|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
by Jamshed Bokhari
WASHINGTON (Islam Online) Aug 6 - Despite constant rainfall some 500 demonstrators and speakers braved the weather on Sunday afternoon here to protest in front of the White House in Lafayette Park against 10 years of UN imposed economic sanctions on Iraq. The Washington demonstration was part of protests, occurring worldwide, against sanctions imposed after the Persian Gulf War on August 6, 1990 - ten years ago. Most participants stated that the wet weather was nothing compared to the suffering the Iraqi people were currently experiencing, and that human conscience should be greater than getting a bit wet. Some participants, however, recognized that turnout was low compared to the expected 4,000-5,000. Representatives and members of over 50 religious, human and civil rights, and Arab organizations participated in the protest. Of the major organizations present was the Education for Peace in Iraq Center (EPIC), the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) Islamic Center, Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center, the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), and the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC). Speakers included local religious leaders from the Islamic and Christian communities, including Mahdi Bray of ADAMS, MP George Galloway of the British parliament, Representative Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) from the United States Congress, Nihad Awad of CAIR, and U.S. Presidential candidate Ralph Nader. As part of Nader's speech, he recalled statements from Secretary of State Madeline Albright when she was informed of the suffering of the Iraqi people, and especially of the children. Nader quoted Albright as saying that the suffering was acceptable given the end of toppling Saddam Hussein. Actor Martin Sheen was scheduled to speak at the protest but was unable to attend. He did, however, send a message of strong support from his home in Los Angeles. Youth from local Islamic centers and mosques delivered presentations. An especially moving poem was read from the perspective of a young Iraqi girl calling for her mother expressing her loneliness, despair and fright. Most speakers directed their frustration concerning the situation facing the Iraqi people, stating that economic sanctions were in effect punishing and exterminating them for the sins of Saddam Hussein. Many speakers stated that Saddam was a tyrant but that UN-imposed economic sanctions were not affecting him. Innocent Iraqi citizens, who not only have to face the repressive regime of Saddam, but also the sanctions imposed from the world community, were the real victims. Conversations and arguments on the fringes of the demonstration included people from opposition organizations and local Washington activists. One individual claiming to be a part of the Iraqi opposition argued with a demonstration participant stating, "All you're doing is helping Saddam Hussein." Another individual, noticing the demonstration, yelled, "There are children dying here in DC, they need help first." Demonstrators, including members of the ADAMS Islamic Center, explained that protest participants were also involved with efforts to help those in need in the Washington area, calming the individual. Marches and protests are scheduled to continue early Monday in front of the Treasury Department and White House. This week also marks the 55th Anniversary of the dropping of nuclear weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the United States. |
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
