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Name
Jubran
- Pakistan
Profession
Question
Do you think the latest horrific attacks from the Israelis will weaken the intifada?
Answer
The Intifada cannot be maintained at one level because the Palestinians lack in material resources while the Israelis are well-armed and equipped. However, the Palestinians do not lack in determination to continue the struggle until their country is free. This intifada is a phase in a long term struggle that is likely to last several more generations.
Name
nasir
-
Profession
Question
What are the true signs of Imam Mehdi & when will he come?
Answer
Editor:
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Name
khlaid Issa
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
What was the reason behind the attempt to assassinate Al-Rantisi? Why only at that time? Do you think the attempt to kill al-Rantisi is an Israeli plan to uproot the intifada since the Palestinian authority is not able to do that?
Answer
Al-Rantisi is the Lion of Gaza whose voice expressed the steadfastness of the Palestinians, something which the Israelis could not tolerate. In a desperate attempt to crush the Palestinian intifada and bring the Palestinians to their knees, the Israelis resort to hopeless measures such as assassinations, demolition of houses, uprooting of trees, detention of hundreds of young men, etc. What is clear to all is that the attempt failed and exposed the state of panic and helplessness in which the Israelis find themselves. Indeed, the Israelis would love to see Palestinians kill each other and fight each other so that they take respite. This is actually what the Road Map is all about. It is about securing the Israelis at the price of a Palestinian blood-bath.
Name
Rowaida
- United States
Profession
Question
Do you think it is possible for the roadmap to be applied?
Answer
It was still-born; lifeless. The objective of the road map is simply to take the Palestinians back to prior to the 28th of September 2000. In fact, that was the moment when the Palestinians could not take any more humiliation and dehumanization.
Name
Rami Ghalwash
- Egypt
Profession
Question
I read an analysis that shows that M. Dahlan has approved of the assassination of Rantisi before it happens? Do you think it is true?
Answer
I am not sure but I would not rule it out. This is the sort of job he was trained for by the Israelis and the Americans and this is the sort of mission for which he was recruited in the first place.
Name
Rebecca
- Canada
Profession
Question
Why did Sharon refuse to come to Sharm El-Sheikh summit?
Answer
I am not sure whether he refused or not. I am under the impression that Sharm El-Sheikh was an Arab-American summit, while the one at Aqaba was U.S.-Israeli-Palestinian and Jordanian.
Name
Elladen
- Lebanon
Profession
Question
You said that Israel would love to see Palestinians kill each…..I agree. Do you think that latest refusal from Hamas to negotiate with Abu Mazen is not a wise decision since it could lead to Palestinian in-fighting if Abu Mazen insists on stopping the armed intifada?
Answer
Well, Hamas is now involved in dialogue with the Palestinian Authority represented by Abu Mazen. Two days ago they held the first meeting and they are expected to continue meeting with the objective of maintaining and consolidating what they call 'national unity'. However, no agreement has been reached on the Palestinian Authority's wish to see Hamas declare a truce unilaterally. My understanding is that Hamas' wisdom and good judgment has been the reasons why no Palestinian blood was spilled by Palestinians on the streets of Gaza or the West Bank. Even when some PA officials persecuted Hamas members or handed them over to the Israelis, Hamas exercised self-restraint for the sake of Allah and for the sake of the Palestinian people.
Name
Fouad
- Belgium
Profession
Question
Thank you for www.islamonline.net for giving us the chance to talk to Dr. Azzam Tamimi whom we like very much, both on satellites and on islamonline. I have 2 questions:
1. Why Abu Mazen is acting in this unreasonable way? What is the reason behind his dangerous statements in Aqaba summit?
2. Do you think Hamas will be soon on the list of US targets in the so-called war on terror? Do you think they can get support from the Arab governments to stop Hamas? Does Hamas possess the tools of continuity?
Answer
Thank you very much for your kind remarks.
