US-British attacks draw mixed reaction
Last night’s attacks on war-torn and impoverished Afghanistan have drawn a mixed reaction from governments across the world.
Many denounced the attacks and air raids, describing them as acts of war against the Arab and Muslim world.
In Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation, an Islamic militant group vowed to surround the US Embassy. "We call on the Indonesian Government to freeze diplomatic relations with America," a spokesman said. "By attacking Afghanistan, the Americans have become terrorists."
In Pakistan, several influential Muslim clerics slammed the attacks, calling them an assault on Islam and grounds for holy war.
Violent anti-American protests have erupted throughout Pakistan, with buildings set on fire in most of the main cities.
In the Philippines, a mainly Christian country with a small Muslim population, about 30 left-wing activists burned effigies of George W Bush in a brief protest in front of the US Embassy.
In Vietnam, armed guards are patrolling the grounds of the US Embassy after receiving warnings of an attack.
Iraqi President Saddam Hussein called last night’s actions "an act of aggression that runs contrary to international law."
Speaking on Iraqi TV, Hussein said: "Today, America has carried out an assault on the poorest among the people and the countries of the world."
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the US and British attacks were "unacceptable", while Malaysia, home to about 15 million Muslims, said the attacks will not succeed in eradicating terrorism. Prime Minister Mahatir Mohamad said: "Because of this act of war, they (terrorists) will become more hardline and more people will join them."
Several governments, particularly those in the West, have welcomed the attacks.
They include the European Union, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Russia, Pakistan, India, Taiwan and Israel. Singapore called the attacks a "legitimate act of self-defence".
France, Canada, Australia, Italy and Germany have all pledged to contribute forces to future attacks. Turkey, the only NATO member with a predominantly Muslim population, gave a full endorsement, calling the US its "friend". Saudi Arabia, which has pledged to support the so-called "war against terrorism", remained silent about last night’s action.
