Mr. Yousufi, I would like to comment on your 1 June editorial, especially the two questions you state Mr. Asay raised. The first question, why no Muslims speak out against zarqawi attacks on innocent muslims. You state that since Gen Abizaid repuditated zarqawi's comments, further Muslim comment is not necessary. Since it appears that the majority of Muslims place no value on statements of American politiacal or military officials, that is exactly why we (non-muslim americans) need to hear persons of authority in the Muslim world repudiate that statement. Your second statement questioning why the world doesn't understand the furor about the Quran desecration is even more puzzling to me, based on my experience in Bosnia and Iraq. I have personally witnessed numerous instances when mosques and religious facilities (and their contents) were utilized for terrorist, guerilla and military purposes, all of which are forbidden under the Geneva convention. Note, I also witnessed Serbs and Croats doing the same thing, for which they get hammered for. In Iraq I have seen and been told of cases where religious buildings, and their contents (including Qurans) were being used for terrorist or military purposes, including weapons storage, fighting positions or even boobytrapped. Also fellow Muslims have no problem killing, blowing up the people and Qurans of Muslims of other faiths, so apparently it is only a problem when committed by a non-Muslim.
Another comment on your numbers of over 100,000 innocent Iraqis women and children killed by US and British air strikes, nice try. There were many unintended casualties as the result of the military campaign to remove Sadam Hussien but nowhere close to your number. I noticed you did not mention the thousands of "Innocent" men, women and children Iraqis that have been killed or injured by the bombing and attacks of the "Muslim" insurgents. Finally, I must admit that there are many problems between the US and many parts of the world, and that Christians and Jews have and continue to make their share of mistakes. What bothers me, especially after visiting your web site, is the view your organization holds that Muslims have nothing to apologize for, no regrets, and its seems to be everyone else's fault. After reading your pages, I cannot understand why you wish to continue to live in this
horrid country. I believe that Muslims, like Christians, Jews and even Americans, are not special, they are just different, and to use your "Kindergarten bully" analogy, if you want respect from the rest of the world, how about you start showing some. Thanks for your time.