Ramadaan Mubaruk to all

Instigating a wider war

July 20, 2006
A Handful of Neocons Are Instigating a Wider War. Will Americans join Iraqis, Lebanese, and Palestinians as neocon victims?
by Paul Craig Roberts

What explains the indifference of the Bush administration to the slaughter of civilians in Iraq, Lebanon, and Gaza?

As of the morning of July 19, Israeli bombardments of Lebanese civilian residential districts and public infrastructure have murdered 300 Lebanese, wounded 1,000, and displaced 500,000. The Lebanese prime minister said that Israel's attack has caused "unimaginable losses" and that his government will seek compensation from Israel.

In Gaza, Israel has murdered scores of Palestinian civilians in the past few days.

In Iraq, the civilian daily death toll has risen above 100.

These dead are not Hezbollah militia. They are not Hamas militia. They are not al-Qaeda or Sunni insurgents. They are civilians.

Frustrated by Hezbollah, Israel is lashing out at hapless civilians, knowing that the U.S. will protect Israel from UN Security Council condemnation.

Frustrated by Sunni insurgents, the U.S. has instigated sectarian strife.

Bush has stonewalled the UN, our European allies, and the Lebanese prime minister, all of whom are calling and pleading for Bush to pressure the Israelis to stop their cowardly slaughter from the air of Lebanese civilians.

The Guardian reports that Bush gave Israel the green light to attack Lebanon and has given Olmert another week to pound Lebanon.

U.S. Secretary of State Condi Rice has announced that she will go to the Middle East to resolve "the crisis" when it is appropriate. Apparently, the appropriate time is not when people are dying and a country, which had only just recovered from the last Israeli invasion, is again being
bombed into rubble.

How many more war crimes must Israel commit before Bush and Condi Rice put aside their indifference?

On July 19, the Israelis turned their air attack on the Christian area of Beirut. The Lebanese Christians can thank the American evangelical Rev. John Hagee, who has thrown his 18,000 member Texas church behind Israeli aggression.

Bush cannot claim public support for his indifference.

As of noon July 19, 800,000 people had participated in CNN's Quick Vote, with the result that 55 percent oppose Israel's attack on Lebanon. This result is despite the fact that U.S. television reporting explains the news from the Israeli perspective.

Similarly, in Israel a survey published by Israeli daily newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth showed 53 percent of Israelis polled said Israel should hold negotiations to secure the release of the Israeli soldier captured in Gaza, while 43 percent backed a military operation.

A poll taken by the Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz reports that 28 percent of Israelis believe Israel should immediately stop bombing Lebanon, compared to 7 percent who believe that the bombing should continue until the captured soldiers are freed, and 14 percent who believe bombing should continue until Lebanon agrees to disarm Hezbollah – a task that Israel's invasion has made more impossible than ever.

If these polls are reliable, one can conclude that the U.S. and Israeli populations are more moral, and more concerned with human life, than are the leaders of the two countries.

Neither can Bush claim that he is supporting Israel because he is Israel's friend. If Bush were Israel's friend, he would not have given a green light to Israel's aggression, which will create more hatred of Israel.

As a number of Israeli writers have pointed out, Israel has shown tooth and claw to its Arab neighbors for decades to no avail.

Writing in Ha'aretz, Yitzhak Laor notes that Israel's problems are not the result of insufficient bombing and destruction of Arab populations. Yet, once again Israeli militants are "enlarging the circle of hostilities, including harming civilians. What Israel's 'strategists' have to offer is the destruction of yet another country."

Laor says the Americans can do this in Iraq with less consequence for themselves, because "the Americans do not intend to live in this region." Israelis cannot afford to show only tooth and claw to their neighbors, because "we do live here."

It sometimes seems Bush goes beyond indifference to contentment with the slaughter of Muslim civilians. Bush has even come across as gleeful as if he is on a dove hunt in a baited Texas field where joy resides in the killing of countless birds.

Many Muslims believe that Bush and Israel see them as animals to be slain. On July 17, neocon John Bolton, Bush's unconfirmed ambassador to the UN, gave credence to this Muslim belief when he announced that Israelis killed by terrorists were more important than the Lebanese civilians killed by Israel. Bolton said that there is no "moral equivalence" between Lebanese civilians killed by Israel and Israeli civilians killed by Muslim terrorists: "It's simply not the same thing to say that it's the same act to deliberately target innocent civilians, to desire their deaths, to fire rockets and use explosive devices or kidnapping versus the sad and highly unfortunate consequences of self-defense."

In Bolton's sick mind, Lebanese civilians are not experiencing terrorism when Israel deliberately targets them and drops high explosives on their apartment buildings, streets, bridges, and power plants, and bombs the Beirut International Airport. This, says Bolton, is Israel acting in self-defense.

