Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Destruction foretold

The editorial "A destruction foretold" (Feb. 25) on the destruction of Al-Askari mosque is a forthright analysis of the sad state of affairs in Iraq today. Indeed, the American and British troops have lost control of the situation. The U.S.-led coalition of the willing invaded Iraq in flagrant violation of international law. President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair should be brought to trial for crimes against the people of Iraq.

J.F. Dawson,
Chennai

The U.S. is doing to Iraq what the British did to India a century ago. While the British divided Hindus and Muslims, the Americans are dividing Shias and Sunnis to rule over Iraq.

S.M. Pasha,
Chennai

There is no doubt that a Shia-Sunni clash in Iraq will benefit the occupying forces. The Shias and Sunnis should understand that America is the common enemy. They should form a united front against U.S. occupation.

Ammar Anas,
New Delhi

This refers to the article "Samarra's tragedy: the past and the future" (Feb. 24). The article says that according to faith, the "12th Imam will reappear on the Day of Judgment." The writer is perhaps not fully aware of the Shia belief with regard to the reappearance of the 12th Imam. According to the Shia school of thought, the 12th Imam will reappear and will restore peace and justice to humanity before doomsday.

The article is also wrong in saying the system of Imamate came to an end after the disappearance of the 12th Imam. As per the Shia faith, Imamate is eternal. It cannot come to an end!

Syed Ali Safvi,
Srinagar

Shias believe that the Imam is alive and he will reappear in this world to restore justice. The system of Imamate did not come to an end with his occultation.

Anjum Husain,
Aligarh, U.P.

Saeed Naqvi's article is like the Curate's egg — good in parts. The historical facts are useful, but the opinion that the occupier wants a civil war is difficult to accept. True, the mess George Bush and his cronies have created is worse than Saddam Hussein's tyranny.

But that Shias and Sunnis do not need the U.S. to incite sectarian violence has been amply demonstrated in Pakistan over the years.

R. Narasimhan,
Chennai

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