THE ongoing events in Syria are tragic and horrific due to the conflict between the government and the opposition. However, it is a civil war-type situation owing to the internal conflict.

The OIC expulsion is a very cynical move on the part of its members and shows their selectivity and bias.

The following examples from recent history show that various countries have not been expelled or suspended by the OIC:

First, Algeria in the 1990s, the military regime cancelled the first free and fair elections that were due to be won by a moderate Islamic party. This led to terrible violence and atrocities for most of the 1990s.

Second, Iraq under Saddam Hussein who killed many Kurds and Shias, including the use of chemical weapons with respect to the former.

Third, Turkey since the 1980s is also engaged in a civil war with its Kurdish population in the southeast of the country.

Fourth, Sudan for its internecine conflict in the Darfur region.

Fifth, Jordan for its crushing of some of the Palestinians in the so-called ‘Black September’ event.

Fifth, Morocco for fighting and suppressing the people of Western Sahara who wish to have independence.

The OIC does not seem to have any consistency or vision in its expulsions/suspensions and, I am afraid, does not enjoy much confidence and support of the Muslim masses around the world.

DR M. FARAZ HAQUELondon