If Israel grabs Palestinian or Lebanese land and murders civilians, that is "self-defense," but if someone responds to Israeli aggression with a rocket, that is "Muslim terrorism."

The world is sick of this double-standard. Unfortunately, not enough Americans and Israelis are.

Consequently, conflict will continue and escalate. Laor writes that "the director of the American Jewish Committee's Israel/Middle East Office, Eran Lerman, is already recommending going to war against Syria."

And so are the American neoconservatives who control the Bush administration, Washington think tanks, and media positions once held by true American conservatives.

Isolated in their evil, the neoconservatives are frantically and shrilly demanding that Bush join Israel in military attacks on Syria and Iran in order to "build democracy" and to clear the Middle East of any opposition to Israel's unbridled self-interest. The crazed David
Horowitz writes that "Israel is doing the work of the rest of the civilized world."

Neoconservatives believe that the U.S. and Israel can extirpate Islam with fire and sword and that the present opportunity to escalate the current conflict into generalized war in the Middle East must not be missed.

Neocon warmongers have stolen the conservative name, the Republican Party, and a portion of the evangelical movement.

Are Americans too inattentive and too brainwashed to prevent their moronic president and his neocon government from initiating a dangerous war?

Salaams to all

Naseem, the honeymoon period can last from a week to a lifetime depending on the couple of course....so the question is how long do you want it to last! As you all can see, your'll are hearing from me in a while. That's because i'm at home off sick. Hurt my right knee while playing soccer, more like twisted it. Got an MRI done and the report says a complete raptue of the proximal anterior cruciate ligament with a few other minor tears. Will get report back to the doctor to see what's next. One thing's for sure though, there will be no more sports for me. Busy checking out web sites on knee injuries, it's amazing what u can learn. Pretty soon we won't need GP's anymore. So you gp's better start specialising. Otherwise everything going well in Oz land. Hope everyone are all well everywhere else.

Suleman

The honeymoon period

Salaamz

Pray that everyone is well. As for me, could not be better. The rush and stress of the wedding are over, and I am still basking in the Honeymoon period. I just want some advise from the married cousins. How long does this honeymoon period last? 2 months? 6 Months?

Naseem

Amazing Pictures

Salaams,

Recently had ADSL installed at home (not exactly broadband but the closest we have). I have discovered Google Earth. The picture below is of our house in Reservoir Hills. It is just amazing. Download Google Earth and see for yourself. Email pictures to me so everyone can see where you live.

Aslam

Back to Work...

Hope everyone is well. Hoping to get some more news on the blog. Wondering if everyone who reads the blog could send in a short message about their family right now. It does not have to be important news...just little things about children, places, work... It might be more interesting than you think.

Alhumdulillah we are are back home after a holiday to Mauritius and Dubai. We spent time in Mauritius with my mother, brothers, sisters and their families. It was very nice to go on holiday together after such a long time. Mauritius was relaxing and Dubai was exciting. The best part of being away was not having to answer my cellphone alhumdulillah.

After that, it is back to work. My practice is developing well alhumdulillah. I am lucky to have been able to join a good partnership so that has made it easier for me. May Allah continue to make it easy for me insha allah. May He make it easier for all of you wherever you are.

Our Muhammad continues to grow everyday and change. I make dua for all our children that they remain healthy and grow well.


Salaams,
Aslam
Durban

2006

Hope all you guys are well and enjoying 2006 so far. It was great having Sumayya, Monira, Sa'diyya and Leyya here for two months. It was amazing how the time flew by. They were of great help when Zakiyya was born. Azhar has started year one and enjoying it so far. As'ad is quiet happy being at home with Zakiyya who is now seven weeks old. We have been having cool weather for this part of the year but expecting a very hot Febuary and March. If all goes well, we plan to visit SA later this year. My brother Mohammed is engaged and in the process of arranging the wedding. I'm sure we will be present for the wedding and will be able to spend Ramadhaan and Eid as well in SA.

For those of you who want to see a recent pic of Dr As'ad Bhorat, go to www.giftofthegivers.org

Salaams,

Ashraf & Khatija

Hot and Cold

Salaams to all. Changed the look fo the blog for the New Year. Complain if you want but I will only change it next year again insha allah.

The weather has decided to reverse itself...we have had blistering hot humid days followed by cold wet days. Hope everyone is well where ever they are.

Muhammad's birthday is next week on the 30th. Now I know what it means when parents say that their children have grown so fast. It seems a life time away that he arrived into our lives alhumdulillah. Please make dua that he continues to grow and be healthy insha allah.

