It is perfectly understandable that Islamists recently elected to rule in Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt or those that aspire to rule in other Arab and Muslim countries should focus on domestic problems and the immediate needs of their people. The Palestinian issue and the relations with Israel need not become obstacles to the efforts aimed at rebuilding state institutions that for many years rotted in corruption and despotism. Yet, if asked about Palestine or Israel, Islamists should not contradict what everyone knows to be their fundamental position on the issue. Anwar Ibrahim, a leading Malaysian Islamist, has recently been quoted by the Wall Street Journal as committing to support efforts aimed at securing Israel. This is utterly unworthy of an Islamic leader. http://online.wsj.com/article/
Having seen some of my other fellow Islamist leaders also fall into similar blackmail traps on the issue of Palestine/Israel, I would recommend to them all that when asked about the issue they should adhere to the following themes:
Having seen some of my other fellow Islamist leaders also fall into similar blackmail traps on the issue of Palestine/Israel, I would recommend to them all that when asked about the issue they should adhere to the following themes:
- Palestine is an Arab Islamic territory that was invaded by the Western powers who established therein a Zionist state with the aim of serving their colonial ends and resolving Europe's chronic Jewish problem. The Zionist project in Palestine is an aggression that is abhorred by all justice-loving people.
- The problem in Palestine is not caused by a religious conflict between Muslims and Jews. For centuries the two religious communities lived in peace and harmony side by side. The conflict is with the Zionists who occupied Palestine, dispossessed its people and established a state that is hostile to the peoples of the region.
- The Zionist regime is a racist (Apartheid) entity that poses a threat to the entire humanity. We aspire to see a Middle East in which the inhabitants of the region (Muslims, Christians, Jews and followers of other faiths) coexist peacefully and securely under a system of good governance that is based on sanctifying justice and human dignity.
- As a matter of principle we are open to cooperation and communication with all nations including those of the Americas and Europe. However, we do not tolerate being blackmailed by certain parties here and there so as to bestow legitimacy on what is illegitimate in exchange for friendly relations.
- As for the peace treaties concluded by some Arab regimes, such as Egypt and Jordan, with the Zionist state in Palestine, we believe that these treaties are unfair and illegitimate. These treaties were concluded by corrupt and undemocratic regimes against the will of their people. Therefore, we deem it appropriate that these treaties should be put to the referendum in order for the people in each one of these countries to decide what to do with them (amending or revoking them).
- We do not accept the illegal siege imposed on the people of Palestine, both in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. We shall spare no effort to bring such a siege to an end.
