DaSangarTalib
IB Expert
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By Moazzam Begg
Ex-Prisoner of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
Ex-Prisoner of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

The pursuits of men are in disrepute
And the quest for wealth demands an encore,
But the dominance sought is so absolute
That excuses are conjured and declared is war
The region of conflict is centred in Asia:
Home of ‘Black Gold’ – birth-place of Man;
Confronting a barrier requiring erasure:
Onward they press and battle Islam
So combat is waged against a religion,
Provoking a spate of ignorant rancour;
But if observed from another position
The stage is prepared to settle a score:
Repeating itself – just like the Crusades-
History bears witness to sacred aggression;
For those in denial the memory fades,
Whilst “Freedom’s” champions wreak murderous session
The method’s not new – just time and place–
The “Savage” renamed without reservation;
Just follow footsteps, but when you retrace
Inquire: “What become of the Indian Nation?”
Or recall, if you will, in past century,
Africa’s children imported by wave;
Brought to you courtesy “Land of the Free”,
That ensured liberty (except for the slave!)
If armies are stationed, as we are told,
Throughout the world, in pursuance of peace,
Then what has fashioned this new strangle-hold,
Where missiles are hurled with violent increase?
Attacks on the air on September eleven
Kindled once more sweet vengeance’s flame;
Never forgotten or ever forgiven,
Those uninvolved must carry the blame
Like prisoners of conscience, raised to new heights,
Few are made present by merit alone;
Confined to cage, deprived any rights,
Laws are rewritten and oppression condoned
Years have elapsed in dull isolation,
Yet who dares admit the compounded error;
The will has collapsed from sheer desolation:
The result shall emit with unbounded terror
Hilts of the daggers, struck five inches deep,
Protrude from our backs, I fear to confess:
But “As ye hath sown, so shall ye reap”,
Retracting an inch, they call it “Progress!”