Who are the real terrorists?

Currently, it is difficult to identify who is a terrorist and who isn't. This confusing situation has resulted from the distortion of the meaning of terrorism and the partial understanding of that term by those concerned.

Israel accuses the Palestinian suicide bombers and intifada supporters of terrorist acts. But the Organization of the Islamic Conference says these people are involved in a holy war, a fight against oppression. Furthermore, the Organization labels Israel a terrorist for attacking Palestinians.

It is evident from the attitude of President George W. Bush, who reportedly is planning to attack Iraq and who has accused the country, along with Iran and North Korea, of being an "axis of evil", that the U.S. has included this country in its campaign against terrorism.

The U.S. campaign has successfully brought down Islamic movements and their leaders in many countries. Owing to the intelligence cooperation among a number of countries led by the U.S, a number of Muslims have been arrested in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Pakistan and some other countries.

The effect of these arrests has been awesome. Since the U.S. campaign against international terrorism began, anti-U.S. demonstrations, including protests against Israeli actions, have quieted down.

Israel's current actions against the Palestinians cannot be separated from the influence of the U.S. campaign. Israel seems to be acting just like its teacher, the U.S., the main supporter of the Zionist state.

If the U.S. can go to foreign countries and root out terrorists there, the Israeli massacre of Palestinians, who are said to have threatened Israel's security, becomes legitimate.

-- Republika, Jakarta