Give weight to lives of five Japanese as well as Iraqis -- Akahata editorial, April 18
Two more Japanese hostages in Iraq were released safely. The three freed Japanese hostages returned to Japan. Japanese are relieved at the happy news.
Everyone has the same weight in life, whether they are Japanese, Iraqis, and Americans. In this regard, we need to take a hard look at people's suffering in Iraq in which more than ten thousand Iraqi citizens have been killed.
More than 600 citizens killed under indiscriminate attacks
U.S. attacks killed at least 600 citizens in Fallujah and more than 800 throughout Iraq in April.
In Fallujah, the lives of 15 Iraqis were killed in U.S. military attacks that began on April 15. The U.S. forces have reportedly bombed mosques and hospitals and dropped cluster bombs leading to indiscriminate mass killing.
Many Iraqis have been arrested by the U.S. forces for no clear reason and without their families being noticed of their safety.
It is natural for Iraqi people to be indignant at such outrages by the U.S. forces. Those who are resistant to the occupation forces are not just supporters of the former Hussein regime.
Most victims are ordinary innocent citizens. Their sorrow, sadness, and anger regarding those whose families were murdered and injured, are beyond imagination.
Because of this bitter reality in Iraq, a leader of the Sunni Muslim' Islamic Clerics Association asked the three freed hostages to let the Japanese people and the government know the reality of Fallujah and pressure the U.S. to free all Iraqis who are in the custody of the U.S. forces and being mistreated. This message represents the wish of the Iraqi people.
The Association of Muslim Scholars (AMS) made great efforts to rescue the Japanese hostages, trying to persuade hostage-takers not to take such actions. It is unforgivable to hold civilians hostage even in opposition to the lawless war and military occupation. Religious leaders respected by Iraqi people have clearly stated this. At a time when people are enraged by U.S. forces, their statement and efforts show the Iraq people's real strength.
Although U.S. President George W. Bush stresses the need to establish freedom and democracy in Iraq, he does not care about what Iraqi people might feel. It is fundamentally wrong to impose "freedom" or "democracy" on other countries by military power.
Do not support occupation
Japan's government argues that the dispatch of Self-Defense Force troops is necessary to "provide humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to Iraq." Does it take the suffering and sorrow of Iraqi people seriously?
Since Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro has admitted that the situation of Fallujah is "very regrettable", he should urge the U.S. government to stop the inhumane attacks there. Such an effort would be true "humanitarian assistance for Iraq."
Air SDF transportation units in Iraq are transporting occupation force troops and weapons. This is not "assistance to Iraq" but support for the U.S. forces killing Iraqi people.
"Humanitarian and reconstruction assistance" is the government's deceptive propaganda. Although it had stated that the SDF will be sent to non-combat areas in Iraq, such a lie has already been exposed. The SDF must be withdrawn. (end)
Give weight to lives of five Japanese as well as Iraqis -- Akahata editorial, April 18