Author: T V Parasuram in Washington
Publication: Rediff on Net
Date: November 4, 2003
URL: http://in.rediff.com/news/2003/nov/04us.htm
United States Defence Secretary
Paul Wolfowitz has suggested that Palestinians adopt Gandhian ways to bring
'enormous changes' quickly.
He claimed the greatest obstacle
to Palestinian statehood was 'Palestinian terrorism'.
President George W Bush has promised
to 'put pressure' on Israelis to change. Wolfowitz said, "If the Palestinians
would adopt the ways of Gandhi, they could, in fact, make an enormous change
very, very quickly. I believe the power of individuals demonstrating peacefully
is enormous."
Addressing students in Georgetown
University in Washington, DC, most of his speech and answer to questions
from students were devoted to 'winning the battle of ideas' in the Islamic
World.
He said that while those 'madrassas
that turn out terrorists are well-funded', those which teach respect for
all religions and teach that Islam is a peaceful religion are starved of
funds.
"Many good, decent Muslims have
spoken out against those who have tried to hijack their religion," said
Wolfowitz. "Unfortunately, all too often, they have to do so in the face
of threats and intimidation from well-funded extremists."
Wolfowitz added that American success
in Iraq and peace between Israel and Palestinians will strengthen moderates
in the Islamic world.
"We should do everything we can
to support those moderate voices and assist their courage in speaking out,"
Wolfowitz said. "That is just one of many reasons why it is so important
for us not only to succeed in Iraq, but also to achieve a peace between
Israelis and Palestinians. Because when these two goals are attained, moderates
throughout the Muslim world will be able to stand taller and stronger."
The United States, Wolfowitz emphasised,
cannot afford to quit either from the battlefield or in the battle of ideas.
