patient.” He then said, “No, we will be patient and have mercy,” and pardoned all of them except for a very small number who committed particular crimes.

The conditions which you mention for just war are good, even if they don’t reach the level of precision and detail defined by Islamic law, but the question is, “does your government observe these conditions?

Who among you can say, “yes” when the entire world knows the answer is “no?”

You indicate that the no war is better than war, and that war is not legitimate if it is possible to avoid it by negotiations or mediation. Good words! Haven’t you heard of the principle by which your government rejected the neutrality of any other party, let alone negotiations with its opponents themselves?

Did it not announce to the world that it must either be with America in all its beliefs and actions, or with the terrorists? Yet you announced, “In the name of universal human morality ... we support our government’s ... decision.”

Let us leave aside justice and values and ask a pragmatic question: What has America profited from this arbitrary principle?: hypocritical statements from world leaders along with an increase in resentment and hatred in all parts of the world.

Wouldn’t it be better for your government to admit that rather than continuing to repeat it?

You openly accuse a group and then divide the world into those who are for and those who are against, with no possibility of neutrality, and no room for discussion. Then you dare to ascribe to it the attributes of universal human morality and just war!

This is not the first time in the history of American wars even if it is the most arbitrary. During the Gulf War America rejected the Arab solution despite the fact that it was an entirely Arab matter. (1)

Furthermore, have you examined the statements of your own officials? Of course not, since you have added things which none of them ever said, when you said that the Islamic movements openly professes its desire and ability to use murder, and its willingness to use chemical and biological weapons ...

Who made this statement? When and where?

Do you want the world to forgive your government’s deeds and lies because they pale in comparison with your own deeds and lies? (2)

Who is Your Problem With?

It is most unfortunate when the view of sixty intellectuals in this age of easily accessible communications -when a researcher can access the newest publications in a matter of seconds- is nearly identical to the view of Islam of the European clergy of the Dark Ages!

Whatever the level of intolerance of the ancients, it is worse for modern people to continue the same pattern. Persisting in a sin is worse than committing it, especially when the means of ceasing are readily available.

When McVeigh blew up the Federal Building in Oklahoma City, the investigators possessed detailed information about his physical description as well as his [political] affiliation. Yet hundreds, or perhaps thousands of reporters, thousands