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Anti-Iraqi backlash in Sth Korea
EFLAn unexpected reaction was Wednesdayâs wave of anti-Muslim and anti-Iraqi sentiment. In South Korea, where nationalist feelings often cross into chauvinism, virtually all men perform military service. "An innocent son of our nation was murdered," read one of the mass of messages that crashed the Web site of the South Korean Defense Ministry. "If you allow me to volunteer for Iraq, I will fight terrorists to avenge his death." At a rally in Seoul, conservatives waved placards reading: "We should declare war against terrorists." Protesters argued that the government should send combat troops to Iraq, instead of military doctors and engineers. "We want revenge for Kimâs killing," protesters shouted, burning portraits of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the leader of Islamic militants who beheaded Kim and dumped his body and head on a road. After 40 callers in four hours threatened to blow up Seoulâs main mosque, in the Itaewon neighborhood, the police sent 150 riot officers to defend the building, frequently urging angry young men to move along. Amid fears of a backlash against the countryâs 30,000 Muslims, largely immigrants, police tightened security around 30 other mosques in South Korea. The nationâs radical mood swing could be documented in Busan, the port city where Kim grew up. On Monday, when Koreans believed that their pleas would be heard, Kimâs neighbors strung up a banner outside his house that read: "The South Korean people have never fired a single bullet at Iraqis. Please send back Kim Sun Il alive." Minutes after news arrived that the kidnappers had cut off his head, angry neighbors tore down placards saying: "Koreans are friends of the Iraqis." Posted by: Paul Moloney 2004-06-24 |
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