Islamophobia of the Western media

Most reader responses in Sri Lankan websites and newspapers to last week's mass Norwegian massacres that left at least 77 dead appeared negative. The views were based on the premise that Norway deserved it because it did not condemn attacks carried out by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) during the separatist war in Sri Lanka. At best it expressed its "concern".

However, be it Sri Lanka or Norway, the victims were innocent civilians who paid with their lives for no fault of theirs. The tragedy in Norway was even worse because it took the lives of a new generation of future leaders of the ruling Labour Party gathered in an island resort.

An interesting aspect of the twin terror tragedy that rocked Oslo on July 22 was the coverage by international media. An account by FAIR, an independent body that monitors the US media, gives an idea of how the garland of blame for any incident is placed around the necks of Islamic fundamentalist groups. Though they are projected as the sole merchants of terror, there are exceptions too as the following excerpts from a FAIR study shows:

"Right-wing terror suspect Anders Behring Breivik reportedly killed 76 people in Norway on Friday, by all accounts driven by far-right anti-immigrant politics and fervent Islamophobia. But many early media accounts assumed that the perpetrator of the attacks was Muslim.

"On news of the first round of attacks -- the bombs in Oslo -- CNN's Tom Lister (July 22) didn't know who did it, but knew they were Muslims: "It could be a whole range of groups. But the point is that al-Qaeda is not so much an organization now. It's more a spirit for these people. It's a mobilizing factor." And he speculated confidently about their motives:

"You've only got to look at the target -- Prime Minister's office, the headquarters of the major newspaper group next door. Why would that be relevant? Because the Norwegian newspapers re-published the cartoons of Prophet Mohammed that caused such offence in the Muslim world.... That is an issue that still rankles amongst Islamist militants the world over.

"CNN terrorism analyst Paul Cruickshank (July 22) took to the airwaves to declare that "Norway has been in al-Qaeda's crosshairs for quite some time." He added that the bombing "bears all the hallmarks of the al-Qaeda terrorist organization at the moment," before adding, almost as an afterthought, that "we don't know at this point who was responsible."

"On Fox News Channel's O'Reilly Factor (July 22), guest host Laura Ingraham declared, "Deadly terror attacks in Norway, in what appears to be the work, once again, of Muslim extremists." An early Wall Street Journal editorial (July 22) dwelled on the "explanations furnished by jihadist groups to justify their periodic slaughters," before concluding that because of Norway's commitment to tolerance and freedom, "Norwegians have now been made to pay a terrible price." Once the alleged perpetrator's identity did not conform to the Journal's prejudice, the editorial was modified, but it continued to argue that al-Qaeda was an inspiration: "Coordinated terrorist attacks are an al-Qaeda signature. But copycats with different agendas are surely capable of duplicating its methods."

"Many pundits and outlets had to scramble to justify their ideological presumptions in the wake of the unexpected suspect. The Washington Post blogger Jennifer Rubin (July 22) had called the Norwegian violence "a sobering reminder for those who think it's too expensive to wage a war against jihadists," citing Thomas Joscelyn of the Weekly Standard's assertion that "in all likelihood the attack was launched by part of the jihadist hydra." The New York Times columnist Ross Douthat (July 25) likewise argued that we should respond to the horror in Norway by paying more attention to the alleged perpetrator's point of view:

The New York Times' July 23 report explained that while early speculation about Muslim terrorists was incorrect, there was ample reason for concern that terrorists might be responsible. In 2004 and again in 2008, the No. 2 leader of al-Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahri, who took over after the death of Osama bin Laden, threatened Norway because of its support of the American-led NATO military operation in Afghanistan.
"Of course, anyone who kills scores of civilians for political motives is a "terrorist"; the language of the Times, though, suggested that a "terrorist" would have to be Islamic.

The Times went on: Terrorism specialists said that even if the authorities ultimately ruled out Islamic terrorism as the cause of Friday's assaults, other kinds of groups or individuals were mimicking al-Qaeda's brutality and multiple attacks.

"Thomas Hegghammer, a terrorism specialist at the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, said the manifesto bears an eerie resemblance to those of Osama bin Laden and other al-Qaeda leaders, though from a Christian rather than a Muslim point of view. Like Mr. Breivik's manuscript, the major Qaeda declarations have detailed accounts of the Crusades, a pronounced sense of historical grievance and calls for apocalyptic warfare to defeat the religious and cultural enemy. "It seems to be an attempt to mirror al-Qaeda, exactly in reverse," Mr. Hegghammer said.

"To the paper's credit, the Times' Scott Shane wrote a strong second-day piece (July 25) documenting the influence of Islamophobic bloggers on Breivik's manifesto: His manifesto, which denounced Norwegian politicians as failing to defend the country from Islamic influence, quoted Robert Spencer, who operates the Jihad Watch website, 64 times, and cited other Western writers who shared his view that Muslim immigrants pose a grave danger to Western culture....

"It is not new for media to jump to the conclusion that Muslims are responsible for any given terrorist attack; the same thing was widespread after the 1995 Oklahoma City bombings. It was carried out by an American deranged soldier."

