WASHINGTON - The United States yesterday invoked 14 centuries of Muslim martial history to explain to Afghans why President George W. Bush plans to continue bombing their country during the holy month of Ramadan.
From a seventh century victory by the Prophet Mohammed to a war against Israel in 1973, it chronicled battles fought by Muslims during Ramadan as grounds for continuing the US assault.
Washington says it cannot heed calls by Muslim leaders for a halt to bombing, because those targeting the US and its allies will not take a break.
"The coalition has no choice but to go to the source of the terrorism in Afghanistan and to root out terrorist groups elsewhere," said a broadcast in 53 languages on the Voice of America.
The radio station has an audience of 80 per cent of adult males in Afghanistan, where television is outlawed by the Taleban.
Many Arab or Muslim countries have given some degree of support to the "war on terrorism". But they have been less vocal about backing the bombing campaign.
The broadcast said: "In truth, the US is far from alone in realising that there can be no pause when fighting for survival.
"During Ramadan in the year 624, the Muslim Prophet Mohammed was victorious in the Battle of Badr. Mohammed also began a campaign to reclaim the holy city of Mecca during Ramadan."
The broadcast said Muslims had often fought wars during the fasting month or on days sacred to other faiths.
This included a surprise attack launched by Egypt and Syria against Israel on October 6, 1973, the Jewish Yom Kippur holiday.
VOA carries independently gathered news, including voices critical of the US.
But its charter obliges it to broadcast US foreign policy statements.
- REUTERS
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