Would a U.S.-led war on Iraq make the world and the Middle East safer? Or is it more likely to unleash a wave of anti-American rage and create more recruits for Osama bin Laden? The answer from the streets of the Middle East, official circles, analysts, academics and clerics is almost unanimous — a U.S. invasion will most certainly provoke a backlash, and this could put the security of the world at risk. “The record in the past is that any use of force by external powers has triggered a backlash,” Sami Baroudi, professor of political science at Beirut’s Lebanese American University said. With anti-U.S. sentiment already brimming in the Middle East, an attack to overthrow Iraqi President Saddam Hussein for allegedly possessing banned weapons is seen by most analysts as fanning the flames in an already volatile region. “This U.S. policy is radicalising public opinion. The United States is pursuing an extremely dangerous policy of provoking Arabs and Muslims. This can only result in increased terror and violence,” Middle East analyst Patrick Seale told Reuters. “The Arab and Muslim region is not ready for a new colonial experience. Al Qaeda is still out there, attracting new recruits by the day and poised to strike again,” he added. Full Story
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