Aslam

Congratulations

Congrats to Ashraf on the birth of his third child, a baby girl. Far way off from the chap who never wanted any children at all. Hope that all is well and that the new addition will bring lots of joy and I am sure sleepless nights.

All well in Joberg. Qasim moved into a house in our area...just down the road. Talk about the area going to the dogs.

The year is almost over and it is had to see where it went...

Salaams to all.

Asad

New Arrival

We would like to congratulate Ashraf & Khatija, the proud parents of a healthy masha'allah baby girl. Both mother & baby are well. May she grow up to be the coolness of their eyes, ameen. We wish we were there to share in their joy right now.

Suleman, Tasnim & Family

Hajj 2006

Assalaam mu alikum

This is to inform you all that Yumna and I will be undertaking the journey of Hajj, Inshallah, this year. We will depart on 3^rd December 2005 and return after 6 weeks on 14^th January 2006.

We would like to take this opportunity to ask Maaf from all of you. Please make us Maaf if we have said or done anything that may have upset or hurt you in anyway. Also, please make us Maaf if we DID NOT say or do anything which we were supposed to, and in turn upset you.

Make duaa that the trip goes as planned and that Allah Ta’aala takes us and returns us safely. Most importantly, make duaa that our HAJJ is accepted in the eyes of Allah.

Please forward us your “shopping lists” of duaas that you require, as we will have ample “money” in the form of time to remember all of you, Inshallah.

Farid

P.S If we have not had the opportunity to visit any of you before we depart, its not because we didn’t want to, its just that time was a factor. We hope to meet all of you when we return.

Back at work!

Salaams to all

I'm back at work after being on maternity leave for the last 6 months. I'm not sure whether to be depressed or to enjoy the fact that I don't have to change any nappies for the whole day!!!! Seriously though all you working mothers out there know how hard it is to leave your baby with strangers....please make dua that Aaliyah adjusts quickly. Both Qaylah and Aaliyah are fine, I just can't believe that they grow so quickly!! Qaylah is quite a madam with a mouth of an 18 year old! Riyaad says she gets it from her mother.....not sure if I agree!

I saw the episode of a word or 2 when Feroz made his TV debut - he was looking particularly handsome and I am sure he will gets lots of proposals! On the subject of proposals Naseem hasn't blogged for a while - must be because he is spending all his free time talking to his soon to be fiancé! Yep - for those that haven't heard Naseem is proposed and set to be married next year May. Congratulations and remember to post this engagements pics on this website.

Luv

Zaynab

Back from Pakistan

Salaams to all,

I arrived back from Pakistan on Thursday, the 20th of October, Alhamdulillah. The earthquake and it's nightmare will continue to impact on the people of Kashmir and it's surroundings for decades to come. It seems that the death toll will approach 250 000 while millions are homeless. Hundreds of thousands have been orphaned and disabled and the most affected are the poorest of the poor. What struck us outsiders the most, was the iman shown by these most unfortunate of people. Their hearts are pure gold, for while they posessed very little in material objects, they offered us everything. May Allah give them His blessings for they are indeed of the patient ones.

The experience has been incredible for me and I would not be able to do any justice in relating them. The child who was able to smile even though he was the only survivor from his entire school or village, the patience shown by the father who was told that his only daughter had passed away in hospital, the repeated words muttered by a woman "the mountain came down to us" before an operation to amputate her leg, the eyes of the brother who looked at his only surviving family, his sister while she battled to stay allive in ICU, the insistant taxi driver who refused to take money from us because we had come to help his people, the tired pakistani doctors who worked without sleep until they collapsed with exhaustion are only some of the images that will forever reamain with us. May Allah grant the deceased Jannat and make it easy for those that have survived.

All well back home and it is great to be back. the fasting is going alright. Ashraf seems to be missing the South African taraweeh. Hang in there. How is the new job?

Make dua and salaams to all.

Asad

Ramadhaan In Australia

Salaams to all,

Our first Ramadhaan in Perth is going very well so far. We have been blessed with good weather and now that I'm working, the day goes pretty fast. Tharawee salaah is a bit long though because the Hafez doesn't recite the Quran as fast as they do in SA. A local S.African Moulana and his brother-in-law from Lenasia (Moulana Shabeer Moosa) perform the tharawee salaah daily. Tharawee salaah takes place at other Musjids and Mussallahs (as the locals call a JK) but not all of them recite Quran. Some only read surah's. The Musjid in Thornlie (the one we go to) is usually full for esha and tharawee but most of the Arab and Turkish guys read only eight rakaats. All the Musjids have ladies accommodation as well...................so it's like a family outing sometimes but the Imams often ask parents to watch over their kids as the kids really cause a disturbance at times. Overall, the experience is good but we know we will miss home on Eid day. Suleman and Fam are leaving for SA this Thursday so we will have Eid with Ebrahim & fam..........might attend the South African get together later in the afternoon.

