Letters to the Editor, August 1, 2004

Dr. Khalid Salah, killed with his son by Israeil occupation forces in Nablus

Hi,

My name is Diana Khalid Salah, the daughter of Dr. Khalid Salah, the Dr who was killed with my brother by the Israeli occupation forces. I read your poem and I would like to thank you for your feelings. I appreciate your care and thanks again.

Best Wishes,

Diana Khalid Salah, Nablus, Palestine

Dear Diana,

I am honored and moved that you have written to thank me. I have tears as I write this remembering what I have read of the horror of Israel's actions and the profound loss you are suffering. My most heart-felt condolences to you, your mother and the rest of your family.

Perhaps someday we will have a chance to meet.

Best Wishes, Always.

Genevieve Cora Fraser

The Poem

Palestinian-American Family Ensnared in Israeli Death Trap By Genevieve Cora Fraser (July 26, 2004)

Shaukat Aziz

It is incredible that Shaukat Aziz - an MBA graduate and a former executive of a prestigious western corporate organisation, should engage a military dictator's charade in standing as a prospective member of parliament, in a blatantly rigged election.

Considering the circumstances in which the electorate will be induced to vote for Shaukat, one wonders what other ... things Shaukat will indulge in and tolerate once he comes into power. One also wonders if Musharaf secured the rank of military general by merit or through similar dubious means that are now being deployed to have Shaukat become prime minister.

What a backward and Third World mentality people like Musharaf and Shaukat have.

The manner in which Shaukat will become prime minister is indicative of what future is in store for Pakistan as it races to reach rock bottom.

If Shaukat cannot become a member parliament through honest means what future can Pakistan expect under his premiership?

Yaseen Ahmed, London, UK

Iraq and Election

Esteemed Editor and readers:

Among many other things, the United States should be deeply ashamed of what it has done and continue to do in Iraq.

Having seen and heard a bit of the recent convention of the so-called Democratic Party of the USA, a precursor to the periodic competition between it and the opposing political team, I reflect that there are two ways to vote against this kind of government. One is to participate but to vote for Ralph Nader or some other presidential candidate who will not win. The other is to abstain from participation.

Regards,

Nelson Campbell (USA)

RE: "President Carter Speaks the Truth in Boston," by Charles E. Carlson (Al-Jazeerah, July 30, 2004)

Dear Editor,

I believe Israel is also being used by major oil and arms corporations who have also had undue influence in the White House.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower warned the American people to beware of the military-industrial complex, yet provided no instructions for defeating the merger of such corporations with government. It is a likely error to believe that Israel is running the show, in that it is contrary to Israel's interests to support Middle Eastern dictators, which is what these corporations and their White-House ties have reportedly been up to.

Yes, likely there is a strong pro-Israeli lobby here in the U.S., and pro-Israel Zionists in the Bush administration, but one must not disregard the use to which Israel is in turn being put by major corporations in the Middle East. It is well to remember the Project for the New American Century and "Seizing of Arab Oil," as the plan moving the aggression. The 9/11 commission was strangely silent on the role of such aggression as motivating terrorism.

Lastly, many Christians, Muslims and Jews who are predators who do not believe in justice; and overlooked the many Christians, Muslims and Jews, who DO believe in justice for ALL.

Not ALL Jews are Zionists!

Not ALL Muslims are suicide bombers!

SOME Jews and Muslims are DEAR FRIENDS with one another.

Sincerely,

Suzanne Gorenfeld, USA