A rchive Date
[ 08-04-2003 ]
Category
[ International Relations ]
sub-Categoy
[ Canada ]
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[http://www.canoe.ca/OttawaNews/os.os-04-08-0005.html
Top cleric under attack
Leader faces backlash for backing holy war against American troops
By KATHLEEN HARRIS, Parliamentary Bureau
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
OTTAWA'S Muslim leader is facing condemnation and a possible citizenship review over his weekend call for Iraqis to stage a holy war against U.S. invaders.
But Imam Gamal Solaiman, of the Ottawa Mosque, defended his remarks and suggested the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks do not give the U.S. a right to "persecute the whole world."
"The Muslims in the Middle East are threatened by what the Americans are doing. I'm sorry. I can't overlook what I feel," he said. "If this war continues, who is next?"
Asked if Solaiman's citizenship could be revoked on the grounds of inciting hatred, Immigration Minister Denis Coderre said it's too early to respond. He intends to examine what was said and what the imam meant by "jihad."
"I would say first that we have to check the status of the individual," he said. "When some people who are making some kind of statements, we have to be very, very cautious."
Tory Leader Joe Clark urged the imam to retract his "highly inappropriate" statements.
OVERSTEPPED BOUNDARY
"I think he has overstepped that boundary and I would hope he would withdraw" his remarks, he said. "And I hope it would all be done consensually."
Alliance Leader Stephen Harper called the remarks "disturbing, disappointing and regrettable," and don't represent the view of most Muslims.
Alliance MP Rahim Jaffer, a Muslim, was also disappointed by Solaiman's call for violent resistance.
But Wahida Valiante, VP of the Canadian Islamic Congress, supported Solaiman's views.
"Millions of people have marched, saying this war is unjust and immoral," she said. "No one wants to live under occupation. This is a very honest statement coming from one individual."
Ottawa Rabbi Reuven Bulka called the imam's statements "out of sync" with the man he knows as a promoter of peace and goodwill.
The dean and rector of the Christ Church Anglican Cathedral in Ottawa denounced invoking religion in any war.
"I think it's highly inappropriate to characterize this war or any other as a religious or holy war. It violates God's will for humanity, and I cannot condone it myself," said Rev. Shane Parker.
 World Fact Book (CIA)]
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