only book that validated their support of military intervention in someone else's country? How about in spite of what their religious leaders had told them to hope for instead?

Initiating a war for the purpose of liberation might not be supported by Christian doctrine. Might it, however, be supported by Islamic doctrine (regardless of who God's message is intended for)?

If Americans accepted that much from the Quran, might there be even more in the Quran (and Ahadith), pertaining to war, that confirmed want they already felt in their hearts was correct? Might there also be something to remind them of what they were forgetting to do (but actually knew to be their duty)?

It's interesting to note how many Muslims are apparently choosing to deny non-Muslims the message of the Quran - seemingly in support of Islamic ideals. What makes our religion the right path, if we ourselves feel the need to reveal some teachings (while concealing others) in response to a political crisis? Who is it then, exactly, that we believe knows best?

As Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah.
2003-03-18

SHANA KEMP FROM USA said:
I would just like to say that I am utterly sick to my stomach at this hour as one of the most atrocious acts during my lifetime is about to begin. I have listened intently for the past several months about why the U.S. needs to go to war with Iraq and I have YET to hear a decent response!! It is a sad day when MILLIONS of Americans can not see the ill in going to war without a cause. Yes, I have seen the millions protesting around the world, but there are millions of people right here in this country who think this war is the right thing to do.

How can anyone believe so!!!? This has nothing to do with Saddam Hussein being an "evil tyrrant". It has everything to do with the "Thief in Chief's" desire to get his greedy hands on Iraq's oil. I listened to Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney say over the weekend that they wanted to put the revenue generated from Iraq's oil wells back into the hands of the Iraqi people. They already have it you idiot!!!

I am trying to maintain my composure as I write this message, but I am really hurting. Thousands, of American troops will be sent back to this country in body bags...and urns if chemical weapons are used, and for what? For some greedy Anglo-Saxons to get richer!!

I wish the troops peace as they embark on this causeless mission, and I pray wisdom on the minds of the "men" who are running this country..."for they know not what they do."
2003-03-18

MUHAMMAD ABDULLAH FROM NORTH AMERICA said:
My belief on this war is that it is inevitable. therefore If your not ready to die then why should you live. Everybodies main concern is death. If allah wills it to be so (war) then we just need to act like we are brothers and sisters and roll with the punches. there is no reason to be scared of anything but allah. I refuse to live like a coward. I'd rather die standing then laying down. Just to let the reader of this statement know, I am a convert to Islam. I am An So-called African American. i am 20 years old And I'm ready. as-salaam-u-alaikum.
2003-03-18

AMIR FROM HUNGARY said:
Asalam.
I think that the war who US is interested to do it in Iraq is not a war for destroying nuclear weapons,but just for controlling OIL,because as we now Iraq is the second richest country with oil in the world.
Israel lobby in US is controlling the US administration and they ofcourse are interested to destroy and to make muslim people as much as weaker as possible.
In another point is to say that US is going against article of Security Council who is written in the constitution of UN,that they FIVE permanent members can start the war,and there is no any right just one of the members to start the war alone.
I hope that the war it wont start and that it wont be the solution.
I pray to Allah the war not to start.
Asalamu Alaikum.
2003-03-18

A.K FROM U.S said:
Think about how we are going to answer to God when he asks us if we stood up for the helpless? We sat on our butts when Afghans died. I cannot find a figure of how much "COLLATERAL DAMAGE" occured during "war" with Afghanistan? The leaders of the Muslim countries, remember, God's punishment is coming and it will be nothing like you have seen before. People who disobeyed God have been punished and been perished before.
2003-03-18

FOR PEACE FROM MALAYSIA said:
Mind boggling!

George Bush(es) is risking the whole world with a few BILLION of its inhabitants for the safety of a few MILLION jews in Israel!

It does not click George! Even a small kid knows this war you're waging is the STUPIDEST thing any thinking (err.. do you use your brain to think anyway?) man can do.

Your war mongering attitudes send the world economy to tailspins! Even your own economy! That's for the sake of a few MILLION jews! Really I can't understand!

Come on George! Even a pre-school kids knows your trick already! You want to attack Iraq to remove weapons of mass destruction! Oh really George? The world are for it too. AFter that, tell me George when are you going to remove weapons of mass destruction from a Israel? Tell me! And tell me now George! Tell me now when you;re going to give altimatum to Sharon the butcher of Tel-Aviv!

Or you can live with it? How could you George? Don't your secret agents tell you Israel has already gotten nuclear weapons? And they have aim a few to your home?

Come on George! Your lies are too obvious to even pass an argument with pre-schoolers!

