Muslims and Arabs worried by strikes

Following the start of attacks against Taliban and al-Qaeda targets in Afghanistan, Muslim and Arab students at Penn are voicing concerns about the ramifications of the military actions.

While members of the Penn Arab Students Society and the Muslim Students Association strongly condemn last month's terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, some wish to see a solution other than war implemented.

"I think what we need to do is address the roots of the problem," said PASS board member Adey Salamin, an Engineering senior.

Salamin pointed to some aspects of U.S. foreign policy as the source of many people's hatred toward the United States.

"More than one million children have already died because of the sanctions" imposed against Iraq, Salamin said. He also cited U.S. policy concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as another example of a U.S. policy unpopular with much of the Arab world.

But PASS member Ahmed Al-Hammadi disagreed with Salamin, saying a war targeting terrorists is necessary.

"It is warranted," the Wharton junior said of the military action.

"I see no problem with the [United States] fighting terrorism just as long as civilians don't get hurt," he added.

Arab and Muslim students also cautioned that the views of Osama bin Laden should not be confused with mainline Islamic beliefs.

"The dangerous thing about Osama bin Laden is that he does it all in the name of Islam," said PASS board member Yasmine El-Shamayleh, a College junior.

"I think it's important for Muslims to make it known that terrorism has no religion," said MSA Publicity Chairman Ben Herzig, a College sophomore.

Arab and Muslim student leaders also expressed regret at the possibility of Afghan citizens being harmed by the ongoing bombing of their country by the U.S.-led coalition.

"I stand against killing any innocent civilians," Salamin said.

MSA Vice President Osamah Saeedi, an Engineering senior, echoed that sentiment.

"It's important that we don't have any further loss of innocent life," Saeedi said.

He added that he hopes the "sanctity of human life" is respected throughout the crisis.

Herzig echoed the concern about collateral damage.

"What I'm feeling right now is that innocent people are going to be hurt," Herzig said.

He also expressed concern about the far-reaching consequences that a war could have on the world.

"Disenfranchisement of more people through military action could create more hatred of this country and the West and breed more terrorism," Herzig said.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.