As for your first question, Abu Mazen is a man who has for a long time believed in the peaceful struggle for Palestinian rights. He does not agree that 'violence', as he calls it, will get the Palestinians any thing back. Therefore, he was the best man to be given the task of implementing the Road Map when it was ready for implementation. It was the Israelis and the Americans who insisted on having him appointed prime minister, because they are disgusted with Yassir Arafat, and because they want someone who truly believes in one option, that of negotiating. His statement at Aqaba was the most ill-judged and ill-advised. He wanted to please the Israelis and the Americans but he ended up angering everybody inside Palestine and around the Arab and Muslim worlds. I think his statement at Aqaba ended his mission and disqualified him completely.
As for the second question, the United States needs to be advised not to increase its enemies. Hamas never attacked the United States or any of its interests and it would be unwise on the part of the US officials to label Hamas as terrorist. If the United States is serious about ending the bloodshed in Palestine, it should talk to Hamas instead of declaring war against it. The key to peace in Palestine is today through Hamas. Will Hamas continue? Only if it does not change heart or path. Those who concede and give up the struggle before justice is served will lose and will be replaced by someone else who is capable of the noble mission. Hamas thus far has kept its word and that is why it continues to attract sympathy and support not only inside Palestine but around the world, even among many non-Muslims who love justice and freedom.
Name
Amgad
-
Profession
Question
What are the conditions of the public in our occupied land? Are they still supportive of the martyrdom (esteshadiah) operations? Or they are getting tired of the long fight and the lack of outside support? The reason I am asking is the last statement by our Palestinian prisoners. Gazakum Allah Khair.
Answer
The condition of the people under occupation is very distressing. They are under siege, they have no access to earning a living or to education or medical care. However, the only people we hear complaining are those who have been relieved of all this hardship by attaining VIP status. Of course the Palestinians would like to rest and like anyone else in the world would love to live comfortably. However, who is preventing them from having such life? It is the occupation. Therefore, they do realize, and they'd tell you this, that ending occupation is the real road map to a better future.
Name
Rafiq
- Pakistan
Profession
Question
How is ar-Rantisi now? Do you think Hamas needs to secure its leaders?
Answer
He appeared on Al-Jazeera recently. He looked well. I assume that Hamas does all it can to foil Israeli assassination attempts on its leaders. However, when it is time for one to die, he or she will die and no one can keep them alive. Perhaps it is their good fortune that they stand the chance of meeting their Lord as martyrs. No one lives a day more or a day less than Allah has prescribed for him or her. This is the core of Islamic faith, and what the Israelis can never understand or appreciate. This is why eventually the Palestinians will win, but only if they have good faith.
Name
Ebrahim
- South Africa
Profession
Student
Question
The West propagates democracy as the way it would like the Middle East process to be resolved. How then could a man like Abu Mazen assume leadership without representation by the people of Palestine? How can the outside world impose a proper peace initiative and safeguard the protection of the Palestinian people?
Answer
The word 'democracy' means different things to different people. As far as George Bush is concerned, it means doing what America wants. If you do so, then you are a good lad and a nice democrat. Therefore, whenever someone mentions democracy to us we must ask: define, what do you mean by democracy? Can't you see that when the people of a province in Pakistan choose unanimously to implement Shari'ah, they are denounced by those who boast to be speakers for and defenders of democracy in the capitals of the liberal West? Democracy today is so often confused with hypocrisy. Sad indeed!
Name
Sharife
- United States
Profession
Question
What is your comment on what was declared in the Israeli TV that the next target will be Sheikh Ahmad Yasin himself? What will be the impact of this attempt – God forbid!
Answer
Sheikh Ahmad Yasin is no different from other Palestinians. If it is his destiny to meet his Lord as a martyr, he cannot escape that fate. Israel's policy of assassinating Hamas political leader is most unwise. Hamas only becomes stronger and more determined.
