The rally will be taking place this August 6th commemorating 10 years of sanctions against Iraq.
Name
Mustapha
- United States
Profession
Question
What is the focus of the rally?
Answer
The focus is to draw media attention within the United States and around the world to focus on the suffering of the women and children of Iraq.
Name
Muhammad
- United States
Profession
Question
Where is the rally taking place?
Answer
The rally is taking place in Washington DC. It will start at the Lincoln Memorial and a march will take place to Lafayette Park, which is behind the WHite House. The reasoning for this site is because we believe that the executive office of the President of the United States is one of the main proponents of maintaining sanctions against Iraq.
Name
Khadijah
- United States
Profession
Question
What significance is there to have the rally now?
Answer
This Sunday will mark the 10th anniversary of sanctions on Iraq. We are hoping to get media exposure on the issue.
Name
Khaleel
- United States
Profession
Question
Could you please give me some of the statistical information about Iraq under the sanctions?
Answer
In the last 10 years over 500,000 childrend have died as a direct result of sanctions (UNICEF Report). Also Denis Halliday, former head of the Oil for Food Program and Assistant Secretary General who resigned in protest, estimates that 5,000 children die every month because of sancitons. That is about 1 child every 15 minutes. Unfortunately, the United States is the prime proponent of sanctions and is doing everything possible to maintain the status quo.
Name
Walter
- United States
Profession
Question
Who are some of the notable speakers at the event?
Answer
First of all Martin Sheen, the actor on the hit NBC series The West Wing and an emmy nominated actor, will briefly speak at the rally. He will be joined by Johari Abdul-Malik, Chaplain of Howard University MSA, Imam Musa, Imam of Masjid Al-Islam, Rev. Jim Lawson, and Folk singer Pete Seger.
Name
Ahmad
- Qatar
Profession
student
Question
Do you think the sanctions on Iraq are a lesson for others?
Answer
The situation in Iraq is a lesson for others from many different angles. For one, the state of the country before the sanctions was one that was very secular. Therefore, perhaps we could look at the devastation that has come with the sanctions as being a wake-up call for the Muslims as well as a test for people all over the world to come to the aid of their brothers and sisters.
It is truly saddening the that politics is played sometimes. Innocent peoples lives are toyed with as if they are simply pawns in a larger chess game for power and dominance. For example, the aspect of innocent lives being taken in order to eliminate supposed sites that pose a threat to those parties holding the sanctions at this time. Remember on May 12, 1996, when Lesli Stal asked Madelyn Albright whether the the death of a half million children "was worth it" she responsed that "this is a hard question, because I am a humane person, but the price is worth it," declaring that it was strategically justifiable in order for the U.S. to achieve its objectives in the Middle East.
So therefore, yes it is a lesson for us. The real question is, how are we going to respond to the situation?
Name
Souad
- United States
Profession
Question
Salamou Alaykoum
15 days ago my husband and I went to a doctor because I'm severely sick. At the end of the meeting the doctor asked us when will be the proper time for the next appointment, so my husband told him 5.30pm - after working hours - So the appointment was fixed 15 days in advance.
My husband is professor at University, he usually gives appointment to his students during working hours, however, the day before the appointment with my doctor an Arab, non practicing Muslim friend of my husband called him at home and told him he would like to meet him the following day (so the day of the appointment with my doctor). Then my husband answered there was no problem they can meet at the end of the afternoon. I asked him if he had not forgotten my appointment and reminded him that I couldn't go alone to that doctor as he is a man and I am a woman. Then my husband told me he would not be able to accompany me to my appointment at this particular time. As I had nobody to come with me I finally cancel the appointment.
This is not the first time my husband put me aside to please his Arab, non-practicing Muslim friends. My question is then is: Is it normal that my husband does not respect his commitment towards me to content his non-practicing friends?
Barakalahou Fik
Answer
Unfortunately, I am not qualified to answer this question. However, you can ask it to one of the corresponding scholars here at Islam Online. They are not available at this time to serve you. However, if you look at the frontpage of the site, you will see that there is a section titled, "Ask the Scholars". You may enter your question there. May Allah Reward you and assist you in your situation. Ameen!
