Contributed by: Kwabena Gyasi

Global Systems, Orlando, Florida

 

As a short comment on the ongoing accusations of Arab racism, I think Dr. Ochone's contribution did place the issue in a much more historical perspective which, therefore, did lend some credibility to the charge. However, to tar the entire Arab nation as racist, as argued by other contributors here in this forum, is as unfortunate as it is wild.

 

Especially so when the basis for affirming such charges, according to one contributor, is the recent cowardly bombings in London by terrorists who happened to be of Pakistani extraction and - get this - Jamaican extraction! I did not hear the contributor(s) condemn Jamaicans of racism. What is different in the case of the terrorist with a Jamaican background? In any case, how can people of Pakistani-descent be classified as Arab?

 

If we know anything for certain about these terrorists, it is that they are definitely not a nationalist movement but largely a hodge-podge of murderous, religious fundamentalists united by the bonds of a muslim Ummah which, regrettably, they have stood upside down on its head, not to mention anything of their nihilistic bent. These are people who are not permeable of logic or basic decency. Therefore, for anyone to seriously suggest that they bombed London just to change global discussion on African debt forgiveness at the time of the G8 meeting in Scotland, due directly to their racist attitude towards Africa, is to give these bombers much more credit than they actually deserve.

 

In conclusion, I believe Professor Harik raises important issues that should guide leaders and scholars in any dialogue on Afro-Arab relations. Let the wild accusations end and true dialogue begin in this forum.