Name
Ebrahim
- South Africa
Profession
Student
Question
With your expertise in the field of politics, do you think that there exists a way forward to resolve the Peace process from a political perspective and what, in your opinion, would be the best way to resolve the conflict?
Answer
Yes, I believe there is a way. First of all, we need to stop the killing and the suffering. This necessitates reaching a truce by signing a cease-fire agreement. If only the United States and Europe were not biased and hypocritical in their political stances, this truce can very easily be achieved. What I mean by truce is that the Palestinians would pledge to stop attacking Israelis in exchange for:
1. Full Israeli withdrawal from the all the territories occupied in 1967.
2. Evacuation of all the Jewish settlements built on the land occupied in 1967.
3. Release of all the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention centers.
Once this is achieved, an agreement would be signed guaranteeing that for a given period of time, say 25 or 35 years, the two sides would adhere to the terms of the deal.
It is important to notice here that this deal does not entail recognizing the legitimacy of the state of Israel for this is something the Israelis cannot insist on and will not get anyway.
The second stage will be left for future generations, who, upon the expiry of the agreement, will decide what to do. Either they will renew the deal or they will decide to fight.
Eventually, what I envisage will happen is that Israel will cease to exist as a state and Jews, Christians and Muslims will coexist peacefully as they did for many centuries before Israel was created. I do not even believe in a Palestinian state. I can only imagine a viable situation whereby Palestine is a province within a much bigger entity as it has always been throughout it history.
Name
Ebrahim
- South Africa
Profession
Question
What does the new "roadmap" pose for Palestinians, with the advent of entering into a political arena. Does the political process have an effect on the Intifada and the general populous, or would this "roadmap" lend itself towards Israel having another "willing horse" to ride?
Answer
The most dangerous thing about the road map is the potential for a Palestinian inter-fighting. We can only hope that wisdom will prevail in order to foil the plot. The previous intifada came to an end only because a good number of Palestinians thought it was right to give the peace process a chance. Today, very few Palestinians have faith in these peace processes. The reason they lost faith is that they have tried and have seen what seven years of negotiating led to of loss of their land and killing of their children as well as deteriorating in their economic situation.
As far as the intifada is concerned, it is simply an expression of anger because of what occupation is doing to the Palestinians. As soon as things improve, many people will be less likely to engage in the activities of the intifada. So, it is Israel who is responsible for the current difficulties on both sides.
Name
Comment
-
Profession
Question
You said you do not even believe in a Palestinian state. What does this mean? Do you mean Palestinians will never establish their own independent state?
Answer
Why must they have a state? There was never a Palestinian state before, and Palestine was always part of a bigger Ummah. This is what we should be working for and not another unviable useless state. We already have 22 useless states, why do we need another. I'd like to see Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq, Egypt and the whole of Arabia (at least) join again and form a big state. Out struggle will not be complete without undoing Sykes-Picot.
Name
Abu Adam
- South Africa
Profession
Question
What is perceived as the peace process to the outside world might not be the same peace process as perceived by the Palestinians. When one talks about the "struggle" does the outside world in fact know what this means? How can we attain this peace if the rest of the world has not even accepted that Palestinians lives are equal in worth to those of any human being around the world? Is there a way that we, from the outside, can of educate the ill- and non-informed about the struggle for peace?
Answer
In South Africa, you can educate people by comparing the current situation in Palestine with that in S. Africa during the time of Apartheid. I fully agree with you, unless the Palestinians are seen as full human beings and unless Zionist racism comes to an end just as Apartheid came to an end there will never be peace.
Name
Dina
-
Profession
Question
Has Yasser Arafat's role been totally marginalised as the Americans and Israelis want?
Answer
I do not think they have succeeded in marginalizing him. He is too clever to be marginalized. He will eventually emerge a hero out of this, as usual, especially when Abu Mazen is shamed and discredited.
Name
Deeqa
- Somalia
Profession
Question
Can Hamas accept a truce if the Israelis vow to stop the attacks and assisinations?
