Islam itu memang barbar...
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International outrage grows over destruction of Mali shrines - CNN.com
By Faith Karimi , CNN
July 12, 2012 -- Updated 0900 GMT (1700 HKT)
CNN.com
(CNN) -- The United States is condemning the destruction of two more tombs in
northern Mali as international outrage grows over Islamist militants' attacks
on historic and religious landmarks in the nation.
Islamists ordered residents to leave the area and started razing the tombs in
Timbuktu this week, witnesses said.
"They were shooting in the air to warn people of going near and entering the
area," local resident Allimam Oumar said of the Tuesday attacks. "The militants
think the shrines are idolatrous."
The tombs -- a common feature on Timbuktu postcards -- are the latest in
attacks on landmarks listed as U.N. World Heritage sites.
Islamic militants have gone on a rampage for months, destroying sacred tombs in
the city and vowing to target more. In May, elderly men kept watch over the
main library after Islamists burned a different tomb in another attack in
Timbuktu.
"We are outraged by the continued destruction of these World Heritage sites and
the ongoing intimidation of local populations," said Victoria Nuland, a
spokeswoman for the U.S. State Department . "We ... call for all parties to
protect this invaluable cultural heritage for future generations. This is an
assault not just on Mali but on the heritage of all Africans."
Ancient tombs damaged in Mali
Sacred tombs of Timbuktu destroyed
Chaos have rocked Mali since a military ruler overthrew the
democratically-elected president in March, shaking one of West Africa's most
stable democracies.
The coup leader stepped down in May and transferred power to a civilian
transitional government, but uncertainty looms.
Ethnic Tuareg rebels and other Islamist militants have taken advantage of the
uncertainty to seize control of the northern portion of the country, including
Timbuktu.
Ansar Dine, an al Qaeda-linked group claiming control of the city, is blamed
for the attacks on historical landmarks.
The picturesque city of Timbuktu is considered an important destination for
Islamic scholars, and features ancient and prominent burial sites.
Islamist militants regard such shrines as idolatrous and thus prohibited in
their religion. They especially target Sufi shrines, which they believe are
sacrilegious. Sufism is a mystical dimension of Islam considered offbeat and
frowned upon by Islamic hardliners. The Sufis, who brought Islam to much of
sub-Saharan Africa, dance, pray and preach using drama and humor.
In a similar attack in 2001, the Taliban destroyed ancient Buddhist relics in
Afghanistan.
Experts say the mud and wooden structures dating to the 15th century are at the
heart of Timbuktu's culture.
"Timbuktu is no ordinary town. The fabled "City of 333 Saints" is an ancient
desert crossroads and a historic seat of Islamic learning and faith," said
Irina Bokova, who heads the U.N. cultural body, UNESCO.
Attacks on such landmarks translates to the loss of history and the values
associated with such sites, according to Bokova.
"It is an attack against the physical evidence that peace and dialogue is
possible. This is condemned uniformly by religious leaders across the world,"
she said.
Last week, the United Nations called for sanctions against the Islamist
fighters and warned it is considering a proposal by West Africa states to
deploy troops in the troubled country.
It also urged U.N. member states to submit names of those with ties to al Qaeda
in northern Mali.
West African leaders proposed plans to deploy troops from member states to
Mali, but the Security Council said it needs more details before it can make a
decision on the request.
The transitional government has said it is working toward restoring stability
in the north.
CNN's Steve Almasy contributed to this report
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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