Ramadan, the Islamic Holy month began, with the sighting of the crescent moon, on March 10-11 depending on one’s geographic position. Islam requires fasting during the days of this month but permits eating and feasting after sunset. This month is observed by faithful Muslims throughout the world.
The significance of this month, as interpreted by various western political leaders, is variable; all seem to believe that warfare during this month requires cease-fires or truces. Yesterday, March 25, 2024, the United Nations Security Council, by a vote of 14-0 with one abstention, namely, the United States, passed resolution S-2/2024/254. This resolution called for an immediate cease-fire in the current fighting between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip for the month of Ramadan leading to a permanent cease-fire. The United States abstained from voting on this resolution as it failed to condemn Hamas for its actions on October 7, 2023 which directly led to the current fighting in Gaza.
More recently, President Biden and other world leaders called for a cease-fire for this holy month. Readers are referred to the previous post on this blog entitled Ramadan, Tet and Fools for further information on belligerent actions and one-sided calls for an end to fighting during various religious holidays.
At this point our quote of the day comes from Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who at the time was the Supreme leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. UPI archives of April 14, 1987 quotes Ayatollah Khomeini as follows during the Iran Iraq War and Iran’s commencement of Operation Ramadan at that time: “Ramadan is the month of war”. It is noteworthy that the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic, Mir Hossein Musevi stated at the same time the following as quoted by the official Iranian News agency IRNA: Iranian forces “inspired by the approach of the holy month of Ramadan are expected to take the utmost advantage of this month”.
The United Nations Security Council continues to fail in its peacekeeping responsibilities as do its members, particularly its permanent members. The Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China strategically vetoed an American resolution only days before indicating clearly that their agenda is not peace. The terrible carnage and atrocities Russia performs daily in its attack on Ukraine leaves one to wonder what the purpose of the UN is. It is in great danger of going the way of another equally ineffective but idealistic organization, the League of Nations. Haile Selassie’s famous address to the League’s ineffectual response to Italian aggression rings true today and serves as an urgent warning to all who desire a world without war. The UN fails again and again. As currently structured it cannot succeed, and mankind is all the poorer. Hopefully it can be salvaged before it is too late.
Garry S. Sklar
March 26, 2024
Las Vegas, NV
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