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Name
khalil
- United States
Profession
Question
Do you think the prime minister position will lead to radical reform in the Palestinian authority? What do you its effect would be on the intifada? Will Abu Mazen support the intifada?
Answer
Far from it. This new appointment is only a tactical one in response to pressure from the U.S.A and Europe and to silence Israeli leaders who keep accusing Yassir Arafat of responsibility for the escalation in violence. The problem is that Yassir Arafat like all other Arab leaders would simply not let go until he is out of this life. He has even resisted the proposal that the Prime Minister be vice president. He does not believe that there should be a deputy for him in any capacity.
Furthermore, the problem is not with the Palestinian Authority, no matter how corrupt it is, but with the very arrangement that brought it to existence, i.e. the peace process whose main objective is to secure Israel at the expense of the Palestinian people.
Name
walid
- Germany
Profession
Question
If the war on Iraq breaks out, what can Sharon do to the Palestinians? And do you expect Iraq will offer tangible support for the intifada?
Answer
Many observers fear that Sharon may exploit the war in order to effect major permanent changes on the ground, including a 'transfer' of a significant segment of the Palestinian population. It is no secret that so far, and throughout the period when everyone was preoccupied with the campaign to wage war on Iraq, the Israelis have been killing Palestinians on daily basis and have been inflicting on them all sorts of punishments.
A post-war Iraq is likely to be totally under the control of the Americans. If the present regime has been able to offer some help to the Palestinians, it is highly unlikely that a future regime will do so. To the contrary, a U.S.-controlled Iraq will probably move toward establishing diplomatic ties with Israel.
Name
hasan
-
Profession
Question
A question that always comes to my mind is why can't the Palestinian people achieve victory over Zionists? Why did the first intifada fail in accomplishing its goals? What do you expect from present intifada?
Answer
The Palestinian people have been the victim of a global campaign. Israel is not simply the product of a localized territorial dispute. The defeat of the Ottomans in the First World War led to the partitioning of the entire Arab region and to the creation of territorial states that are far from viable. What makes things worse is that these states are controlled by elites that are primarily concerned with serving their elitist interests. The creation of the state of Israel was never meant to target the Palestinians, but the entire Ummah (Muslim nation). Therefore, the project of liberating Palestine is much bigger than the Palestinians, or even the Arabs. Among the very many crimes committed against the Ummah has been the downgrading of the Palestinian problem from Islamic to Arab and then finally to Palestinian with the PLO proclaimed the 'sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people'. Unless the Ummah is once again actively involved in the project of liberation, which means that the Palestinians are no longer alone in resisting the evils of Zionism, it will take a lot longer than you dread to bring about tangible results. But, do not lose hope. Things are getting better, and despite the difficulties, one of the signs is that more and more people in the Arab region and across the Muslim world are waking up.
The current intifada will not liberate Palestine. All it does is to keep the flame on until the Ummah rallies behind the Palestinians.
Name
rulla
- Lebanon
Profession
Question
What do you think the future would be after assassination of the late Muqadma?
Answer
He was not the first nor will he be the last. For us Muslims martyrdom is not the end of things but the beginning of the most wonderful of things. In the next life one is in an everlasting bliss while in this life those after him continue to receive inspiration from him. No noble cause dies because of the loss of martyrs that offer their lives for it. The blood of martyrs provides nourishment and sustenance for those who continue the struggle. The cause will always be stronger when more sacrifices are offered. This is what the Israelis do not understand and will probably never understand.
Name
Osman
-
Profession
Question
I have been wondering, wouldn't it be better for the Palestinians to use other more effective means of defense other than carrying out Martyrdom opperations? Secondly, the situation in Palestine seem to be getting worse lately esp. after all media coverage have moved towards the Iraq issue. Do you think the sitaution will change for the better?
Answer
Such as what? What do you suggest? When the Israelis are able to hit from the air (F16's or Apaches), from the sea or from a distance on the ground; and when they are able to utilize the best technology afforded to them by the U.S. and Europe, what can the Palestinians do but turn themselves into bombs?
