ISLAMABAD, Oct 12: The United States-led coalition forces’ attack on Afghanistan, which has been trumpeted as a conflict between Islam and the West, is actually a conflict between the rich and the poor, the powerful and the weak.
This observation was made by Dr Nayyer, the Citizen’s Peace Committee, Rawalpindi-Islamabad convener, at a press briefing here on Friday.
He said the US and the Western world had failed to realize the injustices and the inequalities perpetrated by them in the recent past.
It is the biased policies and actions followed by the developed nations against the developing world, that has created uncertainty around the world, he said.
If the so-called guardians of democratic norms do not review their policies there is every possibility that the Samuel’s thesis (Clash of Civilizations) will come true.
The rich and powerful nations and groups have monopolized resources and decision-making and have marginalized more and more people.
The result is an ever-widening gap between rich and poor, both within and across countries. Unless there is equal sharing of resources, tragedies like New York will continue to happen.
The US in pursuit of its own political and economic interests has pursued unjust and anti-democratic policies in the Middle East and the around the World.
America must reform its international policies and recognize the legitimate aspirations of the people of Palestine, lift sanctions against Iraq, and stop supporting undemocratic governments in Middle East and around the world, he added.
He said since international terrorism transcends state boundaries therefore, any action against them must be taken by the entire community under the banner of the United Nations.
Earlier, Asim Qadir, member, CPC said we condemn and oppose the military attacks being conducted by the US and its allies against the defenceless Afghans.
He said there is no way of ensuring that there is no civilian causalities. These attacks have not only endangered the lives of millions of poor Afghans, but will also push refugees towards Pakistan.
The CPC urges the US and Britain to immediately suspend their military operations against Afghanistan and to invite the Secretary General of the United Nations to act as a mediator.
We commend the government for withdrawing its support of Taliban and call to end immediately all its support for such groups.
On the second anniversary of the military takeover, we demand that democracy be restored immediately and political rights for all the citizens be granted.