Answer
Hamas has always declared its readiness to halt attacks on civilians if Israel were to stop attacking Palestinian civilians and end to assassinations. However, Hamas has never given up its right and the right of the Palestinians to struggle to end Israel's occupation of the West Bank and Gaza.
Name
Abdullah
- United States
Profession
Student
Question
It is needless to say that the "peace process" is and has always been a shame and the "Road Map" is just another setup.
Is it not ridiculous to ask the victims of occupation to negotiate with the thieves and murderers? Charles Reese hit the point today with a commentary on this link:
Now the question: Do you believe there can ever be peace, so long as Israel is allowed to remain an extremist Fascist State, armed with Weapons of Mass Destruction?
Just as Germany had to be deNazified, Israel needs to be deZionified, if there is ever hope to have permanent peace in the region.
Answer
Exactly. I believe that Political Zionism is an evil ideology that is as racist and facist as Apartheid in S. Africa and as Nazism in Germany. I am glad that an increasing number of Jews agree with us today and I hope that more of them will open their eyes to see what Zionism has done of damage to them and to us. We need to work for a better future in which Jews and Muslims restore the excellent relations that marked their relations for more than 13 centuries until the advent of political Zionism in the 19th century.
Name
Rolla
- Austria
Profession
Question
Did Hamas vow to assassinate Sharon if they kill Sheikh Ahmad Yasin? Is Hamas able to do that?
Answer
That's what they said.
Name
Ahmad
- Spain
Profession
Doctor
Question
In your opinion, when will be the end of the Nazi-sionist state of Israel?
Answer
Allah alone knows for sure. But not many more years. Perhaps another generation and it will be gone.
Name
Akram
- Germany
Profession
Question
May Allah accept all the martyrs and people who purchase the heaven everyday in Palestine! But I wonder why the Palestinian groups insist on declaring the names of the operation mastermind. This will only result in harming their families, which is not wise as a decision. Any comment?
Answer
This is a technicality which is defended by the Palestinian factions in two ways:
1. The perpetrator will eventually become known, and so will his family.
2. If the organization concerned does not claim responsibility, some other factions may be tempted to claim that responsibility in order to make certain political gains.
In addition to the above, it is also argued that the people are usually eager to know who did it and from which organization. After all, this is how more recruits are attracted and support is rallied.
Name
Mawjood
-
Profession
Question
Do you think Israel can take the war outside Palestine, meaning carrying out more assassinations in Syria and Lebanon?
Answer
It would be most unwise for them to do so.
Name
Mohsen
-
Profession
Question
Is it possible to further keep in touch with Dr. Azzam. I really admire your vision?
Answer
You are most welcome to get in touch with me by e. mail if you wish:
info@ii-pt.com
You may also visit my institute's website at www.ii-pt.com
Name
Shafiq
-
Profession
Question
How do you see the people in the Middle East towards their governments? Is there a way out....
Answer
Yes, of course. There is always away out. As Allah SWT (Almighty) tells in the Qur'an, "Hardship will be followed by relief". Increasingly the gap between rulers and ruled in the Middle East is widening. If these rulers do not make an effort to bridge the gap, they will eventually be swept away. Let us hope that some of them will learn the lesson of Saddam. What is encouraging is that the masses are more aware and conscientious than ever before. This is a great sign. What the masses cannot do due to lack of resources or means, Allah will do it for them. For Allah does change the overall condition of a people when they take the initiative and do all that is within their means to improve themselves.
Name
Mansour
- France
Profession
Question
I believe that latest attempt to assassinate ar-Rantisi was the biggest betrayal. I wonder how did Israel know about the car, the number, and where it was….how will Palestinian fractions deal with "agents" and spies?