Had the Palestinians had the same weapons and the same technology, of course they would not have resorted to what they are now doing. They might have stood a chance of staying alive.
You are right, the situation has been deteriorating and the world is preoccupied with Iraq. When it is likely to get better? Only Allah knows. But it will not get better until the Israelis are forced (for nothing else will convince them) to withdraw and to stop persecuting the Palestinians. The sacrifices made by the Palestinians are the only guarantee for this to happen.
Name
Hanafiah
- Malaysia
Profession
Student
Question
Is it only Hamas that carries out the intifada? How can we in Malaysia contribute to this Jihad?
Answer
The intifada is the collective effort of the Palestinian people with all their groups and factions. Muslims in Malaysia can help by donating generously to help alleviate the suffering of the Palestinians. The number of orphans, widows and entire families that are without a sustainer is on the rise every day. Houses are demolished and lands are confiscated. The Palestinians need every help they can get. Also, make du`a' and pray for them, for that is no less important.
Name
khuzaym
- Egypt
Profession
Question
Does Sharon intend to expel Palestinians in Iraq after war?
Answer
Such a prospect is realistic. Sharon believes in 'transfer' as a solution to the problem. However, because of logistical problems and because Arab countries around Palestine will not welcome massive transfer; this may take a small scale format. There have been rumors for quite some time that Iraq may become the place where many Palestinian refugees will be relocated in order to solve the refugee problem once and for all.
Name
SWALEH DUMAN
- Mauritius
Profession
CUSTOMS HOUSE BROKER
Question
Why does victory over Israel by the Muslim nations look impossible to achieve these days?
Answer
It is not impossible at all. What is sixty or seventy years in the lives of nations and civilizations? Yes, it is true that the Palestinians have suffered so much as a result of the occupation, but the Israelis have not been living in comfort. What they thought was the land of milk and honey has proven to be the land of blood and sweat. During the Crusaders' occupation of the Arab heartlands, Jerusalem remained under their rule for nearly 90 years during which the call to prayer was never allowed from the Al-Aqsa mosque. Then, when the Muslims woke up and returned to Allah, Salah Al-Din led them to victory. We need to be patient, have confidence in Allah and do what each of us can. I would strongly recommend to all the brothers and sisters to think about what they can do. When each of us goes to bed at night and put his or her head on the pillow, ask yourself: what could I have done for Palestine today? What can I do for Palestine, or for the Ummah, tomorrow? It is then, and only then, that victory will come, insha'Allah.
Name
Ghada
- Austria
Profession
Question
As we are starting the session, I would like to ask Dr. Tamimi about the impact the Palestinian military action had on the Palestinian cause? As you know Palestinians are missing the support of the Muslims and Arabs and they are fighting back with insignificant weapons. They are losing people on daily basis. The Israelis are using every thing they can to kill the Palestinians. So they are unequal parties in the battle. I know the Palestinians are having the iman, but not all of them. Do you think the martyr operations will have effect in ending occupation? Or it just better than nothing?
Answer
It is true that the tactics pursued by the Palestinians, especially with regard to the martyrdom operations, may have cost them the sympathy and support of some people here and there. However, my observation is that the world is increasingly realizing that the Palestinians have no other option. They actually have not been left with any other option. They are being forced to a corner, kicked, punched, slapped, spitted on and humiliated. Their enemy has the most lethal weaponry and the most sophisticated technology humanity has discovered, while they have nothing but their bodies and lives to offer for the sake of remaining dignified humans.
Furthermore, the Palestinians are not the first people in the world to have to go through this. Remember Vietnam? The Americans burnt the country over and over again in the vain hope of killing its people's resistance. Did they succeed? Never! Remember South Africa? Nelson Mandella preferred to spend more than a quarter of century in prison so that his people get their freedom the dignified way. And we the Muslims have even, or should have, a stronger motivation, and that is our hope for a better life in the hereafter. Every martyr that the Palestinians offer is a gain and not a loss. For he or she is alive and their blood provides constant inspiration for many generations to come.