Khatija is well and missed three fasts so far. The kids are ok and can't wait for their brother or sister in December. Make duah all goes well. Farid, I've received one mail from you and replied as well.............I don't think the MTN IS guys accept mail from a Yahoo account because other MTN people don't receive my mail. I'll try again to mail you. Hope all goes well with your prep for Hajj. I'm sure Yunus will give you some advice. Next month it will be a year for us in Perth.............time is really flying. Still waiting to hear from Farhana and Naseem wrt their trip. Hope all went well with As'ad's trip and he arrives safely today. Make duah for Ismail Mota from Tongaat....heard he had a stroke last Monday, for Nali Kala Jeebhai who is not well and for all the muslims at large.

Assalaamu Alaikum,

Ashraf

Earthquake

Salaams to all,

The tragedy of the earthquake in Pakistan unfolds in this blessed month of Ramadaan and all our thoughts are with those millions of people affected by the disaster. Please remember these people in your duas and may the mercy of Allah descend on the them. May they be of the patient ones.

I will be accompanying, insha-allah, a rescue and medical team to Pakisatn today to try to be of assisstance to those who require medical treatment. Please make dua that the mission is of benefit to the most affected. We will return on Sunday, isha-allah.

All well by the grace and blessings of Allah.

As salaam u alaikum.

Asad

Hajj

Salaams again,

Inshallah, Yumna and I are going for Hajj this year. Mummy will be joining us as well. If everything comes through we will depart on December 3^rd and return on 14^th January. A whole 6 weeks away from work J

Make duaa that everything will be in order and that we do eventually go for 6 weeks, and not less.

As’ad, inshallah you will go and return safely as well. May Allah reward you for your efforts and may your family be rewarded just as much for allowing you to go on such short notice.

Ashraf, tried e-mailing you on your yahoo.com account but not sure if it ever went through.

Salaams to all at home.. 6 down J

Farid, Yumna and Farihah Asmal

Ramadaan Mubarak

Salaams to all. Ramadaan is now in full swing, very hot in Jhb. A real tragedy in Pakistan during this blessed month, remember them in all of our duas. As'ad will be joining the Gift of the Givers on their trip to Pakistan, Insha-Alaah leaving tomorrow night. May Allah grant all thosegoing to help the strength and ability to do their best.

Yusuf is almost 3 months now and becoming a handful... Life is so much better with him around! Cant imagine life without him. Is anyone planning on Hajj this year? Last year Yunus had quite an experience, even before he left for Saudi.

Ashraf, how was the Nando's while on your holiday? You didnt have it every day, DID YOU?

Salaams to all

Qasim and Family

2 Down....

Salaams and Ramadaan Mubarak to all,

Already 2 fasts have come and gone. This month is going to be over before we know it. Lets maximize our efforts and duaas.

Ramadaan in Witbank is always nice. Especially Friday and Saturday nights, when the braai stands are lit and the action cricket gets underway in the tennis courts. Usually lasts till Sehri if the weather is good.

Farihah is growing up too quick and will be 2 in November, how time flies.. Yumna is fine as well, Alhamdulillah.

Naseem and Farhana, cant wait to hear of the experience in Palestine, especially at Al-Aqsa.

Please remember us in your duaas.

Farid

Ramadaan Mubarak

Salaams to all,

Ramadaan is here and the first fast was tough. Insha-Allah the month is filled with blessing and duas.

All well in Joburg. Same old...same old. Nice to hear from Ashraf and Farid. How is Ramadaan over there, in such strange and foreign a place? Farid you answer first. Ashraf must be missing the Ramadaan life of Durban and Stanger and the family. And the braai after tarahwee, especially...

Sumaiya, Ibrahim and Issa are well. Issa, Yusuf and Alia are growing up so fast, I can't keep up. Not much else new.

Naseem and Farhana are back from their trip to the middle east and hopefully will blog soon on their experiences.

Salaams and remember us in your duas in this auspicious month.

Asad

Salaams from Witbank

Salaams to all,

Hope this mail works, as the rest never got published on the blog.

Always nice to hear from Ashraf about his Outback adventures. Seems like you enjoying it Down Under. Its true that Firoze was on “ A Word or Two “ but he never bothered informing us about his TV Debut. He didn’t even record the show… probably because he was beaten by an old lady J.

Still waiting for the mail to circulate re contact numbers and e-mail addresses. Aslam ???

Take care and give salaams to all.

Farid Asmal