[Australian Arabic Council chairperson Roland Jabbour issued the following statement on October 8.]
In principle, we support any action against international terrorism in all its forms. However, we are concerned that the latest attacks on Afghanistan are setting a new precedent in dealing with international conflict. America is undermining the role of the UN and the international community by taking the law into its own hands.
There is no doubt that the latest attacks will result in the death of many more innocent civilians. How many more families must grieve? Does it matter whether they are in Afghanistan or the United States? And what of the deaths of over a million children in Iraq under UN sanctions? Who is held responsible for these deaths?
These attacks will not eradicate terrorism. We have witnessed a reaction that deals with the symptoms of the problem rather than the cause.
Terrorism can only be eradicated, and the devastating results of terrorist attacks throughout the world can only be addressed, through a truly international coalition that develops a concerted long term strategy to focus on all international disputes which are at the core of terrorism. We need to analyse and address the causes of state sponsored terrorism through a sophisticated and international approach towards this complex issue.
We must look not only at the what, who, how and where, but, most importantly, the why. Why have these terrorist attacks occurred? What can we do to ensure that they do not happen again? Answers will not be found through sanctions, bombings or regional marginalisation, but through addressing the political, social and economical conditions in countries where such terrorism finds shelter. The first step must not be "bread and bombs", but the facilitation of basic human rights and access to fundamental needs such as clean water, food and shelter.
The AAC is extremely concerned with the unconditional support that the Australian government has given to the US in pursuit of what is now referred to as a "war against terrorism".
At this difficult time we urge Australian political leaders and the wider community to consider the potential ramifications of a polarised war that stereotypes an enemy, on the local Australian Arabic and Muslim community. Our leaders must counter any vilification swiftly and without hesitation.
In the recent past our politicians have ridden a wave of public support for their exploitation of the "us and them" mentality. This has been pursued through reactive policies and comments on issues such as asylum seekers and refugees. Such reactions have had a profound impact on — and demonstrated a complete disregard for — the local community, effectively legitimising the scapegoating by a vocal minority of local Australians of Middle Eastern appearance. Such a backlash has a severe and devastating impact not only on Arabic Australians, but strikes at the core of the Australian notion of a fair go, and efforts to promote multicultural harmony.
The AAC urges the wider community to support their fellow Australians by not tolerating any form of racism, xenophobia and scapegoating of individuals or ethnic communities.