Eventually, it is the Israelis who will lose. For they did not come from Europe and other places around the world to die in Palestine. They came to live, and what sort of a life are they living? Eventually, they will have to go. Allah tells us in the Qur'an very clearly that if we suffer, they suffer too, but the difference is that we have something to hope for from our Lord and they have not.
Name
A_Adam
- United Kingdom
Profession
Student
Question
As-Salamu `Alaykum,
Is there any way the Palestinian People can escape/overcome this constant Israeli oppression, humiliation, intimidation, assassination and so forth? Is there any way they can live safe from Israeli Barbarism?
Answer
Not without struggle and sacrifice. I am sure that if you ask any Palestinian under occupation, they'd tell you that it is much more honorable to die for the sake of Allah, that is in jihad, than live in humiliation. It is their destiny to be the spearhead in this pan-Islamic cause, for Palestine is the cause of the entire Muslim Ummah and not the Palestinians alone. It is, furthermore, a great honor for the Palestinians to be at the forefront of this struggle, even if they did not choose to be so.
Name
Thomas Pochari
- United States
Profession
publisher and author
Question
Hello Azzam. The intifada is only getting started, I hope. What course do you expect the intifada to take? When will the disarmed and unarmed Palestinians get real weapons to defend themselves, and when will the borders with Egypt and Jordan be opened up, so that this fight can be on equal terms?
Answer
The Arab masses one day, not so distant I hope, will be able to take charge and bring about all the positive changes we aspire to see. These changes will mean that the Arab armies and various Arab security agencies will no longer be dedicated solely for the protection of the Zionist state in Palestine. For this Arab service is what has been of more asset to Israel than all the resources made available to it by the United States and its European allies. Until then, the Palestinians have no choice but to continue the struggle with whatever means that are available to them.
Name
Nancy
-
Profession
Question
Why is it a "martyrdom" operation when a suicide bomber kills an innocent and "murder" when an Israeli bulldozer kills an innocent? They both look like terrorism to me....
Answer
What do you suggest should be the alternative? Perhaps if the United States and Europe were prepared to arm the Palestinians the way they arm the Israelis, then a conventional war can be conducted and not innocent people will be killed on either side. But when Palestinian land is occupied, when their homes are under constant threat of being demolished and when their children can at any time lose their lives whether sleeping, walking or sitting in their classrooms, what do you expect them to do? Your answer might provide an alternative to the killing, something which all of us would greatly welcome.
Name
Sami
-
Profession
Question
Why is Hamas making dialogues with leaders who are found to be agents for the Jews?
Answer
The Palestinians are after all one family. Within the same family there are individuals who see right for what it is, but there are those who get confused or choose to follow the wrong. But it is still one family, and within the family dialogue must continue in order to avoid reaching a stage when the members of the same family are killing each other while the aliens, the invaders, watch and enjoy.
Name
Mahfouz
- Netherlands
Profession
Question
Do you think the Zionists will seize the war on Iraq to cripple the intifada? How would they do this?
Answer
They have tried and failed, and they will try again and will insha'Allah fail. The Israelis do not realize that the more they pressure the Palestinians the more they increase their determination to stick to the land and to prefer to die on its soil rather than give it up. Today's Palestinians are different from the Palestinians who lived through the Nakbah (Catastrophe) in 1948 or the Naksah (defeat) in 1967. The overwhelming majority of the Palestinians today are willing to give what it takes to rid themselves of occupation.
But, as stated in previous answers, there is a likelihood that the Israelis may attempt forced 'transfer' of the Palestinians into Jordan, and possibly from there to Iraq or at least to the border areas between Iraq and Jordan.
Name
Muhammed
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
As-Salamu `Alaykum,
As long as Arabs are divided and scared of others instead of Allah, they will never free Palestine etc. Muslims don't have to fight anyone, they have every kind of resources except unity. Unity will reverse/change everthing. What's your view, brother?
Answer
Indeed, our failure has been the consequence of our submission to other than Allah. Yes, we need to go back to Allah, unite ourselves and struggle for truth and justice with all the resources that are available to us. But of course we have to fight those who fight us. Yes, we are not supposed to initiate aggression against others, for Allah loves not the aggressors. But it is the duty of a Muslim to rise up in jihad if an act of injustice is perpetrated or if an aggression takes place.
