Arabian Shame

(Washington Post) Editorial - According to the latest report on Sudan from the UN, so far this year the U.S. has given $468 million in foreign assistance to Sudan, mostly for humanitarian relief in the western region of Darfur. The U.S. contribution comes to 53% of all outside donations - a proportion about twice the size of the nation's weight in the global economy. Saudi Arabia has contributed a grand total of $3 million; the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have given less than $1 million between them. No other Arab country even makes the list. This Arab indifference is shameful. The victims of Sudan's worst crisis, in Darfur, are Muslim. Last month, Joseph Britt noted, "We've heard a lot since Sept. 11, 2001, about how Arabs feel humiliated, ashamed, resentful at being regarded by the West as inferior in some way....Perhaps it is time to say plainly that the way to earn respect is through deeds worthy of respect."


2005-08-12 00:00:00

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