In Search of Justice, Human Rights, and a Just Peace by Women Living Under Muslim Laws (WLUML)

IN SEARCH OF JUSTICE, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND A JUST PEACE BY WOMEN LIVING UNDER MUSLIM LAWS (WLUML) September 21, 2001 The network Women Living Under Muslim Laws (wluml) wishes to extend its deepest condolences to the aggrieved, their families, and the people ofAmerica following the crimes against humanity thatwere committed on 11 September2001. Oursorrow is particularly heartfeltbecause many ofthose linked through the wluml network have directly experienced terror and the devastation thatgoes with it, and also because ofour links ofsolidarity with allies in the women's movements and other progressive people in the U.S. We know that indiscriminate violence and terrorism by state and nonstate actors is a global phenomenon. We are particularly aware of the human cost ofterrorism and war frequently perpetrated in the name of religion or beliefsystems. However we regard all ofthese as assaults on the principle ofrespect for civilian life. Vengeance Is notJustice We urge the U.S. and their allies not to pursue fruitless retaliation with military force. The world must focus on transparent investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice under the principles ofinternational law through an appropriate forum such as an International Criminal Court (ice). Violence cannot eradicate terrorism. Many people in our communities are deeply distressed by these events but many are at the same time also angered by the poverty and deprivation, injustice and exploitation they experience; they are also angered by domestic and foreign policies that they perceive to be hypocritical. All ofthis can fuel extreme and violent attitudes. Ending terrorism requires addressing the roots of global inequality. [Meridians:feminism, race, transnationalism 2002, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 268-70]©2002 by Wesleyan University Press. All rights reserved. 268 Misguided Retaliation? It is wluml's experience that terrorism in the name ofIslam is a transnational force. Politico-religious movements across the world are reinforcing each other through funding, military training, educational exchanges, joint international lobbying, etc. The profound impact on women can be seen, for example, through restrictions on access to education and limitations imposed on freedom of movement as well as changes in family laws that severely curtail women's legal rights. And yet the current focus ofretaliation is against one person and one country. Ifthe U.S. is talking about taking action against "those harboring terrorists" it should consider that the U.S. and the U.K. have both become safe havens for those who openlyadvocate violence against those who do not share their opinions. For example, Anouar Haddam, a leader ofthe Algerian Islamic Salvation Front, is currently seekingasylum in the U.S. and numerous politico-religious extremists are operating out ofthe U.K. Human rights concepts such as freedom of expression have been misused by some international human rights organisations as well as manipulated by governments and co-opted by politico-religious extremists , thereby giving unwarranted space and credibility to such views. Also Saudi Arabia has been bankrolling extremist Madrassahs in Pakistan where many Taliban supporters are being trained. It should be remembered that Bin Laden and the Taliban emerged in the context ofCold War confrontation and the vacuum of its aftermath. Global reaction should not be determined by U.S. political and economic interests alone. We are concerned that legitimate griefis being exploited as a cover for increased military spending—weapons that are aimed mainly at civilian populations. Such military action will cause further suffering to civilians elsewhere. After twenty years ofwar, Afghanistan is already destroyed while the intended "targets" have fled. Furthermore, Bin Laden and the Taliban are not Afghanistan. The Consequences The demonising of"the other" has already increased, resulting in violent attacks on innocent individuals. Talk of "crusades" is buying into the agenda ofthe perpetrators, at the risk ofworld war. Already the situation has given public exposure to previously unheard-offringe groups. And SEPTEMBER 11: A FEMINIST ARCHIVE 269 already there have been moves towards sweeping restrictions on civil liberties under the guise ofthis crisis. In those countries which will bear the brunt ofany military action, the space for alternative positions will vanish . People may find themselves forced to make choices which they had no say in formulating. Any military action will de-stabilise an already unstable and nuclearised region. Women in...