Name
afsar
-
Profession
student
Question
Why did Cairo talks fail? Are the Palestinian political parties aware of the seriousness and awkwardness of the upcoming period?
Answer
The talks failed because the Palestinians were being asked to observe a one-sided (unilateral) cease-fire while no guarantees were being offered whatsoever for their own protection from Israeli troops. The Palestinians have expressed more than once their readiness to sign a truce agreement but the Israelis refused to be part of any such deal. So long as Israel has the ability and the freedom to assassinate and punish the Palestinians collectively, it would be impossible to expect any Palestinian faction to observe a unilateral stoppage of military actions against the Israelis.
Name
Amjad
-
Profession
Question
What do you mean by the "transfer" govt? Why is it called so?
Answer
Transfer is the term used to describe the forceful eviction of the Palestinians from their lands by the Zionists. The Zionists claim that the land is theirs and that the Palestinians should just go and live elsewhere in the wide Arab lands. So, they use a term which under normal circumstances sounds acceptable, though in this case it amounts to genocide or ethnic cleansing.
Name
Nancy
-
Profession
Question
I sincerely mean no disrespect - perhaps the way to begin is to agree that BOTH ARE indeed terrorism....
as far as a "solution"...personally I will never understand why they don't just draw the borders and live in peace...does God/Allah care what the borders are and what the states are called between them?
Land is land....has always "belonged" to this group and then that group...when in actuality it doesn't "belong" to anyone....it is a gift from God...
Answer
I would have agreed with you 100 per cent had it not been for the fact that this conflict is not really about land. It is regrettable that this how it is portrayed by the media. If you wish I could send you one of my recent papers on the roots of the conflict, which I hope will provide you with some background information. Send me an e-mail and by return e-mail I shall send you the article. My e. mail is: info@ii-pt.com
You may even find it, as well as other papers on the issue, on my institute's website: www.ii-pt.com
Name
Nancy
-
Profession
Question
In re-reading your reply - I must also say that "conventional" wars always kill innocents as well....and Israeli parents also have the worry of their children being killed while sleeping, walking, going to school, etc. there's no difference.
Answer
So, we cannot fight any sort of war then! What should we do when our land is occupied by aliens? Do we just surrender and accept the status quo? What would you have advised the Vietnamese people to do? Or for that matter the French when the Nazis occupied their country?
Anyway, please consider what I said in my second response to you.
Name
G.
-
Profession
Question
Why did Sharon kick Netanyahu out of the prime minister position?
Answer
It was not Sharon but the Israeli electorate, or more precisely the Likud members. As far as the Palestinians are concerned both are evil. As far as the Likud supporters are concerned they seem to have more confidence in the Butcher of Sabra and Shatilla than in a big mouth that claims to be more pious than the majority of the Jews around the world. That is an entirely Israeli internal issue of no significance to the Palestinians.
Name
Tagrid
-
Profession
Question
How do you describe those scholars esp from Saudi Arabia who still say that Palestinians are not allowed to bomb themselves because it is an act of suicide?
Answer
This is their opinion, which happens to contradict the opinions of all the other scholars around the Muslim world. If we assume that their intentions are good, their understanding of what these operations are about is definitely skewed. Some people suspected that their fatawas are tailored to suit the political circumstances of the country in which they live. Allah knows best.
Name
Editor
-
Profession
Question
Host -
We apologize for not being able to answer all of your questions due to the limited time of our session. We thank you very much for participating with us in this dialogue.
Answer
Rachel's friends:
We would like to thanks IslamOnline for its tribute to Rachel Corrie. Rachel's blood has was mixed with that of all of Palestine's martyrs. We are happy to be given the opportunity, as Palestinians, to make our voices heard to the world, and to continue with Rachel's call on behalf of the children of Palestine, who long for the minimum any child can hope for. It is not schools or parks or toys that our children need now. Palestine's children now need a place to be buried, with the increasing number of child killings.