Feast during fast: Some form of madness

When the Sri Lanka Mission to the UN holds its annual February 4 Independence day celebrations in New York, Tamil expatriates traditionally keep away in droves -- primarily for political reasons. The only token Tamils present are usually international civil servants working for the UN. They are not expected to play politics (and who indirectly pay part of Sri Lanka's membership dues to the UN through staff assessment deductions from their salaries).

But will Muslim expats follow in the footsteps of the Tamils next year? The issue in dispute, which has peeved Muslims, is the participation of both the Sri Lanka embassy in Washington and the Sri Lanka Mission to the UN (along with the Seva Vanitha) in a daylong "Sri Lanka Day" fun-and-feasting event on August 6 during the holy month of Ramadan, which excludes the participation of Muslims. An appeal to put it off for September has fallen on deaf ears.

In a letter of protest to the External Affairs Ministry, one Muslim expatriate concedes the legitimate right of any individual to hold celebrations during Ramadan. But is it fit and proper, he asks, for Sri Lanka government officials to formally participate in an event that excludes a segment of the community -- particularly at a time when most Tamils are already boycotting official social events?.

A ministry source says that Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative, Ambassador Palitha Kohona, who subscribes to a 'win-win' policy in conflict situations at the UN, is trying to mediate and is looking for a political compromise. But the Sri Lanka Association of New York, the primary sponsor, is faltering.
Incidentally, when the Sri Lanka Mission rented an auditorium at the Staten Island University Hospital Psychiatric Centre for the February 4 celebrations a couple of years ago, one Tamil expatriate wrote a sarcastic letter to the Mission. It read: "It is very appropriate that the Sri Lanka Mission has decided to hold its Independence Day celebrations at a Psychiatric Center" (the Sri Lanka equivalent of the legendary mental asylum in Angoda). Perhaps, said one critic, the Sri Lanka Association should follow suit.

Rajapaksa woos Mihintale prelate

Venerable Walaha Hengunawewe Dhammarathana Thera, the chief incumbent of the Mihintale Raja Maha Vihara was on his way to Colombo last week. His phone rang when his vehicle reached Kurunegala. It was from a monk in the temple to say that President Mahinda Rajapaksa had paid a surprise visit to the well-known temple. He hurriedly returned to the temple but by that time the Presidential entourage had left.

Ven Dhammarathana Thera has closely associated himself with the United National Party (UNP). When the UNP's then district organiser, Dr. R. Johnpulle's house in Anuradhapura was set on fire; the venerable monk gave evidence in favour of the late doctor. Relations with UPFA leaders soured further when a team of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) detectives searched the temple premises. They were on the lookout for Danuna Tillekeratne, the son-in-law of former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka.

During Poson festivities, Mr. Fonseka's wife bore the cost of painting the dagoba of the temple in white.
President Rajapaksa's visit has become the talking point. UPFA sources say he has set in motion his "charm offensive" to repair relations with the chief prelate of the temple.

High-flying boss in timber racket

The big boss, a high flying type who loves rich lifestyles, gave up his job for a lesser important one many months ago. Now comes the news that the man is under another new probe. Insiders say it is over how some 50 teak trees and ebony, felled in the jungles of the Eastern Province were sawn and the timber found its way to his house.

The man who was assigned the task, they say, would soon be called upon to explain how it was taken past many a checkpoint. The new boss, they say, has been appalled by what has been going on. The recipient of the timber, in the meanwhile, is seeking solace in Black Label whisky.

Boss fires down fuel deal with Vietnam

Amidst all the talk of contaminated fuel, a man of Vietnamese origin was in Colombo to see whether he had oily opportunities to work a deal. Meeting him in a hurry was a corporation boss. He thought one of his private companies could play the role of Sri Lanka agent.

Next morning, another businessman who once promoted visitors to Sri Lanka, met the Vietnam businessman. He wanted the agency for his own company. All this wheeler dealing, insiders say, fell on the ears of the boss. He summoned the politician in charge of the subject and told him to make sure there were no dealings with wheeler-dealers. So, there was no deal and no oil for the palm.

Flying Fish hooked and cooked

It is rarely that a Sri Lankan movie gets mileage in the pages of the New York Times. But a new movie from Sri Lanka, titled "Igilena Maaluwo" (Flying Fish), received a mostly negative review last week.
Directed by Sanjeewa Pushpakumara, the film consists of three vignettes (against the backdrop of the 26-year conflict) "each tying together sex, shame and violence," according to movie critic Mike Hale.

In addition to insects crawling on people's legs, Hale says Pushpakumara favours cigarettes, public urination and sex performed standing up in ruined buildings, with the audience more or less in the position of a firing squad. Obviously, the review did not help the film break the box office.

Anti-China crackers at Indian dinner
A dinner for visiting Pakistani Fore ign Minister H ina Rabbani Khar in New Delhi almost ended in a diplomatic disaster last week when a former Indi an Law Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Ram Jethmalani dub bed China an "enemy" of both India and Pakistan.

The diplomatic bombshell was dropped in the presence of several Asian envoys, including the Chinese ambassador Zhang Yan and Sri Lanka High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam.