Why risk your own economy for the sake of a few million Jews? And their religion even says your Lord is a bastard! (God forbid!)
2003-03-18

TINA WILLIAMS FROM UNITED KINGDOM said:
I think the was is a very stupid idea anit no way we should be trying to kill each other instead we should be getting along the president should realize that war is not the way to go we should be trying to make peace with the people of iraq
not trying to harm therm they havent did ant thing to us why take it out on everybody bin laden or whoever we looking for shouldnt have did what he did true enough but do you honestly think he just waiting around for us to get him no he has a plan and i think we are going to lose we should really think about this
2003-03-18

SOLOMON WEISKOP said:
The author's statement that "Israel is the only country that has used weapons of mass destruction" is a plain lie revealing the author's disinterest in objective truth. I challenge the author to provide any credible evidence to support his claim. Presumably the author believes that any assertion, no matter how ludicrous, is justified when the subject is Israel.
2003-03-18

JAMILAH FRASER-RAHIM FROM USA said:
I would like to first thank Dr. Aslam Abdullah for his wise words during the dark hours that we are now facing. I have one view o this war and that it is EVIL and unlawful( haram). Many innocent Muslim lives will be lost because we rushed into war that could have been possibly resolved. I hasten to tell my beautiful Muslim brothers and sisters that prayer is essential to get us through these tough timess. Allah is our protector and our guide and never will he lead us astray. To all American Muslims I plead with you not to sell out the Ummah at any cost during these troublsome times. Many of us will find that we will be gawked, jeered, or mocked during the coming days but Allah is powerful and he will stand firm and strong with us. I will make extra duwahs and I urge you to do the same.
2003-03-18

THOMAS FROM GERMANY said:
Most of the things said sound good.

But I was frightened to read, that

>many Christian evangelicals who believe that
>the showdown with Iraq is a prelude to the
>second coming of Jesus.
>...
>in the Bush administration feel as
>representatives of Jesus carrying out his
>mission and will. This might lead to a conflict
>on ground with Muslims in general creating
>hostile conditions for Muslim Americans.

Yes i am a christ. But I can not accept any of
these thoughts !!!!
If Mr. Bush is a christ (an he thinks so) he
NEVER should do anything like the things he does.

Christian religion is a religion of peace (like
the islam religion). And christs and islam have
many common roots.

We should work togother. Agains terrorism,
no mater to which religions the terrorists
belong!
2003-03-18

REZA BIN HILMI FROM MALAYSIA said:
Iraq will eventually be attacked by the US forces no matter what the world says. It is the ultimate greed which lead President Bush to punish Iraq for thier belief. As what Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir mentioned at NAM Summit held at Kuala Lumpur recently, US officers are attacking the innocent people of Iraq in replacement of Saddam. Iraq is a soft target. I strongly belive US will proclaim vistory in this war should there be one. With all their super distructive weapons, there's no doubt US is at advantage. However I do pray that Allah will somehow help the innocent Iraqis to defent their country and defear the US lead troops. If we care to refer to previous Islamic war history, the number of weapons and army caould not be the main yardstick to determine the winner. In any situation, war so be the last resort. My country Malaysia had gone through a war period during Japanese invasion some 45 years ago. From wht had been told by my later grandparents, I hope the new generation would not think of starting a war. Not even to dream of it. If US is to be defeated by the Iraqis, they will leave Iraq will millions of booby traps, mines, unexploded bombs so on so fourth. They will ensure that Iraq is completely distroyed and the remaining people of Iraq will suffer as what they have done to the Vietnamese. US is the one who sprayed the "Agent Orange" once they found thay they could not defeat the Vietname hiding in the thick jungle. Same goes to Iraq and Afganistan which is the living examples. The next target will be Iran and later North Korea. However, nothing has been done to resolve the Palestine issues and the cruelity of the Israel troops. Regrettably we found that during this critical moments, many Islamic countries are still suppoerting the US will allowing their navy based to be used to attacked another Islamic country. Until we sattle our differences, more Islamic nations will be destroyed by the greedy and evil souled US warloards. Allahuakbar !
2003-03-18

SILENT SPEAKER FROM THE WORLD (NOT MEANT TO BE A JOKE) said:
First, I enjoyed the article;GREATLY! One cannot defeat its' enemy with a gun. That enemy or their lineage will retaliate exponentially. Thus, tail-spinning to total destruction. I believe that the motivation for this "WAR" is not for democracy, liberation of the Iraqi people nor the stabilization of the middle eastern region. This is a geneocidal attempt to strengthen the US's arm of influence into the "ONE" last sector it could never penetrate..."MUSLIMS" Our creator gave us all one blessing of many; that is the blessing of choice. With that comes herculean responsibility; of which we never know the outcome until it is done. Only Allah has that ability. Mr. Bush should pay close attention to what is happening in his own back yard. But, of course that is common for a coward to not face his own realities and truths. Let Mr. Bush take off his "veil" and stop burning crosses at the stake. People of "THIS" world know the "REAL" truths...Bush and all with his mentality fool no one! They think we don't know, but, that is to their disadvantage, as it has always been. May Allah keep us and protect us from ths tyranny!.
2003-03-18

ABDULHAMID FROM TANZANIA said:
Why name only two countries ? What about the Muslim countries that have stationed thousand of murdering troops and are cooperating in every manner to kill the innocent in a muslim country.
2003-03-18

DAVE FROM USA said:
Do you really believe that the war will cost $900 billion?...enough to end world Poverty from the face of the earth?! I think you begin to lose credibility with that statement. Comparing India and Israel to Iraq and it's leader is a stretch. In my opinion comparing him to Arafat would have also been a stretch. You mentioned Oil being a reason for war, but did not write about why you believe this. Also, you stated that we are going to war for economic reasons. I don't think (especially if your stated numbers are correct-- $900billion) this is good for any economy. I have to say that I am not for the war, but think you should have sharpened your pencil more on this before publicizing it.
2003-03-18