Let's not be naive!
Reader comment on article: Musharraf's Historic Speech

Submitted by Irving Weisdorf (Canada), Sep 25, 2005 at 12:17

Musharaf's words were definitely a departure from what has become standard vilification of Jews by Moslems, but at the same time, we should not paint too rosy a picture of Jewish life under Moslem rule. History attests to the fact that in most periods, Jews were legally second class citizens and often had to wear identification badges much like the yellow star of the Nazi's.

Musharaf is an enigma at the moment. What he really thinks is anyone's guess. Madrassas are still going strong in Pakistan, and his recent (alleged) comments about women being raped so that they can obtain Canadian citizenship has to make one wonder whether he is a real partner for a break-through. As well, King Abdullah only looks good when compared to the awful regimes of the area. He, like his father, do not take any stand that will in any way endanger his throne. They are certainly the most decent of the Arab rulers, but they have not made any attempt to create civil institutions that could lead to democracy, and are consequently beleaguered by their own Palestinian population.

Jews and the Jewish communities of the world, including Israel, would do well to build their relationship with India, a culture and people who have virtually always treated Jews as equals, and who are a democratic, peaceful nation with much more in common with Jewish philosophy, than anything you will find in the Koran. Israel should be careful about legitimizing Musharaf and hurting its relationship with its only significant potential friend in Asian.

Irving Weisdorf
Toronto, Canada,
Director,
Canadian Coalition for Democracies

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