[PEN-L:30214] Re: RE: RE: FW: RAWA Statement on the anniversary of the September 11 tragedy

[Louis Proyect <lnp3@xxxxxxxxx>]

Drewk wrote:

> *Jim Devine wrote: "I remember someone giving me a hard time on pen-l
> because I referred to Osama bin Laden and Taliban as "clerical
> fascists." It's not a perfect analogy, but few are."   *
> **
> *I don't think it is a mere analogy.  I heard a talk by Reza Afshari,
> a historian and human-rights specialist (with whom I work), in which
> he pinpointed a direct genealogical link.   Apparently, one of the
> main developers of Islamic fundamentalist ideology borrowed heavily
> from and credited the writings of a fascist physician (from France,
> who emigrated to the U.S).  Unfortunately, I've forgotten both their
> names.  *
> **
> *In any case, it is an important point that fundamentalism is at least
> partly a modern, "Western" import, and not -- contrary to common
> portrayal -- the traditional, indigenous ideology of the people.  *

"Fundamentalism" is far too broad a category. Right now western pundits
worry that Islamic fundamentalists led by al-Qaeda might overthrow the
Saudi regime in the aftermath of 9/11--said regime being fundamentalist
to the core. It is like trying to use the word "Christianism" to
describe, for example, all the struggles that tore Europe apart in the
17th century. That some German Protestant peasant believed in the
divinity of Jesus Christ does not really tie him in any way to the
Catholic landlord who opposed him from the other side of the barricade.
Right now the US is at war with Philippino 'fundamentalists'. Anybody
who sees the development of Hitlerite tendencies there can't see straight:

Los Angeles Times, April 20, 2002 Saturday  Home Edition

HEADLINE: THE WORLD;
Philippine Rebels Feel U.S. Presence

TYLER MARSHALL, TIMES STAFF WRITER

DATELINE: ISABELA, Philippines

The campaign of kidnapping and terror waged for a decade by Muslim
extremists on Basilan island hasn't ended yet, but residents believe
that they know why the tide seems to be turning in the government's favor.

It's because of the American soldiers who recently arrived, and their
high-tech equipment.

"The Americans are superior," math teacher Mario Orbigoso said as he
slouched at the front gates of a school. "They can see at night."
Off-duty police Sgt. Jalal Masalim agreed.

"The rebels don't come now because they're afraid of the Americans and
their technology," he said. "Things are better in the town."

Virtually everyone agrees that the 160 U.S. Special Forces soldiers here
are making a difference--and not just in the effort to crush the Abu
Sayyaf guerrilla group.

In a small anteroom of the modest Santa Isabela Cathedral, Roman
Catholic priest Rodel Angeles said he believes the Americans will help
check the official corruption that he and others believe has helped
prolong the conflict.

"Those [officials] who are insincere will be more cautious now," the
priest said. "The Americans are monitoring things closely."

The fact that such a small U.S. force--one not even allowed to engage in
combat--can dramatically transform attitudes is a measure of both the
size of American power and the expectations that go along with it. It
also raises questions about the longer-term implications of U.S.
involvement.

Although the arrival of the Americans has lifted the spirits of the
mainly Christian population of Isabela, members of Basilan island's
Muslim majority see it differently. Even moderates question American
intentions and suggest that the U.S. presence may be sowing the seeds of
an even more bitter conflict.

"Our people need homes, jobs, health care and an education, not to be
attacked by helicopters," said Jack Jikiri, head of the privately funded
Al Amin Society, which promotes youth education among Muslims. "If you
harass us today, the next generation will only hate you for it. You're
not resolving problems, you're creating new ones."


--

Louis Proyect
www.marxmail.org