Islamic News

Herald Tribune: While America considers Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists, peace is possible various

Disputes over the meaning of the term “terrorism” have become an indicator of larger problems in Washington’s relations with the Arab world, writes the International Herald Tribune. The conflict of interpretations, intensified after President Bush in 2001 declared war on terrorism, has worsened in Gaza, where most Arabs have formed their opinion about who is the real terrorists.

According to the former Egyptian ambassador to Britain, public opinion considers the events in the Gaza Strip, a kind of terrorism, as Hamas and the like – organizations that seek to liberate their country. Israel is trying to convince public opinion that the killing of civilians by Israeli troops – a side effect of efforts to neutralize the aggressive military forces, but these arguments do not convince the Arab society, the outrage that the U.S. consider Hamas a terrorist organization, and Israel – a close friend. Public opinion is convinced that America still considers Hamas and Hezbollah terrorist organizations, peace is possible, transmits Inopressa.ru the author.

The newspaper acknowledges that in some cases, the definition of terrorism is such doubts, among them – September 11 attacks, the seizure of a school in Beslan, the bombings in Bali, London and Spain. At the same time, the invasion of Iraq in the Middle East is perceived as a terrorist act.

According to Ron Pundaka, head of Israel’s Center for Peace Peres (Peres Center for Peace), the term “terrorist” was used in a simplified way, reflecting the growing influence of radicalism on both sides. It is often used to “dilute” the problem, to avoid negotiations and to demonstrate their own moral superiority, feel analysts.

The survey showed that residents of Egypt, Gaza, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon to consider the use of the West terrorist label hypocrisy. Even Obama attempt to reach out to the Muslim world lacks credibility, as the memory still fresh attack on the Gaza Strip, but Washington still calls the Hamas and Hezbollah terrorist groups, said a correspondent Michael Slekmen.