Media statement
Peace was Not Given a Chance!
It is a matter of grave concern to us in Aliran that world opinion and the international appeal for peace and patience have not been respected. It is appalling that the worldwide protest to register abhorence for war by millions of people across the globe has been completely dismissed. America has clearly scoffed at world opinion.
The attack against Iraq launched today by America, Britain and Australia has serious implications for the free world and international relations.
What this means is that international law and order has been defied and denigrated. The UN's authority has been crippled and the UN itself has been rendered impotent. It means that might has trampled upon morality. It means that peace was never given a chance to prevail.
Twelve years ago, Aliran produced a book in cooperation with Gerak Damai and Forum in connection with the first Gulf War entitled Whose War? What Peace? This question is still relevant today and we repeat that question in connection with the second Gulf War: Whose War? What Peace?
It is difficult to fathom why this attack could not have been delayed since the monitoring authority of the UN had confirmed better cooperation from Iraq and that they were making headway in their investigation. Peace should have been given that chance to work things out.
This act of madness will not go unheeded. To paraphrase the Vatican, whoever decides that all peaceful means under international law has been exhausted is assuming a grave responsibility before God, his conscience and before history.
Like any war, whatever the reason and however justified, this present conflict will only inflict untold misery and horror on innocent and defenceless people. The catastrophe that will rain on these poor people will live to haunt us, the living, forever.
Aliran condemns this wanton reign of terror by the mightiest nation on earth, which is using the most sophisticated weapons to terrorise innocent and defenceless people.
Executive Committee
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