The Gulf Crisis and New World Order — Page 194
Eleventh Friday Sennon Feb OJ, 1991 a couple of days ago the Chief of Pakistan Army Staff, General Aslam Beg has shredded the myth that the stance of Pakistan government found any favour in the army. He outspokenly absolved himself of this act and voiced his strong disapproval of the government's decision which he described as a wrong decision which is inimical to the interest of the Muslim nation. As for Turkey, it has, for centuries, earned such a good name as the protector of Muslim interests all over the world that Europe knew Turkey principally on account of this role; and the Osmani government of Turkey used to send shock waves through them. Europe knew that as long as Osmani government of Turkey is intact, there is no chance of European diffusion in the Islamic world; none whatsoever. So, by a single decision, now Turkey has tarnished its long and great history; it has besmirched the Turkish nation in a way that would not be undone except, maybe, with their blood that may wash this ugly scar, perhaps in the wake of a great revolution. As for Syria, I did not expect them to act the way they did, on account of several reasons. For one thing, Hafiz-al-Asad has been fighting against Israel because the Syrian territory of Golan Heights was annexed by Israel. Also Syria has given many sacrifices ever since the historical era of Israel's establishment began. Syria has lost its territories but did not change its standpoint. Moreover the frightening image of Saddam that the Western nations are projecting these days, is nothi ng compared to the horrifying and ugly picture of President Hafiz-al-Asad that was once painted by these very nations, and that still stands. So, I could not imagine, in an atmosphere of invective being hurled against President Saddam by the Western nations who are indulging in his character assassination, how President Hafiz Asad would ever feel comfortable embracing these Western powers. But I saw President Bush and President Hafiz Asad on T. V. , seated on the same sofa, engaged in a friendly chat, thus enacting a stunning change in their policies. COMMENDABLE BEHAVIOUR OF IRAN I did not expect any treacherous behaviour from Iran, nor do I at the moment. That is because, as I have openly admitted a number of times that their religious differences notwithstanding, the Iranian nation does not behave hypocritically when it comes to Islam; they are 194