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War on terror fuelling radicalism: Karzai

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10 Jun 2013 - 09:31
author avatar
10 Jun 2013 - 09:31

KABUL is in a state of tumult, asking whether the campaign has reduced or further fuelled radicalism.

Addressing the US-Islamic World Forum — titled “A Decade of Dialogue” — in Doha late on Sunday, the president said he had repeatedly taken up the issue with US President Barack Obama and other Western leaders.

“Have we succeeded in this war against terror? Have we agreed on defining terror? Who is a terrorist and does the menace exist inside Afghanistan‘s villages and homes? Have we paid heed to real terrorist sanctuaries?” the president questioned.

In a statement from the Presidential Palace, he claimed the anti-terror drive had certainly boosted radicalisation across the Muslim world — from Pakistan and Afghanistan to Mali and Nigeria. “Is it an unexpected outcome or is the West doing so intentionally?

“In my opinion, it’s necessary for the US-led West to explain to the Muslims they are impartial in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Have they conveyed this impression? The answer is obviously in the negative,” the president remarked.

Karzai explained he being a Muslim did not want Israel to be wiped off the world map. He wanted the Israelis to live in their country like all other nations, but the Palestinians should be given a similar right, the president continued.

He urged  the Islamic world, the United States and the West to work together for promoting tolerance and the spirit of peaceful coexistence. He also called for sharing resources and knowhow to ensure welfare and prosperity for all.

In his speech, Karzai renewed his administration’s call for Britain to transfer around 80 Afghans being held at Camp Bastion in southern Helmand province to his administration within the next two weeks.

Organised jointly by Brookings Project on US Relations with the Islamic World and Qatar, the conference brings together Qatari Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ahmed bin Abdullah al-Mahmoud, former US ambassador to UN Thomas Pickering, Egyptian Minister for International Cooperation Amr Darrag and OIC Secretary-General  Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu and others.

Aimed to foster improved relations between the United States and Muslim countries around the globe, the event will run through Tuesday and focus on political change in Pakistan and several Arab nations.

The participants will highlight the changing landscape in South Asia, assessing how foreign withdrawals from Afghanistan and the historic transfer of power in Pakistan will affect prospects for internal and regional security.

Working groups will assess how economic growth and inclusiveness can be promoted at a time of continued political instability, including a discussion on the conflict in Syria and its effect on the Middle East.

Karzai is accompanied by his Foreign Minister Dr. Zalmai Rassoul, National Security Advisor Dr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta, High Peace Council Chairman Salahuddin Rabbani, Advisor on International Affairs Yahya Maroofi and other officials.

pr/mud

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