"Palestine not a Muslim vs. Jew issue"

Source: Press TV, 19-01-2009

By Fareena Alam

London - Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, sits in Regent's Park Mosque.
The following is the text of an exclusive Press TV interview with Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, the secretary general of one of the largest Muslim representative organizations in the UK, about the mayhem and destruction "Israel" has wreaked on the Gaza Strip.

Press TV: Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, what are your general thoughts on the latest flaring of hostilities in Gaza?

Dr Abdul Bari: This merciless killing and destruction of a historic land is really appalling. Many people are already saying it is a war crime.

Press TV: British Muslims are particularly passionate about the Palestinian cause. Why?

Dr Abdul Bari: There are lots of Muslims from different backgrounds in this country -- Arab, sub-continental and so on. Palestine itself is very important to Muslims, as it is to Jews and Christians. Obviously, Britain itself has had a historic role in Palestine.

Press TV: You recently signed a letter with Christian Aid, condemning the current crisis. Tell us more about that.

Dr Abdul Bari: What we wanted to say is that this is not a Muslim versus Jew issue. This is a land-grabbing issue. Everyone, Muslim, Jewish and Christian, we are all appalled by the situation. We wanted to make our opinion known to the world.

Press TV: There is growing concern that "Israel's" actions and the world's inaction are destroying any kind of de-radicalization work being done in the UK. Are you concerned?

Dr Abdul Bari: Yes, we are concerned. We have been saying since 9/11 and 7/7 that Muslims must engage socially and politically. Politics matter. We want to show the wider society that politics does work, but if these kinds of things keep happening, many people are going to think politics doesn't work because our mainstream politicians aren't coming out strongly enough against such an injustice.

Press TV: So what would you like to see British politicians do?

Dr Abdul Bari: Nick Clegg, the leader of the Liberal Democrats has shown the way and spoken openly but we expected our main political parties to come out very strongly against this atrocity but we haven't' seen this as yet. The UK should try and influence the United States and European Union and convince them to halt their sale of arms to "Israel". The weapons that are being used to kill innocent people -- such as phosphorous bombs -- are supplied by the West.

Press TV: What kind of leadership has the MCB provided in guiding Muslim organizations and their constituency, in formulating effective responses to this crisis?

Dr Abdul Bari: We have been at the forefront of organizing events through our affiliates and the 'Stop the War' coalition so that people do participate in civil, peaceful actions against this atrocity. The message is that politics should work and our young people should be engaged in the political process rather than doing something that is not good for them or their country.

Press TV: Do you think that such violence or retaliation could take place?

Dr Abdul Bari: Well, we hope it doesn't, but situations like this can be exploited by individuals and groups from within the Muslim community and outside. What we have to do is engage our young people in the Muslim community and beyond and raise awareness on justice and fairness. People want to see justice in action and they want to see our government, our country taking a lead in this.

Press TV: Are you concerned about the lack of response from Muslim governments around the world? Should Egypt and Jordan break relations with "Israel"?

Dr Abdul Bari: It's a disgrace that Muslim countries haven't done enough. I know they may not be that powerful but some of them are just like American protectorates. Even two Latin American countries expelled their "Israeli" ambassadors. This is the least some Muslim countries could do to send the message that they will not tolerate this.

Press TV: But why haven't they done this?

Dr Abdul Bari: Sadly, many of these regimes are not connected to their people and are most probably supported by Western governments. It's very unfortunate that they don't see the hopes and aspirations of their own people. Some countries are at war with their own people.