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| Jesse Jackson expresses concern over ultimatums |
| 2001-09-22 |
The Rev. Jesse Jackson on Friday expressed concern over the U.S. government's ultimatums as it tries to bring other nations into the fight against terrorism, and he cautioned against establishing diplomatic relations just to gain support for a military action. "My concern is that, as we fight global terrorism, we need a global coalition, which requires global diplomatic relations and a global set of intelligence, and sensitivity to global economic policy as it affects the poor nations with whom we want to build relations as allies,'' Jackson said. "With Iran and Pakistan and other nations that we wish to form this fragile coalition with, we don't have diplomatic relations, we don't share intelligence, and we have economic sanctions against them. We can't just say to them, 'Unless you are an ally with us, you are on the bad list and we are going to bomb you, too.'" The United States also should produce evidence against Osama bin Laden before attacking Afghanistan, Jackson said. "The Taliban clergy put forth a democratic proposition: 'Show us the evidence, and we will respond,' '' Jackson said. "Whether we believe it or not is another question, but even for the allies, it is important that we establish evidence. Evidence must precede our attacks to maintain our coalition.'' |
| Posted by:Fred Pruitt |