Yep !! Bu-bye Saddam ! Tick! Tick! Tick! 
Posted on 03/18/2003 3:28:43 AM PST by MeekOneGOP
Texans of Iraqi descent decry march toward war
03/18/2003
By MATT CURRY / The Associated Press
DALLAS — Hadi Jawad said he knows American history, so he was a "spooked" a couple of months ago when the FBI asked to meet with him.
"I know how Chinese-Americans were treated during the Korean War and how the Japanese were treated during World War II," said Jawad, a 51-year-old American of Iraqi descent. "Even though I've lived here all my life, I'm nervous."
Jawad said he was assured he was not being investigated, and in response to questions, told authorities he knows no one contemplating terror in North Texas. Still, he felt his patriotism was being questioned.
"I am as much a part of this society as they are," Jawad said. "I have children in this society, I have friends and family and am just as afraid of attacks as everyone else."
An FBI spokeswoman did not return a telephone call from The Associated Press by early Tuesday. But the agency has earlier acknowledged increased surveillance on some Iraqis in the United States.
President Bush on Monday issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Saddam Hussein to leave Iraq or face the consequences. A national terror alert was raised to orange, indicating a high risk of attack.
Some Americans of Iraqi heritage say the developments go against everything the United States stands for.
"I came to this country when I was 19. I love this country — its institutions, its fair play and due process," said Jawad, a self-employed Dallas peace activist. "I think Mr. Bush is destroying the foundation of what this nation is founded on. These folks are riding roughshod over fundamental American values."
Jawad said Bush's address to the nation left him "terrified" for relatives, whose presence in the region dates to the time of Mohammed.
"I am horrified and outraged that my country, my nation is resorting to such barbarism," he said. "It's a dangerous development what has happened right now, this unilateralism."
No war is justified unless it's clearly self-defense, said Isam Alimam, who was raised in Iraq but prizes his loyalty to America.
The Lewisville architect, who came to the United States in 1978, quickly corrects references to his being an Iraqi-American.
"Philosophically, I am American. I am from Iraqi descent," he said. "I choose to be American, so I am an American."
As the most powerful democracy in the world, going to war with Iraq "is not a good example for our values," Alimam said.
Alimam said he wishes Saddam's departure had been achieved by quiet negotiations.
"You cannot insult him on TV and give him an ultimatum. You can't do it on TV like that and expect him to resign. We make him more stubborn, more stubborn than he is."
Alimam is not as troubled by word of increased surveillance of Iraqis in America.
"Personally, and I don't speak for any particular group, I welcome that. This is the only way to know what's going on," he said. "But identifying one group is maybe not right. A lot of Iraqis are supportive of the war. To paint every Iraqi as a suspect is wrong, it's not American."
(ap.state.online.tx 0567 03/18/2003 01:38:56 )
I guess they never heard the 'Battle Hymn of the Republic'.
There's your answer!
So are we Jawad. That's why we are going to rid your country of Saddam. Just calling yourself an American doesn't make you an American. There is more to it than that. You can call yourself an Eagle, but that doesn't mean you can fly. Once we've done your dirty work maybe you would be happier going back to Iraq.
Yep !! Bu-bye Saddam ! Tick! Tick! Tick!
A little Google is instructive - Jawad seems to be a guiding light of the "Dallas Peace Center" and the "Committee in Solidarity with the People of Iraq"
This says he's from Pakistan? What's the deal? . . .
Syed Hadi Jawad
A native of Pakistan, Hadi has lived in the United States since 1972. He came to Texas in 1973 to pursue a degree in Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington. Since 1976 Hadi has been employed in the Material Handling Industry in the Dallas area. He reads and writes poetry. Since the early nineties Hadi has facilitated "Men's Issues" Support Groups and Poetry Circles in the Metroplex.
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