Persevere Through Ramadan

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, is designated by the Koran as a time of prayer, spiritual reflection and fasting. Paradoxically, one Muslim nation is this year faced with the unusual, if not unprecedented, prospect of war during the holy month. And with no sign of an imminent end to the conflict in Afghanistan, American military officials must consider whether fighting should continue into Ramadan, which begins Nov. 16.

While global politics provides no clear answer to the Bush administration about the appropriate course of action in Afghanistan, history should alleviate concerns about the religious implications of fighting during Ramadan. While the desire to recognize the enemy’s peaceful observance of religious events is an admirable one, it is not one that has been acted upon in the past. Egypt, a member of America’s “anti-terror” coalition, and Syria, a U.S. ally during the Persian Gulf War 10 years ago, chose Yom Kippur 1973 as the appropriate day on which to launch an extensive combined assault on Israel’s northern and southern borders. Warring Muslim nations have not traditionally established ceasefires during their own holy month either. In the nearly decade-long war between Iran and Iraq, fighting occurred without pause during Ramadan each year.

However, the apparent hypocrisy in some Muslim nations’ calls for peace during Ramadan is not the primary reason the United States should continue to pursue its objectives in Afghanistan. This is not a war about religion; it is a war about eradicating terrorism. Unforeseen complications and unintended consequences play a role in every war. In this case, damage has already been inflicted on the civilian populace of Afghanistan; several hospitals and a United Nations facility have been destroyed by bombs. Despite these unfortunate effects of the bombing campaign, America’s first priority has remained achieving its military objectives. Ramadan should not diminish that commitment.

First and foremost, the Bush administration must focus its energies and efforts on bringing the war in Afghanistan to a swift and successful conclusion. Unless Muslim coalition members explicitly threaten to withdraw their support as a result of continued fighting during Ramadan, military activities in Afghanistan should continue as dictated by our objectives. In the case that such a threat is made, President Bush and his advisors must carefully weigh any strategic changes against the consequences of a defection by Muslim allies. For the time being, however, fighting during Ramadan will have to be a part of the war against terrorism.