Answer
Unfortunately, our people in Palestine have been afflicted with collaborators who have sold themselves to the devil. Without the help these collaborators (traitors) offer to the Israelis, many of these assassinations would not have succeeded. My understanding is that an invisible form of paint is left on the cars. Israeli planes detect the paint and target the cars.
Name
Khadija
- United States
Profession
Question
What is the difference between Jews and zionist in Palestine? To me, everyone living in Palestine is a zionist!!!
Answer
There are few Jews in Palestine who are opposed to Zionism and to the state of Israel itself. Member of Neturei Karta for instance. However, you are in a sense justified in believing that those who approve of the occupation of Palestine by Israel are Zionist Jews. Most non-Zionist Jews live outside Palestine since they refuse to live in a state which is racist and to them anti-Jewish.
Name
Ali
- Canada
Profession
Question
How can there be a truce while Israel is destroying everything and killing whoever they can? I think the Palestinians must continue to struggle and Allah will for sure be with them.
Answer
A truce is a cease-fire agreement between two enemies. It does not mean that by accepting a truce agreement you agree with everything your opponent stands for. A truce would be in favor of the Palestinians if the Israelis agree to the conditions demanded and explained earlier; namely:
1. withdrawal from 1967-occupied territories;
2. removal of all settlers from these territories;
3. and release of all prisoners.
Once again, this does not mean that you recognize Israel's right to exist. What it means is that you agree to allow it to exist for the duration of the truce. This is not unprecedented in the history of the Muslims.
Name
Abu Uthmaan
- South Africa
Profession
Student
Question
From the dialogues taking place, there seems to be consensus on the methodology of approach by all those interested in realising the goal liberating Palestine. Do the Zionists and Jews then have such a strong influence on the rest of the world or is this a misnomer: Is the world actually changing its views on the illegitimate state of Israel. If so, what has been the major contributing factor to this change of opinion?
Answer
The Zionists do have influence in certain important circles around the world. There is no doubt about this. However, their influence is not unconditional. Increasingly people around the world are more aware of the negative impact such influence is having. I have seen signs of more people daring to speak against Israel. These brave voices include some Jews who are horrified at what Israel has done to their image and reputation around the world.
Name
Abu Adam
- South Africa
Profession
Student
Question
This uselessness of the surrounding states, can their support be harnessed in any way in order to pressurise the "israeli" occupationists to succemb to the Palestinian cause? Do the governments of these "useless" states repersent the people or do you foresee a resurgence amongst the people living in surrounding countries?
Answer
I would not count on governments.
Name
Mansoor
- South Africa
Profession
Student
Question
Asalaamu alaykum...Peace is that which only be achieved through justice, as long as injustices and oppression is the order, how can anything be salvaged? "Israel" have placed the greatest Tyrant in modern day history in power as president...surely, Their intentions are not for peace...! Wolf in sheeps clothing? Ma'salaam Wallahualam!
Answer
O.K.
Name
S.W
-
Profession
Question
Why was the mufti of Palestine detained?
Answer
I am not sure about the details of his detention.
Name
Hamdi El-Hadi
-
Profession
Question
Do you think the collapse of Zionism is almost close as there is an increasing movement in America and other countries led by the Jews against zionism? Any future is left for zionism? Can you provide some examples and details as I want prepare a talk about this.
Answer
I personally believe, on the basis of observation and of various writings by experts in the field, that Zionism is in trouble. The Zionist project has been in retreat. I am glad to see more Jews willing to stand up and dissociate themselves from Zionism. We Muslims may help expedite this process by correcting our position toward the Jews. We have a problem not with all the Jews but with those of them that support oppression in Palestine. I have an article on this that may be of assistance to you. Send me an e-mail to info@ii-pt.com and by return e-mail I shall send you the article.
Editor:
This article has been recently published on www.islamonline.net . You can view it on this link:
I'm glad there are brothers like yourself, who are not put off with the Israeli Lobby's strategy of branding their opponent "anti-Semite".
