[Opinion] “American Superiority”

“Fight in the name of God against opponents. But don’t invade them. God doesn’t like invaders.” It is a phrase from the Koran, the Islamic Bible. Generally we think of the violent ideologist groups of Islam, but Islam was originally a religion of tolerance and unity. Its harmonic and peacemaking spirit, which embraces diverse ideology and culture, made its spread to Europe, including Spain, as well as the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, South East Asia, India, and China within the short period of the 100 years since it was formed first. “Islam” itself means peace, stability and obedience.

Islamic Arabs are now hotly angry with the harsh treatment of Iraqi prisoners by U.S. soldiers. The day before yesterday, George W. Bush appeared on Arab television and expressed his regret, but the situation won’t cool down that easily. Additionally, the word out there is that the U.S. has been violating the human rights of prisoners in the Guantanamo U.S. base in Cuba. The U.S. has moved 600 Afghanistan political criminals onto the base, where they have been imprisoned since 2002. The effect of the scandal involving inhumane abuse of prisoners can’t compare with the “Guantanamo Case.”

The U.S. excused themselves, stating that the accident represents the stupid misconduct of only a few soldiers. However, a young-looking female soldier, who was seen taking a picture while laughing at a stack of naked prisoners, was an exemplary student who grew up in a peaceful country town in West Virginia. A deputy officer who was sent to military trial was a member of the reserve troops, and has been on staff at Virginia Prison. All of them might have been common American citizens before going to Iraq. This scandal could represent the “America Superiority” that can fester in the minds of the majority of Americans.

It is unfortunate if Americans hold disdain for other nations and cultures. American justice with the aim of eliminating terrorism will be diminished and many conflicts between America and other countries will remain throughout the world. If the U.S. doesn’t want this to happen, they should take measures toward understanding the world’s view of this scandal.

Editorial Writer; Song Moon-hong songmh@donga.com