London - Scholarly unions representing over 150 Muslim scholars from across the world have signed a statement denouncing the War on Terror policies and calling for an immediate end to foreign wars and occupations. [1] The statement, published today, coincides with two decades to the day President G.W Bush announced his Authorisation of Use of Military Force (AUMF), which paved the way to the occupation of Afghanistan and the USA’s borderless War on Terror. Addressing Western leaders, the statement, calls upon them to respect the right of Muslim minorities to believe and practice without state intervention. Across the world, Governments have co-opted the War on Terror rhetoric for their own political goals. Addressing this, the Scholars call for an end to all arbitrary and emergency powers which permit the violation of basic rights and legitimise torture and degrading treatment. Whilst calling for justice, the statement underlines the need for accountability as a pathway.

Commenting on the statement, CAGE Managing Director Muhammad Rabbani said:

“It can be argued that it was September 18th, and not September 11th, that changed the world. Apart from Barbara Lee, every single member of the US congress supported this resolution which subsequently led to illegal invasions, war crimes, torture sites, targeted assassination programmes and mass curtailment of civil liberties across the world." "It is therefore a poignant moment for Muslim scholars across the world to come together to strongly demand an end to the War on Terror and call for accountability for all those who were responsible for its crimes. The international scope of the signatories demonstrates the global scholarly agreement on this issue.” [End]  

Editor’s notes: 

CAGE is a UK based, independent advocacy organisation working to empower communities impacted by the “War on Terror”. The organisation highlights and campaigns against repressive state policies, developed as part of increasing securitisation. In doing so, we strive for a world free from oppression and injustice. [1] Find a copy of the statement in both Arabic and English attached.   Image used courtesy of Flickr/Morning Calm Weekly