Washington Post:

Secretary Powell, the most respected man in America and the only one in Bush's administration with respect abroad, wrote a most important opinion piece published in the Post on November 10, 2002 entitled 'Baghdad's Moment of Truth. As Secretary of State the entire world listens to his opinion. Given America's war on terrorism and the unjustified rush to war on Iraq, a contained sanctioned and militarily deprived nation for the last 11 years, which has inexplicably and suddenly become a nation of "immediate threat to US and world security", it would only be logical that many Americans and foreign citizens would have written hundreds of letters and comments on Mr. Powell's article. Contrary to the people's opposition to war here and more so in Europe, the Post and other media outlets are beating the drums for war (see today's Post editorial). America counsels parties to worldwide conflicts to seek peaceful resolutions and negotiations to end their conflicts and urges a break in the cycle of violence. Yet when it comes to the Middle East and Muslim nations America's weapons are the favorite means to end conflicts, control "oil threats", and ensure Israel's superiority

Yet for one week not one single letter has been published on Mr. Powell's article. Is it logical to assume no one wrote any letters (despite my own letter) or is it simply the case that only my letter was submitted and not chosen for publication for either ideological reasons or could it possible be due to my ethnicity or even an irrational desire not to publish any of my letters given my criticism of the Post's patently obvious bias toward Israel and against the terrorist Arab or Muslim?

While the Post always comes to the defense of any hint of alleged "Anti-Semitism" be it in Europe, the Middle East, or anywhere else, the Post did not see fit to write an editorial condemning the "Anti-Semitism" of Pat Robertson, Jimmy Swaggert, or even Jerry Falwell, unlike the powerful condemnation by Secretary Powell who personally understands racism and prejudice.

Our media has tragically become the "opium of the masses" launching soft drinks and wars upon the already weak, hungry, and impoverished masses in the third world. America's morality has been drowned by our media, advertising, and power of public relations.

As usual, I don't expect any response from the Post despite my repeated emails of concern and inquiry. The uninformed void of Americans in their governmental policies is tragically filled by the powerful minority with money and access to the decision makers. Secretary Powell succeeded in simply delaying the inevitable massacre of Iraqi's by ensuring an international umbrella behind the "smart bombs" stupidly and immorally killing Iraq civilians followed by Israel's plan to attack Iran, then Syria, Lebanon etc. You may recall that it was Martin Indyk, the recipient of the fastest American citizenship in history, who formulated the "Dual Containment" of Iraq and Iran which was a prelude to the "Dual Destruction" of both nations.

The world breathed a sigh of relief when the much admired and respected Colin Powell was appointed Secretary of State, a balanced military dove among chickenhawks. Unfortunately after repeated undermining and embarrassment by the Pro-Israeli lobby, Secretary Powell has decided that his future lies with "joining the hawks" rather than a principled resignation.

This New Year will be celebrated by the flow of "Iraqi Christian and Muslim blood" not by Red Wine.

I am Anti-War but Pro-America, it's democracy, its values, its morality, its peace and security that will surely be threatened by what President Carter calls "Our Arrogance". No American business, institution of learning or faith, and no American citizen anywhere in the world will ever feel safe given our propensity for gun diplomacy, our shoot than analyze mentality, and our belief that our might will ensure our security and prosperity, contrary to the teachings of President Bush's "Philosopher". When we kill it's "civilized and in defense of freedom", when we are killed it's "uncivilized terrorism" by those who are genetically born to hate us. America, like Israel, is now isolated and hated around the world. What a difference to the attitude of the world toward America prior to 1948.

Now in the America I love being a "Muslim" negates my citizenship rights according to Attorney General Ashcroft and his Evangelist Supporters. When Jefferson originally wrote "all men are created equal" blacks were excluded, now "all men are created equal" excludes Muslims and minorities of color. We've come a long way in our history. God bless the world and America with Peace, Honor, Morality, and Security.

Mohamed Khodr MD

To view M. Khodr's previos letter to the Post click here