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| The Alliance |
| Arabs refuse to move against groups targeting Israel |
| 2001-09-22 |
While Saudi Arabia told Mr. Bush on Thursday it would do everything in its power to fight terrorism, it -- and the rest of the Arab League -- are refusing to combat any of the groups, such as Islamic Jihad, Hamas and Hezbollah, terrorizing Israel. To take a few more instances, the South Koreans have pledged co-operation "in the spirit" of mutual defence; China is stipulating "any military action against terrorism" must be based on "irrefutable evidence" that Osama bin Laden did it; the Philippines says it will allow U.S. forces to use their former bases but will not contribute troops, and Iran has, citing Muslim solidarity, declared that no U.S. aircraft may fly in its airspace to attack Afghanistan. (Though this mysterious "Muslim solidarity" never stopped Tehran from not only trading blows with the Taliban but backing the opposition Northern Alliance before the attacks). Mr. Bush seems to be suffering few illusions that rhetoric is infrequently matched by action. "This is a campaign in which nations will contribute in a variety of ways," he said, "Some nations will be willing to join in a very overt way. Other nations will be willing to join by sharing information." |
| Posted by:Fred Pruitt |