Too bad, the American Muslim/Arab spokespersons do not make the Fascism of Israel the real issue and are instead being swayed by political games of the Israeli lobby.
If Israel had not been so racist, it could have made all Palestinians equal citizens decades ago and we would not be having this discussion.
In reality, Israeli leaders want this "two-state solution", so that they can keep their racist ideology, while pretending to be a democracy. But, that will never give peace and security to its neighbors and would never lead to Justice for Palestinians who were ethnically cleansed from their land.
About the Jewish writers, who do agree on this point, may I provide the following references?
Thank you very much for your remarks and for the references. Our real defeat would be when we succumb to intimidation. I personally cannot be accused of anti-Semitism because I am a Semite and I can prove it since my family tree goes all the way back to Tamim Al-Dari. But what is more important than ancestry is the soundness of argument, the facts. I recently debated a pro-Israel British member of parliament on London radio. She was so pissed off that she tabled a question in parliament about me calling for investigating me for terrorism. I took this to be a sign of her weakness and defeat rather than a signal that I should fear what is likely to happen to me. Here is what she said and what the minister's response to her question was:
(12 Jun 2003 : Column 841)
Mrs. Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside): "In view of the tragic events unfolding in the middle east, where it appears that Hamas is successfully derailing the peace process, will the Leader of the House consider arranging an urgent debate on the activities of Hamas in this country, the activities of leading members of Hamas in the Muslim Association of Britain and the activities of Azam Tamimi? Will my right hon. Friend consider that in the light of the possibility that such people may be attempting to recruit British citizens to become suicide bombers in Israel and in Palestine, and in view of the fact that those same people have called the suicide bombers martyrs?"
Dr. Reid: "First, my hon. Friend represents the views of the whole House when she refers to the tragic loss of life in the middle east over the past 24 hours. It is a vicious circle of tragedy. It would be a double tragedy if we allowed those who wish to destroy the present peace initiative through such acts of terrorism to have their way. That leads me to the second point, which is on the activities in this country of people who are allegedly connected with terrorist organizations or encouraging terrorist activity. I will not make any specific comment on any specific case, but the Home Secretary, politicians as a whole and our intelligence services are very well aware of the need for coordinated appraisal of and intelligence on such matters. All hon. Members appreciate the need for that."
Name
Shadi el-Jarrah
-
Profession
Question
Is there any disagreement between Fath movement and PA, and between PA and Kata'ib al-Aqsa?
Answer
Fatah is a large movement and within it there is plurality and difference. Clearly, Kata'ib al-Aqsa, which is the military wing of the movement, does not agree with the current position of the PA and does not approve of the road map. I have no doubt that the majority of the Palestinians today, whether they support Fatah or Hamas or other factions, are united in this position.
Name
Muhammad
- Kenya
Profession
Question
What can we do for Palestine other than du'a' and donation?
Answer
Education. People need to learn the truth. When more people know what the real story is, less people will support injustice and less people will keep quiet. We need to propagate information about the roots of the problem in Palestine. Not only among Muslims but among humans who ever they are and where ever they live. If we can form an international movement in solidarity with Palestine and in opposition to Zionism, that will be the day when pressure will build on decision makers who provide the likes of Sharon with the power to kill and destroy.
Those who know how to write should write to the media commenting on coverage, thanking the good and criticizing the bad. Those who have access to human rights groups should insist on them to focus their attention on the plight of the Palestinians. And those who have access to politicians need to talk to them and convince them that it will not do them or their countries any good to remain indifferent or to support the oppressors.
Name
Hasan al Qadi
-
Profession
Question
I don't have a question but i would like to extend my thanks to Dr. Azzam for this awesome statement. Very few people now say the truth, espcially in the field of politics.
Answer
Thank you very much.
Name
Editor
-
Profession
Answer
We would like to apologize for our viewers for not being able to answer all the questions within the time allotted to this session. We request our viewers to join us in the upcoming sessions.