In an impromptu speech, Jethmalani stood up and lambasted the Chinese: "Do not accept China as your friend. China is an enemy of both." The embarrassed host at the dinner, Pakistan's High Commissioner Shahid Malik, sounded apologetic when he said: "Ï would like to clarify that we don't agree to his comments on China. I hope these are his personal views."-- even as Jethmalani nodded in agreement. Also at the dinner table was Peter Burleigh, a Sinhala-speaking US diplomat who had served in Sri Lanka twice and is currently the Charge d' Áffaires in New Delhi.

CBK preaching: What was not practised

During the Justice Palakidner oration on July 24, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, summed up the reasons that led to the violent campaign for a separate state. She said "Low levels of development of infrastructure, relatively much less opportunity to access quality education and employment and political marginalization with minimal opportunity to participate in decision-making processes in the political and administrative superstructures, together with the language barriers erected by the `Sinhala Only' policy, are undoubtedly the root causes that gave rise to the terribly violent conflict in our country."

What she did not mention is that the 'Sinhala Only' policy was introduced by her late father S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike as Prime Minister between 1956-59. She concluded her speech with the following reference to the Channel 4 video titled Sri Lanka's Killing Fields: "I shall remember till the end of my days the morning when my 28 year old son called me, sobbing on the phone to say how ashamed he was to call himself a Sinhalese and a Lankan, after he saw on the UK television a 50 minute documentary called "The Killing Fields of Sri Lanka".

"My daughter followed suit, saying similar things and expressing shock and horror that our countrymen could indulge in such horrific acts. I was proud of my son and daughter, proud that they cared for the others, proud that they have grown up to be the Man and Woman their father and mother wanted them to be." A bundle of contradictions, what.

JVP disaster: Even candidates did not vote for themselves

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) leader Somawansa Amerasinghe went to the north to campaign for his party for the local elections held on July 23. Alas, what the party received in votes was much less than the number of candidates it fielded both in the north and the hill country.

Here is a sampling:
Pachchilaipallai PS 12 candidates 4 votes
Chavakachcheri PS 18 candidates 2 votes
Karainagar PS 8 candidates 3 votes
Point Pedro UC 12 candidates 1 vote
Talawakele-Lindula PS 12 candidates 6 votes
Said differently, in five local bodies, the JVP received only a mere 16 votes.

Norwegian terrorist got inspiration from LTTE

Sri Lanka's Ambassador Rodney Perera who expressed the deepest condolences of the government and the people of Sri Lanka on the twin attacks in Norway and extended fullest cooperation in combating terrorism, has also drawn the attention of the Norwegian authorities to the two specific references to Sri Lanka in the manifesto of the self-confessed killer Norwegian terrorist Anders Behring Breivik.

Speaking at the memorial service held at the Oslo Cathedral, Ambassador Perera, said the Breivik manifesto published online just prior to the horrific attacks on July 22, made it clear that the Norwegian terrorist was drawn to the methods used by the LTTE in Sri Lanka, such as evicting all Muslim people from the North and using violent acts of terror against the State as well as the people of Sri Lanka. Two specific horrendous acts of mass murder carried out by the LTTE against civilians, inter alia, the scale of which far exceeds the death toll of the twin attacks in Norway on July 22 July, are referred to in this context: i.e. the massacres by gunmen at the Anuradhapura Sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site in 1985 and the Kattankudy Mosque in 1990.

It is pertinent to note that the LTTE has been able to use Norwegian soil in its activities against Sri Lanka and hence the Norwegian terrorist may have even had firsthand accounts of what had transpired in Sri Lanka. A legitimate question that is being asked is that if the Norwegian killer who clearly used extreme violence on unarmed civilians of Norway in the most heinous manner is termed a 'terrorist committing acts of terrorism', shouldn't the Norwegian authorities also characterize all those associated with the LTTE, listed by many countries as a terrorist entity, as 'terrorists' who have engaged in crimes of even higher magnitude for many years in Sri Lanka against its civilian population in the guise of anti-multiculturalism? Wouldn't this characterization lead to more tangible law enforcement against those elements still engaging in activities against the national interests of Sri Lanka on Norwegian soil utilizing the same liberal laws that were abused by the Norwegian terrorist to conduct such horrific acts of terror?

UN ambiguous on Channel 4 film

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has apparently not watched the controversial Channel 4 video "The Killing Fields" -- when a good part of the rest of the world has. Responding to a question at the daily news briefing last week, UN spokesperson Martin Nesirky remained ambiguous. "Advisers to the Secretary-General, of course, have seen the film. I do not know at this point whether he himself has seen that documentary," Nesirky told reporters.

"But the Secretary-General is well briefed on it, I can tell you. And as you know, the Panel of Experts made a number of recommendations and one of them was indeed for the United Nations to look inwards at how it had responded at the time and to learn lessons from that.

"That process is in train, and when I can give you more details about precisely the form it is taking, then I'll let you know. But at this stage, it is something that is being discussed and put in place between the relevant parts of the UN system. That's what I have for you on that," said Nesirky.