PSPD in English Peace/Disarmament 2001-09-17   1593

[Statement] The U.S. Government’s Declaration to Attack Afghanistan

The U.S. Government’s Declaration to Attack Afghanistan


1. People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD) expresses extreme anger and apprehension upon the horrible attack, deaths and injuries took place in New York and Washington, D.C. on September 11. We wish to extend our sincere condolences and support to the families of those who have been killed or injured.

Nothing can justify violence on innocent civilians, and it obviously is a crime that cannot be forgiven. We believe that the terrorists responsible for this terrible act must be found and punished according to due process. It is only in this way that the price of their crime can be exacted, and this punishment will help prevent recurrences in the future.

2. At the same time, we are deeply concerned with the reaction of the government of the United States of America. The U.S. government has identified Osama Bin Laden as being the main suspect responsible for orchestrating this act of terror, and has declared that they are planning to attack Afghanistan where he is assumed to be hiding. Starting a war in the name of revenge, however, is going far beyond fair and adequate punishment against the terrorists and those who hide them.

The shock and anger of the people of the U.S. who are suffering through this act of terror is not enough reason for killing other innocent civilians through a retaliatory war. This will only cause other reprisals.

3. The terrorists may be radical Islamic fundamentalists, such as Osama Bin Laden, as the U.S. government claims. However, a few extremists should not be mistaken with innocent Afghanistan people and the entire Islamic world. Starting a war against specific countries is different from exacting punishment from terrorists in response to their crime.

The current problem must be solved by first identifying the criminals, arresting them with international cooperation, and then prosecuting them in the proper court. This may require time and patience, but this is indeed what fits the order and reason of a civilized world. In particular, this approach befits the U.S., now the world’s sole superpower, as it has always emphasized the importance of human rights and peace.

The U.S. must stop its preparations for war. The moment it starts a war, the U.S. will no longer receive the sympathy and support as a victim of this tragedy. It will, instead, become a criminal responsible for the mass murder of innocent civilians.

4. Through this disaster, the U.S. must use this incident to reflect on why this has happened. As the sole superpower, the U.S. has increased worldwide anxiety by promoting its MD policies and withdrawing from its commitment to be part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, etc. To uproot terrorism and remove the very soil that nurtures it, earnest efforts to bring peace and international cooperation is called upon. This is the only way the people of the U.S. can be safely protected. 

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